Renovate Home your
November 2020 | Issue No:2
When it comes
to
Architectural
interior / exterior design
contact Declan J Kirwan
I nete r v i e w s Wi th : • • • •
L orrai n e Ke a n e Marti n Fl e mi n g (De lu xe B a thr o o ms) Sinéád & I a n Ke l l y (Ke l l y Cr ea ti o ns) Sarah B at t l e
Front Cover Ima ge: Supplied by: Joe Fallon -R athn ure Prop e rt y
1
Willow Grove, Delgany, County Wicklow, A63 XY89 info@arcdesign.ie www.arcdesign.ie + 353 1 201 0377 + 353 87 687 5448
Established in 2007, Arc Design’s success is based on understanding the client’s needs whilst focusing on Quality in Design.
Letterfrom
Editor
the
H
ello and welcome to the new edition of Renovate your Home, On the cover, we feature a beautiful family home in Rathnure, County Wexford. The young couple who aimed to build a new energy efficient lifetime home in which to raise their family. They acquired a greenfield site on the edge of Rathnure village in rural Wexford and approached Joe Fallon Architectural Design with their brief in September 2016. The clients wanted the house to take advantage of the surrounding mountain views and have internal spaces flooded with natural light. We also feature a stunning property in County Down where John Lavery of BGA Architects was the Architect over this project. Sited in the shadow of Scrabo Tower, Newtownards. This house enjoys stunning views over arable farmland towards Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula beyond. The idea of creating a courtyard arrangement or ‘clachan,’ in the open countryside is nothing new, the grouping of a series of different scale buildings for different uses can be seen dotted across our countryside. In Cork, Saoirse Fitzgerald discusses living in a lighthouse keepers cottage. Youghal Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the world to be run by female lighthouse keepers and the lighthouse is still operating and owned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. The first potato to be planted in Ireland was done in the garden of the keepers cottage by Sir Walter Raleigh. When Saoirse saw that the keepers cottage was up for sale she was based in London where she was working as a Brand Director for Linkedin before moving home to Cork. “Even though the house is a material thing, it brings me so much happiness. I really love my home and buying this house is one of the best things I’ve ever done,’’ said Saoirse Fitzgerald. Interior Designer Caroline Flannery discusses her lovely home in Clontarf in County Dublin. With her passion and natural flair for interiors Caroline has built many life long relationships with her clients who
2
call upon her professional services as their lifestyles and needs change. Caroline’s down to earth, positive and creative approach to interior design ensures she is constantly in demand in both Ireland and overseas. “It took me a long time to find this house as I had a number of very specific requirements which limited my search quite a bit,’’ said Caroline Flannery. “I wanted somewhere close to a beach, it had to have an outdoor space for my gorgeous doggy Val and it had to be a doer upper. I feel very fortunate indeed to have found a house which ticked all of my boxes and more, those long dreary evenings spent searching for my perfect home are thankfully finally a distant memory. The house was originally designed by an architect as an artist’s studio with its own exhibition space so the light was phenomenal and was the first thing I noticed when I walked in to view it,’’ added Ms Flannery. We also feature the stunning home of Sarah and Cormac Battle in Ballina, County Mayo. The Battles live in a new build bungalow with their five children in the countryside in county Mayo. After finding the perfect site they completed the build of their home in 2018. They describe their home as contemporary with a traditional mix. They have high ceilings throughout and introduced some period style features. They wanted to make use of natural light as much as possible so they have an impressive courtyard built into the centre of their house. Sarah says the décor is very neutral and the colours compliment each other well. They wanted a house that works for their family and they have a playroom near the kitchen, and the outdoor play areas are visible from the kitchen too. In this edition we also have a chat with the lovely Lorraine Keane and feature some of the key trends which are going to be popular in 2021. Enjoy the read and we will catch you on the flip side! The next edition of Renovate your Home will be out before you know it!
Editor: Emer Kelly Sales: Dave O Callaghan Sales Director: Jason O Neill Design: Andre Clarke
| editor@ajmediagroup.ie | dave@ajmediagroup.ie | jason@ajmediagroup.ie | andre@nuhouse.ie
Contact details Contact: info@ajmediagroup.ie Address: Mill Road, Mornington, Co Meath, ©AJ Media Limited 2020
3
When it comes to contact
Architectural Exterior Declan J Kirwan Interior Design In conversation with Declan J Kirwan Words: Emer Kelly
D
eclan J Kirwan is an Interior Architect / Designer / Visualise and Project Manager, leading the development and delivery of bespoke architectural interior design projects / solutions for residential and commercial clients. Mr Kirwan has been freelancing since 2008, and have designed, planned and managed numerous residential and commercial projects from concept to completion and delivered a full architectural design service for both private and corporate clients. Prior to this, he founded and managed DJK Design Ltd where he offered a wide range of interior and architectural design consulting and contracting services. Declan has a proven track record leading diverse de-
Images: Webpress
sign project phases from conceptualization through to final look to transform my client’s vision into fully operational / practical design solutions. This includes designing, managing and delivering an events space for Dundalk Football Club – a refurbishment project for new function rooms and bar’s. He is skilled in researching developments in design trends, materials and lighting to create aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound and immersive design solutions while working to aggressive deadlines and budgets. Mr Kirwan nurtures collaborative relationships amongst clients, vendors, contractors and architects
4
ning service. “I love with an absolute passion every single aspect of what I do and provide my clients. I returned home to Ireland from Milan, Italy in 1996 after completing my studies with distinction. I’ve worked consistently in this business since then. Prior to that I qualified and worked as a Cabinet Maker and a Furniture Designer in Navan, before I went back to college to study Interior Design and Architecture in Tiernan design school, Griffith College, Dublin 8, After successfully completing my studies in Dublin 8, I was given the opportunity to continue my studies even further in the IED- Istituto Europeo di design, Milano, Italy. I am very proud even to this day knowing that I was the first Irish student to have successfully studied and completed the interior architectural, furniture and lighting design course there back in 1996.
“
Even to this day I would take great inspiration from Italian trends and style and incorporate where ever I felt a property is looking for or needs just that something different. Before I went on to study in Italy,’’ said Declan J Kirwan.
I’ve always had an affinity and love for art, design and architectural design concepts I just love being given the opportunity to create every aspect of architectural design from concept to ultimate completion. Business is going well and despite what’s going on all over the world, There’s still so much opportunity out there and it’s such an exciting time to improve all types of residential homes to suit the changes and how we live today !!!.
to ensure cross-party buy-in to the design vision. His area of expertise and key skills include; Residential and commercial architectural interior / exterior design / Project Management, design visualisation, stakeholder management, resource management, procurement, billing, furniture design, budget management, style and trend research as well as space planning.
There’s no two properties or clients the same so it’s so exciting to have the opportunity to create one off interior design concepts; Currently a lot of my past clients are coming back to me, some after 20 years ago. It’s always such a satisfying and welcomed sight to see a past client come back to you because of the professional crevice they received,’’ added Mr Kirwan.
Declan J Kirwan Design services include all aspects of Residential and commercial architectural interior / exterior design concept, contemporary hand crafted bespoke furniture, on site design advice, lighting and colour consultancy, landscape design concepts to suit your budget and an architecture and space plan-
“The most important thing to me is having happy clients and always trying to exceed clients expectations of what’s possible in architectural design. as well as having the opportunity to create something different.
5
As I’m not really interested in mass produced anything; Whether they are interior or exterior or bespoke furniture. “I work all over Ireland and I work abroad too when given the opportunity. I’ve worked on and completed a house in Florida in ten days; Which was a challenging task but a rewarding experience. I’ve also worked on a house in Thailand and completed a hotel in Austria.
I would never suggest something to a client if I wasn’t sure it was going to work. I give every job I do whether it is residential or commercial 1000% regardless of the budget. Depending on the persons budget I give them the best design solutions for their budget without compromising on the overall design concept of what we are trying to achieve.
“ After that little touches here and there and the correct mood lighting can make such a dramatic difference to any interior ,’’ imparted Declan.
“
I believe that every residential property regardless of size can have the
“Wow” factor
to suite every budgets It’s wonderful and so inspirational to see different interior architectural design trends in different parts of the world. There are no two nationalities the same, everyone is so different and you really have to respect where you are designing the property and your work has to appeal to everyone. The most important thing is to try and exceed clients expectations which is something I always try and do,’’ he enthused.
“
When it comes to the complete architectural design package, contact Declan J Kirwan Designs One of the simplest and most dramatic ways of changing an interior or exterior design concept is by the use of colour. I love colour and you should imagine; Your wall as a canvas. I’ve often used six and seven colours on a wall to create a beautiful one off design feature; No two walls or clients are ever the same so it’s a perfect opportunity to create your own piece of personal and dramatic art.
In terms of the future for Declan J Kirwan Designs? “I am getting some amazing opportunities to work on incredible projects in the new year which I’m so looking forward to; and I really believe that the business is going to go from strength to strength. My passion for all aspects of the architectural design process over the last 24 years, despite the rescission and some other difficult times has never diminished in the slightest way !!! In fact as the years go by “ I would have to say the passion for my chosen career and the endless possibilities of just what’s possible in all aspects of architectural design continues to intensified. “concluded Declan J Kirwan.....
Every single job I do is one off
6
Areas of Expertise Residential and commercial architectural interior / exterior design / Project Management / Interior Visualisation / Stakeholder Management / Resource Management / Procurement / Billing / Furniture Design / Budget Management / Style and Trend Research / Space Planning
Contact Us
086 815 2660
info@djkdesign.ie
www.djkdesign.ie
7
BEAUTY IN SUMMERHILL
THE
Beauty in
SUMMERHILL...
“It’s got an ENERGY RATING of a2.” www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
BEAUTY IN SUMMERHILL
8
James McKevitt discusses this project Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Richard Hatch
www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
9
BEAUTY IN SUMMERHILL
M
cKevitt King are an architectural practice with an exciting future ahead due to the company directors James McKevitt and Adrian King having rather unique designs and ideas when it comes to new builds, renovation projects and extensions. Such a project is this beautifully breathtaking property in Summerhill, County Meath that was completed last June. Both James McKevitt and Adrian King were the Architects over this project. The site is situated in a rural setting to the north east of Summerhill in the townland of Collegeland. A mature landscape of indigenous trees and hedgerows surround the site. The site is bounded by an esker to the north and east of the site. This topographical feature and the mature trees gives the site its specific character. “We do a lot of work in the Northeast, particualarly in rural areas. The client approached us because of our design capability and also having great experience of working with the relevant Local Authority, explained James McKevitt. “The couple work in the property sector so they both had a good idea of what they wanted to do when it came to their house. The clients got along well with Adrian King and I when they met us and they felt that we could deliver a house that responded well to the site and brief and that is the house they got,’’ added Mr McKevitt. The dwelling is located in the cradle of the site, nestling between the esker and the trees. The design is based on the reinterpretation of the vernacular style - enclosures created by the arrangement of outbuildings around dwellings, sheds and stables are evident throughout the Irish countryside and create interesting vernacular clusters.
“The HOMEOWNERS were VERY informed.”
The dwelling integrates entrance forecourts, courtyards and walled gardens into the design. The idea of creating different courtyards creates a sense of enclosure that will provide a certain degree of privacy while at the same time create thresholds between the public and private parts of the site. “The house intergrates well with the landscape and they have decided to leave the garden as a meadow as they want wild flowers to grow around the house. “They wanted to keep a rural approach to the house as well. The house is predominantly clad in stained cedar which is a nod towards the mature trees that surround the house.The materials throughout the house are of a traditional palate; natural slate, cedar cladding, white sand plaster, stone paving, etc,” enthused James. “We also had a fantastic contractor working on the project with us he worked on the project with us from beginning to end and he took a great interest in this house. There was a great team effort on this job,’’ he revealed.
www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
10
The dwelling is single storey in scale and consists of three pitched wings with simple spans, which are laid out to respond to the specific conditions present on site, in particular the views to the fields, the trees, the esker and the solar orientation. The form and massing of the dwelling has been designed to integrate with the rural setting in a positive way. The forms adopted have been inspired by the existing agricultural buildings in the area with the vernacular profiles of pitched and flat roofs replicated in the proposed new dwelling. The scale and massing of the new blocks has derived from the dimensions of the existing buildings in the area and are in keeping with this scale. The three different wings have been individually expressed by separating the main forms with flat roof sections. By replicating the pitched roof over the three main wings a sense of coherency and unity is achieved. The arrangement of the wings create a series of a courtyards which are appropriate to the landscape and context. “The brief was very specific in terms of what each room had to achieve in terms of light and views so that helped influence the extensive layout and the footprint of the house,’’ said James. The deliberate shape and positioning of the different wings and walls creates a series of interesting external spaces around the dwelling including an entrance forecourt, a walled garden to the west, a rear garden and a family courtyard to the east/south. The living areas have been strategically located and designed to benefit from the southern and western aspect. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
11
BEAUTY IN SUMMERHILL
“The HOUSE is BEAUTIFUL.” The main living area (kitchen/dining/living) opens onto a south and west facing courtyard in order to benefit from the solar gains during winter and summer seasons. The bedroom accommodation is set back below an external covered area, the structure of which is expressed like a colonnade around a courtyard. “There is a lovely transition when you come to the kitchen/ dining area and you move from there to the living room and that is connected with a beautiful set of hardwood folding doors. You then go from that living space to a snug so you are transitioning from a big, bright space to a slightly more intimate space,’’ enthused Mr McKevitt. Work commenced on site in September 2017 and it was finished in June 2018. In terms of whether or not there were any problems encountered throughout the nine month. “There weren’t any problems encountered on the build because we had a great contractor working on the house with us and he was heavily invested in the build. The windows had to come from Denmark but that was factored into the programme,’’ imparted James. As to the efficiency of the house? “It’s got an energy rating of A2 and there is a heat pump in the house and there are pv panels on the roof as well. The home owners use very little heat because of the solar gain and the house is also very well insulated,’’ added James. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
“There is also a demand controlled ventilation system in the house. It’s a combination of vents and a heat recovery system. As clients go they were very informed and they put a lot time into everything and they took huge interest in the fine details,’’ revealed Mr Kevitt. Although working with vernacular shapes & materials, the design is fresh. All of the materials are traditional in their nature. These include; timber, stone/plaster and slate/metal roofing.
BEAUTY IN SUMMERHILL
12
Walls are predominantly timber with a dark stain to reflect the landscape in which the dwelling sits and respects the character of the site. The roofs are crafted from metal/natural blue/black slates. Eaves details are clipped and minimal, in the tradition. The extensive use of timber cladding helps to integrate the dwelling into its woodland setting. As to James’ closing comments on this project... “I really enjoyed working on this house because it was a fantastic design and we also worked with very open minded and enlightened clients. We had a great builder as well and when you are fortunate enough to have all of those things you get a great product at the end. “The house is beautiful and the clients have ended up with something rather special,’’ concluded James McKevitt.
CONTACT LIST ARCHITECTS: James McKevitt & Adrian King, 50 North Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth 041-9832950 www.mckevittking.ie info@mckevittking.ie
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Emmet Finegan, Doherty Finegan Kelly, Unit B, Pennycorn Mill, 11 Trinity Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth - 041-9847394 www.dfk.ie - mailroom@dfk.ie
MAIN CONTRACTOR: Derek O’Halloran, Newgrange Construction, Horistown, Rathkenny, Navan, Co. Meath 087-9969848 WINDOWS: Pat McCarthy, Rationel Windows, Grande Central, Rockbrook, Blackthorn Drive, Sandyford, Dublin 18 01-2971005 - enquiries@rationel.ie www.rationel.ie
MECHANICAL CONSTRACTOR: Eddie Smith, CSC Engineering, Colpe Storage, Colpe Road, Drogheda, Co. Meath 041-9813397 - 087-7972047 www.csc-engineering.com info@csc-engineering.com
CONCRETE FLOORING: John Carroll, Concrete Concepts, Dromard, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick 086-8131996 www.concreteconcepts.ie info@concreteconcepts.ie
INTERNAL JOINERY: Brian Sheridan, Sheridan Joinery, Malheney, Skerries, Co. Dublin 01-4428221 - 086-3700835 www.sheridanjoinery.ie info@sheridanjoinery.ie ENERGY CONSULTANT: Joe Kearney, BERCerts.ie 24 Bridge Street, Navan, Co. Meath 01-6856000 - anna@bercerts.ie www.bercerts.ie
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: Richard Comerford, Richford Installations, 139 Meadowbank Hill, Rathoath, Co. Meath 087-2857722 STRUCTURAL STEEL: Leslie Conroy, Phillipstown Engineering, Phillpstown, Dunleer, Co. Meath 041-6851987 METAL ROOFING: Paul Marry, Copppertech, Brittas, Grangebellew, Co. Louth - 086-2622448 www.coppergutters.ie roofsupply@eircom.net PV PANELS: Gerhard Heyl, PV Green Energy, Donacarney, Morington, Co- Meath 041-9888960 www.pvgrreenenergysavings.ie info@pvgreenenergysavings.ie
13
STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN
“It’s REALLY NICE project.” www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN
14
Star COUNTY THE
of the
DOWN
John Lavery talks about a magnificent house Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Christopher Hill Photographic www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
15
BEAUTY IN SUMMERHILL
S
ited in the shadow of Scrabo Tower, Newtownards. This house enjoys stunning views over arable farmland towards Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula beyond. The idea of creating a courtyard arrangement ‘or clachan,’ in the open countryside is nothing new, the grouping of a series of different scale buildings for different uses can be seen dotted across our countryside.
“We’ve GOT a LOT of GREAT feedback.”
This house which was designed by John Lavery of BGA Architects completed in 2016, is a restrained collection of pitched roof buildings, each form is finished in a contrasting material to articulate the design intention of reflecting a contemporary clachan in the countryside. BGA Architects are an RIBA Award Winning architectural practice based in Newtownards, County Down. The practice was established in 1984 by Brian Grahame and is now led by Managing Director, John Lavery. John and the team have considerable experience in designing various building types however most of our workload is in the residential sector. They strive to provide a professional and friendly service from inception to completion. Chartered with the RIBA and registered with ARB, they are currently designing projects throughout Northern Ireland. “We’re local to the site and we’ve got a strong hold on local design; the clients are familiar with our work and they approached us to design their family home and we were only too happy to oblige. It’s an absolutely stunning site and I was really keen to design something that the practice would be very proud of,’’ said John Lavery. “My first visit to the site made me realise how exposed to the weather the house is and to create shelter was a key thing as the house is sited in the direction of Strangford Lough. The views from the house are fantastic; most of the landscape around the house is arable land so that changes from season to season so it’s actually a patchwork of greens, browns and yellows and beyond that you have the blue of the sea from Strangford Lough which makes it an amazing rolling countryside,’’ added Mr Lavery. This property is split up in to three buildings that are arranged to create a sense of arrival, to provide much needed shelter on this exposed site and to respond to the sun path whilst making the most of the views. The steeply sloping topography encouraged part of the design to be built into the side of the hill. A two-storey sleeping block runs along the site contours addressing the change in level. Two other single storey blocks are positioned perpendicular to this timber clad block to create a fragmented U-shape layout.
www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
The living block is finished with fibre cement slate cladding on the walls and roof and has large glazed openings. Internally this block is a single open plan living/dining/kitchen space with a vaulted ceiling. A glazed entrance
16
“We’ve GOT a LOT of GREAT feedback.” links these two elements. The third block is a home spa, it is almost entirely wrapped in standing seam zinc with one fully glazed wall opening out to an enclosed zen space, this space is completely private from the road, sheltered from the prevailing winds yet also enjoys lough views back through the dual glazed living space. The top half of the sleeping block has vertical boarded timber cladding which sits on top of a storey high rendered plinth which is visually anchored into the site. The buildings are detailed without any overhangs or projections and the various rain screen cladding options carefully conceal the rainwater goods and external lighting resulting in an almost abstract built form. BGA were commissioned in November 2013, planning permission was granted in September 2014, construction began in 2015 and the project was completed in March 2016. “The project went very smoothly but the two issues that caused some delay were the provision of electrical supply and the other delay was as there is so much glass in the house there were only a limited number of suppliers that we could go to for the glass so there was some delay associated with the windows,” he enthused. “It took 14 months to build the house and it was a good result to get it finished in such time. As it is a split level site, you go downstairs to the bedrooms and the living spaces are on the first floor. The key thing with this house was the view and it meant having the living spaces upstairs to maximise the views. There is also access to the site from the higher level rather than the lower level,’’ imparted John. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
17
BEAUTY IN SUMMERHILL
“The HOUSE is BEAUTIFUL.”
When viewed from the adjacent public road the house has a degree of intrigue with a predominantly blank and solid façade. The house keeps you guessing as you move along the sweeping driveway, slowly revealing itself the closer you get to the enclosed courtyard. It is only when you enter the open plan living space that the design can fully be understood and enjoyed. In terms of the efficiency of the house? “We have designed all of the aspects of the house to passive house standard and it has values of .15 but it is not a certified passive house. The test of how well it works is not in theory but in practice so the stove has only been lit twice; once when the house was commissioned and once when the house was photographed. The home owners use very little energy and for the size of the house it works very well. The house is so well insulated and airtight that it doesn’t need to use excessive amounts of fossil fuels,’’ he revealed. As to what the home owners make of their gorgeous home? “They love their house! One time they told me that they were looking forward to seeing their house when they came back from holidays so as an Architect it is lovely to be able to affect people’s lives like that and it is really satisfying from my point of view. I pass the house regularly and it something that we are quite satisfied with. We’ve got a lot of great feedback about the house and it’s been very well received; more and more so as the site matures,’’ revealed John. As to Mr Lavery’s final thoughts on this project? “It’s a really nice project; there is lovely detail to this house,’’ concluded John Lavery. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
BEAUTY IN SUMMERHILL
CONTACT LIST ARCHITECT: John Lavery, BGA Architects LTD, 50 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4LP, United Kingdom 0044-2891815736 www.bga-ni.com office@bga-ni.com
BATHROOMS: Beggs & Partners, Great Patrick Street, Belfast, BT1 2NX, United Kingdom 0044-2890235791 www.beggsandpartners.com
INTERIORS: Warden Brothers, 45-47 High Street, Newtownards, BT23 7HS, United Kingdom 0044-2891812147 www.wardenbros.com enquiries@wardenbros.com
ROOFING: Scrabo Roofing, 3 Ash Grove, Newtownards, BT23 4HA, United Kingdom 0044-2891816787 www.scraboroofing.com
TILES: Shellard Tiles, 4 Sans Souci Gardens, Lisburn, BT28 3AF, United Kingdom 0044-2892675119 www.shellardtiles.co.uk info@shellardtiles.co.uk
LANDSCAPING: Orchardhill, 19 Greengraves Road, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1UZ, United Kingdom 0044-2891813237 www.orchardhilllandscapes.com info@orchardhilllandscapes.com
KITCHEN: Interior360, 39 Montgomery Road, Castlereagh, Belfast, BT6 9HL, United Kingdom 0044-2890709360 www.interior360.com info@interior360.com
STOVE: The Stove Yard, Unit 6 Kiltonga Industrial Estate, Belfast Road, Newtownards, BT23 4TJ, United Kingdom 0044-2891814443 www.thestoveyard.com
SAUNA: Oceanic Saunas, www.oceanic-saunas.co.uk www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
18
19
Everyhascloud a
silver lining.
In conversation with the lovely Lorraine Keane Words: Emer Kelly
L
orraine Keane is one of the best known names in Irish media; having begun her career working for AA Roadwatch before becoming an entertainment correspondent for TV3 news followed by landing a presenting role on the popular celebrity entertainment show ‘Xpose,’ before leaving that role in 2009 to spend more time with her husband Peter Devlin and daughters Emelia and Romy. Ms Keane has gone on to do a lot of freelance work as well as running her own ‘Fashion Relief,’ events as well as being a brand ambassador for Windsor Motors. “Fashion Relief tv is now an International award winning television show and shopping channel thanks to the Irish tech firm Axonista. We won the US TV
Images: Webpress
of Tomorrow Leadership Award for Innovation and Corporate Leadership in The Corona Virus era. Other winners on the night were Disney Plus, TikTok, NBC & Zoom. Fashion Relief obviously raises money for Oxfam and we’re raising about €2,000 a week which is incredible,’’ said Lorraine Keane. “It’s such a weird time and you have to think outside the box. I also have a renovation and refurbishment business called Finished Ireland and we launched the first virtual home show for that in June and that was a massive success and so many companies signed up to exhibit in this virtual home space. We have another virtual show planned for October. “A friend of mine, Matt Malone who is a hairdresser for the last 30 years is obsessed with hairbrushes
20
we have opened Fashion Relief right up and people are shopping in a more sustainable fashion now and preloved is something to shout about! “Absolutely it has been an extremely stressful time and we all have bills to pay but we really don’t know how long this is going to last and in the mean time we need to rejig our lives as much as we can to manage and get through it whilst remembering that every cloud has a silver lining,’’ imparted Lorraine. In recent weeks, Lorraine has also become a brand ambassador for Windsor Motors.
“
It has been an extremely stressful time.”
“Renault Ireland would always lend me vans when I was moving stock or doing fashion relief shows so Windsor Motors said that they wanted to continue that support so they were so good and giving me vans for moving stock around for events and Fashion Relief tv. Personally I’m driving the Renault Kadjar and I love it because I get to drive around in comfort with my family. I love the Kadjar because it is safe and secure and it feels like a jeep as well as it being so luxurious with heated seats, the modern technology, the amount of space in the car for my two children, a husband and two dogs. I drive all over the country with my work and it is very efficient to run.
and de-tanglers so he came up with the concept of ‘The Magic Hairbrush,’ and it was gifted to me by our mutual friend and hairdresser Dylan Bradshaw and I loved the brush that much that Matt and I decided to work on it together and we have created lovely pouches for the brush to protect the bristles and make it feel like more of a luxury item, it’s a little piece of magic and it would be hard to use any other hairbrush after using this,’’ enthused Ms Keane. As to future projects? “I tried to move as much as I could with what I do to online and it just shows that can not only work but it can actually make something better. Fashion Relief tv is not just fashion relief the event that took place in Dublin, Galway and Cork; it is Fashion Relief worldwide and having won this big award it means that
“My background is in cars as well, having started my career working in AA Roadwatch as well as working on a programme called ‘Drive,’ on RTÉ One and then I went on to ‘RPM Motorsport,’ on UTV. I actually do love cars,’’ concluded Lorraine Keane.
“
Fashion Relief tv is now an International award winning television show.
Why
21
Blue Antler Interiors won’t make you blue
Maggie Diskin talks to Renovate your Home Words: Emer Kelly
O
riginally from Sweden but now living in Galway, Interior Designer Maggie Diskin studied Interior Design at New York Institute of Art and Design and the Interior Design Academy of Ireland. She also holds a B.Sc. in Business and Marketing. Establishing Blue Antler Interiors was a natural extension of her great passion for creating beautiful spaces. Doing so gives her genuine pleasure and she is inspired by her clients’ positive responses to spaces that she has helped them with. It gives Ms Diskin the inspiration to continue designing and this is the tool that she uses to enrich her own and my clients’ lives.
Images: Webpress
To fully realise the dream spaces for any client requires a collaborative approach, and she will undertake to work closely with you, in person or ‘virtually’, to understand your needs and vision. I have a natural ability to visualise a space and an instinct for colours and light. “My interest in interiors goes way back to childhood as all my sister and I was change furniture around in our house and we would constantly be changing things and moving furniture. I would go to auctions with my Mum and buy furniture as I was collecting antique furniture as a child as I was always interested in furniture and I just love it. I keep changing my style of what I like so I could go through a stage of loving antique furniture and then what I want is contemporary cool furniture,’’ said Maggie Diskin.
22
“
I was collecting antique furniture as a child.
“
The danger with my job when I go out shopping with my clients and depending on what the client is looking for as I’m looking that item ends up in my house because I’m always changing things in my house but it is research! “At the moment I’m working all over Ireland online but when it comes to at home consultations my work is based in Galway, Clare, Waterford, Mayo and Limerick. I find the Zoom calls with my clients fantastic. I started the online side to my business last year so I was one of the pioneers in online desiging in Ireland. It’s amazing to see how I can create 3D designs and walk throughs in various room and I can make changes to the designs there and then so then the customer can then get on with what they need to order which is great, added Ms Diskin.
23
In terms of the future of Blue Antler Interiors? “For the next 18 months I see Zoom being used a lot more as the pandemic continues which I don’t mind at all as I still have very good relationships with my clients. I think a lot more people will be willing to work with an Interior Designer without them visiting their homes.
“I have never had as many clients as I have now and I’ve never been as busy as I am now which is fantastic. The only thing is that supply is very limited and everything is delayed in terms of furniture and lights as well as a lot of stuff being out of stock so sourcing stuff and getting bespoke pieces is taking a bit longer than usual,’’ explained Maggie. “Blue Antler Interiors offers services including colour schemes, picking fabrics, paint and wallpaper, choosing flooring, lighting and furniture layouts, furnishings, kitchen and bathroom design and I can draw everything in 3D so you will see what everything will look like.”
And as to what Maggie sees as being big interior trends over the next number of months?! “I think that we are gearing towards light colours again such as Scandavian and Dutch styles, a lot of texture and wallpaper with not a lot of pattern but with a very subtle herringbone style, the dark colours are going to start phasing out. Light wood will be in the mix. Metal will be very subtle muted gold colours or light matted metals. A drinks trolley is definitely going to make a big comeback. Home offices (and how to design this space) are going to be huge over the coming months,’’ concluded Maggie Diskin.
“
We are gearing towards light colours.
24
BLUE ANTLER INTERIORS We design thoughtful, livable spaces. 087 1360143
www.blueantlerinteriors.com maggie@blueantlerinteriors.com
25
Deluxe Bathrooms & Tiling Solutions catering for all your WC needs!
In conversation with Martin Fleming Words: Emer Kelly
D
eluxe Bathrooms and Tiling Solutions are a 100% Irish owned company based in Dundalk, County Louth. They began as a specialist bathroom design and renovation company 15 years ago and have built up a reputation for their build quality, professionalism and reliability. Deluxe Bathrooms operates from a 5,000sq ft showroom, they have grown from strength to strength and they are now one of the best and most popular bathroom and tiles suppliers in Ireland.
Images: Webpress
Their showroom is open seven days a week and is complemented by their online store. As a large retailer they stock leading brands like Hansgrohe, Geberit, Granlusso, Crosswater, Merlyn and many more. Deluxe Bathrooms and Tiling Solutions are trend setters when it comes to tiles and they exclusively source their own tile ranges direct from the tile factories in Italy & Spain. They source a huge range of tiles that you cannot buy anywhere else.
26
As they buy direct from the tile manufacturers, they cut out the middlemen allowing them to provide you with best prices guaranteed. Their showroom in Dundalk is very accessible with plenty of onsite parking. It is 5000sq ft and is located just off the M1 Motorway between Dublin & Belfast. Based in Dundalk Retail Park, Deluxe Bathrooms & Tiling Solutions are customer and service focused. Their expert sales staff are both knowledgeable and
experienced in bathroom and tiling products and will advise you on your best options to suit your requirements and budget.
“
We’re constantly changing the showroom.
27
They are constantly innovating and that is reflected by our ever-changing bathroom and tile displays in their showroom. They have fully working models on display from Hansgrohe and Geberit Aquaclean to help you choose the shower system and shower toilet that best suits your needs. “We are very exclusive with the range of tiles we supply and we would be picking up in Spain every week. We are also exclusive with the brands we have in terms of bathroom fittings and they come in from Spain as well. A lot of the business is in store and we cater for new builds and renovations. We also have a five day bathroom renovation service. We’re also promoting our online shop as want to reach out to people in counties like Cork and Kerry,’’ said Martin Fleming. “We have some really nice display settings in the showroom where we have full bathrooms on display and we also have working displays. I would like to think that we have a nice showroom that would be very unique.
“
Blues are going to become really popular.
“We have customers that travel to us from Galway, Kilkenny, Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow, Monaghan and so one. We have had customers traveling from Mayo up to us. We sell to all parts of the country and we deliver to any part of Ireland and the United Kingdom. We have just delivered a palette of tiles to Wales,’’ enthused Mr Fleming. “As well as bathroom tiles, we also sell kitchen tiles, hall tiles and living room tiles. We have access to showrooms and we’re able to source tiles and products. “Over the next number of months, blues are going to become really popular when it comes to the bathroom and pink is going to be popular as well as are the brass brushed tapware,’’ revealed Martin. As to the future of Deluxe Bathrooms and Tiling Solutions? “We’re constantly changing the showroom and bringing in the new trends as well as changing the displays. We launched our website this year so we’re going to focus on improving that and get more sales coming in from online,’’ concluded Martin Fleming.
28
29
Theoffuture
Encon is bright... In conversation with Conor Walsh Words: Emer Kelly
E
ncon is an independently owned Sustainable Building and Retrofit Contractor. They are registered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) as an approved and certified contractor. Encon are a one stop shop for all your insulation, heating systems, air tightness, ventilation, energy saving solutions and home building services. At Encon, the team pride ourselves in providing a professional service at a competitive price. With more than 80 years of combined experience their team of highly skilled staff and technical experts constantly
Images: Webpress
strive, to ensure that clients receive the highest possible level of service and quality workmanship. Founded in 2013 their team of highly skilled professionals and experienced tradesmen are led by Conor Walsh a graduate of Waterford Institute of Technology, qualified in both Quantity Surveying and Carpentry. With Robert Keohan who is the Contracts Director and over 15 years’ experience in Carpentry. Conor and Robert have spent the last 10 years actively working in the Deep Retro-fit market here in
30
“
People are interested in improving their energy efficiency.
Ireland and bring extensive knowledge of achieving energy efficiency in Irish homes to you the consumer. Encon’s services include commercial building, residential building and retro-fit building.Encon have been at the forefront of the development of the Energy Conservation industry in the South-East and East Coast of Ireland. Their portfolio boasts more than 1,000 completed projects in this sector. Encon have extensive experience in all of the Building and Retrofit services they offer and their knowl-
edge of the industry means they can recommend a product that is best suited for your energy and living requirements. Their commerical services include external wall insulation, Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF), internal wall insulation, airtightness solutions and roof insulation. Their residential services include passive homes, A-Rated/ nZEB homes, renovations and Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF).
31
Their retro-fit services include external wall insulation, internal wall insulation, air to water heating systems, airtightness solutions, ventilation, roof insulation and solar solutions. The ENCON approach is customer-orientated, transparent and stress-free. The project specifications, budget and timeline are always agreed upon at the outset. At Encon, the important things are done right: accurate cost management; good communication; honest advice; and a job well done. Encon view their services as a buffer between their customers and the dual threat of colder winters and increasing fuel prices. These issues represent a serious threat to the finances and personal comfort of our clients, and from our analysis of the market we have developed solutions. These solutions are what they call our efficient living systems. They include changes to both how your home is heated and how your home retains that heat. These changes can be carried out quickly and cleanly, with minimal disruption to your home. Also, there are various government grants available to contribute to the cost of upgrading your homes efficiency.All of their work is carried out to our own high standard, and to the national standards set by The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). “I qualified as a carpenter in 2008 and then the crash came shortly after so I saw the construction industry moving towards the green industry and they brought in the concept of the building energy certificate for homes and I believed it was going to be the future of the construction industry so I went back to college and trained as a building energy rating assessor and I provided energy labels for homes and I was also involved with the retro-fitting and upgrading of homes for a couple of years, said Conor Walsh. “I then went over to the UK and worked in the retro-fitting sector over there for a few months and I returned home in 2013 set up Encon. We have cemented our place as a leading energy conservation installer with energy saving solutions in the domestic and commercial market both in retro-fitting and new build. “Business has definitely improved over the last couple of years. There is a lot more emphasis on energy efficiency for homes both new and existing now than there was. People are really interested in improving the energy efficiency of their home and lowering
their carbon footprint. 35% of the greenhouse gases omitted from Ireland comes from our buildings so we how work and live needs to become more focused and understood,’’ enthused Mr Walsh. In terms of the future of Encon? “We do a lot of work in the private retro-fit market and I am involved in the development of a new system for new build homes. Whilst we provide services for the current domestic and commerical market, we are also focusing on the future of new build homes in both domestic and commercial and we’re also pushing to be a part of the Government frame work for retro-fitting fuel poor homes and private entitites as well,’’ concluded Conor Walsh.
“
We would do work in the South East, the East Coast and Munster. I have 20 staff working for me and then there would be multiple sub-contractors that I would use on a regular basis as well.
www.encon .ie info@enco n .ie 051-85072 2 085-10114 22
32
We at Encon have been at the forefront of the development of the Energy Conservation industry in the South-East and East Coast of Ireland. Our portfolio boasts over 1000 completed projects in this sector. We have extensive experience in all of the Building and Retrofit services we offer, and our knowledge of the industry means we can recommend a product that is best suited for your energy and living requirements.
33
It is nice to be able to
design things from scratch In conversation with Steven Jones of Enigma Design Words: Emer Kelly
E
nigma Design is run by Steven Jones and Brendan O’Neill, who formed the company in 1999. Both Steven and Brendan have many years’ experience in the design and manufacture of bespoke kitchens and cabinetry, both in Ireland and abroad. From modest beginnings, they have grown into their purpose built 6,500 sq.ft workshop and showroom in Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow employing eight permanent staff from the local area.
Images: Webpress
Enigma Design pride themselves in being able to offer clients an unlimited range of designs and specs for kitchens, bedrooms and various other built-in units, and have a reputation for being able to produce unique, one-off cabinetry. Enigma Design has continued to grow through the kind recommendations of many very happy and satisfied clients, along with continued repeat business from interiors designers and architects. They have shown that their designs and quality will
34
“
Every job we do is most certainly different.
leave every customer happy and willing to recommend them. Enigma Design is a name that you can rely on to deliver you the very best in custom made hand painted kitchens, wardrobes and bespoke cabinetry, built just for you and finished to suit your needs. Using premium materials and finishes for all furniture at Enigma Design, kitchens tend to be the most in demanded furniture type.
Although they can supply high quality ready-made kitchen units to suit any budget, their specialty is in beautiful custom made bespoke kitchens, wardrobes and cabinetry, which can be hand painted whilst incorporating state of the art appliances and interior fittings to provide kitchens finished to the very highest standard.
35
In spite of the fact that they are known throughout the county for their stylish contemporary and classical kitchens, Enigma Design also design and create many other types of furniture. They can custom make wardrobes, office fittings, library units and display cabinets. These pieces will be finished to the very highest standard and can be hand painted. Almost any furniture request can be accommodated apart from tables, chairs and beds. Enigma design can also create bespoke units for unique and awkward spaces in the home. They also have a long standing relationship with various stone suppliers, who supply all their stonework including the highest quality Quartz-stones, granite and marble worktops. Steven and Julia will also advise on all aspects of the kitchen and can provide various other trades including electricians, plumbers, painters and tilers, providing a truly all-inclusive service. “Business is very busy on the sales and production front. Over the last few months, we have fitted quite a few home offices, television units and wardrobes,’’ said Steven Jones. “We do a bit of everything but as we are not a main stream kitchen provider so we try to not do ‘off the shelf kitchens,’ and we try to make more bespoke and unusual kitchens if we can. We would be one of the few companies that still manufacture everything ourselves, we don’t outsource anything and we can literally make anything for clients and where possible we like to do something a little more unusual.
“
We do a bit of everything.
“It is nice to be able to design things from scratch, see them come to fruition and then see the clients how happy they are with their piece(s). Clients instil a lot of trust in us and it is important that what we create turns out as we said it would as it isn’t always easy to visualise it,’’ added Steven.
“
Going forward I want the business to continue as it is as well as doing some more commercial work such as office fit outs. Every job we do is most certainly different, concluded Steven Jones.
36
Kitchens
Bespoke Cabinetry
Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow
T: 01 2811091
Bedrooms
E: info@enigmadesign.ie
37
High precision
are aiming higher In conversation with Mark Smith by Emer Kelly
H
igh Precision Carpentry and Joinery specialise in the design, production and installation of bespoke kitchens and furniture, as well as alcove and television units for commercial and domestic clients in Kildare and the surrounding counties. By leveraging their creativity, experience and carpentry expertise, High Precision Carpentry and Joinery have become one of Kildare’s most sought after bespoke furniture and storage solution designers and installers. Their highly skilled and fully qualified carpenters and cabinet makers will guide you through the design process to ensure your personality and vision is apparent in every bespoke kitchen or fixture you require. Collaborating with clients on every project they work on enables them to create truly unique, practical and made to measure furniture and storage solutions. High Precision Carpentry & Joinery take great pride in delivering custom pieces that stand out for their craftsmanship and quality. “I’m working in this trade 16 years now and I’m qualified as a Carpenter Joiner. I’ve always prided myself on the quality of my work and in 2008 I won the National Skills for Joinery,’’ said Mark Smith.
“There are some really amazing new projects coming down the line and I’m excited about my work each day. Everything we create is bespoke and each piece is tailored to each clients needs. It’s a passion rather than a job! I set up my own business in 2018 and the aim of the company is to provide my clients with the very best in bespoke interiors. “Business is going very well. When it comes to interior furniture, you really need to have your finger on the pulse of new and upcoming trends in design, colours and most importantly people’s requirements,’’ added Mr Smith. As to the future of High Precision Carpentry and Joinery? “I would like to grow the company but remain at the forefront of the design and workshop. I wouldn’t want to sit back and be in the office, I enjoy doing the drawings, going on site visits and creating the finished pieces. With this job, it is important to be able to remove yourself from the clients space and your own opinions and focus in on what the client really needs and listen to their opinions; it’s more of a collaboration between the clients and I rather than working for them.
“
What I hear a lot from clients is that it looks like it’s always been there and that’s one of the best compliments because whether it is a statement piece or a subtle piece of furniture it shouldn’t take over the room, it should compliment it, concluded Mark Smith.
Naas, Kildare, Ireland, 0857078160 info@highprecisioncarpentry.ie www.highprecisioncarpentry.ie
38
High Precision Carpentry & Joinery
Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture Made To Measure High Precision Carpentry and Joinery specialise in the design, production and installation of bespoke kitchens and furniture, as well as alcove and TV units for commercial and domestic clients in Kildare and the surrounding counties. Fast Delivery All Over Ireland
Sought After Bespoke Designer
Our Unique Creations Transform Any Space
39
When it comes to
use
technology,
Installer.ie
Philip Bennett talks to Renovate your Home by Emer Kelly Images: Webpress
B
y combining technology, design and craftsmanship, Installer.ie creates the entertainment experience you’ve always dreamed of. No visible cables, no clutter, just entertainment in its purest form. From Saorview to FreeSat, they are experts in bringing a huge range of content into your home, without monthly bills, annual contracts or extortionate packages. Their fully insured and accredited technicians are highly trained in creating comprehensive, intuitive systems that let you watch all the shows you love, without seeing the wires you hate. Installer.ie provide a comprehensive home entertainment installation service, including LED, 3D and LCD TV installations, TV wall mounting services, whole house HD TV and Multi-room Audio and a comprehensive home cinema installation and setup service including projector mounting. Installer.ie specialise in concealed cabling installations where all cables are hidden within the walls, floors and ceilings providing that desirable minimalist look, eliminating the distraction of cables everywhere.
“
Every project is a partnership. As such, Installer.ie endeavour to ensure they have as intimate an understanding of your project as possible. This not only ensures you get the best possible system, but that it is installed in the most efficient, elegant way possible. “If you buy a television from Power City, they will offer you our (Installer.ie) service from their 11 stores in Dublin. We cover all of Dublin and the surrounding commuter belt. Over the next two years, I want to expand the business and make it a nationwide installation service,’’ said Philip Bennett. “We install home cinema rooms nationwide. Going forward we would like to install more cinema rooms. “With televisions at the moment, there is a shoot out between LG’s OLED technology and Samsung’s QLED technology. Ireland jumps on technology faster than any other country in the world in my opinion. The future of television really is as you are seeing it at the moment; getting up to 4K, Disneyplus, Amazon Prime,’’ added Mr Bennett.
“
Ireland jumps on technology.
Streaming is the way forward.
“
Streaming is the way forward and it is so important that we wire cat fix to every television point. It is fantastic the way things are going and it is amazing to see how technology is moving. The Saorview and FreeSat stuff we do is becoming huge as you once (you pay a one time fee) and you just have to pay your television licence every year, concluded Philip Bennett.
01 663 8333 | 085 236 7171 hello@installer.ie www.installer.ie
• TV Installation • Sonos Multi-room Audio • Bose Multi-room Audio • Home Cinema Rooms • Mobile Phone Repeaters • TV Systems • Commercial & Residential
40
41
DERMOT BANNON
“I PIcK my BATTLES.”
DERMOT BANNON
42
Renovating
my OwN hOME is a lot of
Pressure
Dermot Bannon talks to us
Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Volvo Cars / RTÈ
D
ermot Bannon is one of the best known Architects in Ireland and is best known to the Irish nation for his show ‘Room to Improve,’ which is one of the most talked about programmes on the nations lips after it airs on Sunday nights over a six week period.
“I’ve fairly simple taste and I want this house to be minimal but there are certain things that I would like to put in this house such as a brass splashback,’’ added Mr Bannon. “I’m at the stage where I wish the house was done now and we could just move into it,’’ revealed Dermot.
Mr Bannon has also recently been to Sweden, Melbourne and Sydney for his show ‘Dermot Bannon’s Incredible Homes,’ which garnered a lot of attention when it aired in February.
During the build, Mr Bannon made sure to account for two charging points in his driveway as he is switching over to a Volvo hybrid this summer. “I’m eliminating fossil fuels from the house and we’re taking a G rated house right up to an A rating; there is going to be no gas or oil in the house, there will be a heat pump and it is going to be super highly insulated because I’m determined to have a house where you can walk around in your tee shirt in December as well as having a house that costs very little to run,’’ he explained.
As well as running a very busy architectural practice, being a husband and Dad to three young children, he is currently busy working on his new home in Drumcondra but despite all this Dermot very kindly took time out of his busy schedule to talk to this publication. “Renovating my own home is a lot more pressure than I thought it was going to be, I was actually looking forward to the whole process and when we bought the house and we were applying for Planning Permission I got really excited about doing it and I was pinching myself at the thoughts of getting to do this to our own house,’’ said Dermot Bannon. “Now that I’m in the middle of it, it’s incredibly stressful because you know every little detail there is to the project. Sometimes you might let things go on a regular job because it doesn’t really matter and you can’t see it but when it comes to your own home, you can’t un-see these things and I don’t want to be looking at this little detail for the rest of my life so that’s why I’m trying to iron out a lot of these things. “Most of the stress is caused by making sure that you have thought of every little thing. It’s absolutely melting my head at the moment! You want to put in the best of what you can afford when it comes to the house. I don’t think I will be doing anything differently to my own house than I would when it comes to the houses on ‘Room to Improve,’ the finishes won’t be very expensive; I would like some nice finishes,’’ he enthused.
“I’ve been driving a Volvo for a few years now and they asked me recently would I like to test drive one of the plug in hybrids and even though I was a bit dubious (because I didn’t think I would get the range out of it) of taking it for a while, the car really surprised me in a lot of ways! “The car changed the way I drove; there is a button with ‘b,’ written on it so basically every time we brake or the car slows down we waste that energy normally when we’re driving but with this car, that energy goes back to the engine and then you can plug the car in. “Generally, for day to day use you get a 40KM range out of it and you have a petrol engine as well. In a day you probably wouldn’t do more than 40KM between school runs and so forth so essentially you can charge the car at night,’’ enthused Mr Bannon. “I put two charging points into our front garden, whether
“I wish the HOUSE was DONE.”
43
DERMOT BANNON
or not we will have two electric cars I don’t know but the aim would be to have two electric cars in the next four to five years because they won’t be making fossil fuel cars after 2030. If you are future proofing your house and you are trying to make it as close to carbon neutral as possible then you should be thinking about your car especially if you are living in the city,’’ added Dermot. “I know that I will have to do a country run in the car and for that I will have to use petrol but to make my life easier, I put the charging points in. It also makes total sense to put the charging points at your house as there is a grant available for it as well. “I loved driving around in this car, more so because it really changed my driving patterns and I really started to think about how you’re using your fuel. I drive slower now and I try not to use the brake as much. When you see how much energy you waste in speeding up too quickly and braking too quickly instead of trying to keep the car at a slow, regular pace it makes you a more responsible driver. The Volvo hybrid is a lovely car to drive,’’ he stated. In terms of the reaction to ‘Dermot Bannon’s Incredible Homes,’? “We picked the houses because they were amazing properties in amazing locations. It was a wonderful trip and I still pinch myself every time I think about it. I think the houses in Melbourne were better; the Sydney trip was great and everyone has an affiliation with Sydney but the houses in Melbourne were cooler. It was my first time in Australia. We got to see amazing houses and because I was doing the television show it got me access to places that you generally wouldn’t get access to. “The trip to Sweden was an eye-opening one because it showed us how responsible they are.
44
“They have these luxurious houses with two bathrooms, they haven’t got a clatter of them. The people all live in apartments in the city during the winter and during the summer they head off and live in their summer houses so Sweden was fascinating and it was the trip that I learnt the most from despite it being the closest to home,’’ said Mr Bannon. As to ‘Room to Improve,’ and problematic clients? “I’m hoping for more of the same with the show because I think if it isn’t broke, then don’t fix it! We have six new projects and six brand new couples. We have houses in fantastic locations all over Ireland and they are all very different builds to what we have done before. I was excited working on them so I hope you guys are excited watching the show,’’ explained Dermot. “I pick my battles and I do get frustrated with the clients but I wouldn’t give up with them. I would email them in the middle of the night and I would ring them, if they are married I would talk to the husband or wife and try to get them to not give up on an idea I’ve put forward and then there are other times when you have to say right I’m done here if you’ve really fought a battle,’’ concluded Dermot Bannon.
“It’s INcREDIbLY stressful.”
45
The magic of
MJM Design In conversation with Michael O’Kelly by Emer Kelly
M
JM Design are Ireland’s premier kitchen design and interiors experts who strive to bring these qualities to the heart of your project, creating kitchens and rooms you’ll cherish. Using locally sourced high quality materials, along with talented designers and craft workers, MJM Design partner with their clients from design to construction to build the perfect kitchen, living room or bedroom. Their designer Michael has many years of experience working as a professional chef. He incorporates this knowledge to each individual kitchen design. Taking our design inspiration from a wide variety of styles, we mix and meld features to help you put a personal stamp on your kitchen or room.
We offer an innovative range of products to suit all tastes and lifestyles. MJM Design aim to enhance the experience of their customers through knowledgeable and friendly service, delivered in an environment of trust. This approach ensures the creation of a product that fits their customers’ requirements, making their dreams a reality in the process. MJM Design was founded by Michael and Martha O’Kelly in 2018. Their showroom is located in Pallas, Gorey and it showcases the best of their kitchen and wardrobe designs. “I have been building and fitting kitchens for more than 30 years and we decided to set up MJM Design in 2018. Business is very good and it has been very successful since we set up as MJM Design. Most of our work is on the East Coast but if the job is right we are happy to travel! We are not looking to expand the business because we believe in keeping it a very personal experience added Michael O’Kelly. Michael is with the client every step of the way from design to manufacture and fitting.
46
0871904024 info@mjmdesign.ie Pallas Lower, Gorey, Wexford www.mjmdesign.ie
We design with you for you. At MJM Design our goal is to design, manufacture and ďŹ t the perfect kitchen for your needs. We oer a bespoke service which can include plumbing. electrics and tiling where required. With over 30 years in the kitchen business we can help you achieve your perfect kitchen.
Sinéád and Ian are the dynamic
47
husband and wife team
In conversation with Sinéad Kelly of Kelly Creations Words: Emer Kelly
“
Images: Webpress
Neutrals will make a comeback.
48
B
orn and educated in Australia, Sinéad Kelly Studied Applied Design –Interiors in a leading Design college in Sydney.
With many years’ experience designing and staging residential and commercial properties around Sydney and NSW. Sinéad went on to become a colour consultant working with Dulux colour centres as an advisor for colour schemes for residential and commercial developments, including food and beverage and recreational establishments. Staging and styling Homes in NSW for preparation of sale continued her career. Relocating to Ireland in 2016 Mrs Kelly took on a role as Interior Design Consultant for large retail chain NEXT and as Home Design Consultant; covered many Homes and advised many home owners throughout Munster including Counties Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Kerry. A qualified cabinet maker, Ian trained in Cork with Glen line fitted furniture. In his time with Glenline Ian was workshop supervisor before immigrating to Australia in 1999.
Mr Kelly quickly found employment with well-known and very reputable companies as a cabinet maker, manufacturing Kitchens and fitted furniture. This led to his appointment working with an architectural firm manufacturing and fitting bespoke furniture for very high-end budget, stately homes and largescale property development. Furthering his career Ian studied and obtained his construction certificate and license accessing all site safety tickets, including specialty confined space, and working at heights for all major commercial developments. Widening his knowledge led Ian to become a much sort after tradesman. Ian worked for a large construction company in Sydney NSW as a project manager for large scale property developments. Returning to Ireland after 18 years took some adjusting for us both, however Ian started back in his trade contracting to Cash & Carry Kitchens while putting the building blocks to establishing our own company. Ian fitted and installed kitchens and wardrobes throughout Munster, to date Ian continues to have a great working relationship with Cash & Carry Kitchens.
49
“I was always fascintated with interiors from a very early age and I started my career path in a different industry and then I realised that I wanted to work in interiors so I studied in a very prestigious college in Sydney and over the years I studied a lot of colour theory,’’ explained Sinéad Kelly. “I’m a regional consultant for ColourTrend and I am honoured to work alongside Colourtrend as I believe in their company ethos and genuinely adore the colour palette. “Myself and my husband Ian are married for the last 19 years and he is a cabinet maker by trade and we have created a company that incorporates both interior design and bespoke furniture so we are able to give our clients a very unique experience as in we can take care of a major portion of their home and how their home looks for them and it is also important for us to understand our clients. “We set our business up three years ago and business is going brilliantly. It doesn’t feel like Ian and I work as a husband and wife team and to be honest I think it is the passion of what we do that drives us. When we are in the office, we are colleagues but when we are at home we are a parents as well as a husband and wife. I know how Ian works and I know the pride he has in his bespoke work and equally he knows how I work and how much my clients mean to me. I don’t think we could do this work with anyone other than each other as we have a great understanding of what we both hope to achieve,’’ enthused Mrs Kelly. As to the future of the business? “We have a staff of cabinet makers that work with us and we’re very keen to give apprentices a start in the industry and we have a lovely apprentice that is with us at the moment and we’re enjoying showing them the ropes. In the line of work we do, a young person can’t get very far without experience so Ian has the patience to teach the apprentice. “We would like to expand the showroom, warehouse and the office if things continue to grow the way we think they are and then we would like to take on teams of cabinet makers and designers so as we can mulitply ourselves,’’ she revealed.
“
Business is going brilliantly.
In terms of interior design trends that are going to be popular over the next number of months? Neutrals will make a comeback with a very organic feel. Real and faux foliage will feature as will light woods, wall paneling and lots of texture will be seen on a 2021 design concept. I think houses are going to start incorporating a study/ office space. The industrial trend is becoming a very big trend in Ireland as well, concluded Sinéad Kelly.
Sinead: Ian: Email: Web:
087 401 6825 087 401 6826 info@kellycreations.ie www.kellycreations.ie
Kelly Creations ‘Ian and Sinead are a dream team. Sinead has an incredible eye for detail that elevates a tired space into an oasis you feel comfortable in. Ian is limitless with his ideas, his craftsman ship is simply flawless. Nothing is to much trouble for this dynamic duo. Both so charming and an absolute delight to deal with. I want to showcase my home to everyone, and always love coming home after a long day. Kelly Creations – simply amazing’
Interior Design
Bespoke Furniture
Quiet Box
50
51
Why
MMinterior design are the best around
In conversation with Mariola Mialkowska by Emer Kelly Images: Webpress
M
Minteriordesign is a design studio in which Mariola Miałkowska along with a team of qualified architects and interior designers implementing its vision of housing made-to-measure. The interiors are a reflection of timeless style and philosophy by Mariola Miałkowska. MMinteriordesigns aesthetics corresponds with the convenience and functionality. Unique approach to customer MMineriordesign characterised by the complexity of the services and attention to the smallest detail. The design team is under the watchful eye of Mariola Miałkowska who implements projects on behalf of individual and corporate throughout the country and abroad. On special request also makes the selection of furniture lighting and any additives associated with the interior all to meet the expectations of the most demanding customers. Originality, full commitment and constant supervision of the work – it has to bring good results! Among their clients are Europeans, Poland, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Sweden and they also have clients from UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi.
“
nate furniture layouts with lighting and electrial plans and coordinate fine art and decorative accessories. Documents-demolition/new partition plans, electrical plans, reflected ceiling plans/ lighting plans and wall, floor and furniture plans and schedules. Project Management- coordinate works and review drawings with contractors (Civil Engineer, Tiler, Painter, Electrician, Carpenter), maintain project schedules, manage all bids (materials and works), provide on-site inspections during construction, provide punch lists of all work to be completed and provide final hand over to client. “I’m very happy about my work. I’m based in Cork but I do work all over Ireland,’’ said Marilo Mialkowska.
“
I am always working on new projects.
I know that I am very good at what I do
In the era of cyber-developed and efficient communication, geographical boundaries are no longer obstacles and reach of their company depends only on the expectations of our customers. For them, MMinteriordesign are willing to cross the mountains and the sea, arrange exotic spaces and catch up with dreams! Mminteriordesign services include: Planning- interview to determine client needs, schedules and budgets, inventory of existing furnishings and other items to be reused, provide measurements and space plans with furniture layouts and develop the project timeline. Design- develop budgets on all interior finishes and works, assist in material, finish and furnishings analysis, recommendations and buying, review and coordi-
“I’m working as an Interior Designer for the last 20 years and I have a lot of experience in interior design. In 2019, I won a competition for the best Interior Designer in Ireland and England and I won the competition and I’m very happy about this because I am the best Interior Designer in Ireland and England. “I know that I am very good at what I do. I love my job and I wake up in the morning for my job not because I have to work but because I love what I do and I love meeting new people and working with my clients,’’ added Mariola. “I am always working on projects and thinking of new designs,’’ concluded Mariola Mialkowska.
52
Make Your House a Home “Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose.� Charles Eames
+353 85 817 2335
info@mminteriordesign.ie
www.mminteriordesign.ie
53
What makes
Moycullen Woodworks GOLDEN!
Images: Webpress
In conversation with Joe Golden by Emer Kelly
M
oycullen Woodworks is The West of Ireland’s Premier Kitchen Design and Interiors Experts, leaders in the design and manufacture of Kitchens and specialists in Residential and Commercial Interiors.
Moycullen Woodworks has an exceptional reputation as a family run business, set up in 2010 by Joe Golden who has more than 25 years experience in both the Irish and Australian market. The team at Moycullen Woodworks, overseen personally by Joe, pride themselves on expertise, craftsmanship, depth of knowledge and attention to detail. Moycullen Woodworks maintains very high standards and this is reflected in the superior quality of our furniture, which is custom built and tailor made locally in our workshop. The same team of highly skilled craftsmen create and fit the furniture, ensuring a seamless transition of Moycullen Woodworks creations to your home or business. Moycullen Woodworks excels in commissioned pieces and commercial projects. “We are in business 10 years this year and all of our products are bespoke. We manufacture all our own kitchens, wardrobes and vanity units and we paint them to whatever colour the customer wants. Our showroom in Moycullen was the number one showroom in Ireland in 2016 and 2017 through IKTG,’’ said Joe Golden.
“
Our aim is to expand the business.
“
“Nearly everything we use is sourced in the Connaught region. Since I left school I have worked in this industry and before the ‘boom,’ I moved to Australia and I was making kitchens for the penthouses in the Gold Coast up near Brisbane and I learnt a lot doing that as well as gaining a lot of experience working with Interior Designers and Architects. I came back home in 2007 and I started working for myself as a fitting sub-contractor and then I set up the kitchen business.
“
All of our products are bespoke.
“
Our work is mainly on the West of Ireland, the main counties where we would work in would be Galway, Mayo and Clare. We might do the odd job in Dublin but other than that we’re mainly working in the West.
In terms of the future of Moycullen Woodworks? “Our aim is to expand the business a bit more going Eastwards as well as continuing to grow the business in general,’’ concluded Joe Golden.
Everyone thought I was mad for setting up a business in the middle of a recession but we have worked every day since opening. We started off in a small showroom and a year later an opportunity arose to move to a unit on the Main Street. Since then business has been upwards and onwards, business is very busy, enthused Mr Golden.
54
Kitchens
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Unit 11, An Cearnรณg Nua, Moycullen, Co Galway, H91XKF7 091 868 008 www.moycullenwoodworks.ie moycullenwoodworks@gmail.com
55
Exciting times ahead for
SOHFurniture In conversation with Shane O’Halloran by Emer Kelly Images: Webpress
S
OHFurniture specialise in high quality hand crafted bespoke furniture. Using a range of locally sourced Irish hardwoods, they strive to create beautifully tailored, unique pieces of furniture. Since its establishment,SOHFurniture has been designing and creating furniture of an excellent quality. The owner, Shane O’Halloran, studied Furniture Design & Manufacture in Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education. During his time in Dun Laoghaire he was twice elected to represent his college in the esteemed National Skills Competition for Cabinet Making, reaching the final stages of the competition both years. Attention to detail is paramount, a lot of commitment goes into every piece. The timber used is treated with care to enhance and highlight the natural characteristics of the wood. Each piece is created with the clients vision and individuality in mind, to design furniture specific to the taste of the customer.
“When I graduated from college I worked for a kitchen company for two years and then I went travelling across Asia for a year and when I came back home I set up SOHFurniture in 2017. Business is very good and I haven’t had to go searching for work in the last three years,’’ said Shane O’Halloran. “I work nationwide but I’m actually in the process of moving my workshop down to Clare as I’ve just bought a house down there. For the last 12 months 90% of my work has been home improvement work such as kitchens, wardrobes, television units, entertainment units and then I’m doing one off pieces as well.
“
I worked for a kitchen company for two years
“
Business is very good.
“
Going forward, I can continue to see myself wanting to be hands on whether that is in the workshop or fitting the pieces for the next 20 years. When I move down to Clare, I will be making the furniture myself and then shipping the pieces back to Dublin to the two fitters I have working for me. I’m going to continue taking it as it comes and all I can do is continue to do the work I’m doing, concluded Shane O’Halloran.
086 073 5563 sohfurniture@gmail.com www.sohfurniture.com
Here at Sohfurniture we specialise in high quality hand crafted bespoke furniture. Using a range of locally sourced Irish hardwoods, we strive to create beautifully tailored, unique pieces of furniture. Since its establishment, Sohfurniture has been designing and creating furniture of an excellent quality. The owner, Shane O'Halloran, studied Furniture Design & Manufacture in Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education.
56
57
The Story of
Yours Personally In conversation with Kathtrina Furlong Words: Emer Kelly
Y
Images: Webpress
ours Personally is a family run business established more than 30 years ago, Yours Personally provides a unique service. Not only do the team provide a full Interior Design Service but they manufacture their own soft furnishings furniture, making every piece unique to the clients requirements. with a complete re-upholstery service too.
pieces with an average of a five-week lead time and a lifetime guarantee on their solid beech frames.
Yours Personally specialises in making great designs assessable to everybody at their desired price, depth, length, and shape. Just show the team a picture of what you like, and they will create it for you without any wholesalers or importers.
Yours Personally is a one-stop-shop where you can select your fabrics, rugs, wallpaper, curtains, design your special piece or even just accessories your room with lamps , coffee tables and so forth all from the comfort of their showrooms.
The company can offer you great prices for quality
A member of their Interior Design Team will call
The skilled upholsterers at Your Personally can also recover your own sofas and will return them to you like brand new. With the help of their qualified team of Interior Designers you can create your dream space.
58
“
We’ve become known for the classic look
to your house and advise you on the most suitable fabrics and window treatments for your space. Yours Personally has the largest range of upholstery fabrics in Ireland and these are available to purchase by the meter.
“
My parents had a condensed version of the business that sold fireside chairs, carpets, beds and sofas with a small workshop. When my parents were preparing to move away from this business, I took over at 24 and Yours Personally grew from there, said Kathtrina Furlong.
59
“Growing up I was always sewing, and made many a wedding dress, I would be very creative with fabrics and love working in the workshop as a teenager. I learnt the trade through experience and over my 30+ years as Yours Personally, the business has grown into a unique design and manufacturing business with a reputation for good service and quality pieces. “It is important that I get into the psyche of the client and get a feel for their personality, their style, and requirements before designing their room or home. This ensures their taste is reflected in the design, the correct durability of fabric is chosen, and I have help future proof the space for down the line as their life change. Working with a designer helps avoid costly mistakes, picking the right size furniture and window furnishings is not an easy task,’’ added Ms Furlong. “It is all about the correct interior experience and making sure the client gets what they asked for. We get great loyalty from our clients, as they keep returning and that suggests we are doing something right. We do everything from as little as a footstool, right up to the whole house. In terms of how business is going? “We have just completely renovated the showrooms to ensure we have it safe for clients and staff and allow for distancing. Our newly appointed studio has a huge library of upholstery and curtain fabrics as well as wallpaper books and rug samples . When we were in lockdown, I took the opportunity to get the showrooms re-wired, new lighting installed, removed the old gas fire and installed an state of the art Evonic fire. We now have a Showrooms and studio that is modern and bright. “We’ve become known for the classic look when it comes to what we do and now we’re trying to move in to the field of a more cleaner look whilst reaching out to the next generation who don’t want many items in their home but they want nice items’’ she added. As to the future for Yours Personally? “My main plan is to try and broaden our clientele as all of our work is through referral and with doing up the showroom I’m hoping to bring on new clients as well as a younger age group and for the business to be seen as the ‘go to area,’ to solve peoples interior problems,’’ concluded Kathtrina Furlong.
Showrooms:
15/16 Lower Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire,Co. Dublin. A96P766
Showrooms: Email: Web:
012301260 info@yourspersonally.ie www.yourspersonally.ie
60
Yours Personally has established a reputation over the last 30 years which is synonymous with distinctive quality bespoke upholstered furniture, complimented with a full interior design service. We strive to design unique interiors that will have a positive impact on our clients lives. All of our furniture is designed in our design studio, which boasts a comprehensive design library. Each piece is manufactured in our Workshop, located alongside the showrooms in the heart of DunLaoghaire.
COMPLETE DESIGN SERVICE | BESPOKE CHAIRS | BESPOKE CORNER UNITS | BESPOKE SOFAS | CURTAINS | FABRICS | HEADBOARDS | LIGHTING | MIRRORS | RUGS | RECOVERIES | SOFA BEDS | WALLPAPERS
An amazing space in
61
Belfast “
I wanted the house to be quite daring.
62
In conversation with Interior Designer Lee Austin Words: Emer Kelly
“
It’s in my blood.
Images: RTÉ Press Office
63
In conversation with Interior Designer Lee Austin by Emer Kelly Interior designer Lee Austin and Mark Johnston had been looking for a spacious house in Belfast that Lee could put his own stamp on. As an Interior Designer Lee works on any properties but his home was by far one of the biggest challenges he ever worked on. They did a full refurbishment and the only things that remain in parts of the house are the doors, staircase and the fireplaces. They reconfigured the layout to suit how they wanted to live in the house. They took the original molding from the living room and replicated it so they could have the feature throughout the house. They also added bespoke paneling to add more character to the walls. An extension was added at the back so they would have an open plan kitchen, living and dining area. Being very proud of what their home and love for entertainment, it was very important to create a space for their friends and family and for them to enjoy it as much as both Lee and Mark do.
Here Lee discusses this project for Renovate your Home...
“
64
As far as all of our projects go, our house would be one of the most challenging that I have had to work on as projects go. We wanted to create a home that was going to give us the best of summer and winter so we searched for somewhere with enough room to create an open plan airy everyday room that that would be lovely and bright during the summer. Equally we wanted a large more formal space that was all about entertaining in the winter so we went for darker, punchier moody tones to enhance the architecture at the front of the house, It was all about scale and proportion, warm metal finishes, and rich heritage inspired colours and quirky features that we love.
“I wanted the house to be a little bit daring; no pale insipid woodwork but teal and bottle green whilst injecting our personalities into the house and not worrying what other thought but what we wanted for ourselves’’ added Lee.
form aspirations into beautiful pieces. As a design collective, it is their role to conceptualise and tailor an environment that is both personal and comfortable reflecting their clients’ taste and personality.
Lee Austin Interior Design provides bespoke, timeless, luxury interior design schemes focusing primarily on residential projects. From the sourcing or creation of individual pieces through to a full interior
“We bought the house three years ago and the first thing we did when we got the keys was strip everything out. The house was very much loved by its previous owners by they had just wall papered over the cracks and it was quite dated. The house didn’t
design service, with tailored management from conception to completion. Working with only the best designers, makers, fitters and art consultants, sourcing products both locally and across Europe, they trans-
work for us, the proportions of the rooms at the back of the house were quite poky whilst the scale of the rooms at the front of the house were slightly better,’’ he enthused.
In terms of how the refurbishment went?
65
“We started working on the house immediately and the building team worked relentlessly until the week before Christmas 2017. The house was re-plumbed and re-wired, every wall was either taken down completely or re-plastered, we reconfigured the top floor by installing an extra en-suite and dressing room and then changed around some of the middle floor such as adding a dressing room and putting in an new ensuite off the master bedroom.
“
There is something about an old house. “To be honest I was concerned about going into a full house renovation simply due to time constraints and very busy working hours however in the end we found a house that needed to be pulled apart and started again. Ultimately I didn’t want to compromise in the end, doing a full renovation on this house was the best thing we ever did and we’re so glad that we embarked on it because it has given us everything we wanted. It became our labour of love” “There is something about an old house that you cannot replicate with a new build and I don’t know whether it is the cracks in the walls and the little imperfections but with the best will in the world and with the best Architect I still find that if you try to make a brand new house feel old, it will never work and it will always look like a new house where as in an old house there are just things about it that gives it soul and that for me is everything.
“Whilst waiting for planning permission, we didn’t have a kitchen for the first six months living at our new home. Finally the foundations commenced in Jan 2018 and by summer we were enjoying out newly anticipated and kitchen and living space,’’ explained Mr Austin.
I never wanted to buy a new house; it was always going to be an old house as that is where my heart lies. There is something very rewarding about taking an old property and bringing it up to date,’’ imparted Lee. In terms of whether or not this will be Lee and Mark’s forever home?
66
“There will definitely be another renovation project! It is in my blood now and I love renovating houses. Three years on there are things that I would do differently with our house and it will always be that way. “We’re going to really enjoy this house for another 10 years whilst really enjoying the house and then maybe renovate an old character property again and add a vry contrasting contemporary space but we don’t really know what we’re going to do at the moment. There will always be something that is on the long finger,’’ concluded Lee Austin.
CONTACT LIST INTERIOR DESIGN
Lee Austin, Lee Austin Design, Victoria Lodge, 158 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3EQ, United Kingdom P: 0044-2890672266 W: www.leeaustindesign.com E: info@leeaustindesign.com
KITCHEN
Function Design Furniture, 27 Ballymorran Road, Newtownards BT23 6UE, United Kingdom P: 0044-2897541648 W: www.functiondesignfurniture.co.uk E: info@functiondesignfurniture.co.uk
TILES
WOOD FLOORING
P: 0044-2890232136 W: www.davidscotttiles.com E: info@davidscotttiles.com
P: 0044-2892692304 W: www.wilsonsyard.com E: iancopeland@wilsonsyard.com
David Scott Tile, Bath & Stone, 11-19 Blythe Street, Belfast BT12 5HU, United Kingdom
BATHROOMS: Wayne Lyons, Soaks Bathrooms, 5-7 Off Apollo Road, Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6HP, United Kingdom
P: 0044-2890681121 W: www.soaksbathrooms.com E: showroom@soaksbathrooms.com
Wilsons Yard, 123 Hillsborough Road, Dromore BT25 1QW, United Kingdom
67
ECO STOVES & ECO FUEL
In conversation with Eamon O’Rourke by Emer Kelly Images: Webpress
O
’Rourke Fireplaces & Stoves has been a part of the fabric of Glasson, Athlone and the midlands for more than four decades. Established by Eamon and Margaret O’Rourke in 1981, the business has grown from strength to strength and has supplied fireplaces and stoves to residential and business customers all over Ireland. The family is proud of that heritage, of the employment provided and the contribution which the business makes to the local economy.
The company prides themselves on the quality of their fireplaces and stoves. This extends from ensuring that the designs of their products are contemporary, yet timeless; the materials used are of the highest standards, drawing upon the latest in energy and efficiency standards. Commitment to quality also extends to your experience as a customer, from the initial conversation to completed installation. O’Rourke Fireplaces & Stoves 95% satisfactionrating from customers is something they are proud of and they constantly strive for improvement. Reflecting the latest thinking in German energy engineering and design, their Kingstar range guarantees a cleaner, warmer, more efficient, better value heating solution for your home. Balancing the commitment to ongoing innovation is an appreciation of the traditions of craftsmanship which places O’Rourke Fireplaces and Stoves a cut above the competition. Their designs are timeless and elegant, reflecting simplicity and good taste that will last the test of time.
“
I can see massive opportunities for the company going forward.
O’Rourke Fireplaces & Stoves are the installation specialists and are highly experienced in installing wood burning stoves and fireplaces for more than three decades. They specialise in wood burning stove installations, flue installations, servicing and maintenance for residential customers. O’Rourke Fireplaces & Stoves install wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves throughout Ireland. We have an experienced and fully qualified installation team. “The business is going exceptionally well. We are 40 years in business in the heart of Ireland and we have a glowing reputation for outstanding quality of work, product and customer care. As we are in Athlone most of our business is from Athlone with 40% of our business coming from Dublin and the greater Dublin area with the rest of our business coming from the midlands,’’ said Eamon O’Rourke. “We have two showrooms; one in Athlone and one in Mullingar. We’re a family run business and if you are able to run a successful business as a family and at the end of the day you get out with your sanity in tact and a good relationship with your family then you are doing a wonderful job! “The biggest challenge our company faces and has faced over the last three years is the carbon footprint that our industry being the solid fuel industry is causing and we’re looking at ways of trying to lessen that carbon footprint and we see the Government actively involved in a green energy and that is the way forward for our business,’’ enthused Mr O’Rourke. “A few years ago we started selling an eco-stove that runs on eco-fuel and we have exclusivity for a fuel that nobody else sells in Ireland and it is reputed to be the best ego-log fuel in Europe. It’s a Kingstar Eco log with a very low ash content, very low carbon footprint, there is no carbon tax with this product and it is the way to go. As to the future for O’Rourke Fireplaces & Stoves? “I can see massive opportunities for the company going forward; to convert our company in to a new energy heating company with mainly air to water pumps which the Government are encouraging and which we are actively involved with in setting this up within the company,’’ concluded Eamon O’Rourke.
68
(090) 6485094 info@kingstarfires.com
Family Run Business
www.myfire.ie
O’Rourke Fireplaces & Stoves has been a part of the fabric of Glasson, Athlone and the midlands for nearly four decades. Established by Eamon and Margaret O’Rourke in 1981, the business has grown from strength to strength and has supplied fireplaces and stoves to residential and business customers all over Ireland. The family is proud of that heritage, of the employment provided and the contribution which the business makes to the local economy.
Top Quality Products Excellent Customer Service German Engineered Tradition Showrooms Free House & Chimney Surveys for all Potential Customers
69
How
Maria Fenlon Interiors came to be...
“
I have a fantastic team that work with me
A
classically trained artist, with a degree in Fine Art Sculpture, Maria Fenlon returned to college in the 1990’s to follow her true passion in Interior Architecture and Design. In 2001 she established her Interior design studio and is now based in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin. As a sculptor she has a great love of texture and contrasts of materials and is renowned for her subtle use of colour, her eye for detail and a unique piece of art, her practical approach to planning and her skill in creating both traditional and modern styles. Maria lived and worked as an Interior Architect in Brussels for seven years and continued to work on projects in Ireland during this time, however her focus is now in and around the Dublin area. She travels extensively, overseeing her projects and being inspired by new materials, styles and cultures.
Maria Fenlon Interiors bring their extensive expertise to create personal, timeless and comfortable interiors while respecting the architecture and unique location of each building. Working with a team of professionals they give the client peace of mind that the project will be carried out seamlessly, on time and on budget. Communication and warm client relations are vital ingredients in working to achieve a design that is exciting and surpasses all expectations. Their services include; Interior Architecture, Interior Design, Bespoke Furniture and Storage Design, Art Sourcing, Pricing and Sourcing to brief, Lighting Design, window Treatments and Soft Furnishings. “Interior Design was something I was always interested in from the time I was at school. Taking an idea and realising it in a piece of artwork, was so interesting for me. I had an amazing Teacher in school who
70
In conversation with Maria Fenlon Words: Emer Kelly
Images: Webpress
“
We know a lot of tricks that can be used.
was a huge influence,’’ said Maria Fenlon. “I studied fine art sculpture in Limerick School of Art and Design and went on to teach in secondary school for many years, but I really missed my own creativity. I renovated a home for our family and it was noticed by a builder who asked me to do some showhouses. I decided to return to college and achieved a qualification in Interior Architecture and Design,’’ enthused Mrs Fenlon. In terms of how business is going? “At the moment we are very busy as everyone is looking at their homes and thinking about how they will adapt to this new covid world and how they can best organise their spaces to suit their needs. It is always helpful to have an objective, experienced eye to help with this process. We work on full house renovations and extensions. We are currently collaborating with three different talented architects in the Dublin re-
gion, she added. “Storage is so important and it is important to consider your storage options. When we were living in Brussels, I needed a base in Dublin. We purchased a property in Dunlaoghaire and I created a live/ work space so when lockdown happened it didn’t make any difference to me as I was already set up in the space at home. It’s important to use your living space for your family needs as well as your work needs.” The base Maria is talking about is her family home in Dublin. The property is a compact apartment with a southeasterly aspect, part of a residential block converted from a commercial building in 2008. It was bought by a family who live abroad as a base for occasional visits home and with a dual purpose to serve as a working studio for a small design business.
71
The concept of this project was to provide maximum flexibility and, wherever possible, overlapping functionality within the design, so that the apartment could be quickly and easily transformed from a comfortable, homely space for the family into an inspirational, practical space for a designer to work and meet clients, and vice versa. • To eliminate clutter and use “every available inch” of space for storage, both for living and working purposes. • To create a bright airy feeling with a sense of connectedness and flow between the spaces, and to exaggerate the perceptual sense of height within a relatively low ceiling height of 8 feet (2.4m) The brief was fulfilled by considering the needs of all the users and defining zones for various activities. Their concept was to retain much of the original apartment layout, while making interventions in the hall and bathroom to provide additional storage space. The U-shaped kitchen occupies a niche off the corner of the living area so as to be unobtrusive to other activities in the main social and working space. A calm and stylish run of architectural floor-to-ceiling storage units lines the back wall of the apartment. Both bedrooms include small workstations. Flexible furniture was chosen for all areas. The table in the living area extends from 190cm x 90cm for family dining to 265cm as a working area for design. The table was located beside the wall to maximise the free flow of circulation when not extended. Ottoman beds in both bedrooms provide additional storage underneath. The couch in the living area can be extended to a sofa bed for guests when needed. Chairs were specifically selected that can be used both outdoors on the balcony and indoors. In the living area a bespoke floating storage unit was designed for both TV and client presentations. The floating element allows the floor to continue underneath, giving the impression of additional space. TV boxes, electrical switches and plugs are hidden from view. Frosted sliding glass doors conceal shelves. Electricity loads were zoned and designed to be task specific. Demand is reduced through the use of dimmers, occupancy sensors and low-voltage fittings. A wall in the entrance hall was extended by 200mm
to provide floor-to-ceiling shelved storage for guest coats, etc. Push open doors are seamlessly hidden and are rarely noticed by visitors. Light-coloured engineered oak boards from a sustainable source create a connectedness between all spaces. The coastal-themed style board and colour scheme connects all spaces and materials to give the impression of a seamless flow. Linens, textiles and artwork were sourced from local art sources, with a few Belgian glass finds. Floor-toceiling storage units create a vertical emphasis in all areas. A long mirror in the dining area and elegant multi-coloured light fittings from Penta make the space seem taller by drawing the eye upward. The ceilings throughout were painted the same as the walls and storage units, creating an illusion that the walls are elongated. “The apartment has been comfortably occupied by three adults during the Covid crisis. It has worked very well in that two people can easily work at the extended dining/worktable and the third can work remotely at the dressing table/desk in the main bedroom or on the balcony. I have learned the importance of tidying away to respect others using the space,’’ enthused Maria. “Whilst I have experienced the cost effectiveness of living and working in a small space, I have also learned that I really need an outdoor space and so the balcony has become a garden, a place to grow herbs and a source of inspiration and relaxation,’’ she added. As to the future of Maria Fenlon Interiors? “People have woken up to how important their environments are and they have realised what a luxury it is to work from home and spend less time commuting, and more time with their families. I’m really enjoying working with people and helping them realise the most effective organization of space to meet their needs. “We have 20 years experience in this area and we know a lot of tricks that can be used to make spaces seem bigger, whilst creating clever solutions for storage ,’’ imparted Mrs Fenlon. “I have a fantastic team that work with me and our aim is to create really beautiful personal homes that are happy places to live in and work well for the users of the space,’’ concluded Maria Fenlon.
72
“
We collaborate with architects and homeowners to transform interior spaces into beautiful functional environments that reflect their owner’s preferred style, personality and lifestyle
Photograpy: Ruth Maria Photography.
+353 868057557
|
maria@mariafenlon.com
|
www.mariafenlon.com
73
CAROLINE FLANNERY
From an ARTISTS studio to
HOME Interior Designer talks to us Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Ruth Maria Murphy
C
aroline Flannery, founder and creative director of Interiors By Caroline is widely noted for her original yet classic style and her extremely personal service. With her passion and natural flair for interiors Caroline has built many life long relationships with her clients who call upon her professional services as their lifestyles and needs change. Caroline’s down to earth, positive and creative approach to interior design ensures she is constantly in demand in both Ireland and overseas. Here, Ms Flannery talks to us about her gorgeous home in Clontarf. “It took me a long time to find this house as I had a number of very specific requirements which limited my search quite a bit,’’ said Caroline Flannery. “I wanted somewhere close to a beach, it had to have an outdoor space for my gorgeous doggy Val and it had to be a doer upper. I feel very fortunate indeed to have found a house which ticked all of my boxes and more, those long dreary evenings spent searching for my perfect home are thankfully finally a distant memory. The house was originally designed by an architect as an artist’s studio with its own exhibition space so the light was phenomenal and was the first thing I noticed when I walked in to view it,’’ added Ms Flannery. “The layout was open plan, it was essentially a shell with just one internal wall to house the bathroom which was perfect for me as it would allow me to put my own personal stamp on it. I knew within five minutes that it was the one for me and I made an offer on it within hours. “I decided to live in the space as it was for a while so I could get a feeling for the light and how best to design the layout to suit my lifestyle. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
CAROLINE FLANNERY
74
“I lived OUT of BOXES!”
www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
75
CAROLINE FLANNERY
I wanted the interior to feel open and light but also cosy and intimate so I used colour and lighting to define specific areas within the same space,’’ enthused Caroline.
“I DON’T change EVERYTHING.”
“I use mirrors a lot when I am designing for my clients as I like to play with reflections and perspective and I used this technique extensively in the design of my own home. You can see my garden from every single seat even when you have your back to it! “As an interior designer I am constantly made aware of the latest trends in all things related to the home. Suppliers send me swatches of the latest paint colours, wallpaper and textile designs usually before they have even been launched onto the retail market and every year my and team and I will visit a number of international furniture and lighting trade shows. Whilst this is very inspiring I am careful about the trends I select for my projects as they can appear dated in a very short amount of time. I am a huge fan of Haussman’s classic Parisian interiors and appreciate how excellent craftmanship and quality materials and furniture have a timeless appeal., enthused Ms Flannery.
www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
76
“With the larger investment pieces such as the sofa and joinery I kept the design classic contemporary whilst the paint colours, accessories are more trend focused and will no doubt be changed every few years. “I like the idea of changing the look and feel of your home every few years by simply re painting and changing the cushions and accessories, it makes sense as the painting will generally have to be done anyway and is one of the least expensive outlays. It is something to look forward to, I must admit that I am thinking about my next palette already,’’ she added. “My favourite spot in the house is my dining table, I entertain a lot and enjoy having my friends and family over to visit often. My house if very much a home, pets and children are all welcome and if something gets broken or damaged it’s a good excuse to go shopping again as if I need one,’’ concluded Caroline Flannery.
CONTACT LIST INTERIOR DESIGNER: Caroline Flannery, 01-5594405 - 0876652093 www.interiordesignerdublin.ie info@interiorsbycaroline.ie
www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
77
LIGHT IN YOUGHAL
“ I really LOVE my HOME.”
A guiding LIGHT in
YOUGHAL
www.homeandbuild.ie
78
In conversation with Saoirse Fitzgerald Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Saoirse Fitzgerald
www.homeandbuild.ie
79
LIGHT IN YOUGHAL
C
ork native Saoirse Fitzgerald is the envy of many people across the island of Ireland as she lives in one of the most amazing properties that has ever appeared on the pages of this publication; the reason for that is because Ms Fitzgerald lives in the lighthouse keepers cottage in Youghal, County Cork and between the property and the views it is something to behold. Saoirse grew up 15 kilmoetres away from Youghal in a village called Claddagh and had gone to school close to the lighthouse.
“I was living over in London at the time so getting a mortgage from abroad is fairly tricky. There aren’t really any products available in Irish banks for Irish abroad wanting to buy at home. I had to go with a holiday home mortgage and the deposit you need to pay for that is between 25% to 45%. Renovation work on this project took a total of five months and it was overseen by the Conservation Officer for County Cork, Mona Hallinan.
Youghal Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the world to be run by female lighthouse keepers and the lighthouse is still operarting and owned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.The first potato to be planted in Ireland was done in the garden of the keepers cottage by Sir Walter Raleigh. When Saoirse saw that the keepers cottage was up for sale she was based in London where she was working as a Brand Director for Linkedin before moving home to Cork.
“We took several tonnes of rubble out and as access is tricky everything that was brought in or out of the house had to be done so by crane over the wall! Things you do not think of with places that tend to have a great view, they sometimes have tricky routes of access,’’ added a laughing Saoirse. “The renovation was considered a green renovation as where possible we used sustainable methods ( ie air to water heat system, restored the old windows, upgraded insulation, reclaimed the wooden floors, eco friendly paint, lime plaster for the walls, added heating controls, added underfloor heating, low flush toilet etc).
The keepers cottage was the residence of every lighthouse keeper at Youghal Lighthouse since the 1800’s. ““I saw an article on the Irish Independent when I was aimlessly scrolling on Facebook and that’s how I happened to come upon the house being up for sale and it had a time frame of 30 days to sell and it was going to be done by a blind auction,’’ said Saoirse Fitzgerald.
“I didn’t really have any interest in interiors before doing up my house, I loved going to nice hotels and appreciated nice decor for sure, whereas now I have unearthed a whole new love for interiors and it has opened up a whole other element to my life that I didn’t even know was there. I have even gone on to train as an Interior Designer since the renovation’’ she added.
www.homeandbuild.ie
LIGHT IN YOUGHAL
80
“They sometimes have tricky ROUTES.”
The renovation introduced open-plan living downstairs, a sea-facing bathroom and bathtub, underfloor heating, new electrics and plumbing, insulation throughout, and a 20-foot conservatory complete with hanging chair, and new windows throughout.
world feel throught-out. When I first bought it, it certainly wasn’t a dream home but slowly we have brought the old keepers back to life.
As to Saoirse’s overall thoughts on the house? “From the moment I first set foot in the home, it had a really safe feeling and air to it. It oozes character and has a real old
“Even though the house is a material thing, it brings me so much happiness. I really love my home and buying this house is one of the best things I’ve ever done,’’ concluded Saoirse Fitzgerald.
CONTACT LIST INTERIOR DESIGN: Saoirse Fitzgerald, 083-3521487 sasafitz@gmail.com PAINT: Pat McDonnell Paints, Centre Park Road, The Marina, County Cork - 021-4320200 www.mcdonnellpaints.ie info@mcdonnellpaints.ie SOFA, SNUGGLE CHAIR, DRINKS TABLE & BATHROOM MIRROR: Meubles Furniture Store, 12 Kilkenny Retail & Business Park, Ring Road, Smithsland South, Kilkenny, R95 Y26C 056-7722034 www.meubles.ie SANITARY WARE: Bathshack, Unit D2 Donnybrook Commercial Centre IE, Donnybrook, Co. Cork, T12 H5NH 021-2337346 www.bathshack.com www.homeandbuild.ie
HEATING SYSTEM & PLUMBING: Aidan O’Rourke - ORME, Kilmore, Clashmore, Co. Waterford 086-3866487 www.orme.ie - aidan@orme.ie
TILES: Tilezone, Knockaun East, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford 058-52843
HOME, GARDEN, DIY & BUILDING SUPPLIES: Cal Flavin Limited, 100 - 101 North Main Street, Youghal Lands, Youghal, Co Cork - 024-92026 www.toplineflavins.ie
Stonebridge Tiles & Timber, Foxhole, Youghal, Co. Cork 024-85567 - 087-2514992 www.stonebridgetiles.com info@stonebridgetiles.com
ELECTRICIANS: James & Ronan Fitzgerald, 087-7563275 HEADBOARDS, CUSHIONS & CHAIRS: Ned O’Connell Furnishings, Seafield Business Centre, Killeagh Road, Co. Cork 024-93106
METAL SHELVES (IN SNUG): Interiosity, Unit 19 St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas, Co. Cork 021-4898471 - sales@interiosity.ie www.interiorsity.ie SINK, SLEEPER SHELVES & OTHER SALVAGED ITEMS: Macs Warehouse, 749 South Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 RWF1 01-6792110 www.macswarehouse.ie info@macswarehouse.ie
81
JOE FALLON
In conversation with Joe Fallon, Managing Director
J
oe Fallon and his wife Deirdre moved to County Wexford in 2005 to start a family, build a house and further develop Joe’s architectural practice. Their first step was to buy a 200-year-old derelict cottage in the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountains. Joe set about renovating and rebuilding the house, and included a small office from which to run the business. Having been in operation since 1988, he used all his years’ experience in his own home and continued to build the business and service the architectural market in both Dublin and the more rural settings around Wexford. In 2014 Joe took on his first full-time employee, and within a year had developed the practice to include 5 full-time staff and a fully-equipped office on the main street in Bunclody, Co. Wexford. Fast forward again to 2018, Joe had returned to his Dublin roots by opening an office in Main Street, Dundrum to service their primary market in south Dublin and had taken on a few more staff members. As of 2020, Joe Fallon Design consists of 8 full-time employees, made up of architects and chartered architectural technologists, working out of their two offices and must be one of the busiest architectural practices in Leinster. Through the Dundrum office they serve south Dublin by way of extensions, renovations and the occasional one-off house. So much of the housing stock in Dublin consists of 1950s and 60s semi-detached homes that are in need of modernisation. Their Wexford office covers the more rural parts of Leinster and provides architectural services for one-off rural dwellings, schools, churches and social housing.
“ I’ve a LOYAL of bUILDERS.”
82
Taking
the mystery out of
ARcHITEcTURE
at Joe Fallon Architectural Design
83
JOE FALLON
“ I’ve REALLY a GOOD DESIGNERS working for Me.” Part of the reason for Joe’s relocation to the countryside is to maintain a healthy work-life balance between the busyness of the architectural practice and the importance of family and healthy living. A typical day would start at 8:30 in the office, after having breakfast with the family and dropping the kids to the school bus. Work in the office is usually varied; as a creative person, Joe naturally enjoys the thrill of beginning a new project with a fresh design challenge, however most of the work in an architectural office involves emails and paperwork to keep each project running smoothly. They have to deal with councils in relation to planning permission and utilities, building regulations and ensuring their projects all comply with the relevant legislation, and sometimes the needs arises for an emergency conference call or site visit to rectify a problem on one of their many live construction sites.
It is a very stressful time and someone’s home is their castle, so we do our best to respect that.” Joe attributes a lot of this success to his team of young, enthusiastic staff with creative ideas who design without inhibition. A talented team of other professionals such as engineers, quantity surveyors and town planners help keep the project moving. And of course a strong pool of building contractors, that Joe has built up over the years and have developed a reliable working relationship with - some stretching back more than 30 years. “As a creative industry, there are many challenges that we come across. These become the structure within which we can design. These limits can actually be really helpful, as they create boundaries with which we can work. The hardest thing is often trying to create without any restrictions.” And as Joe summarises, there are many restrictions: planning and development plan limitations, underground services, consensus with adjoining neighbours, and of course, budget. “But all these things come together to create something unique every time. Our bread and butter is the extension market, but each one is unique.”
Architecture, especially in a medium-sized office such as Joe’s, comprises a variety of tasks and work types. “Most of it is office-based, but we do venture out of the office on occasion as we need to meet new clients, survey new projects and conduct our site visits. It gives us great variety in our work and helps to reduce the possibility of boredom!” enthuses Joe.
Indeed, the last few years have been particularly fruitful, and has been recognised by way of numerous awards and nominations. “In 2019 we were nominated as a finalist with five projects in two categories in the Irish Construction Industry Awards, for Architectural Practice of the Year and Small Residential Project of the Year. And in 2020, shortlisted for the Irish Concrete Awards for Bunclody Market Square redesign.”
“We do have challenges, as the field of architecture requires a working knowledge of so many things.” Indeed, a knowledge of design, spatial planning, town planning and council development plans, building regulations, technical detailing, various construction methods, types of finishes and furnishings – the list is almost endless and the architect needs to know enough about all of these to keep a project on track.
As for the future? Covid-19 is no doubt going to impact the architectural industry just as it has done in other areas, but Joe maintains that enquiry levels are high. “A lot of people still need work done to their homes, and even more so now perhaps, with the increase in the amount of people working from home and the need to create dedicated spaces in their homes conducive to that.”
There is a huge team of people required to make a successful project happen. “I think the reason that we have been so successful has been that we have done our best to take the stress out of the process of renovating, extending or building your home.
“There is also a desperate need for social and affordable housing to give the next generation a hope of owning their own home. We have been involved in the provision of social housing and are hoping to continue our work in that area also.”
“ We’ve a LOT of work going on.”
No doubt Joe will go from strength to strength, continuing his commitment to improving the build environment and providing homes for his clients that they will enjoy for years to come.
84
www.hom ea nd b uild .ie
85
All about KNK
Construction In conversation with Brian Keoghan by Emer Kelly Images: Webpress
K
NK Construction is a bespoke building contracting company with a well-deserved reputation for delivering quality building solutions across a wide and varied range of sectors. KNK partners with architects, conservation specialists, engineers, interior designers, and fit-out contractors to deliver a full and comprehensive range of services under one roof. KNK Construction was founded more than 30 years ago. Since its establishment, KNK Construction has grown in size and reputation. As well as new builds and house extensions in the residential sector they also carry out building and fitout contracts in the commercial, hospitality and retail sectors. The range of completed projects throughout Ireland is extensive and includes hospitality operators, night clubs, restaurants, pubs, offices, student accommodation and much more.
KNK Construction’s strengths include; Building Solutions- delivering excellence in building solutions across the complete spectrum: new builds, housing and commercial developments, home renovations, add-on amenities (e.g., home cinemas, lap pools, garden terraces, outdoor rooms). Conservation- working with specialist conservation architects and planning consultants to meet very demanding conservation and planning requirements in protected period structures. Bespoke Joinery- creating and delivering high-quality bespoke joinery solutions for home, commercial, and hospitality uses. “We’re in operation more than 30 years. We basically do new builds, renovations and extensions as well as shop fitting and pub renovations. At the moment, it is mainly residential work,’’ said Brian Keoghan.
“
We want to carry on doing what we’re doing.
Working both with architects, investors and directly with homeowners, the team at KNK Construction understand and meet client expectations. Their experience with traditional building trades, their knowledge of modern technologies, their ability to manage conservation challenges, and their expert in-house joinery workshop enable us to deliver excellence in building solutions. KNK Construction is registered and fully insured to take on all building works and contracts.
“
It is mainly residential work.
“
90% of our work is based in Dublin with the other 10% being in Cavan as that’s where I live. In terms of the future of the company we want to basically carry on doing what we’re doing in terms of renovation and residential work, concluded Brian Keoghan.
86
Unit 3-117, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Dublin 13 086 380 2931 | 086 636 7890 | 086 810 4395
Building Solutions . . . delivering excellence in building solutions across the complete spectrum: new builds, housing and commercial developments, home renovations, add-on amenities (e.g., home cinemas, lap pools, garden terraces, outdoor rooms).
Conservation . . . working with specialist conservation architects and planning consultants to meet very demanding conservation and planning requirements in protected period structures.
Bespoke Joinery . . . creating and delivering high-quality bespoke joinery solutions for home, commercial, and hospitality uses.
87
The future
looks bright for
Stove & Fireplace Fitters
Images: Webpress
“Business is good and we’re always busy at this time of the year because everyone wants their stove in before Christmas. During the summer is when people should really be getting their stove installed.
“
Our business will change and adapt.
In conversation with Edel Ryan by Emer Kelly
S
tove & Fireplace Fitters Ltd. is a County Tipperary based business, specialising in the supply and installation of gas, oil and solid fuel stoves and fireplaces. They work with domestic and commercial clients from all over Ireland, homeowners, hotels, restaurants, pubs etc. Stove & Fireplace Fitters Ltd are HETAS approved, so you can rest assured that you are dealing with professionals. As well as installations, the team can also carry out upgrades and repairs. Their services include stove installation, oil boiler sales, back boilers, hearth installation, stove and fireplace accessories, heat boards, fireplace installation, oil boiler servicing, stove servicing, chimney cleaning, flu lining, twin wall flu systems, specialists in heat board plastering and fly lining kit sale.
“
We stretch across a good bit of Ireland in terms of our work. Going forward even though there are going to be changes in the industry I do
Stove & Fireplace Fitters Ltd. is owned and run by John Ryan. Mr Ryan has spent most of his life working in the industry, fitting fireplaces, stoves, back boilers etc. During this time, he has built up a wealth of experience in the industry, working with all major makes and models.
think that stoves are still going to be relevant
“We are a family run company based in Cashel. We supply and fit all makes of stoves and fireplaces.
cause they are looking for the flame effect for
We do everything in the heating industry. All of our fitters are HETAS verified and they all have their own trades as well so we have carpenters, plasterers, tilers and plumbers working for us so as we can do a variety of projects from start to finish,’’ said Edel Ryan.
stoves because they want the flame effect. Our
“
All of our fitters are HETAS verified.
and at the end of the day we’re a small island with a low carbon footprint. We see a lot of couples coming in looking for electric fires betheir new build and people are still installing business will change and adapt from solid fuel but there will always be something new and with our servicing we still have to maintain everything that is solid fuel, concluded Edel Ryan.
Dublin: 01 5255038 Cork: 021 6017347 Tipperary: 062 85428 info@stoveandfireplacefitter.ie www.stoveandfireplacefitter.ie
88
OUR SERVICES
Stove Installation
Hearth Installation
Fireplace Installation
Chimney Cleaning
Oil Boiler Sales
Stove & Fireplace Accessories
Oil Boiler Servicing
Flu Lining
Back Boilers
Specialists in Heat Board Plastering
Stove Servicing
Twin Wall Flu Systems
We Supply & Fit of all of Our Products The Complete Job from A-Z
89
Heat Design continues to grow... In conversation with Eoin O’Connor by Emer Kelly Images: Webpress
M
anufacturer and distributor Heat Design has over 40 years’ experience in the industry. The company began its journey manufacturing cast iron inserts and fireplace accessories. Since then its product portfolio has grown to include a comprehensive range of solid fuel stoves, gas and electric fires, single and twin wall flue products, flexible flue liners, cowls, granite hearths and back panels and a diverse collection of marble fireplace designs.
A well-known name in the Irish market with its own brands including Vitae, Firewarm, San Remo and Green Stoves, Heat Design also has established partnerships with Skamol and Promafour, distributes the Westfire and Mendip Stoves ranges from Eurostove, Lacunza stoves, Fireline Stoves, Infinity Gas Fires and Electric fires from Charlton & Jenrick and is the exclusive distributor in Southern Ireland of Percy Doughty’s Vision Trimline Gas Fire range, Vision E-line electric fire range, Penman and Gallery range. Heat Design pride themselves in their after-sales service, and provide a dedicated technical back-up service for your peace of mind. They are constantly innovating and bringing new products to the market, keeping their range fresh and in-line with current trends. Their product range is a result of concentrated research which has resulted in our cleanest burning, most efficient stoves yet. All new stove and gas products conform to the new 2022 emissions making today’s stoves up to 10 times cleaner than those sold 20 years ago.
“
Sales have been really strong.
“We’re in the heating business supplying fireplaces, stoves, gas appliances and everything relating to in and around what it actually takes to put some heat in to your house,’’ said Eoin O’Connor. “We supply to all over Ireland as well as supplying in to the United Kingdom. Business is going really well. People are willing to spend money on their house as they haven’t got to go on a holiday or so forth this year so they have disposable income to spend on their
home and they are spending it with us and various other companies. “We have seen it with the paint sales as well as the garden centre sales as people have started projects in their homes because they can’t go anywhere and we are one of the companies that have benefitted from that. Sales have been really strong since coming out of lockdown,’’ added Mr O’Connor. As to the future of Heat Design? “The company has evolved from a fireplace company in to a fireplace/ stove company over the last 20 years. Things are evolving and people are getting built in units such as a stove but electric units have taken off in the last four or five years and it is the greenest thing you can put in to your house because it is 98% energy efficient,’’ enthused Eoin.
“
The green agenda is great.
“
Stoves are similar to what we were selling 10 years ago but their workings are completely different. The market is constantly evolving. The green agenda is great but it needs to come in slowly over time,’’
concluded Eoin O’Connor.
90
info@heatdesign.ie www.heatdesign.ie
Manufacturer and distributor Heat Design has over 40 years’ experience in the industry. It began its journey manufacturing cast iron inserts and fireplace accessories. Since then its product portfolio has grown to include a comprehensive range of solid fuel stoves, gas and electric fires, single and twin wall flue products, flexible flue liners, cowls, granite hearths and back panels and a diverse collection of marble fireplace designs.
91
The future of
The
Fireplace Factory
Images: Webpress
T
“
We are all H.E.T.A.S. trained
is glowing!
In conversation with Kevin Scully by Emer Kelly
he Fireplace Factory is a small family run business that has kept Irish families warm for more than 30 years. Having built up a very good reputation for themselves in that time due to their friendly service and management as well as meticulous fireplace and stove fitters which are H.E.T.A.S. trained and certified. “We’re based in Meath and we generally cover the North East of Ireland and we ship country wide. We do lots of electric fires, pellet stoves and wood burning stoves. If there is a chimney or fire effect involved then we do it,’’ said Kevin Scully. “Business is going exceptionally well and I want that to carry on into the future. “Our most popular fire at the moment is a landscape electric fire and they mirror your television underneath. We do a bit of everything but the majority of our work is wood burning and electric. From December 2021, you won’t be able to build a house with a chimney so that is why electric has to be the thing going forward and electric fires are incredibly realistic,’’ enthused Kevin. “The way things are going people want a very efficient but a good looking fire. We are trying to imitate the real thing with the products we sell. A little bit of research and gathering as much information about the product you are looking for when it comes to heating your home and visiting a showroom goes a long way. As to the future of The Fireplace Factory? “People still want to have a solid fuel or wood burning stove. Wood burning stoves are definitely going to be big as timber is renewable and they are low maintenance. Peat and coal are going to be discontinued whereas timber is renewable. There is a lot going on between wood burning stoves and electric and they are what we are concentrating on,’’ concluded Kevin Scully.
“
At The Fireplace Factory we’re all H.E.T.A.S. trained and we’re trained for solid fuel, wood burning and pellet stoves. We are fully insured and are retailing from our showroom in Wilkinstown,
enthused Kevin.
046 9054414
92
info@thefireplacefactory.ie www.thefireplacefactory.ie Wilkinstown, Navan, C15D63C
The Fireplace Factory & Stove Showroom, Navan, Co. Meath. The Fireplace Factory is a small family run business that has kept Irish families warm for over 30 years. We have built up a very good reputation for ourselves in that time, thanks to the friendly service and manageament, and meticulous fireplace and stove fitters, which are H.E.T.A.S. trained and certified. We hope you can come and see our extensive display of fireplaces and stoves in our showroom, and look forward to helping you find the ideal stove or fireplace to suit you.
93
The story of
Pristine Bathrooms In conversation with Gillian Gaynor by Emer Kelly Images: Webpress
A
CG Heating & Plumbing trading as Pristine Bathrooms is a family run business by husband and wife team Aidan & Gillian Gaynor. It originally started out as Gaynor Plumbing Services, which was set up in January 2010 a business which covered all aspects of heating and plumbing needs for clients. Over the years Aidan and his team have been entrusted to complete countless bathroom renovations and this continues to be the case.
As to the future of Pristine Bathrooms? “We are always looking at growing the business, we’ve recently taken on another member of staff and we hope to be able to grow the team even more in 2021. We are also seeing a growth in the plumbing/ heating side of the business with underfloor heating, heat pumps and retrofitting becoming increasingly popular. We hope to see continued growth on both sides of the industry in 2021 and beyond’’ concluded Gillian Gaynor.
“
We are always looking at growing the business.
Due to the year on year growth and in response to the business needs, Gillian joined the business full time and the company was expanded to incorporate a fully bespoke bathroom renovation service, Pristine Bathrooms as well as a general heating and plumbing service. Pristine Bathrooms provides a full bathroom/wet room renovation service, from concept to completion. Looking after your every need and ensuring your dream bathroom becomes a reality. Whether it’s a simple sanitary ware upgrade, a wet room installation or a complete new build, Pristine Bathrooms offers a full project management service and arrange all aspects of the job, including waste removal and any additional contractors which may be required, i.e. tilers/electricians/carpenters/plasterers, always only ever enlisting the services of fully insured quality tradesmen. “Our work is mainly based in North Kildare and Dublin. We have experienced a huge increase in enquiries this year, perhaps due to the pandemic and with people having spent a lot more time at home over the last number of months, home renovation seems to be high on peoples agendas’’ said Gillian Gaynor.
“
The bathroom industry is ever changing.
“
The bathroom industry is ever changing, there are always new trends to follow and new and exciting products coming on the market. Due to the industry constantly evolving I think people like to change things up after a couple of years as it is a space that can become quite dated or as their family dynamics change. Bathrooms are one the rooms that seem to go through the most changes over the years in peoples homes.
94
FREEPHONE 1800 93 88 59 info@pristinebathrooms.ie www.pristinebathrooms.ie
SERVICES
Design & Planning
Support & After Care
Quality Materials
General/Heating & Plumbing
Industrial & Commercial
95
27 Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, Down, BT23 6UE 028 9754 1648 info@functiondesignfurniture.co.uk
96
+353 (0) 86 172 0124
info@sycamoreconstruction.ie
www.sycamoreconstruction.ie
97
086 159 6040 info@nuhouse.ie Web Design | Graphic Design | Digital Marketing
Graphic Design
Website Design
www.nuhouse.ie
Digital Marketing
the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
A&J MARTIN General Building Contractors Ltd.
Blossom Hill, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow.
086 171 2226 086 889 6213 aandjmartin@gmail.com
• New Builds • Extensions • Renovations • Attic Conversions • Sunrooms
98
CLASSIC KITCHENS German Kitchens
To book your design consultation please visit: www.classickichenscork.com| info@classickitchenscork.com | Tel: 021-4375900 Unit 2 Innovation Park, Carrigaline Industrial Est, Carrigaline, Cork P43C995
99
100
A beauty in
101
Ballina In conversation with Words: Emer Kelly
S
arah and Cormac Battle live in a new build bungalow in Ballina, County Mayo. They live in their beautiful home with their five young children Isabella, Alexander, Matilda and newborn twins Blaise and Theo. They describe their home as contemporary with a traditional mix. They have high ceilings throughout and introduced some period style features. They wanted to make use of natural light as much as possible so they have an impressive courtyard built into the centre of their house. Sarah says the décor is very neutral and the colours compliment each other well. They wanted a house that works for their family and they have a playroom near the kitchen, and the outdoor play areas are visible from the kitchen too. Here, Sarah Battle talks to Renovate your Home... “For the design layout and concept of the house I got lots of inspiration from Magazines like beautiful irish interiors and pinterest , we worked with our engineer and had about 20 drafts from beginning to
Images: Webpress
end. I always had the idea of a courtyard in mind. It is the centre of the house and allows the hall to be flooded with natural light. There is nearly two parts to the house, the front and back the front is where all thebedrooms are and the back is the living section,’’ said Sarah Battle. “We always wanted lots of natural light in our home, and highceilings . Due to planning restrictions we were only able to build a bungalow. Yes I loved having the input for the design (and the experience of building our home), I was pregnant at the time so found that a little bit stressful and also getting around to pickimg things for the house. It was great to watch the build from start to finish and be so involved,’’ added Mrs Battle. “In terms of the the style (of the house) is a mix of period features. I love Georgian houses and I love high ceilings and lots of contemporary modern features such as the glass corridor and sliding doors. Again I wasn’t on Instagram when building so relied on magazines and others Instagram accounts and
102
Pintrest. I also love neutral décor and styling. I think my home has changed so much in the last year. But I have a very much a neutral tendency. I love fabrics and prints and patterns,’’ enthused Sarah. As to her favourite spot in the house? “The kitchen is my favourite space in the house, because I spend most of my time there. The playroom is just off the kitchen so the kids are always in view which is important as it is a family home. They love getting involved in the cooking and baking. We have a large dining table that we all sit around. The kitchen also has a vaulted ceiling with a rooflight so lots of natural light again.’’
“
Take your time decorating.
In terms of whether or not the Battles would change anything about their home? “Yes loads, it’s not a good thing at all to be on Instagram I see so much fabulous inspiration daily but I think I would change the kitchen layout slightly and I’d change the decor in the bathrooms,’’ revealed Sarah. In terms of advice she would give anyone about to embark on building their home? “Take your time with decorating , don’t rush to get all bathrooms finished etc. I’d nearly just do the rooms you really need first. Live in the house for awhile to get a feel for it and what you like,’’ concluded Sarah Battle.
“
The kitchen is my favourite space in the house.
103
104
Specialists in Residential and Commercial Projects. Luxurious & Contemporary Interiors with WOW factor.
www.hiddlestoninteriordesign.com @hiddleston_interior_design