FOXFORD - WESTPORT - ARNOTTS - WATERFORD
FOXFORD - WESTPORT - ARNOTTS - WATERFORD
What makes a design last generations? Is it exceptional craftsmanship? Is it honest materials? Is it timeless design? For us, it’s all of these. at’s what makes a Neptune home.
Over 30 stores across the UK and Europe neptune.com
Nov/Dec 2025
Cover photograph, Zoe Carney. Photography, Lynda Kenny. Arcadia 8ft pre-lit Christmas tree, €399, Ezliving-interiors.ie; dried hydrageas and lotus heads, Flowerpop.ie
18 NEWS
All that’s stylish and happening in home décor right now
22 EDITOR’S PICKS
Sive O’Brien on how to bring quiet glamour to every room
24 TREND House Party
This season’s party décor is all about highstyle hosting
26 TREND Cosmic Glow Illuminate with starry motifs, deep blues, and radiant golden accents
50 INDUSTRIAL ACTION
An old factory warehouse is reborn as a modern family haven, where open spaces meet everyday ease
66 TRUE COLOURS
28 TREND Gilded Garden Winter botanicals are a fresh mix of deep greens, organic textures, and foliage prints
30 WE’RE OBSESSED WITH... Irish craft. Ireland’s makers are reminding us what true creativity looks like, and why it deserves pride of place in our homes
32 INSPIRING SPACE
A restored 13th-century monastery turned five-star haven in the heart of Antwerp
A colour consultant and creative director transforms a once-muted home into a bold expression of personality
80 HEART AND HEARTY
In a Galway home designed around sunlight, Christmas magic truly begins
123 A WELCOME HOME
A period villa is renovated into a calm, contemporary haven by interior designer Karina Heaslip
36 HOW I CHRISTMAS
Insider Christmas, unlocked: Ireland’s chicest decorators share their top styling tricks, goto shops and favourite festive hacks
92 YOU’RE VERY WELCOME
Give festive visitors a five-star guest experience they’ll never forget. Design experts share their speedy style upgrades
100 A WARM FRONT
Snuggle up in style: from statement surrounds to smart media walls, traditional rads and eco-friendly fires, here’s what’s turning up the heat this winter
111 THE GIFT EDIT
From Irish-made treasures to timeless keepsakes, find gifts that bring comfort, joy and a touch of magic home
EDITORIAL
Editorial Director
Sive O’Brien sive@houseandhome.ie
DESIGN
Art Director
Marlene Wessels
ADVERTISING
Commercial Brand Director
Jane Forrest, Jane@houseandhome.ie
PUBLISHING
Distribution: Newspread
PHOTOGRAPHY
Lynda Kenny, Rodrigo Llopis G, Jessica Glynn
CONTRIBUTORS
130 THE JOY OF HOSTING
Take it from one of Ireland’s most soughtafter wedding planners, Kate O’Dowd on how to elevate a Christmas gathering
132 AN IRISH CHRISTMAS
Róisín Carabine, Orla Neligan, Michelle Hanley, Sarah Finnan, Kate O’Dowd
CEO
Karen Hesse
PRINTING
Boylan Print Group
GO DIGITAL
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House and Home magazine sells more copies on newsstands, nationwide, than any other Irish interiors title
This year, skip the ordinary and shop like an insider. Across Ireland, makers, markets, and modern ateliers are reimagining shopping this season
138 ALL THINGS CONSIDERED
Extract: All Things Considered: Thoughtful interior design that mixes pattern, colour and style by Emilio Pimentel-Reid
144 MY HOUSE AND HOME Jeweller, Chupi Sweetman on the art of Christmas at home
When you have nished with this magazine please recycle it.
Winter brings a quiet that feels sacred. As light softens and days shorten, home becomes everything, a warm embrace where we can press pause when the world feels a little upside down. Even simple touches like candlelight or winter branches can restore a sense of rightness and warmth.
Yet, for all its beauty, December tests even the best of us. The lists grow longer, the lights tangle themselves, and in the rush, it’s easy to lose sight of the reason behind it all. So, as we embrace the season, perhaps the secret is to care just enough to enjoy its magic, and not a bit more.
To help you find that perfect balance, this issue reflects that spirit - the harmony between doing and being - on every page. Inside, A Warm Front (pg 100) turns up the glow, from fireplaces and smart heating to design that soothes. You’re (Very) Welcome (pg 92) offers no-nonsense decor tips for hosting. How I Christmas (pg 36) gathers seven Irish tastemakers whose festive style feels honest, stylish, and joyfully human. In Christmas in Ireland (pg 132), we rediscover the magic of city lights, markets, makers, and local shopping. And The Gift Edit (pg 111) curates ideas for the techie, the home bird, the foodie, and the design lover in us all. Plus, there's pages and pages of real home inspiration from renovated houses across the country.
Whether your home twinkles or simply glows with quiet comfort, I hope, with a little help from this bumper issue, it feels like the haven you need this winter.
SIVE O’BRIEN, Editorial Director
Every year, I promise myself I’ll start early - and every year, I don’t! So from me to you, my real-life shortcuts for a festive feeling, and a reminder that a lovely home isn’t about perfection; it’s about care.
1 LIGHTING FIXES EVERYTHING Turn off the 'big light'; layer lamps, fairy lights, and candles.
2 PLAYLIST FIRST, EVERYTHING ELSE LATER Music can change the mood faster than any amount of tinsel.
3 DON’T OVER-STYLE A slightly wonky bauble or a candle that’s seen better days adds charm.
4 SOMETHING GREEN IN EVERY ROOM A sprig of eucalyptus in the bathroom, a branch in a vase, a whisper of life in winter.
5 THE SHORTCUT TO MAGIC Dim the lights, pour something sparkling, light the candles. There, it’s Christmas.
Let us know on Instagram what you loved in this issue, and what you’d like to see more of across these pages
Your winter edit of what’s happening in interiors this season
TWIXMAS, SORTED Foxford’s new bedlinen collection by Helen McAlinden is a tribute to slow days and soft landings. Seven new styles invite curling up on those days between Christmas and New Year, with no plans but comfort. Eve Toile set, (pictured), from €95, Foxford.com
HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS
Art and interiors collide as EZ Living Interiors launches its first Artist in Residence programme at its Sandyford and Santry stores. Featuring five exceptional artists, Paula McGurdy, Rachel Clarke (right), Lisa Woods, Carolyn Walsh, and Irene McCabe, the initiative transforms the showroom into a living gallery - a reminder that creativity belongs in every room. Ezliving-interiors.ie
TAILORED TO YOU
Irish-made and family-run since 1979, Finline Furniture turns comfort into craft. In a Co. Laois workshop, nearly 80 makers work hard to handcraft each piece from the collection of sofas, headboards, armchairs, stools, and beds to order - from solid beech frames to fabrics you handpick yourself. With over 250 fabrics to choose from, it’s bespoke design that’s beautifully, unmistakably yours, Finlinefurniture.ie
BY SIVE O’BRIEN
1
JJ
all
Skip predictable poinsettias, Flowerpop.ie refreshes seasonal blooms with bold colors, sculptural stems, and lively arrangements that feel more runway than wreath.
Jam Art Factory expands upwards, opening Jam Art Upstairs - a gallery with limited-edition giclée prints by 15 Irish artists. Each is signed, numbered, and brimming with contemporary creativity. Jamartfactory.com
The ultimate bedside locker upgradeTheraFace Mask from Therabody - part skincare, part science experiment (in the best way). Using 648 medical-grade LED lights and built-in vibration therapy, it helps firm skin, boost collagen, and ease facial tension, all while you’re scrolling or snoozing. €599, Brownthomas.com
MADE LOCAL, MADE TO LAST For stylish hosts, Irish craftsmanship adds warmth to gatherings: Cloon Keen Atelier’s Nobel Fir candle (€65) sets the mood, while Criostal Na Rinne’s Cló glassware and The Irish Handmade Glass Company’s Claddagh shots (€25 each) elevate any table. Rainbow Candles’ beeswax set (€53) provides a natural glow, and Dylan McCraith’s wood-turned Irish elm vessel (€140) nishes the look with timeless texture. Dcci.ie for stockist details.
On the House and Home team’s
this winter
We’re visiting… Orwell & Browne, a Donegal tweed and Irish knitwear pop-up at Ranelagh Arts, Dublin 6 (Nov 1–30). Expect locally made throws, scarves, Aran knits, and handmade accessories - timeless Irish craft with a modern edge. Orwellandbrowne.com
We’re eating…
Truffle-spaghettone, Guinness-braised ossobuco, and lemon pie star at Gloria Osteria Dublin from the Mamma Mia group in a restored 19th-century bank turned Milanese-style palazzo, with scarlet chandeliers and Chloé Townsend designs. Gloria-osteria.com
We’re drinking...
Cocktails at the new Hoxton Dublin, the brand’s first Irish spot on Exchequer Street. The restored Victorian Central Hotel celebrates Dublin’s creative spirit with rich timber, soft leather, vintage lighting, and an industrial edge (bedroom pictured, below). The hotel brims with design inspiration, but we’ll head to The Library Bar for a fireside cocktail and break after interiors shopping. Thehoxton.com
We’re browsing...
The Bolands Makers Market, Dublin’s newest Docklands destination for Irish craft, design, and food. In the restored Bolands Mills, it’s a mix of heritage charm and creative buzz. Bolandsmills.com
Turn up the shine with luxe metallic touches for instant sophistication 1 3 6 12 4 2 David Lawson Design, my forever Christmas inspo 8 9 7 10 Gold + sparkling = Christmas cheer Highlight your mantel in metal
1 Luster glass champagne flutes, €29, for two, Aprilandthebear.com 2 Kitchenaid medallion silver tilt-head 4.8L mixer, €599, Kitchenaid.ie 3 Stoff brass candle holder, €60, Nordicelements.com 4 Rose gold mirror ball, 50cm, €137, Mirror-balls.co.uk 5 Silver-plated brass bowl , €149, Arket.com 6 Inspiration from Christmas décor designer, @davidlawsondesign 7 Reindeer napkin ring, €24 for four, Thedesignedtable.com 8 Tom Dixon LED lamp, €633 , Lights.ie 9 Metal candlestick , €29.99, Hm.com 10 Metal mistletoe wreath, €19.99, Hm.com
and Contemporary kitchens from Kube.
Walnut Wows! Our new walnut finish is quickly becoming a customer favourite. With rich tones and natural texture, it brings refined elegance to any kitchen. The sink area here is framed in 50mm Milano Walnut panels, wall cladding and wall units with integrated lighting. A matching 100mm walnut breakfast bar is attached to the island. The bright white lacquered ‘Senso’ cabinets and island are the perfect contrast to the dark walnut finish.
This kitchen is on view at the Kube showroom on Long Mile Road.
SHOWROOM&SPECIALTYCOFFEECAFÉ
1 07DORSETSTREETUPPER,DUBLIN @woodesign.ie|@woocafe.dublin
Style that never goes out of style, that’s your thing. So, it’s time to think Zinc. Mid-century meets modern and it’s now in a neutral shade of boucle. It’s a sofa you’ll always love the look of.
BY Sive
As Christmas draws near, Ireland’s makers are reminding us what true creativity looks like, and why it deserves pride of place in our homes. From coastal studios to city workshops, country sheds to shared design spaces, a new generation of Irish craftspeople is shaping modern Ireland piece by handmade piece.
There’s a kind of magic in something made by hand. When you buy Irish craft, you’re investing in more than beauty; you’re supporting small studios and rural workshops, sustainable materials and centuries-old skills, creative risk-takers and future trailblazers. You’re helping to keep artistry and imagination alive - not
just for now, but for generations to come. We truly believe in choosing objects for your home that reflect who you are because each piece tells a story of skill and patience: the raw curve of handmade ceramics, a piece of local art that speaks to something deep and familiar, a handwoven linen napkin that turns dinner into an occasion. These are the details that give a home its soul.
This festive season, we’re looking to initiatives like the Design & Craft Council Ireland’s Made Local collection. Watch out for these talented makers across Ireland with their ‘Made to Last’ tags. Or go along to one of the Irish Popup Collective events.
When you buy Irish, you’re bringing home a story that lasts, @irishpopupcollective; Madelocal.ie
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Handmade textiles, Circlevivendi.shop; Digital print Sketchico.com; Copper candle holders Kopperkreation.com; Wooden reindeer Ck53design.ie; Ceramic miniature vases, Littlefortceramics.com; Jo Howard texture art, Irishdesignshop.com; Felt basket, Karenaryanartist.com; Hand-crafted ceramics, Araucariaceramics.com; Seasonal wreath, Pinkmooncraft.com
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, Belgium
Botanicantwerp.be
A restored 13th-century monastery turned five-star haven in the heart of Antwerp, where history and design intertwine
THE SPACE Step through the ancient doors of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp and you enter a world suspended between centuries, where time-worn cloisters whisper of monastic calm, and soft modern luxury breathes new life into sacred stone. Within the city’s Botanic Gardens, this former 13th-century monastery has been transformed into Antwerp’s most intriguing retreat: five historic buildings are linked by glass galleries and garden paths that glow with dappled light. The interiors are a study in contrasts, centuriesold beams and brickwork meet contemporary art and sculptural glass, while tranquil courtyards spill into fragrant herb gardens. There’s a hush to the atmosphere, a sense of the lives that passed through these walls, even as the city hums beyond.
INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME
The harmony between past and present is evident in every room, but each space manages to balance reverence and restraint: natural textures, earthy hues, and antiques chosen for their quiet beauty. A hint of modern craftsmanship adds lightness, glass conservatories, linen drapery, and bronze accents. It’s a masterclass in layered design - a reminder that heritage and modernity can coexist. The palette draws inspiration from nature, featuring a range of botanical greens alongside monastery stone and soft amber light, creating spaces that soothe and inspire in equal measure.
MONASTIC MODERNISM Stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and wooden beams. BOTANICAL CALM Earthy greens and natural textures woven throughout. CRAFTED DETAILS Hand-finished furniture, aged metals, and local artwork.
ARMCHAIR Queen Anne chair, €840 Finlinefurniture.ie
CERAMIC LAMP Dar Lighting ceramic lamp, €175, Hickenlighting.com
LINEN SOFA Ophelia three-seater, €3,295, Theorchard.ie
BATH Freestanding Ion bath, €1,770, Nikobathrooms.ie
SIDE TABLE &Tradition Lato LN8 side table, €530, Nordicelements.com
LOUNGE CHAIR French Connection Hoxton armchair, €1,169, Dfs.ie
POUFFE Sweet Art pouffe, from €399, Boconcept.com
COFFEE TABLE Dado table set, from €498, Meadowsandbyrne.com
LAMPS Lydford small table lamp, €92, Next.ie
FESTIVE ENTERTAINING WITH PRIMARK HOME
Shop a selection of tablescape must-haves: ceramics, glassware, tablecloths, serving dishes and festive decor at selected Penneys stores
This Christmas, Primark Home is all about feeling. Festive tablescapes that don’t shout, but glow. Think layers of texture, crisp linen, glazed ceramics topped with a bow, and it’s Christmas, reimagined: softer, slower, and full of warmth
START WITH THE BASE A linen tablecloth instantly softens the scene, go for a relaxed drape and let the natural creases show. Layer with a contrasting runner or placemats to add quiet depth.
MIX YOUR MATERIALS Play with texture: stoneware on linen, matte ceramics beside glassware. The secret? Avoid matching; contrast feels curated.
LIGHT IT RIGHT Cluster candles of different heights and finishes - taper, pillar, votive - for a golden glow. Use unscented on the table, scented at the sideboard.
ADD A TACTILE ACCENT Slip a velvet ribbon around napkins, use woven coasters, or place rosemary or dried orange at each setting - small, festive touches.
EMBRACE IMPERFECTION Let things feel lived-in, not over-styled. A slightly rumpled tablecloth, a casually placed glass, a candle burning low; it’s all part of the magic.
FINISH WITH WARMTH Bring in an element of nature: foraged greenery, pinecones, or even a few cut branches down the centre. It keeps the table grounded and timeless.
FESTIVE FIZZ Brush each glass rim with lemon, then dip in caster sugar for instant sparkle. Little effort, maximum applause.
PERSONAL TOUCH A handwritten place card feels chic, and takes seconds to create.
ONE-MINUTE UPGRADES Need it fast? Cue the shortcuts: swap plain candles for scented ones, tie velvet ribbons around napkins or jars. Hit play, dim the lights, and just like that, you’re party-ready.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Three-pack, tree-shaped pinch bowls, €6; butter dish, €7; sweet glass plate, €10; printed mug, €4; serving bowl, €10; bow vase, €6; tree side plate, €5; Icons serving plate, €12
Insider Christmas, unlocked: Ireland’s chicest decorators share their top styling tricks, go-to shops and favourite festive hacks
BY RÓISÍN CARABINE
My tree is usually a large branch cut from a tree surrounding our home in the Burren. I’ll decorate it with some good quality fairy lights... and some simple and ad hoc decorations sourced from travels to the Arctic Circle
ABOVE Dried wreaths, built on a base of bog myrtle, willow and birch from €90
ABOVE Mixed foliage bouquets from €60; all Thegarden.ie
Proprietor, Ard Bia slow food restaurant and co-founder of The Tweed Project
The Irish restaurateur, designer, and creative visionary blends food, fashion, and art inspired by the wild beauty of the west of Ireland.
Best Christmas short cut I’m a big fan of foraging; my tree is usually a large branch cut from a tree surrounding our home in the Burren. I’ll decorate it with some good quality fairy lights that I’ve had for years (buy quality and they last) and some simple and ad hoc decorations sourced from travels to the Arctic Circle, supplemented with other Scandi ones sourced from the wonderful Coffee Werk + Press (Coffeewerkandpress.com) in Galway.
Favourite decorating hack I love to dress my home with ‘tassels’. They’re the fall-away scrap waste from The Tweed Project’s (Thetweedproject.com) blanket productions. The whole place looks like a tweedy Mardi Gras; it costs nothing and looks so warm and cute and kind of festive.
Go-to shop for something special It’s always a call to Mark Grehan’s shop, The Garden, (Thegarden.ie) in Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin. He drops me down a wreath wheel and some branches and natural sprigs, so I can make up my own design. I’ll add pines to vases too to make the place look super Christmassy and scented.
The Northern Irish interiors stylist and former fashion designer has a distinctive nature-inspired aesthetic that’s a considered curation of texture and timeless beauty.
Best Christmas shortcut Christmas is a great excuse for me to invest in a statement, decorative accessory I’ve been dreaming of all year; a Vasevoll, urn-style vase from Dominica Marland (Domenicamarland.com) looks great on a hallway console table, styled with candles and foliage. Some table linen from Sharland (Sharland-england.com) is a great talking point around the Christmas dinner table and can be easily repurposed and used throughout the year. I especially love their pink Fraise Des Bois frill napkins.
We source fresh eucalyptus from a local farm, Finlay’s Place in County Down. I’ll add pops of colour with spray-painted dried hydrangea heads from the garden
Favourite decorating hack I always incorporate natural elements; it’s an easy way to keep your scheme looking considered. A fireplace garland is a must-have for anyone embracing natural festive décor. We source fresh eucalyptus from a local farm, Finlay’s Place (Finlaysplace.co.uk) in County Down, I’ll add pops of colour with spray-painted, dried hydrangea heads from the garden, Ester and Erik tapered candles for height, Julie Brouant ceramic decorations from Lamp London (Lamplondonhome.com) and patchwork stockings from Toast (Toa.st).
Go-to shop for something special I’m a big fan of bows, especially oversized bows - I love Damson Madder’s (Damsonmadder.com) bow clips and Anthropologie’s (Anthropologie.com) gingham bow tree toppers. If you’re looking for something special, Nynne Rosenvinge at Maison Flaneur (Maisonflaneur.com) has some beautiful statement decorations. Like to make your own bows? The Cloth Shop (Theclothshop.net) in London’s Portobello has the best selection of stripe fabric; you also can’t beat haberdashery VV Rouleaux (Vvrouleaux.com) for ribbon trims.
Interiors stylist
Jen is known for her editorial eye and instinct for storytelling, and crafting style-forward spaces.
ABOVE Christmas tablecape, Thedesignedtable.com
FROM LEFT Festive eucalyptus wreath, 50cm, €50, Dwellbyeilishrickard.com; reindeer napkin holder, €24, for four, Thedesignedtable.com; New Year 2026 Martini glasses, set of two, €350, Waterford.com
I layer real and faux foliage, velvet ribbons, coloured long stem Sostrene Grene candles and twinkling fairy lights
Best Christmas shortcut I like to create a new tablescape each year, mixing and matching items from my existing collection: table linens from The Designed Table (Thedesignedtable.com), Bordallo Pinheiro plateware (Bordallopinheiro.com) and glassware from Waterford Crystal (Waterford.com).
Favourite decorating hack Getting creative with my fireplace mantels, and sideboards from Ashbrook Antiques (Ashbrookantiques.ie). I love to layer a mix of real and faux foliage, velvet ribbons, coloured long stem candles from Sostrene Grene (Sostrenegrene.com) and twinkling fairy lights.
Go-to shop for something special Dwell by Eilish Rickard Interiors (Dwellbyeilishrickard.com) for gifting the interior lovers in my life - Eilish’s brass salt and pepper mills, candles and handmade vases make the best gifts.
LEFT Artifi cial eucalyptus branches and cone branches, from €2.82 each, Sostrenegrene.com
Home influencer
Sweden-born Kathrin has a Scandi-Irish aesthetic that permeates every inch of her 110-year-old Kerry farmhouse
Best Christmas shortcut Every year I try to join my friend Frida’s (@sanctuaryflowers) wreath workshop in her beautiful Monkstown home where she serves glögg and mince pies. When time is tight, I buy a simple wreath from Lidl or Aldi and will add my own bits of ivy, rosemary, dried hydrangeas, oranges slices and ribbons.
Favourite decoratinghack I love decorating with natural materials. I gather pine, cypress and leylandii as well as berry branches from nearby woods to make mini wreaths that I dot around the house. I also use the same branches in big vases and for the table arrangement. I make garlands of dried oranges and home-baked gingerbread shapes. Candles everywhere create pure Christmas magic. Cloves in oranges spread a lovely aroma, which is a fond childhood memory. We hang them from red ribbons in the kitchen windows.
Go-to shop for something special I tend to recycle what I have year after year and refresh with things I forage. However, when in Sweden, I adore browsing charity shops for vintage baubles and wooden candelabras. At home, my go-to shops are The Blue Door (Thebluedoordirect.com) in Monkstown and Avoca (Avoca.com). For my outfit and any last-minute gifts, it’s Rococo (Rococo.ie) in Glasthule.
I tend to recycle what I have year after year and refresh with things I forage. However, when in Sweden I adore browsing charity shops for vintage baubles and candelabras
FOLLOW KATHRIN’S STYLE ON INSTAGRAM @scandiandirish
I like to mix shimmering glassware and vintage crockery from my own collection, Heirlooms by Orla McAndrew, with bowls of jewel-toned fruits
Wedding & event caterer
Zero-waste chef, noted for her seasonal menus, creative flair and modern take on Irish hospitality.
Best Christmas shortcut I mix natural foliage with vintage finds for the table. Sprigs of rosemary or eucalyptus tucked into place settings, alongside glassware from Kilkenny Design (Kilkennydesign. com), creates a timeless, sustainable look.
Favourite decorating hack I love to mix shimmering glassware and vintage crockery from my own collection, @heirloomsbyorlamcandrew, with bowls of jewel-toned fruits. It’s visually stunning and doubles as a snacking station, so nothing goes to waste.
Go-to shop for decorations I’m a big fan of Meadows & Byrne (Meadowsandbyrne. com) for linens, tableware and candles; they blend beautifully with my own vintage pieces. Love Fervor + Hue in Cork, (Fervorandhue.com), and Interiosity (Interiosity.ie) is just the most magical shopping experience.
BELOW Vintage crockery, @heirloomsbyorlamcandrew; LED candles (set of two), €22.95, Meadowsandbyrne.com; glass pomegranate vase, €8.50, Interiosity.ie
Learn how to make delicious breads & pastries, perfect fish, world tastes, special dietary needs, brunch masterclass, Christmas and more.
Learn how to make delicious breads & pastries, perfect fish, world tastes, special dietary needs, brunch masterclass, Christmas and more.
Each class is a tailored experience delivered in Howth Castle from our team of executive chefs, with classes for all ages. New classes now added.
•Learn new skills and pick up tips
•Learn
•Spend time with friends and family
•The perfect gift
Each class is a tailored experience delivered in Howth Castle from our team of executive chefs, with classes for all ages. New classes now added.
•Tailored classes and corporate events catered for
•Learn new skills and pick up tips
•Spend time with friends and family
•The perfect gift
•Tailored classes and corporate events catered for
“I decorate the table with my inherited vintage Christmas Tree china set, adding Ester & Erik tapered candles and holders, Christmas poppers, and some greenery. Simple
Interiors photographer
US-born, Irish-based, acclaimed interiors photographer, Jessica is known for her detail-rich imagery that captures the soul of spaces.
Best Christmas shortcut I took a wreathmaking class at Signatures Editions (Signatureeditions.ie) in Tuam, owned by events planner, Maria Reidy. I still have the wreath frame and it’s my go-to every year. I’ll add foraged greens and branches from the local florist.
Favourite decorating hack I like to decorate the table with my inherited vintage Christmas Tree china, adding Ester & Erik (Ester-erik. dk) tapered candles and holders, Christmas poppers, and some greenery. Simple.
Go-to shop for decorations Christmas for me isn’t complete without good food. Sheridan’s (Sheridanscheesemongers.com) in Galway has the best selection of Irish and European cheeses, meats, wines and artisan foods; it’s a little-known secret, but they open at 8am the week before Christmas. This year, I’ll gift my family copies of my newest book: House Love: Moor Baker Architects, published by Vendome Press, because after all, holidays are about celebrating with family and friends.
Home influencer
With over 165K followers on Instagram, Caoimhe is best known for her lived-in design style and recent collab with Kukoon Rugs
Best Christmas shortcut Go heavy on greenery and lights; Lily Bloom Florist (Lilybloomflorist.ie) and B&M are my go-tos. A bowl, vase, or tray filled with baubles, pinecones, or even battery fairy lights looks intentional in seconds, while a garland and fairy lights can instantly make a mantel, banister, or console table feel styled.
Favourite decorating hack Swap out everyday soft furnishings with festive accents. Instead of a full re-style, I layer up sofas with cushions in velvet or metallic finishes - H&M (Hm.com) and Matalan (Matalan.co.uk) have great affordable options - and dress beds with throws in deep greens, reds, or snowy whites. Focal decorations, like a wreath on the wall (from @gmk_creations), fairy lights around a mirror, or a bowl of baubles on the coffee table, give a quick seasonal lift.
Go-to shop for something special It has to be The Victorian Company, Dundalk (Victoriancompany.ie). Bróna McDonagh holds a beautiful evening to launch the Christmas collection and it’s one of the highlights of my year. I always find something unusual to take home.
“Eucalyptus, pine branches, or faux greenery can be tucked anywhere, around candles, mirrors, or picture frames, for an instant festive lift
FOLLOW CAOIMHE’S STYLE ON INSTAGRAM @thebighillhouse
Three uniquely Irish homes, each a masterclass in style and soul
An old factory is reborn as a modern family haven, where open spaces meet everyday ease
WORDS ORLA NELIGAN PHOTOGRAPHS LYNDA KENNY
HOMEOWNERS
A converted factory-turned-family home in Dublin's Harold's Cross
There are no lost causes in architecture, not least an old hardware factory in Dublin’s Harold’s Cross. It’s often hard to see beyond the rough and tumble of an industrial warehouse to something that could one day be a comfortable and cosy family home. But these buildings very often come ready-made with high ceilings, open-plan living, and architectural details like exposed brick and beams, which, with a bit of creative thinking, can be transformed into characterful spaces. It wasn’t exactly what Zoe Carney and Morgan Weymes had in mind when they started renting the 1960s 3,000sq ft factory for use as a commercial studio in 2014.
The derelict building was not quite a ghost; it was more of a relic that required major updating to become rental-ready. But when the opportunity came to buy it in 2022, they set about transforming the enormous space into a family home. No mean feat, but then they’re no strangers to creative endeavours. As the brains behind (now defunct) interiors shop House of Indi, Zoe had a clear vision of what her dream ‘factory’ home would look like. Morgan, a designer and artist by trade and owner of the commercial photography and film studio Home Studios, had the chops to mould it into what they wanted. “We had to imagine a home within those massive walls despite there being no bathroom, no kitchen, and no heating,” laughs Zoe, who admits she spent two years finalising plans and ideas using the time they had to source items they knew they needed. The aim was to add warmth and atmosphere, zone the enormous floor plan, and create smaller rooms and one large openplan living room while maintaining a commercial photography studio space. A full strip-down to the bare walls ensued, including the conversion of a run of small workshops along one side of the building, which is now home to two bedrooms and a bathroom.
PREVIOUS PAGES The open-plan living area with an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories including a swing and a painting by Morgan. Zoe chose Pale Walnut by Dulux Heritage as a neutral backdrop for the room and added colour in soft furnishings and antiques from her former shop House of Indi
FAR LEFT Zoe zoned the large open-plan living room into ‘spaces’ to help create a more cosy living area; a vintage rug from an auction adds warmth to the salvaged timber floor in the hallway
LEFT Morgan’s artwork is dotted throughout, including the hallway
such as the repurposed antique desk, which makes for a beautiful central island. The ladder, crafted by hand by
adds a quirky yet traditional nod to the space, along with vintage lights found on Adverts.ie
“It’s amazing what we can do with derelict buildings, a reimagining of a modern-day home”
Old warehouses are notoriously cold and hard to heat, the chill seemingly settled in their bones, so insulating was a big, expensive, process with walls and the roof fitted with spray foam insulation as well as Rockwool layers and plasterboard, and the addition of underfloor heating in the main living area, the biggest expense but ‘so worth it’. To help create the feeling of a family home, four doorways were bricked up, and a new doorway combining two rooms was installed. They also added a dividing wall to separate areas in the big room, installed double Georgian windows, and included a feature circular window cut from two salvaged arched windows, which now sit below it. “I’m always looking to the past and to world interiors for inspiration,” says Zoe of her default decorating mode. “Georgian architecture, rambling country manor houses, a light-filled Parisian apartment, New England houses or the Far East – it all holds so much fascination for me; I like to think I incorporated a sense of these unique places in my home”. Their favourite thing to do is antique shop, rummage in flea markets, or sit at an auction. “There is nothing like finding a one-off.” And here they’ve managed to create just that, a one-off. A sweep of the interior and your eye is caught by flashes of variety: an old partner’s
DINING Zoe’s keen eye for a bargain is evident in every room; she discovered a 100-year-old table in a shed, which she then paired with dining chairs bought at an auction. She maintained the industrial factory look with windows salvaged from Mac’s Salvage and added furniture from her shop to pull it together
“It has quite a magical feel that I don’t think we’d get in a house. I’m constantly saying ‘what an interesting room this is’, there’s a sense of height and openness..."
BEDROOM In contrast to the large open-plan living space, the bedrooms are cosy and cocooning with beds designed by Zoe and made by Morgan and soft neutral paint colours, including Bathstone Beige and Slipper Satin by Farrow and Ball. To save on the budget, Zoe upcycled Ikea wardrobes with paint and wallpaper. She added lampshades and furnishings from her (now closed) shop, House of Indi, and a room divider, which she got from the set of TV show Penny Dreadful
desk as the kitchen island, a Belfast sink, vintage cabinets and lights – much of it sourced through Zoe’s shop – exotic plants, eclectic textiles. It's a delicious jumble of finds that somehow feels curated. With the exception of the kitchen shaker cabinets, which were sourced as new and painted, and the flooring in the kitchen, everything else is a ‘find’, right down to the old floorboards salvaged from several Georgian houses. Zoe's favourite piece is the library ladder, which Morgan made by hand. He’s not a builder, apparently, but a modest budget meant a hands-on build, literally. Zoe took on the design, helped lay the floors, sourced everything for the interiors, and managed the upgrade, as well as oversaw the sale of their house in East Wall while Morgan and his friend Cian Hunter did everything else: demolition, electrics, plumbing, carpentry. “Costs were prohibitive, so we knew we had to dig in, with the help of YouTube and Cian, who came for three weeks and stayed for seven. My daughter Harlow and I literally didn’t see Morgan for months.”
A year in and the romance hasn’t worn off. Going from a shell to a home was, according to Zoe, fascinating and exhausting. “It’s amazing what we can do with derelict buildings, a reimagining of a modernday home.” Her favourite room is the bathroom, which doubles as a utility complete with a bath and armchair. “Who knew having cupboards for your washing machine and dryer could be so satisfying?” she laughs. They have kept a commercial unit on the other side of their living room, which is used for photo shoots, but very little of its former iteration remains. I wonder what they have gained, or lost, from such a building compared to a traditional home? “It has quite a magical feel that I don’t think we’d get in a house.
I’m constantly saying ‘what an interesting room this is’, there’s a sense of height and openness, and yet on the other side, there are our bedrooms, which feel cosy and cocooning. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Zoe’s favourite room, the bathroom, serves as both a relaxing space with a roll top cast iron bath she ‘pulled from an Edwardian house’ and as the utility room. The contrast of panelling in Light Blue and Slipper Satin by Farrow and Ball on the walls makes it a serene space where she likes to sit in the armchair while waiting for the washing to finish or relax in the bath
ZOE CARNEY'S TIPS
GET CREATIVE We couldn’t afford handmade wardrobes, so we bought bog standard Ikea wardrobes which we then primed and sprayed blue. We wallpapered the panels with a textured seagrass, and now they look custom and expensive.
PAINT TEST Test, test, test paint, on different walls and at different times of the day.
DIY You’ll save a lot of money if you can take on anything yourselves, if willing, from painting, laying floors, or demolition work.
SALVAGE HUNTING This is almost a full-time job, but so worth it for some of the unexpected ‘finds’. Use Adverts, DoneDeal, Facebook Marketplace, or auction houses to find what you need, whether it’s wooden floors, fireplaces, or a chest of drawers; it’s all there for the taking.
YOUTUBE Someone knows how to do what you want to do. Learn it, if you can. Not only is it unbelievably rewarding to try doing it yourself, but your bank balance will thank you for it.
Interiors styling, @houseofindi_ Shoots, workshops, events, Homestudios.ie Art by Morgan, Morgan.ie @morganart
HARLOW'S ROOM Zoe designed the bed in Harlow’s room, which was made by Morgan. They added a pendant light from PR Home and a mix of furniture from the old House of Indi shop, as well as auctions
Empire pleated lampshade €65, Mavericksoulinteriors.com
Marble & wood rolling pin, €52.95, Dwellbyeilishrickard.com
1
FIND YOUR INSPIRATION Immerse yourself in imagery that resonates; platforms like Pinterest are invaluable for discovering and defining your personal style.
Shall Collection rug, to order, Rugs.ie
Bamboo baskets, from €25, Arket.com
Blue posy, hand-thrown porcelain jug, €45, Themcgrathcollection.com
3
CREATE A COHESIVE PALETTE Choose an harmonious range of colours that flow throughout your home, repeating shades in subtle ways to tie spaces together.
2
Rattan charger plates, €29.99 (two), Hm.com
Pétale armchair, designed by Sacha Lakic, to order, Roche-bobois.com
Dunbrody lambswool throw, €132, Foxford.com
MIX OLD AND NEW Introduce at least one vintage or antique piece in every room. Blending eras and styles creates a more layered, characterful look.
The Hugh Wallace Heritage Collection white oak, 220cm, rectangular extendingtable €1,599, Ezliving-interiors.ie
Golden jaguar candlestick, €23, Saintfelixatelier.com
Picchu cushion, €165, Hedgeroe.com
HOMEOWNERS
Terri and Tristan, their two children Finn and Holly, and Harry the dog
THE HOUSE
A two-storey, Victorian, redbrick terrace in Dublin 6
A colour consultant and creative director transforms a once-muted home into a bold expression of personality
BY ORLA NELIGAN PHOTOGRAPHS RODRIGO LLOPIS G
When colour consultant, Style Coop founder, and Poachers drinks creative director, Terri Cooper first peered over a laneway wall in Ranelagh more than a decade ago, she wasn’t looking for a project; she was looking at a garden. “It was this beautiful, large, south-west facing garden,” she recalls. “We used to look over the wall and admire it. When the house went up for sale, I knew we had to have it.” The house itself, a semi-detached Victorian dating back to the 1890s, was another story. Neglected for years, the walls were unstable and the plumbing ancient. “It was uninhabitable,” says Terri. “But the garden sold it to us. I still adore it, which is why the kitchen has such large windows. Now I can enjoy that view every day.”
Terri and her husband Tristan bought the house in 2011, shortly after returning from London where they were living in a two-bed flat on Lancaster Road, known for its colourful row of houses which Terri leaned on for inspiration. Terri had just had her son Finn and would happily wheel the buggy around the corner from their rental to check on the progress. “I had a good relationship with the builder and was so glad I was there every day because there were some potential disasters, including a concrete floor that was very nearly the wrong colour. Being there meant I could see everything day-to-day and change what was needed.” Working with architect Suzy Freeney, the couple set out to transform the tired structure into a light-filled, joyful family home, for themselves and their two kids, Finn and Holly, which connects
PREVIOUS PAGE LIVING ROOM Terri’s living room is an eclectic mix of colour and humour, featuring green vintage chairs from Wilde Vintage, a quirky dog lamp from Graham & Green, and a leather pig from Omersa & Co, a 40th birthday gift from Tristan. Art plays a starring role with a David Booth portrait, a Conor Merriman print of Marsha P. Johnson, and a bold rug by Craig Green for Ikea’s 2019 Art Event. Walls in Dulux Lemon Punch set a cheerful tone, accented by Carolyn Donnelly’s green vase. On the fireplace, a striped garland is from April and the Bear
PREVIOUS PAGE KITCHEN The kitchen, designed by Porter & Jones, reflects Terri's love of colour and Irish design. decorated in colours she likes to wear; pictured here wearing Irish designers: Manley Studio, Melissa Curry, and Nicki Hoyne
OPPOSITE LIVING ROOM In the living area, tables from Kian Furniture sit alongside a reupholstered sofa in deep purple from The Sofa Factory. The bright yellow stool by Pols Potten was a 50th birthday gift
HALLWAY The hallway’s pink walls in Nancy’s Blushes by Farrow & Ball set off a vintage green cabinet from Portobello Road, London, and a striking Vincent Sheridan print, a treasured gift from Tristan’s parents
“Colour is emotional, I go with my gut and think about the mood I want to create”
KITCHEN/DINING Terri’s open-plan kitchen and dining space is filled with personality and Irish design. A bespoke ash table by Porter & Jones anchors the room, surrounded by Calligaris dining chairs and colourful high stools from Sklum. The two red ones were a lucky find on Terri's neighbourhood WhatsApp group. Art by Maser, Luke Reidy, Solus, and Carolyn Walsh adds vibrancy against walls painted in Cornforth White, while Muuto’s yellow pendant lights and April & the Bear’s Poolbeg candles bring warmth and a pop of sunshine to the space
“I like to decorate my house in the colours I love to wear”
seamlessly with the outdoors. The house was stripped back, brick by brick, and rebuilt to include rewiring, replumbing, insulation, solar panels and highefficiency heating, which brought it from a BER rating of G to A3. An existing extension was knocked and the house widened to include a utility room and an en suite off the main bedroom. On the ground floor, a polished concrete floor runs from the front hallway to the kitchen extension, grounding the home with a contemporary edge. Triple-glazed, three-metre glass sliding doors open onto the garden, flooding the space with natural light – the dream scenario for someone whose professional life revolves around colour and tone. More recently, the pair added a garden room which doubles as an office and a den for the kids. A decade on, the house is still a living reflection of its owner's creative eye and fearless use of colour. There’s not much she’d change apart from the kids’ bedrooms. “They were toddlers when we moved in, and teens just take up so much space. And, I’d probably turn Tristan’s upstairs study into a walk-in-wardrobe, though I doubt he’d agree.”
As a stylist, it’s often easier to be more objective with a client, so when it came to deciding on the interiors and the colour palette for her own home, it was a delicate dilemma. What begins as a creative project often turns into an exercise in restraint: knowing when to edit and when to trust intuition. “It was difficult,” admits Terri. “But only because I had other people to consider,” she laughs. Tristan, apparently, got a ‘raw deal’. She did compromise on Farrow and Ball’s grey Plummet in the piano room, for his sake, and neutral colours for the kids’ rooms, keeping bold colours
DINING Festive touches shine with Marimekko cushions and oversized Avoca baubles adding a joyful note beneath Muuto’s yellow lights. A once-tired cabinet, upcycled by Quirkistuff, is now a standout piece in the dining area, topped with a playful Seletti light from Brown Thomas, a 50th birthday gift. The art wall above combines prints by Luke Reidy, Carolyn Walsh, and Solus, with a nostalgic Kehoe’s Pub print adding personal charm
MUSIC ROOM By the piano, a sculptural vase from Article pops against the moody Plummet wall by Farrow & Ball. Striped and disco ball decorations are from April and the Bear
“We wanted a place for family gatherings, for long Sunday lunches”
to downstairs. The result is a confident marriage of personality and play, most evident in the south-west facing kitchen, her favourite room in the house, where much of the budget was spent. The space is anchored with a custom-made, wooden dining table, which was the couple’s biggest investment. “We wanted a place for family gatherings, for long Sunday lunches,” she says, and impromptu meetings with her business partner, Brendan with whom she runs Poachers Drinks company. Around the table sit Calligaris dining chairs and a mix of high stools from Sklum, two of which Terri picked up for free on her neighbourhood WhatsApp group. “I love a mix – something new, something found.” Above the polished concrete floor, art bursts across the walls: works by Maser, Luke Reidy, and Solus, along with pops of colourful accessories, including Marimekko cushions and bright ceramics. In the living room, a pair of mid-century green chairs from Wilde Vintage Dublin sit alongside a purple sofa with a yellow Pols Potten stool providing contrast. “I love objects that mean something,” Terri says, referring to the pink Seletti Wonder Lamp gifted to her by Tristan. “Colour is emotional, I go with my gut and think about the mood I want to create,” she explains. Fearless probably best describes Terri’s approach to colour but she still admits to having a ‘brave’ moment during the pandemic when she painted the hallway pink and green. And possibly, when she decided on Dulux Lemon Punch for the front door. It’s quite the punchy first impression, giving you a little taste of what lies beyond: a masterclass in balancing vibrancy with sophistication, where bold choices feel both intentional and experimental, a true reflection of a life lived in full colour.
EN SUITE BATHROOM In the en suite, Fired Earth aqua tiles create a serene contrast to the modern fittings from Ideal Bathrooms
BEDROOM Terri’s creative flair extends upstairs, where a Graham & Green bedside cabinet sits beside a John Lewis lampstand and Ikea lampshade. Emma Shipley bed linen from Arnotts and a vibrant orange throw from Simple Things bring energy and pattern. An upcycled Quirkistuff chest of drawers grounds the space, topped by a pink print by Terri’s friend, artist Greta Usaite. In her dressing area, a JW Anderson bag adds a touch of whimsy and personality
TERRI’S TIPS
If you’re new to colour, your front door is the perfect place to experiment. A bold accent in a room adds instant personality and can be easily updated when you’re ready for a change; think of it as your home’s handshake with the world.
TRUST YOUR EYE
There’s no absolute right or wrong when it comes to colour. Focus on tone and depth rather than strict matching, and don’t be afraid to experiment, sometimes the most unexpected combinations turn out to be the most beautiful.
FIND HARMONY IN CONTRAST
Colour harmony doesn’t mean playing it safe. Layering multiple shades and tones can bring a room to life, a little chaos often leads to the most characterful spaces.
MATCH MOOD TO PURPOSE
Let how you use the room shape its palette. Soft neutrals create calm in bedrooms, while bolder, brighter tones bring joy to playful, high-energy spaces like children’s rooms or home studios.
ABOVE Harry models his Christmas bow (ribbon from April and the Bear).
OPPOSITE OUTSIDE An Ikea table and bench make for easy outdoor dining, surrounded by hard landscaping completed by Homezone Renovation
1
BEGIN WITH A HERO Start with one standout piece - a rug, artwork, or sofa - and let it guide your colour story. Building your palette around a focal item helps to create cohesion in your scheme.
LedsC4 Levels 3 pendant, from €1,354, Hickenlighting.com
Bauble wreath decoration, €29.95, Aprilandthebear.com The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Irish Seashore book, €22.99, Easons.com
Handmade bowls, from €25, Sineadomooreceramics.com
Christmas tree bow decoration, €4.99, Thegardenhouse.ie
3 DECORATE FOR HOW YOU WANT TO FEEL Let colour work with your lifestyle, not against it. Soft, muted tones bring calm and serenity, while bold, saturated shades energise and uplift.
Chromatic Pixels rug From €4,267, Sonyawinner.com
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ADD COLOUR WITHOUT COMMITMENT Not ready to paint? Introduce colour through art, cushions, throws, or ceramics. These smaller accents bring vibrancy to a space and can be swapped out with the seasons.
Lillee table lamp, €149, Pooky.com
Pols Potten Zig Zag stool, €385, Cadesign.ie
Archivist Christmas matches, €10.90, Amberandwillow.com
Airi dining chairs, €377 set of two, Next.ie
Èala by Niko Bathrooms.
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BY SIVE O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHS JESSICA GLYNN
HOMEOWNERS Tanya, Noel, their two children, Florence and Henri, and Leni the dog
In a Galway home designed around sunlight, Christmas magic truly begins
THE HOUSE A self-build, passive, timber-frame home with modernist lines, built from natural materials, concrete, oak, and dry stone
The front door wreath is from Galway-native, Mark Grehan at The Garden, Powerscourt. OPPOSITE PAGE The wooden chair is from Meadows & Byrne, the large round light pendant is the Nelson Ball by Hay from Finnish Design Shop. The coffee table is from The Wilds
“I love mixing the old with the new, Irish craft with a little European influence. It feels personal, not polished”
Nestled in the quiet fields of north Galway, just 15 minutes from the city, Tanya and Noel Conroy's contemporary family home feels like it has always belonged. Built on the land where Tanya grew up, just behind her grandmother’s old cottage, the house carries generations of memory in its walls. “It was important to us that the house had heart,” says Tanya. “It needed soul because of where it was.”
The couple, together since school, share more than history. They share an eye for modernist design and deep roots in construction. Both raised on building sites, they wanted to create something architectural yet grounded - a modern home with the warmth of the past. The design by Taylor McCarney Architects is as beautiful as it is considered. There are clean lines, concrete floors, and vast three-metre windows that frame uninterrupted views of the hills and sky. It took several years to bring to life and was shaped
PREVIOUS PAGES The mantle swag is by the Irish Green guys in Cork with add Tanya’s own decorations, dried oranges and pine cones added. The large art piece is by Denise McCabe. The large nutcracker ornament is from Woodies.
ABOVE The Christmas tree is from Galway boutique, Panfili Mirrors & Interiors. The art is by artist Lola Donoghue.
OPPOSITE The beige sofa is from Dfs. The woven wooden chair, from Meadows & Byrne. The coffee table is from The Wilds.
around three focal points: the fairy hill of Knockma, a childhood stone pitch where Tanya once played with her brother, and the family’s apple garden. “We knew we wanted a modern take on the traditional Irish home - something that nodded to the West with its rusted roofs, dry stone, and texture,” she says. They sourced the stone from just up the road, salvaged from old boundary walls that were being cleared. “They were going to bury it,” Tanya recalls, laughing. “So we asked if we could take it, and it sat on our land for years before we even designed the house.” Every element is considered, meaningful, and close to home - quite literally. Inside, the house is calm and pared-back, yet full of life. “A paredback palette lets the decor sing,” she says. “It keeps everything cohesive and calm.” With vast three-metre-high windows framing endless skies, the light shifts gently through the day. It is never harsh, always soft. Built as a timber-frame passive house, it’s warm, sustainable, and deeply comfortable. The house is insulated with natural materials like sheep’s wool and recycled paper. “It’s never too hot, never too cold. Just… peaceful,” says Tanya. There was one huge challenge that was also non-negotiable: a board-marked concrete wall running the full height of the house. It had to be poured in situ before the timber frame, in three lifts, it’s about seven metres high. “My dad built it himself. It’s beautiful - a piece of art - and the spine of our home, just like he’s the spine of our family. He lives across the road and is so proud. He was on site twice a day. We call him MacGyver - he can turn his hand to anything.” At the heart of it all is family. Florence, 12, and Henri, eight, have grown up in the house. They watched it rise from the ground, played on the site before school, and finally moved in just before Christmas 2019. “It was magical,” Tanya smiles. “The tree went up the same week the boxes came in.”
Christmas remains their favourite time of year. Noel, a Christmas Eve baby and one of seven, never had grand birthdays growing up, so the season has become their family’s big celebration. By late November, the house begins its gentle transformation. Branches, wreaths, and wooden ornaments fill the rooms. The tree becomes a memory box of decorations collected over the years. “It’s not about perfection,” Tanya says. “It’s about meaning. Every piece tells a story.” Much of the decor is Irishmade or handmade and blends seamlessly with the mid-century aesthetic throughout the house. Wreaths and foliage are bought from Irish suppliers The Garden and The Green Guys, dressedup with foraged foliage. Tanya's Irish linen tablecloths come from Signature Editions by Maria Reidy, whose contemporary homewares she adores. The table is set with heirloom, thick, heavy-to-lift Galway Crystal and French linen napkins. Everything is beautifully mismatched and full of life. “I love mixing the old with the new, Irish craft with a little European influence. It feels personal, not polished.”
On Christmas Eve, the family stays in Ashford Castle, a tradition since the children were small, before coming home the next morning to celebrate together. “We light the candles, open the back door, and just breathe it all in,” she says. “The house feels alive then. It’s full of laughter, food, and the dog running in and out of the field. It’s chaos, but the best kind.” For Tanya and Noel, this isn’t just a house they built, it’s the heart of their story, rooted in love, family, and the joy of coming home.
Follow Tanya’s style @florenceandhenri
“We light the candles, open the back door and just breathe it all in”
Hubsch pendant, €190, Cadesign.ie
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BRING THE OUTDOORS IN Forage local greenery and branches and watch out for local moss for a natural, textural touch; dry it out at home and at it to your tablescape.
Check cotton tablecloth, from €29.99, Zarahome.com
Velvet napkin bows, €20, set of six, Thewhitecompany.com
Embroidered linen napkin, €72, for four, Thedesignedtable.com
3
DECORATE WITH MEANING Skip perfection. Layer old and new decorations that tell your family’s story – think memory box, not showroom.
Embroidered script cushion, €34.50, La-maison-chic.co.uk
2
MIX YOUR ERAS Don’t be afraid to blend vintage mid-century finds with modern Irish design for a space that feels considered and more personal.
Washable Eliza rug, from €75, Kukoonrugs.com
Give festive visitors a five-star guest experience they’ll never forget. Design experts share their speedy style upgrades for a warmly welcome – starting at the hall
Make an entrance with these hero homewares
1 Chinese evergreen plant, from €26; Blathnaid pot, €42, Hopelessbotanics.ie 2 Dome Deco Lima console table, €2,450, Juliannekellyinteriors.ie 3 Dove mirror, €560, Slouiseinteriors.com
4 Nipasen coat rack and bench, €75, Ikea.ie
First impressions count; interior designer Sarah Louise Dunne on how to make an inviting entrance
Create kerb appeal First impressions begin at the front door. Style with a pair of timeless planters - bay trees or boxwood balls - to create an elegant, symmetrical welcome.
Restyle the console Add a seasonal floral arrangement, scented candles and a diffuser; these elements work together to bring a sense of calm, warmth, and understated refi nement.
Update door hardware Swap out tired or outdated handles and knobs for sleek, modern alternatives in brass, matte black, or brushed nickel.
Roll out a runner Introduce a textured runner to add warmth and visual interest underfoot; it also naturally leads guests through the rest of your home.
Hang a statement mirror A large mirror can help to visually expand a tight hallway and bounce natural light around, creating a welcoming atmosphere while also serving as a stylish focal point.
Slouiseinteriors.com
OPPOSITE PAGE Floor tiled in Ca’ Pietra Brompton Field Liquorice, from €128.54 per sq m, Tilestyle.ie
ABOVE LEFT Fairfax three-light pendant in antique brass, from €681, Davidhuntlighting.co.uk for your nearest stockist
Interior design architect
Jackie Carton shares her top tips for a welcoming living room
Celebrate togetherness Create an intimate setup: pull chairs slightly forward and angle toward the sofa and arrange smaller groupings of seats so guests can talk easily. Trays with glasses, mulled wine and nibbles will make anyone immediately relax.
Maximise seating comfort Dress furniture with chunky knits or faux fur throws and add velvet or wool cushions in winter tones for instant comfort and cosiness.
Spark conversation Choose one interesting focal point - a decorated mantel or styled coffee table - that becomes a natural conversation starter for guests.
Add ambient lighting Swap harsh overhead lighting for clusters of candles, battery fairy lights, or warm-white string lights to create a soft, welcoming nighttime glow. Introduce winter greenery Style with fresh eucalyptus, foraged pine or holly. It’s simple, fragrant and far less cluttered than overtly themed décor. Cartoninteriors.ie
Soft pleated fabric lamp, €70; Wicker Scallop Flare floor lamp, €290; patchwork quilted frill cushion, €34, Marksandspencer.ie
OPPOSITE PAGE Walls painted in Benjamin Moore Louisiana Hot Sauce CC-124; Firenze AF-225; Myrtle Beach 06; Queen Anne Pink HC-60, Benjaminmooreireland.com
Cosy buys for a cocooning, comforting space
1 HK Living Retro Hocker footstool, from €629, Woodesign.ie
2 Mogg Olo side table, from €754, Lostweekend.ie 3 Frank armchair in walnut and copper velvet, €579, Pieces.ie
4 Two-pack coordinating cushions, €7.99, Hm.com
Curate a calm and restful sanctuary for sleep
1 Coastal check merino lambswool throw, €119, Mcnuttofdonegal.com 2 Damian three-seater sofabed, €1,599, Ezliving-interiors.ie 3 Respa Janus headboard, from €475, Crinionsfurniture.ie 4 Zuvier Barbier bedside table, €329, Aprilandthebear.com
EZ Living Interiors expert Laura O’Keeffe on making overnight guests feel welcome
Provide practical storage Bedside lockers with hidden storage lets guests store away belongings, while you keep thoughtful touches like extra chargers and hair products within easy reach.
Double up A storage bed is a game changer. Neatly tuck away spare pillows and linens beneath so visitors can tailor their sleep setup to suit their comfort.
Consider lighting Set the mood for a good night’s sleep with layers of light – not just the big overhead lightwith wall lights either side of the bed and a floor lamp in a cosy corner, if you have the space.
Add a mirror A full-length mirror is both practical and considerate, allowing guests to prepare for the day or evening ahead.
Accessorise all areas Fresh flowers in a stylish vase, tactile cushions, a cosy throw and a perfectly sized rug all help to add a touch of luxury. Ezliving-interiors.ie
OPPOSITE PAGE Pure brushed cotton checked floral bedding set, from €60; Ocre throw, €40; pleated fabric lamp, €70, all Marksandspencer.ie ABOVE LEFT Shelly, gold fabric, double storage bed frame, €1,099, Michaelmurphy.ie
Leo + Cici’s Elaine Verdon reveals how to impress holiday guests from the get-go
Work in wallpaper Though some shy away from wallpaper in bathrooms, when ventilation is good, it can instantly transform a small space into something memorable. Consider adding texture to the lower walls with moisture-resistant panelling.
Upgrade fixtures Swap dated fi xtures – taps and showerhead - for premium designs. Consult a contractor fi rst to ensure compatibility.
Maximise storage Bathrooms never seem to have enough storage. If space is limited, consider elegant shelving or playful accessories to keep everything neat but accessible. Add scent Few things feel more welcoming than a beautifully scented bathroom. A high-quality candle adds both atmosphere and indulgence. Make it personal Personal touches like a framed print or black and white photographs in colourful frames, plus lots of plants (real or faux) are a great way to add colour and texture. Leoandcici.com
ABOVE RIGHT Portmarnock bathroom project by Elaine Verdon at Leoandcici.ie; Conway wallpaper, Zoffany. Sandersondesigngroup.com; Coro wall light, Lightandlamp.co.uk; Ca’ Pietra Kennet porcelain Kiwi tiles, Davidscotttiles. com; Tap by Crosswater.co.uk
Budget-friendly updates that won’t break the bank
1 Laura Ashley Callaghan bathroom wall light, IP44, in matt antique brass, €79.80, Trinitylighting.ie 2 Balzac Paris X La Redoute Interiors toile du jouy wallpaper, from €50.51 per roll, Laredoute.com 3 MDF wood stool, €29.90, Sostrenegrene.com
mirror,
4 Gold mirror, €13.99, Homesense
Sonas Living collection, Pulse 60cm floating unit, Parkland, €495; 30cm wall column, Parkland, €325; 60cm wall hung basin, €200; Urban basin mixer, €195; Eterna mirror, €425, Sonasbathrooms.com
Snuggle up in style: from statement surrounds to smart media walls, traditional rads and eco-friendly fires, here’s what’s turning up the heat this winter
BY RÓISÍN CARABINE
Move over radiator covers, sleek shelves are the stylish new way to hide unsightly rads, boost efficiency and add a little extra surface space for your favourite finds.
“Unlike full covers, shelves allow heat to circulate efficiently while softening the look of the radiator. They also double as a decorative styling surface, making them an easy way to elevate a room,”
says interior designer Sorcha Harman of Porcha Design, who designed this radiator shelf in one of our House Tour homes from a previous issue, (left). “With bespoke covers,” Sorcha says, ”adding in scalloped, fluted and contrasting trims, radiator shelves become less like a cover-up solution and more like a considered design statement.” Radiator shelf by Porchadesign.com, made by Studiokinnard.ie
Want to make your fire the main feature in the room? Look to the rising trend in painted burners and vibrant enamel stoves.
“Earthy
colours like soft beige or terracotta are perfect for laid-back interiors. Or add a pop of colour with a contrasting blue or red to draw the eye in and make a statement,”
says Jon Butterworth, director at Arada Stoves, adding that maintenance is something to bear in mind. “Lighter colours will show dirt marks, however these can be touched up with a stove-specific paint (never regular paint) which has been made to withstand high temperatures.” Farringdon Small Eco, 4.9kW multifuel, with stand, in Spice, from €2,404, Aradastoves.com for local stockists.
Love the cosy glow of a real fire? The latest trend for stoves with larger viewing windows offers even better flame views.
“People want that uninterrupted view of the fi re’s movement - it’s calming and elemental - not to mention its natural warmth,”
says Michael Coke, biomass and electrical product development manager at Stovax. “Advances in airwash systems ensures that the glass stays clear which can be further aided by burning the appropriate dry wood.” Riva2 55 freestanding woodburning stove, from €2,295, shown with log box, from €425, Stovax.com for local stockists.
“Choose a fi re that suits the scale of the room, keep joinery simple and where possible o set the TV and fi replace; it’s a more practical layout.”
Barnageeragh project, Thinkcontemporary.com
Integrating fireplaces into media walls is the new way to add wow. According to Joanne Kelly, creative director of Dublinbased architectural practice Think Contemporary, this trend is popular with owners of A-rated new builds where traditional fireplaces aren’t typically included but the desire for a focal point remains. Her advice for installation:
Tech is making its mark on every aspect of our lives, including fireplaces. The latest innovation? Smart electric fires that offer not just realistic-looking flames and authentic sound effects but a whole new level of convenience.
“Remote controls, integrated app connectivity and voice activation make it easier to deliver warmth, style and performance without compromise,”
says Eoin O’Connor, MD at Heat Design. Genius! Solus iX 13 electric fire featuring Truburn Flame technology, available front, corner or panoramic, from €4,590, Heatdesign.ie for stockists.
Heating trends are not all about looks - the move toward energy-efficient heating is redefining how we choose to warm our homes. “We’ve seen a real shift in consumer expectations over the past few years,” says ACR’s managing director, Jason Searle.
“Homeowners want the reassurance that their stove is EcoDesign compliant, DEFRA approved, and that, when used with the right fuel will deliver both exceptional performance and minimal environmental impact.”
NEO XC 5kW, DEFRA exempt woodburner with log storage, from €2,243, Acrproducts.com for local stockists.
Double-sided inset stoves are having a moment - bold, beautiful and twice as mesmerising. A fire you can see through? Why, yes please.
“With powerful heat outputs that can exceed 9kW, double-sided stoves are ideal for heating two adjoining rooms, that share a chimneybreast, simultaneously,”
says Gary Stranney, director of Mourne Fires. “However, they really come into their own set into a stud chimney wall in a large open plan room - doubling as a striking room divider.”
Rais 600 T, 9.7kW tunnel model fireplace insert with IR coated glass to ensure a clean and efficient burn, from €6,905, Mournefires.com
Eco-conscious? Bioethanol fires are trending as the cleaner, greener, more sustainable alternative to wood or gas stoves, emitting up to 40% less CO₂. They run on renewable liquid ethanol, derived from crops, produce no smoke and are easy to use, maintain and install, requiring no chimney or flue.
“By implementing BEV technology, Planika has added intelligence to the experience: sensor-controlled combusion, remote and smart home operation - as well as RAL colour matching flexibility,”
says Dominika Kubiak, Planika’s project specialist. Planika Forma 2300 island with linear FLA4 burner (which can extend up to two metres), Bioethanolfires.ie
Fireplace surrounds are stealing the show this season, with floor-to-ceiling designs turning hearths into works of art.
Take interior designer Emily Cunnane’s sculptural walnut surround (pictured) which makes a striking feature in this Donabate home. Emily says,
“Here, design interest comes from mixing different forms of materiality, polished concrete, tiles and timber but it could also be achieved using one material in different textures.”
Corballis Cottage project by Emilycunnane.com; surround in 3D walnut, Timbercreations.ie; tiles, Deluxebathrooms.ie
Nostalgic radiator designs are experiencing a renaissance and you don’t need to be the owner of a period home to have one.
“Traditional cast iron and overtly ornate styles have been paired back and reimagined in steel for modern living o ering e cient, reliable performance at an a ordable price,”
says Astha Aggarwal, Niko Bathrooms marketing executive. “Available in a range of colourful finishes, these newer versions are guaranteed to bring warmth to any space.” UEL Merrion Design Radiator, 600mm x 1177mm, from €901, Nikobathrooms.ie; Heatingcollection.ie
Fireplace tiling has been given a modern makeover.
“This once simple update has turned into an opportunity for personalisation with homeowners opting for bolder designs and even textured finishes to make a mark,”
says Tubs Tiles’ marketing manager Denise Boland who recommends using either porcelain or ceramic tiles, which are known for their superior heat resistance, and a flexible adhesive, such as BAL SPF S1. Buster pendant, from €420, Pooky.com; for similar tiles try Tre (available in various colours), from €65.72 per sq m, Tubstiles.ie
Big in the ‘90s - maximalist natural stone mantels are making a serious comeback.
“Designers are embracing bold veining, richer tones and more sculptural shapes that make the stone itself the hero,”
says Cosentino’s regional head of marketing Itan Garrido. “Moving away from marble, stones like travertine and limestone are proving popular, with Sensa, Cosentino’s own maintenancefree natural granite, emerging as a top contender, thanks to its timeless beauty, superior durability and heat-resistant qualities.”
Sensa Black Beauty natural stone with SenGuard anti-stain protection, Cosentino.com
With Ireland’s largest range of treadmills, home gyms, and games room equipment, McSport brings performance and play together under one roof. Whether you’re training, lifting, or competing for family bragging rights, we help every home move better.
View the full range at McSport.ie
ARCHITECTURAL LEGENDS Featuring over 100 of the most important and influential houses designed and built since 1900. Think seminal works by Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mies van der Rohe, as well as modern-day greats like Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas, all groundbreaking in more ways than one. The Iconic House, €29, Riai.ie
Peek inside the homes of some of the most creative people of our time, such as Dakota Johnson’s mid-century L.A. pad or artist Mariko Mori’s minimalist white pod on a Japanese island. AD at Home, €105, Easons.com
The ultimate interior design how-to
DESIGN DECODED All manner of gorgeous imagery awaits as you learn to identify interior styles like an expert through introductory texts and featured real-world examples by today’s best contemporary designers, like Studio Shamshiri and Laura Gonzalez. Defi ning Style, €59.95, Phaidon.com
MAXIMALIST MAGIC Anyone keen to master the art of maximalism should invest in this arty tome. From mood boards to fi nished rooms, this exploration of Brisbane-based, Anna Spiro’s design philosophy is available in a new hardback. A LIfe in Pattern, €25.76, Hodgesfi ggis.ie
RURAL DREAMS Settle down on the couch, and let your imagination take fl ight to quaint countryside havens. A portrait of urban exiles with a knack for making even the most die-hard city dwellers dream of staking their claim to a quiet patch of land. Cottagecore, €50, Dubraybooks.ie
By Michelle Hanley
ZEN AESTHETICS All manner of gorgeous imagery awaits in this wide-ranging visual essay on the aesthetics of Japan. There is no doubt this heavy tome will add character to your space and captivate your guests - artfully placed on their bedside table. Japan Style, €39.95, Kennys.ie
A beautiful coffee table book inside and out
CULTURAL RELEVANCE Top of our line up is prolifi c Irish artist Dorothy Cross’s latest release. Charting the return of a mummifi ed body hidden away in the anatomy department at University College Cork to its homeland. Kinship €34.95, Lilliputpress.ie
SENSORY DESIGN It is often said that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Here, Kinfolk and Norm Architects present an alternative; that good design is not only visually appealing, it engages all of the human senses. The Touch €60, Easons.com
STYLED ESCAPES Thanks to the good people at Phaidon, you are one step closer to planning the trip of a lifetime. A captivating collection of over 20 stylish getaways and the modern innkeepers who crafted them. Lushly illustrated with more than 250 evocative photographs, this is the gift that keeps on giving. The Inn Crowd, €49.95, Dubraybooks.ie
Irish interior designer, Róisín Lafferty
WOMEN REDEFINING A global survey of 250 creative women practicing interior design from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day, including the talented Irish designer Róisín Lafferty. This book offers a look around some of the most stylish homes on earth. Making Space, €49.95, Phaidon.com
PARTY PERFECTION
Decorative design books don’t come much more fun than this. Rebecca Gardner, invites the reader to crash 20 of her parties, from weddings to intimate dinners at home, fi nding fabulous inspiration at every turn and a forward by Sofi a Coppola. A Screaming Blast, €50.75, Dubraybooks.ie
After years abroad, a family returned to their Irish roots, transforming a period villa into a calm, contemporary haven. Interior designer Karina Heaslip guides us through the space, challenges, and key design details
BY SIVE O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHS LYNDA KENNY
Initially, they had looked at a bolder palette with some stronger colours. But as the design process unfolded they leaned towards neutrals. “That can happen. People start with one idea of how they want their house to look but through the process it changes direction.” Karina says. The goal was to create a home that reflected the family’s lifestyle. They had been living in a country where they were surrounded by marble, gloss, and glamour. “For their Irish abode, they wanted the opposite: earthy textures, natural linens, and a strong connection to the garden,” says Karina. “It was all about comfort.” Weekly Zoom calls, WhatsApp threads, and even a couple of trips to London kept the design moving while the family was overseas. “They trusted the process, and that made all the difference,” Karina adds.
To one side of the open plan area, the wall is clad in oak units, by Woodale Designs, featuring low-level drawers with a ribbed detail to the front and open shelves at different heights to accommodate various decor. In the centre of the unit, there is a large TV with the ribbed detail behind it. This unit faces a beautiful green velvet sofa from Roche Bobois. The flooring is fumed oak plank from Amsterdam Flooring Company. This space was designed for comfort and family downtime
This house was never just another project; it was the homeowner’s childhood home. “Her parents had lived here for decades,” explains interior designer Karina Heaslip. “She and her husband moved into a mews next door, which meant they could return from overseas with their two teenagers and take on the villa as their own.”
The bones of the property were beautiful but tired. “It hadn’t been touched in years,” says Karina. “Think draughts, old fittings, and very little insulation. Their biggest fear was being cold as they were returning from a warmer climate.” The house needed a complete rethink - somewhere warm, practical, and stylish enough for entertaining family and friends.
The finished house seamlessly blends old and new. “You don’t want it to feel like a glass box has been tacked onto the back of an old house,” says Karina. “Everything had to flow.” In the formal reception rooms, traditional panelling was reinstated and painted in muted tones to highlight the generous proportions. In the new extension, slimmer beading echoes the shaker-style kitchen doors, keeping it contemporary yet connected. The kitchen, designed and made by Woodale Design, became a labour of love. “It has ribbed detailing on the doors, which meant a lot of colour matching between the flat and textured surfaces,” says Karina. “The effort was worthwhile; the kitchen is now the hub of the home, complete with a back kitchen for baking.” Muted palettes, warm timbers, and layered lighting unify the space. “No harsh spotlights, just calm, subtle light where you need it,” says Karina. “It feels warm but not at all fussy.”
CREATING A FOCAL POINT The wall panelling features a simple square edge trim that connects to the frame of the kitchen units, painted in Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone. The panels are set out to allow a piece of art to sit in the centre panel, with wall lights on either side. The stunning oversized painting, commissioned by Petra Lenahan, captures all the colours and soft tones in the space, and is the focal point in this area. The sideboard is from Rockhill Interiors. Wall lights are from CTO Lighting
With a floor-to-ceiling glass wall of almost seven metres in length, the interior space had to relate to the garden beyond. The palette was kept muted and earthy with velvets and linen textures adding layers. The slimline metal glazing is flanked by voiles, which soften the otherwise linear addition. The walls and ceiling are painted in Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone. Lighting is by Shadow Light Ireland, and the pendants over the dining table are from CTO Lighting. The oval dining table in smoked timber and dining chairs with upholstered seating are from Rockhill Interiors
The biggest hurdle was geography. Karina says, “The family were overseas for most of the build, so everything was done remotely. Sometimes decisions were made six months before something was installed, which is tricky - people can change their minds!”
To navigate this, organisation was key, and decisions were boxed off whenever the clients were home. Confidence with colour also presented challenges. Karina explains, “It was difficult to introduce any strong colours until later in the project when the homeowners were more confident in the process. That’s part of the job - working through those fears.” The architecture threw up its own tests as well. “That long rear extension with its three-metre ceiling was tricky to furnish. We had to scale everything properly so it didn’t feel lost in the space,” says Karina.
Light shaped the entire design. “The rear of the house is northfacing, which can be challenging with so much glass,” Karina explains. “But the finishes we used keep it feeling warm rather than cold. “In contrast, the front reception, with its three south-facing windows, experiences sunlight that shifts constantly.” The brown walls look completely different from morning to evening. That play of light and colour gives the room real personality. Thoughtful lighting wasn’t limited to communal areas, even upstairs, bedrooms were designed to be serene. “We wanted calm, subtle bedrooms. Nothing too bright or busy, just spaces where the family could retreat.”
The furniture in this room is a mix of old and new. The linen sofa is from Rockhill Interiors, with armchairs from Nordic Elements and Robert Langford. The ottoman is upholstered in a GP & J Baker fabric, picking up the soft pinks and neutrals in the room. The wall paneling is painted in Dulux Heritage Mud Lark
The rear living space is now the family hub. “It’s where they cook, eat, hang out, and entertain. The teenagers even bring their friends here,” says Karina. Furniture choice and placement contributed to making the space inviting. “We softened the long shape with voile curtains and panelling on the kitchen-side wall, and we centred a large artwork by Petra Lenahan in the beading,” she explains. “It gave the space balance.” Each room serves a purpose: the south-facing front reception, painted in a deep brown, is a quiet retreat. “It’s the good room,” laughs Karina. “No TV, just a place to sit away from the bustle.”
Architects, AOF Architects. Aof.ie
Joinery Woodaledesigns.ie
Sofa Roche-bobois.com
Flooring Amsterdamflooring.ie
Paint Farrow-ball.com
Lighting @Shadowlightireland, Ctolighting.co.uk
Wallpaper Arte-international.com
Pendants Ctolighting.com
Dining table and chairs
Rockhillinteriors.com
Art @petralenahan
Sideboard Rockhillinteriors.com
Counter & backsplash
Millerbrothers.ie
Limestone flooring Fossilstone.ie
Armchairs Nordicelements.com; Robertlangford.co.uk
Fabric Gpandjbaker.com
Paint Dulux.ie
Tiles Fossilstone.ie
Vanity & cabinet Wabisabi.ie
Countertop Cosentino.com/dekton
Headboard fabric Colefax.com
Ottoman Dunleavybespoke.com
Karinaheaslip.com Instagram.com/karina.heaslip
THE PRIMARY EN SUITE
The tiles are from Fossil Stone; the beige marble veining creates a bright, warm feel in the en suite and is offset with black brassware and accessories. The vanity and cabinet are in a slated smoked oak by Wabi Sabi with a Dekton countertop
THE PRIMARY BEDROOM The walls are covered in wallpaper from Arte. The headboard is upholstered in a Colefax and Fowler chenille weave and a velvet frame. The ottoman was designed by Karina and crafted by Dunleavy Bespoke
The house is now warm, welcoming, and family-friendly, with every detail considered. “The panelling, the muted tones, the subtle lighting - it’s all about creating calm,” says Karina. She especially values how the panelling frames the main artwork. “We set out the beading specifically for a large painting, with smaller panels on either side. It means the art feels integral, not like an afterthought.” Ultimately, the transformation is about daily life: “The family spends all their time in that back living space. It works for baking, entertaining, teenagers, grandparents - everyone and everything. Good design makes life flow easily.”
Take it from one of Ireland’s most sought-after wedding planners, Kate O’Dowd on how to elevate a Christmas gathering at home to make it one to remember.
GET REAL WITH YOUR GREENERY At weddings, I’m not into a lot of eucalyptus (I prefer delicate, hedgerow-style foliage), but at Christmas, it’s unbeatable. I always place a bumper order from Thefoliageflorist.com - their Irish-grown leaves are so fresh; you can get weeks out of them at their best. They dry beautifully, emitting heavenly scent all the while. Allow to dry in a sip of water, so the leaves keep their shape.
Personalised stationery brings a unique welcome to guests. Irish stationer Jess at Pink Moon Designs simplifies this with her collection of pre-designed festive menus and placecards, which you can either buy blank or hand-scribed. I work with Jess on many of my wedding projects, and having her gorgeous paintings on a table is like sitting in a storybook.
INVEST IN FANCY LINENS (and then press them properly). This is the key to a grown-up Christmas table. I truly feel it’s best to avoid classic Christmas motifs and instead opt for luxurious tones and textures; scalloped napkins, setting bows, and frilly placemats - levels of embellishment that you likely don’t use at other times of the year. Maisonmargauxltd.com is my goto - with their fabrics drawing the eye, no one will notice that you’re trotting out the Ikea plates, again.
MIX UP THE FLOW OF YOUR SPACE Could a fireside dining table work in your sitting room, so the kitchen can fulfill its disco destiny? If your kitchen table can’t leave the room, push it to the side as a drinks station and use a folding trestle (every house should have one), gussied up with nice linens, to dine. Nab an affordable disco ball from Temu, and Bob’s your kitchen disco!
INDULGE IN OPULENT TABLE
DRAPING All the rage this year in wedding design - all you need is a tablecloth that’s at least 40 per cent too large for its table and some clothes pegs with which to create your secret gathers. It’s tricky on anything but the ends of dining tables (too bumpy for wine glasses), but it works great on drinks or grazing stations.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A PERSONAL PLAYLIST Yes, you can just grab any old festive collection, but taking the time to curate your perfect edit, in the right order, is ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ fuel. Don’t forget to enable the Crossfade function in your Spotify account’s playback settings for professionalseeming transitions.
PUT A BOW ON... absolutely anything in your eyeline. I’m a firm believer that, if you had nothing but a lot of velvet ribbon, you could decorate a festive space very satisfactorily. I tend not to go for classic Christmas shades, but instead offset the palette already in my home. This year, I’m thinking chocolate brown, burnt orange, and Selvedge blue.
OF COURSE, WE KNOW THE BIG LIGHT IS BANNED, so a million candles are the most magical way to do festive party lighting. I like to
say “hello” with large pillar candles, in lanterns, outside the front door, and then layer up taper candles, at various heights, anywhere I can fit them indoors. If there will be kids around or guests are likely to get rowdy, glass candle sleeves are priceless.
RATHER THAN THE TRADITIONAL DISPOSABLE JUNKFEST , I like to use Christmas, or any festivity, as an excuse to add longer-term decorative value to my home. Plump new cushions, wireless table lamps, or a delicious, woody-scented candle will luxe-up your home’s festive welcome and minimise the un-decorating blues come January 6th, to boot.
Loveandgatherings.com @loveandgatherings
Whether for five guests or 55 , a champagne tower will always supercharge party vibes. How to do it fearlessly? Ensure your champagne saucers are all exactly the same type and height; place your first layer on a tray to catch spills; and quietly pre-fill each glass two-thirds of the way, so that the performative pour is just about refreshing the bubbles.
GIFTS Tucked away in Rathfarnham, Stone + Beige feels more atelier than store. Think embroidered cushions, ceramic sculptures, and 1970s-inspired glassware, all styled to perfection. Stoneandbeige.com
CRAFT Those in the know head straight to the Irish Design Shop on Drury Street, a boutique specialising in handcrafted baubles and rare Irish-made treasures you won’t find anywhere else. Irishdesignshop.com
MARKET Expect over 50 ecoconscious makers, mulled wine, and festive atmosphere at the Sustainable Christmas Market in the Botanic Gardens (Dec 13–14, 10am–4pm) - a thoughtful approach to seasonal shopping. Botanicgardens.ie
TABLESCAPES If linen is your love language, Jennifer Slattery’s Dublin 7 studio is the place. Her hand-finished Irish linens are the quiet luxury every festive table needs. Jenniferslattery.com
DECORATIONS Sahara in Dún Laoghaire is pure joy - a treasure box of colour and craftsmanship where traditional African design meets Irish warmth. Sahara.ie
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Paper decorations, Stoneandbeige.com; linen napkins, Jenniferslattery.com; selection of woven baskets and homewares, Sahara.ie; Rathbornes Cedar, Clove & Amber candle, Irishdesignshop.ie; Nordal planters, Stoneandbeige.com
This year, skip the ordinary and shop like an insider. Across Ireland, makers, markets, and modern ateliers are reimagining shopping this season
BY SARAH FINNAN
“Cork
shopping has that quiet confidence - a little traditional, a little rebellious, always full of taste”
Jane Forrest, Brand Director
CRAFT Cork Craft & Design is where the region’s most exciting makers converge with a curated edit of ceramics, textiles, and contemporary craft with unmistakable local flair. Corkcraftanddesign.ie
MARKET Ballymaloe Grainstore Craft Market, held over two weekends in November, is the ultimate destination: 200 Irish makers, live music, mulled wine, and the unmistakable Ballymaloe buzz. Ballymaloegrainstore.com
GIFTS At La Bougie’s Kinsale studio, amber jars line the shelves, each candle hand-poured and steeped in fig, cedar, and festive spice. The scent alone is worth the trip. Labougie.com
TABLESCAPES Design lovers whisper about Interiosity in Douglas, a beautifully curated trove of colourful glassware, photo frames, and tabletop treasures. Interiosity.ie
DECORATIONS For timeless holiday style, St. Luke’s on Ballyhooly Road nails it: Europeaninspired pieces, Irish sensibility, and linen stockings made to last a lifetime. Stlukes.ie
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Selection of accessories; shop front, Interiosity.ie; star decoration, Stlukes.ie; Mr Kite Designs cushions, Corkcraftanddesign.ie; Mission Fig candle and diffuser set, Labougie. com; Orla O Visual star decoration, Corkcraftanddesign.ie; papiermaché ornaments, Stlukes.ie; Liz Walsh Textiles Irish linen bread bags, Christmas tree at the grainstore, Ballymaloegrainstore.com
“Every corner bursts with colour and character, Galway does festive-eclectic better than anywhere else”
Marlene
Wessels, Art Director
CRAFT In Spiddal Craft Village, basketmaker Ciarán Hogan is keeping a centuries-old craft alive. Better still, you can join one of his weekend weaving workshops. Spiddalcrafts.com
something to look forward to. Thesheep.ie
MARKETS Galway’s newest hotspot, The Market H91, flips Electric Galway into a vintage haven. Think pre-loved fashion, homewares, vinyl, and flash tattoos with a live DJ soundtrack. On the first Saturday of every month (11:30am–5pm), The Market H91 overflows with style and vibrant energy. @themarketh91
St. Nicholas’ Christmas Fayre is Galway’s best-kept festive secret; a relaxed, candlelit affair inside a 14th-century church, complete with local food and live music. Stnicholas.ie
GIFTS Locals swear by The Sheep on Mainguard Street for the softest throws, cashmere, mohair, or plaid; they’re the kind of blankets that make winter
TABLESCAPES Just beyond the city, The Fancy Nest in Claregalway is a design destination for statement tables, furniture, lighting, and the perfect festive accents. Thefancynest.com
DECOR A Galway favourite, Yes Flowers on Eglinton Street is where floristry meets artthink sculptural bouquets, lush houseplants, and beautifully curated vases that make everyday blooms feel anything but ordinary. Yesflowers.ie
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Sheepskin sheep, Thesheep.ie; Ciaran Hogan baskets, Spiddalcrafts.com; browsing at Stnicholas.ie; Christmas tree decor, Yesflowers.ie; Andrea Rossi artwork, Spiddalcrafts.com; decoration, Thefancynest.com; wool scarves and hats, Thesheep.ie; Christmas foliage, Yesflowers.ie
CRAFT A short stroll from St. Anne’s Cathedral, We Have It Wrapped Up feels like a curated love letter to Irish design - clever, colourful, and beautifully considered. Wehaveitwrappedup.com
MARKET The Dilly Dally Makers Market is one of Belfast’s most atmospheric festive events - set in a restored Gothic church, it’s a design lover’s dream backdrop. @Dillydallymarket
GIFTS Locals love Born + Bred for a reason - part concept store, part cultural celebration. You’ll go in for one thing and leave with five. Think FieldDay candles, H&W crane decorations, and enamel mugs. Wearebornandbred.com
TABLESCAPES Inside the old Ormeau Bakery, Neptune’s Belfast showroom is a masterclass in modern heritage style - and your shortcut to an effortlessly elevated table. Neptune.com
DECORATIONS Maven is where Belfast’s design crowd shop for subtle, Scandi-style festive touches - their &Tradition throw is our pick for understated seasonal luxury. Wearemaven.ie
“Festive
shopping in Belfast is all the more magical when combined with a trip to the Christmas Market in the grounds of the City Hall”
Roísín Carabine, Features Editor
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP &Tradition flowerpot lamp VP3, Wearemaven.ie; Wee Turf Fire candle, Wearebornandbred.com; Dilly Dally market flyer; Malborough footed bowl Neptune.com; Irish stamps print, Wehaveitallwrappedup.com; Sennan tableware, Neptune.com
CRAFT Step into The Irish Handmade Glass Company and you’ll find an Aladdin’s cave of mouth-blown crystal - every piece hand-cut, every shelf gleaming. Theirishhandmadeglasscompany. com
MARKET The Parkswood Tree Centre Market proves festive shopping doesn’t need frenzy, just good coffee, local makers, and proper Christmas spirit. Parkswoodtreecentre.com
GIFTS A Dungarvan favourite, Isabel’s Place has quietly become one of the best spots for thoughtful, magical gifting - smalltown charm, big design sensibility. Isabelsplace.ie
TABLESCAPES Ardmore Pottery boasts breathtaking Atlantic views, but it’s the shelves lined with work from over 150 Irish designers that steal the scene. Ardmorepottery.com
DECORATIONS End the trail where Irish craftsmanship began. House of Waterford Crystal is where traditional artistry meets contemporary sparkle. Waterford.com
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT Lovebirds trinket bowl & Bottle Garden Merry Christmas, Isabelsplace.ie; Robin redbreast bauble, Theirishhandmadeglasscompany.com; hand-cut Elton John x Waterford glass decoration & selection of handcut glassware, all Waterford.com; glass robins, Theirishhandmadeglasscompany.com; Foxford lambswool throws, Bread & Weather mint & lemongrass candle & McNutt linen napkins, all Ardmorepottery.com
“I love how Waterford still glows with craft, from crystal heritage to bright, coastal creativity”
Sarah Finnan, Writer
Thoughtful interior design mixes pattern, colour and style in the Milan home of La DoubleJ founder J.J. Martin
BY EMILIO PIMENTAL-REID PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDVINAS BRUZAS
The city of Milan has a multitude of different architectural styles: so-so postwar buildings, gems from the 1960s, 1920s fascist architecture, 18th- and 19th-century treasures, as well as those in the Liberty style, Italy’s version of Art Nouveau. “I’ve always been attracted to the older parts of Milan,” says American-born J.J. Martin, founder and creative director of La DoubleJ, the fashion and homeware label known
for its unapologetic maximalism plied with joy. “The street I live on is perhaps my favourite in the city,” she says. “It’s planted along its whole length with big, beautiful trees, a rarity in Milan, and is conveniently close to the park that I love, so I can walk my pug dog, Pepper, every morning. I really lucked into the place – I’d been searching for the perfect apartment forever and finally just walked down to this area that I knew I loved and
All Things Considered: Thoughtful interior design that mixes pattern, colour and style, by Emilio Pimental-Reid. Photography by Edvinas Bruzas, Quadrille, €40.60, Easons.com
started talking to all the doormen, asking if any apartments were available. Milan can be very bureaucratic, and some things can be slow. I took matters into my own hands and suddenly it all felt right. By chance this one was available. Homes to me are so important. I’m sensitive to the environment, as a Taurus – we are very tied to the home.”
J.J.’s building dates from 1910, and although it was built when the Liberty style was in full flow, it is actually in the Gothic Revival style of the 19th century. “It looks like a castle in brick and stone,” explains J.J. “In the apartment itself everything was handmade by artisans. All the mouldings are incredible. The doors all divide, and there is so much character.” She feels that this made the job of designing the interior much easier: “In this sort of setting the decorating requires less heavy lifting. I am a collaborative creative. Here I already had a theme given to me by the bones of the building that I could have a visual discourse with.”
J.J.’s friend, the decorative arts dealer Raimondo Garau, who has an amazing eye for furniture, helped her to track down just the right pieces. Although he did not decorate the interior, he was a great sounding board as the spaces evolved, each taking on their own personality. “There is not a single white wall,” says J.J. “All the colours were mixed by the painter onsite.” She knew she wanted a dark green for the guest bedroom, which is often occupied by any of her friends or spiritual teachers who happen to be passing through Milan. After trialling self-described ‘wimpy’
colours at the start, J.J. finally painted her own bedroom a deep burgundy. “Now I feel like I’m living inside the womb of Mother Earth,” she says. In the living room, a needlepoint tapestry of a unicorn surveys the apartment from one of the walls. “I collect art and go with visuals that make me excited,” explains J.J. “The unicorn is a mythical creature and represents magic. One could say it is the spirit animal of the whole house.”
“Every room in my apartment speaks to a different individual,” says J.J. Some love the bathroom, in which all her vintage necklaces are hung on the wall as though in a gallery. Others prefer the dining room, with its impactful wallpaper. “I was spending a lot of time in Bali,” J.J. explains. “My boyfriend at the time stumbled upon books there filled with Japanese collages. I took photos and asked my design team to create prints out of them. Although the designs weren’t suitable for clothing, I had an artist make me wallpaper instead. I measured all the walls myself and sent her all the measurements. Each wall is framed by colour, and she added my dog Pepper to the design.”
J.J. is a real homebody, and her environment is very important to her. “It’s something I need to curate,” she explains. “I need to have a wonderful, beautiful container that feels very well structured and organised and visually pleasing. That’s how I get my sense of safety. And then I can create from that place. In the end I need an interior that feels inviting, juicy, joyful.”
Ladoublej.com; @jjmartinmilan
“I think there are design rules, but I don’t know what they are, and I don’t follow them... It’s not a good idea to create an entire room that’s from one period. You really have to mix styles or materials. I like to have different surface textures. I also like symmetry in a room. Symmetry calms the system; it taps into sacred geometry, which is always symmetrical”
J.J. MARTIN ON WHAT MAKES A HOUSE A HOME: THE TAKE-AWAYS TO CONSIDER
JUXTAPOSITION I don’t know that I design by creating specific ‘vignettes’. Also, I don’t think anything in my home is truly ‘disparate’; even if they’re from completely different periods or parts of the world, they are things that evoke something important for me. Customising vintage pieces with some of my favourite La DoubleJ prints does keep a sort of fil rouge running through the space.
BALANCE Editing is a key part of creating a space that flows. Too many microprints can be jarring or overwhelming, but too much blank space can feel stark and sterile. Some of the rooms in my home have wildly patterned wallpaper, whereas others have a different solid colour. Even as a maximalist, I can appreciate that there must be some negative space if the eye is to have room to settle.
SURPRISE Perhaps the fact that every individual room has its own personality.
COLOUR Colour has its own energetic frequency that can be imprinted upon us as humans, so it’s vitally important to me. (It’s one of the reasons we at La DoubleJ create such colourful, wildly printed pieces – they spark joy.)
PATTERN Balance is key. In my dining room, for example, there’s a lot going
on with the walls, so I like to keep the table fairly minimal. The plain-painted rooms allow me to get more playful with patterned elements, such as cushions, vases or upholstered chairs. The printed rooms in my home have custom-made wallpaper. My bathroom has a La DoubleJ print and my dining room a custom-painted wallpaper by Kirsten Synge, based on the collages found in Bali.
TEXTURE Layering textures has to be about balance. My dining room has an intricate wallpaper, an oversized blue rattan Emmanuelle chair, a vintage Murano glass chandelier, and then a very simple square white Molteni office desk that I use as a dining table. It’s a textural playground.
MOOD My home is my sanctuary. I designed it specifically to make me feel good, to inspire my creativity, to be both unique and inviting.
LIMITATIONS & POSSIBILITIES There was not a single light in the apartment. You have to completely create a lighting system in an Italian interior, and that can require a lot of work. I have many interesting light sources in the apartment, and although some rooms don’t have enough light, I prefer to have moody lighting – it makes things more
romantic. Another challenge in Italian houses is that there is no storage. In particular, there are no closets in most buildings, and no built-in kitchens. I took a whole Poggenpohl kitchen from another apartment across town and had it reinstalled here. The price of reusing a vintage kitchen was less than the Ikea one I had budgeted for.
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED My home, just like me, is constantly evolving. It’s like a map of where I’ve been, what’s affected me most, and what’s stirring my imagination in the moment.
Sive O’Brien chats to jewellery designer and founder of Chupi, Chupi Sweetman-Durney, about gold kitchens, joyful design, and why home is now her North Star
MY HOME is my North Star. In my twenties and thirties, travel was my north star, then, we had our little girl in 2020 and bought our house, and everything changed. Home is where I feel whole.
WHAT MAKES OUR HOME
SPECIAL Our first house was a learning curve. We tried to honour its age so much it felt like a museum. A builder once said, ‘It feels like the 1800s in here!’ This house is different; it truly reflects us. With a brassgold kitchen and gold staircase, every detail is about joy, not just taste.
MY DESIGN ETHOS As a designer, I always begin with why: How do you want to feel? This guides everything, from designing rings to designing and decorating our home. Case in point: rather than having rooms with no purpose, I chose to transform an empty bedroom into a beautiful office that brings joy every day. Design should always spark joy.
MY DESIGN RULES I love the idea of the little red thread - not the Christmas one - the one that ties your interiors together. The details connect everything. If I could give one design rule, it’s this: use things that bring you joy every day.
MY BIGGEST OBSESSION Bows!
Bows on clothes, bow on jewellery, bows
on Christmas trees. Last year I made a huge linen bow for our tree, inspired by Kindred of Ireland - I believe everything looks better with a bow.
A WELL-DESIGNED HOME
IS welcoming. It should feel safe, warm, happy, and ready for company. We designed our kitchen to host. At Christmas, I set up a little cocktail bar so guests can help themselves, grab a drink, and feel at home. I want everyone to know they are welcome here.
CHRISTMAS AT OUR HOUSE
Christmas interiors should be you with added sparkle. I’m not into the fast-Christmas idea of throwing away decorations and buying new ones every year. We have 25 years’ worth of ornaments, some are battered, but they’re part of our story. Each one has a date written on it. I want the chaos, the joy, the sparkle - not perfection.
ON MY CHRISTMAS LIST I’m dreaming of Luster champagne coupes from April and the Bear - the only way to serve a French 75! I also love their disco balls. We put one in our kitchen last year, and when the sun hits it, the joy is unreal. This year, I’ll go for a cluster. If Santa’s especially kind, I’d love &Tradition’s Wulff ATD2 lounge chairs from Lost Weekendthey look so cosy.
FROM TOP LEFT 1 Chupi at home 2 Chupi’s brass-gold kitchen 3 Luster champagne glasses, €29.95 set of two 4 Velvet bow decoration, €12.95, both Aprilandthebear.com 5 &Tradition Wulff lounge chair, €5,165, Lostweekend.ie 6 A giant linen tree bow, Chupi’s Christmas 2024
