How interior designer Sara Cosgrove transformed a tired period home in Dublin
Originally from Co Mayo, after studying at Trinity, Sara Cosgrove moved to London to study at KLC School of Design, and worked at design practices Helen Green Design and Candy & Candy, before being appointed Head of Design at Harrods. In 2014 she set up her own design business, and shortly after joined forces with Starwood Capital on the launch of an exciting new hospitality brand as Design Director. Sara and her team work on luxury residential private commissions and luxury hospitality across Ireland, the UK, US and Europe. Earlier this year Sara was a judge on RTÉ 1’s popular property show Home of the Year. She will be launching a lighting collection in September 2022.
“We started working with our clients, a dynamic couple, to breathe new life into a Victorian period house that had suffered years of neglect,” she explains. “They wanted to respect the fabric of the building, for example reinstating and repairing exquisite plasterwork, but also to create a fresh, layered interior. Their new home had to fit their busy day-to-day lives, including options for working from home. They also had several antique and mid-century pieces they wanted to integrate. These we layered with new contemporary finds and bespoke elements.”
Here’s how Sara made it happen.
In the entrance hall, style is fused with practicality whilst creating a strong first impression. The traditional geometric floor pattern provides a smart impact, while drapes added to the main door assist with insulation and acoustics.
The natural light that floods the main reception area – thanks to the tall windows – is complemented by richer tones in the interior choices. The cut velvet Samuela and Sons trim on the wool curtains serves to elevate and add interest.
The concept for this room was all about creating a grown space with a light relaxed feel. Several antique pieces are integrated alongside comfortable seating and feature art.
Next to the main reception area, dark wood floors and Hague Blue walls from Farrow and Ball provide depth to a hangout zone. The dark walls and floors are complimented by a signature Felim Egan painting from DeVeres.
The other key feature of the room- apart from the beautiful architectural features – was the signature bespoke rug by Wendy Morrison.
The main bathroom has a modern and organic feel, featuring light, warmly-coloured wood.
The main bedroom offers a serene and restful escape, but with a practical approach.
Fitted wardrobes, a comfy reading chair and detailed dressing area ensure that this room works as an elegant oasis.
The kitchen is housed in the new extension. Beautifully crafted by Woodale with some additional playful accents.
Earthy yet elegant, the space is the heart of the house.
The dining chairs and table were a family heirloom of the clients’, the deep brown wood lovingly restored.
LONG COATS
Look great, stay warm
Raisin Esher wool coat, €1,275, Joseph. Beige long-sleeve sweater with button details, €2,200; pink mini skirt, €1,200; black leather boots, €1,650; all Louis Vuitton. BEAUTY TIP Bare legs: Weleda Skin Food Body Butter, €23.50 at Boots, is a nourishing natural glow-giver.
SHIMMER & SHINE
High-watt embellishment
Rust embroidered tulle dress, €19,600; latte lambskin 30 Montaigne handbag, €3,400; both Dior. BEAUTY TIP A hint of emerald metallic on eyes for the midnight hour: Clarins 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palette 07 Bronze Gradation, €41; www.clarins.ie.
CLASSIC SUITS
Tailoring is back
Purple double-breasted blazer, €2,500; matching wide-leg trousers, €1,300; black logo leather chainhandle bag, €1,800; all Valentino, at Brown Thomas. Black Cypress leather boots, €182, Steve Madden. BEAUTY TIP For smooth hair with shine: Aveeno Clarify & Shine Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner, €9.99 each, are gently detoxifying. At pharmacies nationwide.
WHITE NIGHTS
White-on-white dressing
White sable dress, €2,480; black leather belt, €410; both Miu Miu. Black Cobra leather boots, €163, Steve Madden. Dark Havana squareframe sunglasses, €550, Christian Dior. BEAUTY TIP Luna by Lisa Petal Glow Lipgloss, €12, is a low-key, moisturising lip colour; www.lunabylisa.ie.
TWIN SETS
Matching sets look effortless
Sage green silk chiffon blouse, €4,500; matching pleated skirt with leather pouch, €8,200; green velvet boots, €1,600; all Hermès. BEAUTY TIP Try to prep nails with Chanel’s La Base Camélia, €32, and you’ll help to keep them naturally healthy. At Chanel counters nationwide.
TWEED TASTIC
Heritage fabrics for autumn
Ecru and grey tweed jacket, €10,200; matching tweed skirt, €3,700; tweed and calfskin handbag, €4,200; black rubber boots, €980; all Chanel. BEAUTY TIP A light, subtle flush for cheeks enhances glowing skin: try Chanel Water-Fresh Eau de Blush in Light Pink, €52.
PREPPY COOL
Pleated checks paired with denim
Black denim jacket, €2,800; white cotton poplin blouse, €1,300; black and yellow Check’n’Dior wool skirt, €3,300; black rubber and neoprene ankle boots, €1,950; black and white cotton socks, €420; all Christian Dior. Black tie, stylist’s own. BEAUTY TIP All you need is a hot matte red: try new Rouge Dior Forever in 999.
BRIGHT & BOLD
Neon nights
Yellow belted V-neck midi dress, €890, Victoria Beckham, at Brown Thomas. Neon yellow lambskin boots, €1,690, Balenciaga. BEAUTY TIP For glowing skin, up the moisture with Augustinus Bader The Light Cream, €155, at Brown Thomas Dundrum.
Credits
Models | Delilah Koch | Heroes
Director | Amanda Pratt
Stylist | Luis Rodriguez
Director of Photography | David Matthew Walters
Hair | Paul Fields
Makeup | Pat Bates
Stylist Assistant | Seoul Choi | Nate Woodruff
Digi Tech | Chris Glover
Film Production | DreamClay Pictures
Equipment | Jack Studio
Lighting Tech | YC Dong | Celso Assunco
Audio Track : Tonight Only | White Hot
Music @freebeats.io
Watch the behind the scenes video here.
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