Reflective Surfaces Add Intrigue To A Fashionable Dublin Home

The entryway serves as both the first impression for guests and the welcoming space for residents returning home. During peak guest season, particularly around holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or for social gatherings such as book club meetings, a well-designed entrance is crucial for leaving a lasting impression. Beyond impressing visitors, the entryway's design should also cater to the needs of the occupants, offering a warm embrace after a busy day and reflecting their personal style. This article compiles insights from interior design experts Isabel Runsewe, Laura Solensky, and Chantelle Hartman Malarkey, who share eight essential elements for updating and enhancing an entryway. Statement lighting is highlighted as a key element for elevating the entryway, moving beyond traditional placement in living and dining rooms. Isabel Runsewe suggests that updating lighting in the foyer, whether by changing bulbs to an appropriate hue or replacing fixtures and adding medallions, can significantly enhance warmth and sophistication, setting a relaxed atmosphere. Options range from bold sculptural fixtures to vintage sconces or stylish table lamps, all contributing to the space's overall aesthetic and functionality. A mirror is considered indispensable for any entryway by Laura Solensky. Regardless of the size of the entrance, a mirror allows for a quick check of appearance before leaving the house and, more importantly, brightens up the space, a particular benefit for smaller or naturally dark entryways. Curated artwork is another way to transform an entryway from bland to design-forward, creating an inviting mood. The experts emphasize that this doesn't require significant investment; framing family photos or printing personal snapshots can personalize the area effectively without breaking the bank. To make a strong and memorable impression, oversized pieces are recommended. Chantelle Hartman Malarkey advises incorporating large decor items like oversized lanterns, candles, or vases. However, she cautions against cluttering the space, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open flow to avoid a cramped feeling. Functional storage solutions are also critical. Malarkey advocates for a stylized entryway table or console, which not only provides a surface for decorative items but also offers practical storage for grab-and-go essentials, combining aesthetics with utility. Adding prints and texture through walls and wallpaper can inject fun and personality into the entryway. Malarkey suggests using bold prints and textures to capture attention, while Runsewe recommends aligning wallpaper choices with the home's general aesthetic. Subdued tones can also accommodate seasonal decor changes, offering versatility. Stylish floor treatments are integral to the entryway's design. Refreshing old floorboards with varnish or paint, or incorporating a runner or rug, can significantly impact the space. Solensky notes that rugs serve both functional purposes, such as wiping feet and containing mess, and aesthetic ones, by introducing color, pattern, and personality. For those with the budget for new flooring, Malarkey suggests graphic tiles to create a dramatic and memorable first impression. Finally, personal items infuse the entryway with unique character, making it truly feel like a home. Examples include built-in bookshelves for avid readers, plants and vines for plant enthusiasts, or displaying family heirlooms like paintings or dishes. Malarkey emphasizes that customizing the space with elements that reflect personal interests or heritage can initiate conversations and foster a deeper connection for guests. #EntrywayDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #StatementLighting #Mirrors #Artwork #OversizedDecor #StorageSolutions #TexturedWalls

Many homes feature rooms that lack abundant natural light due to factors such as north-facing orientation, ground-floor location, or external obstructions like large trees or neighboring buildings. However, even in such challenging scenarios, it is possible to enhance the brightness and overall ambiance of these spaces. Interior designers offer several strategies to counteract the dimness and create a more inviting atmosphere. Maximizing the existing natural light is a primary step. This involves selecting appropriate window treatments, such as light, airy fabrics for drapery or shades that allow sunlight to filter through. Options like sheer drapes in white hues, particularly linen sheers, can soften windows and introduce texture. Avoiding heavy window coverings like wood shutters, which can reduce light ingress, is also recommended. Choosing a simple and light overall color palette contributes significantly to brightening a room. A "less is more" approach to colors, augmented by textural elements such as plaster or lime-wash walls, can create depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space. Similarly, lighter flooring patterns, like herringbone, and subtle marble patterns for features like fireplace surrounds, can foster a holistic and visually appealing environment. Painting walls with light, reflective colors such as soft whites or pale neutrals provides an airy foundation. If a full room repaint is not feasible, painting the ceiling white or surfacing it with warm wood can make a substantial difference, as dark ceilings tend to make rooms feel smaller. When selecting paint colors, the room's orientation is a critical consideration; for north-facing rooms with cooler, diffused light, paints with warm undertones, such as Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-29, are effective in preventing the space from feeling cold or dull. Furniture choices also play a crucial role. Large, dark furniture pieces can exacerbate the dimness of a room. Opting for lighter-colored fabrics, such as light beige for sofas, or incorporating accent pieces in powder blue or light sage, can lighten the seating areas. Viewing furniture as sculptural elements within a gallery can help in selecting pieces that enhance rather than diminish brightness. Layering artificial lighting is essential where natural light is limited. Incorporating various light sources like lamps, chandeliers, and sconces can illuminate the space and add visual intrigue. The use of metallic finishes, such as gold or brass, and glass or light-colored decor accents can further reflect light and amplify brightness, transforming dark spaces into warm and inviting ones. Addressing dark wood flooring is another key strategy. If refinishing the floors to a lighter shade is not an option, strategically placed lighter-colored area rugs can effectively break up the dark expanse and define living spaces, making the room feel brighter. Finally, mirrors are a simple yet effective tool for enhancing brightness. Placing full-length mirrors in the darkest corners or arranging smaller mirrors as art can reflect natural or artificial light around the room, adding elegance and depth to the decor, especially when positioned across from windows or other light sources. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Lighting #ColorPalette #RoomBrightness #FurnitureSelection #MirrorPlacement #WindowTreatments

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 "Showhouse Resource Guide" provides a comprehensive list of designers, brands, and specific items used in the "Design Hollywood at the Century" showcase, highlighting the creative vision and detailed sourcing behind each curated space. The guide categorizes the contributions by residence and specific rooms, offering insights into the diverse styles and design philosophies employed by the participating designers. For Residence 20A, Joan Behnke’s master bedroom and closets featured pieces from Scott Daniel for Environment (table lamps), Stark Carpet (area rug), Micucci (cashmere throws, pillow covers), and Holly Hunt (Christian Astuguevieille cabinet, Sandra Jordan drapery fabric). Other notable contributions included custom casegoods by G&E Custom, plaster work by Arte Bella, and various accessories from Charles Jacobsen and Vis-a-Vis. The master closets were styled by Clos-ette, with clothing from Brooks Brothers and Shopbop. Tim Clarke’s dining room showcased furniture and a rug from Grace Home Furnishings, sconces from Circa Lighting, and wallpaper by Caba/Barkskin. His own designs for dining chairs and decorative accessories were also featured. Waldo Fernandez’s Great Room incorporated a bronze sled-based ottoman by Calvin Klein Home, a floor lamp from Circa Lighting, and several Jean Royere-inspired pieces by Waldo’s Designs, such as the Ours Polaire sofa, chairs, sconces, and a console. Other unique items included a vintage Moroccan rug from Mansour and French Georges Jouve vases from JF Chen. Jane Hallworth’s Bedroom 2 included bathroom sconces and table lamps from Circa Lighting, wall and drapery fabric from Beacon Hill, and a walnut music console from BDDW. Blackman Cruz provided a bronze record side table and a molar stool, while Lee Stanton contributed vitrines and artwork. The room also featured a rug from Jamal’s Antique Rug Collection and paintings by Jaime Orozco. Kathryn M. Ireland’s kitchen and family room highlighted a sectional sofa from Grace Home, a console from Environment, and her own designs for sheer curtain drapery, pillows, and a coffee table. Photographs from Peter Fetterman Gallery and a rug from Woven Accents completed the space. Robert A.M. Stern Architects designed the elevator vestibule with Farrow & Ball ceiling paint, an overhead light from Maison Gerard, and sconces by Pascal Boyer. Dragonette supplied a decorative screen, and a bench from Bernd Goeckler was upholstered with Edelman Leather. Adam Bram Straus’s powder room and hallway utilized Stark Carpet for wall upholstery fabric and Farrow & Ball paint. His own designs for the vanity and bookcases were fabricated by Showcase Cabinets, with art from Los Angeles Modern Auctions and John Wolf Fine Art. Between Residences 20A and 20B, Cliff Fong’s passage featured Farrow & Ball paint, furniture, lighting, and art from Galerie Half and JF Chen, and rugs from Woven Accents and J Illoulian. In Residence 20B, Natasha Baradaran’s powder room and hallway displayed a spider rug by Neisha Crosland from The Rug Company, an axel console by Jean De Merry, and a custom mirror from Downtown. Her own facett bench was upholstered with Dedar fabric from Kneedler-Fauchere. The powder room included a Ramo mirror by Jean De Merry and a Doria crystal chandelier from Downtown. Oliver M. Furth’s elevator vestibule featured Farrow & Ball paint, an antique malayer carpet from Stark Carpet, and unique items such as 19th-century North Korean Bandaji chests from Susanne Hollis and “Argente” stools by Paul Evans from Galerie XX. JF Chen provided Dutch Bubble-Glass sconces and a convex horn mirror. Trip Haenisch’s master bedroom and closets included a rug from The Rug Company, bathroom sconces from Circa Lighting, and Fromental Wallcoverings wallpaper. Custom Cal king beds and throw pillows were sourced from Thomas Lavin/Mark Alexander and Hollywood at Home/Peter Dunham, respectively. Marmol Radziner & Associates’ Bedroom 3 showcased Beacon Hill throw pillow fabric, Calvin Klein Home bedding, and a goat fur rug from The Rug Company. Custom walnut beds and leather-wrapped nightstands were created by Marmol Radziner Cabinet Shop. Nickey • Kehoe’s Bedroom 2 featured Stark Carpet wallpaper, a tapestry art piece from The Rug Company, and chairs from Nickey · Kehoe. Walnut supplied niche book wallpaper, and artwork was sourced from Sears Peyton Gallery. David Phoenix’s Great Room incorporated Beacon Hill fabric for drapes and furniture, Jean De Merry cocktail tables and sconces, and an area rug from Natural Carpet Company. Warner Bros. constructed the sectional sofa and club chairs, while fine art and sculpture were provided by Travis Hansson. This detailed guide serves as a valuable resource for understanding the design elements and collaborations that brought the showcase to life. #InteriorDesign #Showhouse #DesignHollywood #HomeDecor #LuxuryDesign #InteriorStyling #Furniture #Textiles #Lighting