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Name: Lisa Hayes and family
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Type of home: Semi-detached 1940s house
Size: 2,400 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, owned
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Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I live here with my husband Brian and three children: Cara (6), Aaron (4), and Theo (2). The house was in a total state of disrepair when we bought it, and needed a complete renovation and interior redesign. The renovation took eight months in total (including a three-month Covid lockdown), as it had to be completely gutted because it was unlivable. Between renting and staying with family members, we moved house a grand total of five times during the process!
I’ve always had a keen interest in interiors, a spark which was reignited during the renovation process. I decided to follow my passion and went back to study interior design at the start of this year, and I have recently launched my own company fabricdesign.ie
I have a really keen interest in authentic materials and pieces inspired by the surrounding landscape. I was eager to create a strong connection with the natural world and wanted this to be reflected in the design. Materials such as concrete, birch ply, and exposed steel work together create a considered, yet honest feel to the space. A fresh and vibrant color palette was chosen to complement these natural materials.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Contemporary and vibrant with natural materials.
What is your favorite room and why? The open-plan living space is a great space for entertaining! It is cleverly zoned according to function — kitchen, dining space, play area with built-in toy storage, and living room. Each family member can find their rhythm or flow within the room, be it cooking, building Legos, getting creative with art, reading, or just generally racing around the island! The large sliding doors extend the house visually into the patio and garden that lies beyond.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? Superfolk Autumn Beach Leaf print — I love these designers, they’re based in the West of Ireland. Their artwork and and pieces celebrate the beauty and simplicity of nature.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Go with your instincts, don’t focus on any trends or what you think should look good. Think carefully about your lifestyle and needs for each space in your home. Once you have that figured out the design and inspiration will flow.
