This Castleknock home has been given a warm, laid back update that works for the whole family
From an adorable playroom to chilled-out spaces for the adults to relax, the design also incorporates practical elements such as storage and improved lighting.
The owners of this Castleknock home had lived there for a number of years but hadn’t found the time to make the interiors their own. With a young family and busy careers, they decided to enlist Deirdre O’Connell of Dtale Design to help them add some personality into their space.
“We were tasked to renovate the ground floor of the house, including the hallway, living room, playroom and dining area,” Deirdre explains. “The four-bedroom home was in a secluded enclave in Castleknock, built circa 2016. The double-fronted redbrick has all modern cons, generous room sizes and a lot of open space. All the rooms were well-maintained, so no structural work was required.”
The first step was to find out what form the design should take. “The design needed to fit their changing way of life with authenticity and style,” Deirdre says. “We started a design process to understand their personalities and behaviours, to reflect this in the aesthetic while tackling practical solutions like added storage, a new dining area and much-improved lighting.”
Part of the process involved working with existing pieces of furniture, such as the sofa and some built-in storage, while the homeowners had already invested in some artwork.
Colour was also an important part of this project. “The colour and material palette chosen was contemporary yet neutral, with off-whites and subtle shades of greens and blues throughout. Materials selected were earthy and soft-to-touch, with texture and natural warmth in everything.”
Some spaces were given added interest, such as the hallway. “The addition of contemporary wall panels added depth, while distinctive open steel lanterns by Visual Comfort and rechargeable wall lights from Pooky gave an aesthetically pleasing soft glow to nighttime,” Deirdre says. “New internal doors were installed, in a dark painted finish with antique brass fixtures and hardware. A bold antique Yalameh Persian rug is the focus, complementing the artwork by Audrey Hamilton.”
In the dining area, tones of wood and distressed gold detailing are set against the rich Zoffany Gargoyle paint on the walls and woodwork. The room gets bright sunshine, so voile adds a layer of textural warmth and is used to block direct sunlight. A stained oak table by Shanley sits over a rug with six angular dining chairs.
The adjoining living room continues the same paint colour. “This space was dark and northerly,” Deirdre explains. “We opted for laid back, Californian vibes with shades of off-white and natural tones; layered with subtle, autumnal rusts and greens. The existing large off-white sofa is from Shanley, with a coffee table and accessories from Rockhill in Blackrock.”
The kids’ playroom is colour-drenched in Mizzle by Farrow and Ball. “Bespoke joinery fills a window void and gives new seating and ample storage in an otherwise dead space. Lighting was selected from Pooky and Mullan Lighting to build the neoclassical style, and a 100% wool easy-clean Ecru Boucle by Deco Design covers the herringbone floor.”
The result is a home that feels warm and welcoming, with plenty of character. “It’s now a space they truly love: beautiful and youthful, warm yet lived-in, one they are proud to call their home.”
Photography: Tristan Hutchinson
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