A calm and harmonious interior, bespoke artwork and exquisite finishes make this apartment ultra-interesting…
Architect: John Kelly, Lyons Kelly Interior Designer: Eoin Lyons, Lyons Kelly
Over the past few years, changes have been afoot for the owner of this fine apartment in Dublin’s embassy belt. Though she travels a lot for work, she has decided to spend as much time as possible in her home city. Key to this decision was her plan to transform what was a spacious but uninspiring apartment in a large redbrick Victorian house in Dublin 4 into a space that shared all the luxury attributes of a five–star luxury hotel, with the pleasures and comforts of home. Rumour has it that Queen Victoria was once destined to visit this house which, at the time, had a very fine ballroom. It was probably in the 1930s that the house was converted to flats, the ballroom seemingly obliterated. After a period living in the apartment, and believing its potential had not yet been realised, the owner reached out to architect John Kelly and interior designer Eoin Lyons of LyonsKelly to conceptualise a new interior, and open the next chapter in the history of the property.
The champagne velvet sofa is by Orior, the glass 1950s wall lights from Carlton Davisdon, floor lamp by Christian Liaigre, coffee table by Tom Faulkner. The fireplace wall is lined in linen panels by Pierre Frey and the alabaster wall lights are by Hervé van der Straeten. The mirror is from Angela Ball. Over the sofa, a triptych by Kate MacDonagh from the Solomon Gallery. The rug is by Nourison from TC Matthews.
A glimpse of the Cesar kitchen from Realm.
The Dublin-based design firm’s approach emphasises the small details. In a LyonsKelly interior you’ll find all the things you need to live your normal, day-to-day life – beautiful kitchens, living spaces, studies and bedrooms that are functional and comfortable. The brand’s chic, contemporary aesthetic ties everything beautifully together, and the thoughtful integration of the client’s lifestyle creates positive word of mouth. But, for LyonsKelly, it’s not just about the superficial layers: they are also always keen to unearth what lies beneath the structure they are faced with.
In this case, the architect of the duo John Kelly uncovered an absolute gem. The apartment proved to be part of the aforementioned ballroom, its soaring ceilings just waiting to be restored, and with enough remnants of its fine and intricate plasterwork for faithful replication of the original to be put in place.
A 1930s onyx table in the hall.
The oak veneer kitchen is by Realm with Breccia marble worktops and upper cabinets in brushed bronze. The wall light is by Gubi. The parquet floors throughout are by Oscar Ono.
LyonsKelly set about taking the apartment back to its shell, stripping out floorboards, bringing down walls and removing the kitchen from the beautifully curved bow window on the corner of the building to become the elegant dining area that exists today. Kelly relocated the kitchen behind a floating freestanding block that houses the essential services and the utility, laundry, and guest bathroom. According to Kelly: “It’s a room within a room that you don’t read as such.”
Acknowledging this client’s gentle taste and her preference for subtlety over drama, interior designer Eoin Lyons created a subtle colour palette with splashes of colour introduced through a mix of art, vintage lighting, furniture and mirrors.
In the bedroom, the headboard is designed by LyonsKelly and covered in a Pierre Frey fabric, with valance to match. Wardrobes, with panels in silver hessian, are by Abington to a LyonsKelly design. The curtains, in a de Le Cuona fabric, were made by Mary Wyrnne. Bedside tables are from Julian Chichester, bedside lamps by Valerie Wade.
Every luxury hotel makes a memorable first impression with a cosy and posh entrance, one of the things the client required LyonsKelly to deliver. This simple yet elegant space sets the tone for the entire apartment. The entrance hallway, with a 1930s onyx table, pale pink wallpaper from Élitis and 1950s lamp, creates an undeniably feminine atmosphere, which is carried through to the rest of the apartment.
The main space features visually united dining and living areas. “The emphasis is on harmony,” says Lyons. “It’s restful yet rich-looking, with lots of interesting details to look at.”
In the master bathroom, the Samuel Heath sanitaryware and tiles are from Ceramica. The oak vanity was made by Abington to a LyonsKelly design.
