Galway-based interior designer Lynne O’Loughlin created more storage and space for the homeowners’ antiques collection …
Image; Interior designer Lynne O’Loughlin, director of Lynne O’Loughlin Designs, in front of the original Victorian fireplace and mirror. The blue chair and coffee table are from Acquired.ie and the green rug is from Nordic Knots.
“A Victorian house of this calibre, from its rich detailing in the brickwork to high ceilings and orientation is a rare find in Galway,” explains interior designer Lynne O’Loughlin who particularly enjoyed overseeing this eight-month renovation project. The three-bedroom townhouse, home to a family of four, comprises two reception rooms on the ground floor with a connecting corridor leading to a kitchen extension which includes a bathroom and boot room.
The dining room features an antique table and chairs from Acquired.ie with a vessel by Irish ceramicist Grainne Watts. It is painted in Wimborne White and the ceiling in Setting Plaster, both by Farrow & Ball. The light is from Visual Comfort.
“The owners wanted to embrace the era of the property and restore some of the original features,” says Lynne. “They were invested in the design and saw themselves very much as custodians of the house. Part of the brief was to create a sympathetic backdrop to showcase their love of antiques as well as improving storage facilities.”
Kontour Kitchens supplied the kitchen fittings; the stone worktop is from Cosentino; Concept 366 bar stools are from CA Design; the lights are from Mullan Lighting. The semi-solid oak-limed floor is from The Door Centre.
Structural repairs were the starting point which included restoring the plasterwork and panelling in addition to the shutters and doors. New floors were installed throughout. An attic space was converted into an additional bedroom while a former storage room on a upper floor became the laundry. “This meant the small utility room downstairs was freed up to create a boot room. We removed the door to make the space larger and added a new picture window which looked out onto an internal courtyard. This made a huge difference to the light and space,” explains Lynne.
The master bedroom and dressing room features bespoke furniture by Kontour Kitchen. The crittall-style white steel doors, from the Door Centre, divide the room.
Once the structural work was complete, the interior decoration began. “My background in Fine Art Printmaking from Limerick School of Art and Design has influenced my artistic approach and understanding of aesthetics,” says Lynne, who also lectures in interior design at Atlantic Technological University.
The dressing room has an oak island unit painted in chocolate brown.
Her style is characterised by clean lines, fresh colour palettes, and an appreciation for symmetry and balance. In this project she implemented a detailed paint palette using a selection of neutrals as well as deeply pigmented hues, all by Farrow & Ball.
The Pooky light fittings are from Mullan Lighting, and the antique bedside tables are from Acquired.ie. The headboard is from Finline Furniture, Cork; the curtains and bed drapes were made by Carmel O’Flynn.
The biggest investment was in a new bathroom layout and bespoke fitted furniture in the master bedroom which provided valuable extra storage. The interiors seamlessly incorporated heirloom pieces that add character to the space. “This combination of contemporary influences and personal flair defines my approach to design and drives my creative practice.”
On the landing, the runner is by Sophie Cooney. Pooky lights and mirror are from Mullan Lighting.
The bathroom includes original floor tiles and freestanding bath, repainted, and an antique washstand, with sanitary ware from Bathroom World and taps from Cross Water UK. The artwork is by Elizabeth Banim. The bathroom is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Oval Room Blue.
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