Clever layered lighting brings warmth and atmosphere to all the rooms


kitchen (with a vaulted ceiling) boasts hand-cut tiles and natural marble, creating a space that is both traditional and yet hard wearing enough for family life. Bespoke features elsewhere include the cottage-style doors, which are limewashed in a textured, matt fi nish. aimh and ohns daughters bunkbeds are also bespoke, with a whimsical touch in the cosy corners, reading lights and bobbin-style trim. “With older cottages, standard sizes and layouts rarely work, so going bespoke allowed us to make every inch count. Every design choice was grounded in the reality of how the cottage is used,” says Geri. The standout feature of the renovation is an antiue rose pink fi replace in the living room. Sourced by Geri, it is framed by antique bricks from France, laid in a herringbone pattern. “This was our biggest splurge, but it was so worth it!” laughs aimh.


The couple opted for reclaimed materials


where possible to stay true to the traditions of the west coast. The palette is grounded in tones that connect to the landscape: greens, blues and warm ochres, and the result is cohesive and distinctive. “Pattern adds rhythm and a sense of


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narrative to each room,” says Geri. In the master suite, the wallpapered ceiling


creates a cocoon effect. The headboard, upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric, and a bespoke copper bath, are juxtaposed with some antique pieces. This is a room that makes luxury an everyday essential.


On a practical level, layout changes created a


mudroom and pantry downstairs, while a new reception room, at the front of the house, boasts a tumbled limestone fl oor and discreet ohn Cullen lighting. Clever layered lighting brings warmth and atmosphere to all the rooms. “We enhanced natural light through lighter-toned paints and refl ective fi nishes,” says eri. “And we layered artifi cial lighting by adding spots into window reveals, concealed LED strips, wall sconces and fl oor lamps.”


ow completed, the cottage is a modern family home that feels joyful, authentic and the perfect storybook setting for childhood memories. “Summer is amazing, we go for walks to the beach and enjoy picnics in the back garden,” says aimh. “And Christmas is magical.”


CONTACTS/ SUPPLIERS


Zoffany www.zoffany.design


Little Greene www.littlegreene.com


Summergray www.summergray.com


Lusso Stone www.lussostone.com


John Cullen John Cullen www.johncullenlighting.com


Bauwerk www.bauwerkcolour.com


Neptune www.neptune.com


Geri O’Toole www.geridesigns.ie


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