Interior architect Maria Fenlon discovered this mid-terrace Victorian house while she and her family were living in Brussels and planning a move back to Dublin …
The previous owner had lived here until she was 99. She had sealed off the basement and converted the house into three apartments. There was wet rot, rising damp and even asbestos to deal with, but despite the challenges Maria could see that this could be a lovely home. The basement could be transformed into an office space and library for her team of seven, and in the future could be easily converted to function as a separate apartment.
When she first moved to Brussels, Maria fully embraced the expat lifestyle. Realising how much she missed her work, it wasn’t long before she took on a project renovating a stud farm home in Co Kildare and started collaborating on projects with architect Manfredi Nicoletti in Brussels. Thus began eight years of commuting between the two cities. “Living abroad was an incredible experience, giving me the opportunity to immerse myself in another culture and learn another design language. What I love about Belgian interiors is their warm minimalist aesthetic that’s low-key and luxe; it’s comfortable and lived-in rather than overtly decorated. They have confidence mixing old with new, and a deep appreciation for history and craftsmanship.”
The Belgian look is heavily influenced by the work of designers like Axel Vervoordt and Vincent Van Duysen, who pioneered a style using natural materials and neutral colour palettes. “I felt immediately drawn to it.” The Belgian influence is obvious. Maria’s decision to place the kitchen on the first floor was the change from which the design flowed. “We discovered what would have been the original arch between the two main rooms so now the main living space is a single dual aspect comfortable space, which makes entertaining all the more enjoyable,” says Maria.
Maria brought her living room furniture back from Belgium, including the sofa designed by Vincent Van Duysen for Molteni, and armchairs and swivel chair by Minotti. The coffee table is from Nordic Elements. The central pendant light is by Ochre, and lighting throughout by Wink. Maria designed the burl walnut TV cabinet, which was specially made in Portugal. The artworks throughout the house are by Irish artists. Maria brings clients to galleries to experience art in person. “Choosing art is deeply personal. It’s always great when a client forms a real connection with a painting or sculpture.”
The classic-contemporary kitchen, designed in collaboration with Porter & Jones, with cabinetry finished in micalised lacquer, with solid walnut internals and freestanding tall units, is designed to read as pieces of furniture within the space. The island in Oyster marble wraps around the seating area, creating a bold centrepiece that anchors the space beautifully. Bespoke freestanding glass wall units combine tinted glass and stained oak internals with contemporary aluminium framing and soft integrated LED lighting, with antique brass accents throughout to add warmth and timeless character.
Working closely with conservation architect Laura Bowen, Maria made every effort to preserve the historic fabric, repairing and reinstating sections of coving and leaving the fireplaces untouched, even down to the soot marks. Builder Glanroy, OBA engineers and quantity surveyor Andrew O’Kelly were instrumental in the success of the project. The windows and shutters were restored by David Dunne Joinery. Rather than replace the worn and woodwormed boards, Maria had them re-sanded and stained. “These imperfections add character, and remind us of the long life the house has already lived.”
The house has also proved to be the perfect setting to showcase the Enhance linen and cotton bedcovers designed by Maria, so beloved of interior designers for the manner in which they dress a bed.
The dressing table is from Maria’s mother-in-law’s home.
Much of Maria’s residential work involves internal organisation and spatial planning for which she has received awards. “I love thinking about how people move through a space, how rooms function and connect, how spaces can be used to their full potential.” One project she would love to take on is a boutique hotel, where she says she would bring a strong sense of identity through material, textures and colours. “So many of the hotels around the world feel interchangeable – you could be anywhere. I would love to create one that feels distinctly rooted in Ireland.”
Photographs by Simon Watson
