How Chris Loves Julia Flipped a 77-Square-Foot Hallway Into a Sunny Playroom

Derek and Cliona Hosty embarked on a nearly decade-long journey to transform a modest 1930s two-bedroom Dublin home into a spacious dwelling suitable for their family of seven. The initial phase of their ambitious renovation project faced an unexpected obstacle when their first redesign proposal was rejected. Upon submitting an alternative plan, planning permission was further delayed due to objections from Irish Water regarding the relocation of a water pipe in their back garden. Despite adjacent properties receiving approval for similar alterations, Irish Water insisted on a six-meter access on both sides of the pipe, a requirement that could not be met due to space constraints. Cliona took direct action by visiting Irish Water's offices without an appointment. During an impromptu meeting with the officials handling their case, she presented their plans and explained their desire to divert the pipe along the back garden. This direct engagement proved successful, leading to Irish Water's agreement and the subsequent approval of their planning permission. This challenge with Irish Water was one of many encountered by the couple over three years from purchasing the house to finally moving in. However, their determination to create an ideal home for their family remained unwavering. Their commitment eventually paid off, culminating in a home three times the size of the original, earning them a spot in the top three of the "Home of the Year" final. The house is meticulously designed to cater to their family's needs, featuring abundant natural light, expansive living areas, smart storage solutions, and innovative design elements. This achievement is particularly notable given the turbulent Irish property market they navigated and their experiences living abroad in Norway. In Norway, Derek worked for Telenor, and the family appreciated the country's work-life balance and affordable childcare, which cost less than €300 per month. They observed a more equitable distribution of parental duties, with many fathers actively involved in school pickups. A memorable experience in Norway was the birth of their fifth child, Seimi, where hospital stays were remarkably affordable. Despite the advantages, the social integration with Norwegians proved challenging, and the harsh climate, with snow from October to May, eventually prompted their return to Ireland in January 2018. Back in Ireland, they secured a mortgage by leveraging Derek’s employment history to avoid probation issues. They soon found a two-bedroom house in Ballinteer, an area they admired for its amenities and walkability, which they saw as a blank canvas for their renovation aspirations. Initially, their plans were deemed "overbearing" by planners, necessitating a reduction of 25 square meters from their proposed floor plan. This setback prompted them to rethink their design, focusing on creating a kitchen island large enough for seven people and incorporating ample storage and sleeping arrangements for their growing family and occasional guests. They also decided to lower the ground floor level to achieve higher ceilings. While awaiting final planning approval, they proactively undertook demolition work, removing the old kitchen and bathroom extensions, and stripping the house of its ceilings and floors. The renovation journey was financially demanding, as they simultaneously paid rent on their temporary accommodation and a mortgage on the house undergoing renovation. This led them to temporarily relocate to Galway, staying with Derek’s parents, until construction commenced in December 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic further disrupted the project, halting construction in March 2020. Once work resumed, Cliona and Derek personally managed the build, traveling frequently between Galway and Dublin to oversee progress while juggling work and childcare responsibilities. They finally moved into their dream home in July 2021, three years after its purchase. The old house underwent a complete overhaul, with replastering, insulation, underfloor heating, and full redecoration. Significant structural changes included relocating the front door to the side of the house and replacing the original entrance with a window, creating two living rooms downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. The new extension features a large open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area with a spacious island, innovative lighting, and customized features like symmetrically placed ovens. The house also includes a new downstairs bathroom and an upstairs en-suite bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe. Another bedroom boasts a unique sleeping unit accessible by a ladder, designed to accommodate multiple children or guests. Cliona's minimalist aesthetic, influenced by her time in Norway, is evident throughout the decor. Her passion for interior design, sparked by decorating one of her children's bedrooms, led her to develop a significant social media following. She meticulously researched suppliers, opting for cost-effective solutions like laminate flooring from Tipperary and concrete lights from New Style Lights. The couple views their challenging three-year renovation as worthwhile, having resulted in a family-centric, practical, and aesthetically pleasing home filled with fun and unique touches. #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign #DublinProperty #DIYRenovation #HomeOfTheYear #IrishWater #NorwayLiving

The article details the transformation of a “dark” Craftsman bungalow parlor into a brighter, more inviting space by stager Sarah Reed. The original parlor, typical of Craftsman-style homes, suffered from a lack of natural light due to its architectural design and placement. Reed's primary objective was to counteract this inherent dimness by strategically using color, furniture arrangement, and textiles to enhance the room's luminosity and perceived spaciousness. The initial state of the parlor presented challenges common to older homes, including limited light and potentially outdated decor that contributed to a heavy, dark atmosphere. Reed began the transformation by implementing a thoughtful color palette. Instead of relying on stark white, she chose soft, light neutral tones for the walls, which effectively reflected available light and created a sense of openness without making the room feel sterile. This choice was crucial in setting the foundation for a brighter environment. Furniture selection and placement played a significant role in the parlor's metamorphosis. Reed opted for pieces that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional in enhancing the room's brightness. The sofa was chosen in a light gray hue, contributing to the overall airy feel. Complementing the sofa, two accent chairs in white were introduced, further brightening the seating area. The arrangement of these pieces was carefully considered to maximize open floor space and light flow, avoiding clutter that could absorb light and make the room feel smaller. Textiles were another key element in Reed's staging strategy. A cozy rug, featuring a blend of white and gray, was selected. Reed emphasized the importance of rug size, noting that an 8’x10’ rug was appropriate for the room's dimensions, allowing both the sofa and accent chairs to rest comfortably with their front legs on it. This thoughtful detail helps to anchor the seating arrangement and prevent the space from feeling disjointed. Additionally, chunky light neutral textiles, such as throw pillows and blankets, were incorporated to add texture and warmth while maintaining the bright aesthetic. The combination of these design choices—light wall colors, carefully selected light-colored furniture, and coordinating textiles—resulted in a parlor that feels significantly lighter and more spacious than its original state. The transformation successfully addressed the challenge of inherent dimness in the Craftsman home, creating an appealing and comfortable living area. The article concludes by noting the effectiveness of Reed's staging, as the house went under contract shortly after being listed, indicating the positive impact of her design work on potential buyers. #HomeStaging #InteriorDesign #CraftsmanBungalow #RoomTransformation #BrighteningSpaces #NeutralDecor #HomeRenovation #RealEstateStaging