INTERIOR | Ideas

Home Makeovers with Designer Influences!

Interior design is all about turning dreams into reality, so if youre looking for inspiration, check out these designer influences! There are ideas for creating and enhancing space, tips for accessorising rooms and plenty of scope for improving the look and feel of your home...
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CREATING A LIFESTYLE, NOT A KITCHEN

Designer: Darren Morgan, Glenvale Kitchens, Clay Road, Keady, Co. Armagh, BT60 3QY, (028) 3753 9406, www.glenvalegroup.com This award winning kitchen (above and adjacent) by Darren Morgan and the Glenvale Kitchens team was inspired by three basic principles - ergonomics, aesthetics and cutting edge kitchen technology. By incorporating them into the client brief, Darren was able to create a working environment that was both attractive and family friendly. The initial design stage of this kitchen was driven through the use of the Dynamic Space concept which works to improve storage utilisation, ergonomics and access by introducing five key zones into the kitchen consumables, non-consumables, cleaning, preparation and cooking. Apart from identifying work zones, the open-planned layout facilitates lifestyle and function,

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Ideas | INTERIOR
allowing the family to manage their space without feeling overwhelmed by multiple tasks going on. The island visually separates preparation, cooking and dining zones, while neutral colours, symmetrical lines and custom made doors from the Dynamically Different range, provide a contemporary feel that embraces the living area. The absence of high wall units and the reflection of light from the windows onto white walls help enhance the feeling of space. This decision also gives prominence to the designer-alcove, which evolved by accident, when the familys American style fridge freezer would not fit below the steel column thats fitted to support the roof. Together Darren and the family created a functional feature out of the alcove, housing two wine coolers, 900mm wide fridge drawers, a warming drawer, a combi microwave and two, 3-drawer larders. Considering the column, Darren allowed a 10mm clearance between the drawer front and the column to position PAR activated recessed lights. The most eye-catching appliance is probably the Gutmann Adelante extractor, which was chosen for its performance, reliability and styling. The latest technologies were also employed a Quooker hot water tap provides instant hot water; Blums Servo-Drive electric drawer system negates the need for handles on drawers; and a large wall inset aquarium visually connects the kitchen and living areas, whilst also promoting tranquillity and calm throughout the whole space. Darren has received a number of accolades recently he was shortlisted for two design awards by "The Designer" magazine and won the prestigious and highly coveted title Designer of the Year 2009 for this kitchen at the national KBB industry awards. The judges commented: This kitchen represents such great value for money. Its very functional and Darren has come up with some really good solutions to a challenging space.

Above: Gutmann Adelante extractor

TIMELESS OPULENCE
Designer: Kelly Hoppen MBE is one of the UK and Irelands best known interior designers. Her latest book Kelly Hoppen, Home-From Concept to Reality is full of inspirational ideas. www.kellyhoppenretail.com.

A truly am bitious pro ject, the entire renovatio n remarkab ly took ju st five months fr om conce pt to completio n!

Kellys classic Georgian townhouse is 2,500 square feet and is imbued in her trademark neutral colour scheme - white walls, black wooden sliding doors and grey pored resin flooring. With its eclectic mix of furnishings and designs (by Kelly herself), the house is enriched with texture from satin and velvet to glass and wood. Kelly fitted out two luxurious bedrooms with pure white en suite bathrooms, a separate walk-in wardrobe, a gym, laundry room and a gorgeous garden. A truly ambitious project, the entire renovation remarkably took just five months from concept to completion! Heres a look through the keyhole... Entrance The entrance area has two large

antique mirrors and is tastefully accessorised and decorated with flowers and photographs. An outstanding art piece of Mohammed Ali from the Michael Hoppen Gallery also hangs in the entrance hall at the bottom of the silk carpeted staircase. The Kitchen has a custom made Boffi Kitchen with a functional space for family and friends to sit, talk and eat together. It contains a bar surface area with vintage Talisman stools, beautiful pendant lights and a fantastic fire inset. The large sash windows light the kitchen area perfectly, while the bespoke storage cupboards create a focal feature on the wall. The Living Room is seductively designed with dark wooden floors, a large fireplace with glass chimney breast, lingerie satin curtains, loose covered black and grey sofas, black and grey velvet cushions and vintage taupe damask armchairs. The floor lamps

and crystal light chains add mood and ambience. Kelly is a fan of Marilyn Monroe and has a large photograph of the muse in her living room.
www.decorateireland.ie

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Ideas | INTERIOR

BIG IDEAS FOR SMALL SPACES

door saddles were removed to promote a free-flowing living space. Clever storage solutions were integral to the success of the new layout. The chimney breast had originally housed the oven only, however it was opened up further to facilitate the hob and extractor fan. It was an expensive and messy job, but ultimately a good solution for maximizing space in the kitchen. Two integrated spice racks were located at either side of the oven, while a small foldable step ladder was integrated and stored underneath. This makes the top shelves of the alcove easily accessible. Light and space were also key considerations - task lighting in the form of spot lights were fitted above the cooker while mood lighting was eate the captured through the kitchen You can cr f a much units, the glass-shelved alcove and illusion o g a by fittin various lamps positioned around larger are ring floo the open planned space. The high the same . the space gloss cream kitchen units by roughout th German manufacturer, Alno, provide a contemporary feel to the kitchen while also helping to reflect light back into lounge area. An island counter wraps the kitchen to define space for cooking while also providing a key safety feature for those entering the property from

Designer: Serena Kitt, Kitt Interiors, C/O Mailboxes Etc, 103/105 Lower Rathmines Rd, Dublin 6, (0)1 4055 020 or (0)86 257 6695 When youre a busy executive like this home owner in Dublin, manageable space thats low maintenance and conducive to entertaining guests is important. In considering the new layout, the designer needed to be sympathetic to the size and age of the building, which dated back to the 1900s. Parquet flooring was laid throughout to enhance the age of the house, while all

the front door. Wiring walls for light fittings was difficult due to their thickness and age and led to some areas being replastered. However carefully chosen pieces of furniture and light fittings add Period charm so the effort was worth it. The project budget was 50,000 and included construction, painting, kitchen, flooring, lighting, shelving, furniture, mirrors and rug.

MINIMALIST LIVING
Designer: Ronan Holohan, Millimetre Design, Main Street, Ongar Village, Dublin 15, (0)1 826 3971, www.millimetredesign.com

This Penthouse in Belfasts Docklands encompasses 2,000sqft of sumptuous living space with magnificent views overlooking the River Lagan. The clients brief was to create a high-end, ultracontemporary penthouse experience that embraced open space, modern technology and state of the art design. The look and style is minimalist with a linear approach taken to layout and furnishings. The

colour palette is soft and neutral, allowing the home owners to impart their personality with accessories. No bachelor-pad would be complete without a spot

You can u se floorin g to visually d ivide zone s in a large ope n plan sp ace. This can a void it fee ling overwhelm ing or unmanag eable.

of hedonism so the designer has included special features like an outdoor hot tub, Finnish sauna, floating fireplace, wet room drench showers, and a state of the art audio-visual and room control system.
www.decorateireland.ie

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INTERIOR | Ideas

LIVING AU NATURAL
Designer: Michelle Hetherington, Immediate Past President of the Interiors Association, Axiom Design, (0)1 213 5140, www.axiomdesign.ie This poorly maintained 1950s house in Killiney, Co. Dublin has been upgraded to provide a practical and contemporary living space for a young family. The original brief was simply to extend the living accommodation at ground floor level, however after seeking advice from local estate agents, it was agreed that the first floor bedrooms should be upgraded to match the quality of the proposed living accommodation downstairs. This included four large bedrooms and a master en suite. Planning Application & Construction The site slopes steeply from the front drive to the rear (which faces south westerly) and enjoys fabulous vistas of the south Dublin mountains. To take full advantage of this view, a sedum planted flat roof was added to the new extension. In addition, dual aspect glazing, facing out onto a private patio, and a garage conversion with an extension to the first floor (to create a walk in wardrobe & master en suite above) were also planned. It was agreed that the featureless front elevation needed some relief and so a small dry stone porch with a sedum flat roof was also incorporated into the overall design. Energy efficiency was a key consideration so apart from the roof being insulated, all external walls were battened out and clad in an 80mm poly-iso board; and the ground floor floorboards raised and insulated underneath to increase thermal efficiency. Front Elevation It was decided to hardscape the front garden to provide three parking

as used a Michelle h l of natura clever mix flective , re materials neutral rfaces and su eate a tones to cr home. light-filled

spaces and incorporate an Aco surface drainage system so level access entry could be obtained, thereby complying with Part M of the Building Regulations. Windows were replaced with a high performance alu-clad system from DANSK; gutters and downpipes were replaced with a new, mill finish aluminium system; and sills were replaced with honed grey limestone a material that was also applied to the entrance door and new window of the garage conversion. The remainder of the front elevation was then rendered in a coloured breathable monocouche. These elements fulfilled the clients brief for an aesthetically pleasing and maintenance free property. Some finishes were then carried through to the rear for visual consistency. Interior The quality of light and views at the

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Ideas | INTERIOR

The quality of light and views at the rear of the house complement the
rear of the house complement the new contemporary, open-planned living space encompassing kitchen/dining/living area. It was finished simply with white walls and warm grey honed limestone - a pitted limestone finish was also used outside on the patio and garden steps. A boundary wall abutting the patio was clad in Liscannor dry stone in sympathy with the front porch and uplit to integrate the interior. Texture was important to the client, more so than colour, so it was decided to clad a long internal wall with weathered cedar recycled from an old demolished barn. This cladding also continues outside to lengthen the visual perspective and also tie the internal and external finishes together. This is a real focal feature in the property. Kitchen Simplicity, maintenance and storage were key requirements for the kitchen so a simple, white, high-gloss, flush, panel door system with no handles was chosen. The kitchen counters were made from Durat, a recycled plastic from Finland, while all appliances were chosen for their energy rating and performance - except for the Renzo Piano designed hob from Smeg, which was chosen for its beauty. The kitchen is a central focus of activity in the house, especially the peninsula unit which provides dual aspect storage underneath and seating for five or six people. A CVO gas fire bowl was installed in the front lounge along with a custom designed honed warm grey limestone surround made from off-cuts. At first floor level, a large Velux roof light was installed to
Above: Texture was important to the client, more so than colour, so it was decided to clad a long internal wall with weathered cedar recycled from an old demolished barn.

new contemporary, open-planned living space.

provide natural light in the landing and hallway, while the dated 1950s balustrade was replaced with a floor to ceiling glass panel to visually open up the first floor. A contemporary glass chandelier was hung in the void space of the stairs and all doors, architraves and wardrobes were replaced with custom made solutions. The house now provides energy efficient, maintenance free living accommodation for this family who feel it was a very positive investment that improves their quality of life.
www.decorateireland.ie

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