My home is a hunting lodge in the valley of Annamoe, built in the late 1880s for Emily Synge, sister of poet and playwright John Millington Synge. Synge would apparently come for the weekend to hang out, picnic and walk, much as we do now. Artists, writers and sculptors followed Emily as tenants, a long line of crazy inhabitants. I have lived here full-time since 2012, after a decade-long labour of love restoring the house.

In my dream, I wanted to resolve the layout which was a bit higgeldy-piggeldy, and bring the light in everywhere. Architect Kim Dreyer, who also lives in Wicklow, has an affinity for light and simplicity and together we realised my vision. Light streams in from every angle. We did the work entirely with local builders, carpenters and artisans, all within a five-kilometre radius.

The house is romantic, but not old-fashioned. I call it edgy romantic. Wonderful Sharon Ryle, also from Wicklow, helped me and together we had great fun sourcing things; a shabby chic fireplace found at a closing-down sale, light fittings from New York. Wallpapers – vintage French, heritage English – depict the magic of nature: birds, bees, leaves, vines. I was never in a hurry when decorating. The journey is the best part. I’m patient and particular about my choices. It’s not perfectionism, but being happy with what you have chosen. I never tire of my surroundings. Not that there aren’t areas that need attention – a guest bedroom still requires a bed after ten years. The story is still unfolding.

The house is autobiographical. Throughout my life, whether in Florence, Milan, Paris or New York City, I have picked up little treasures. Now, I can see hydrangeas from my mum’s garden in a bric a brac vase, glasses an ex-boyfriend made, cards, a teddy my friend gave me. An affirmation from Malibu: “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” I try to. A Durer drawing of a hare – my dad’s totem. Talismans. Art by friends and family – Shelly Suiter, Susan Morley, Patrick Walshe, Brian McCarthy, Rocco Tullio, Pauline Bewick, Romio and Sophie Shresta, my goddaughter Topaz. As with fashion and fabric, I respond instantly to what I see, and what I like.

Home is my workspace too, and where I meet clients by appointment. So there must be an ambience, a dream of a lifestyle made real. It must be a feast for the eyes, so the visitor feels embraced, relaxed, opened up, visually aware. Illness shrank my world to my house, literally, for a time. Home was a sanctuary. I found the house in a shambles and I restored it and in turn it helped me to heal. Life is different now – I can do things, I have choices. Breathing and seeing are everyday luxuries.

One of my favourite things is a small round Georgian table I inherited from a dear late friend when he was moving house. It is the perfect size for chatting while I cook with friends, for eating, for drawing, making notes. The tree painting on the easel is by Patrick Walshe. 

In the conservatory, light governs my activities. On fine days, I draw here, and spy on red squirrels through my binoculars, surrounded by the plants which won’t survive outside. I love this room. I have green fingers. If I had another life to live I would to be a horticulturist or a gardener. The parasol I found a long time ago in a shop in Wicklow town. I like the way it brings romance to the room. Now that we can’t travel, I dream of John Derian’s Astier de Villatte store on NYC.