Hear are some of the key design and renovation features of the Stillorgan home, based on the provided text:
Overall Design & layout:
Broken-plan living: The main living space is open but divided into distinct areas (dining, sitting, kitchen).
Zen influence: Evident in the courtyard with the goldfish pond and Zen-like stones.
Curved elements: Voluptuously curved main space, round-edged island and dining table, curved plaster to conceal lighting strips.
Focus on light: Glazed courtyard brings light into the center of the house.
Soft and tactile: Emphasis on soft textures and materials, especially in the sitting room.
Key Features & Materials:
Bronze door handle: By Philip watts.
Microcement: Used for the kitchen island countertop.
scalloped ceiling: Above the kitchen island, emulating Tuscan tiles and beamed ceilings.
Travertine: Used for custom herringbone flooring with underfloor heating.
Raw concrete: Used for the hearth in the sitting room. Solid oak: Used for the visible staircase steps.
Deep pile carpet: Used in the sitting room and on the upper staircase steps.
Stone resin: Used for the freestanding Zen soaking bath in the principal bedroom’s ensuite.
Specific Rooms & Areas:
Entrance Hall: Illuminated by a glazed courtyard with a goldfish pond.
Daughter’s Playroom: A nook to the rear of the broken-plan room, with glass used as a scribble board.
Kitchen: Divided into two parts:
Main kitchen with a round-edged island, Bertazzoni gas hob and teppanyaki plate, Elica extractor cum light.
“dirty kitchen” for food prep, with casement windows opening to the garden and outdoor kitchen.
Pantry/Home bar: Set down a level to stay cool, stocked with premium tequilas, mescals, and whiskeys. A secret door is planned.
Dining Area: Features a round-edged microconcrete-covered dining table by Muundo and chairs by Kave Home.
Sitting Room: Soft white space with a deep pile carpet,round-form sofa by Kave Home,and a cast-iron stove on a raw concrete hearth.
Staircase: Solid oak steps transitioning to carpeted steps on the upper level.
Daughter’s Room: Features an en suite bathroom with fixtures set to her height.
Principal Bedroom: Includes a bouclé king-size bed, illuminated arch for the TV, and a large en suite bathroom.
Principal Ensuite Bathroom: Features twin travertine sinks,a stone resin soaking bath,and a wet-room style shower.
Walk-in Wardrobe: Custom built using Ikea modular components. Outdoor Kitchen: Equipped with an asado-style barbecue by Somerset Grill, a ceramic big Green Egg, and a pizza oven.
Lighting:
No direct lighting except in task areas.
Eyeball-shaped globe (Iris by AND) above the dining table.
Coved lighting strips concealed behind curved plaster.
Illuminated arch in the principal bedroom.
Other Notable Details:
The daughter’s bathroom fixtures are adjustable as she grows.
The sitting room carpet is steam cleanable.
The couple is waiting on curtains for the sitting room that will appear to disappear behind a dropped ceiling.
* Max is a coffee connoisseur with multiple coffee-making devices.
Inside a Design Masterpiece: An Expert’s Take on the Stillorgan Home Renovation
time.news Editor: Welcome, readers! Today, we’re diving deep into a captivating home renovation project in Stillorgan. to help us dissect the design choices and understand the trends at play, we have Amelia Stone, a renowned residential design expert, joining us.Amelia, thank you for being here.
Amelia Stone: It’s a pleasure to be here! I’m excited to discuss this project; it’s a beautiful example of contemporary home design.
Time.news editor: Let’s start wiht the overall design. The concept of “broken-plan living” is central.Can you explain what that means and why it’s becoming so popular?
Amelia Stone: Absolutely. Broken-plan living is essentially a middle ground between completely open-plan and conventional segmented rooms. It maintains a sense of openness while creating distinct zones for different activities. In this Stillorgan home, we see it manifest in the main living space, cleverly divided into dining, sitting, and kitchen areas. Its popularity stems from the need for flexible spaces that can adapt to different needs – family time, entertaining, or quiet relaxation. It’s all about creating flow and connection without sacrificing definition.
Time.news Editor: The home also incorporates elements of Zen design,particularly in the courtyard. How dose this influence the overall feel of the house?
Amelia stone: The zen influence, with the goldfish pond and carefully placed stones, brings a sense of tranquility and calm. Glazed courtyards bringing light into the center of the house are a great way to add a Zen element to modern homes. Using natural elements and a minimalist approach encourages mindfulness and relaxation. integrating a Zen space is particularly effective in balancing the frequently enough-busy nature of modern living.
Time.news Editor: Let’s talk materials. Travertine flooring, microcement countertops, raw concrete hearths – it’s quite a mix! What does this tell us about current trends in interior design?
Amelia stone: This selection of materials reflects a growing desire for texture and authenticity in design. We’re seeing a move away from overly polished,manufactured surfaces toward natural,tactile materials. the travertine with underfloor heating creates a luxurious sensory experience and creates a modern multifunctional space [[3]]. The juxtaposition of raw concrete with soft textures like the deep-pile carpet in the sitting room adds visual interest and depth. Microcement for the kitchen island is a durable and stylish choice, reflecting the minimalist aesthetics of modern design [[1]]. It’s all about creating a sensory-rich environment.
Time.news Editor: The kitchen is divided into a “main kitchen” and a “dirty kitchen.” Is this a common request you see?
Amelia Stone: the “dirty kitchen,” also known as a prep kitchen or scullery, is becoming increasingly popular, especially in homes designed for serious cooking and entertaining. It’s a practical solution for keeping the main kitchen clean and presentable while allowing for more intensive food planning behind the scenes. Casement windows opening to the garden and outdoor kitchen help to combine both the main and “dirty” kitchens.
time.news Editor: The lighting design is described as having “no direct lighting except in task areas.” What’s the impact of this indirect lighting strategy?
Amelia Stone: Indirect lighting creates a softer, more ambient atmosphere. Concealing lighting strips behind curved plaster allows natural light maximizing space [[1]]. By avoiding harsh overhead lights, the designer has created a warm and inviting environment, perfect for relaxation and conversation. The “eyeball-shaped globe” above the dining table serves as a stylish focal point while still providing gentle illumination. The illuminated arch in the principal bedroom adds a touch of drama and sophistication.
Time.news Editor: The daughter’s room and bathroom are designed with her needs in mind, including adjustable fixtures. how important is it to consider children’s needs in residential design?
Amelia Stone: It’s incredibly important! Designing spaces that are functional and cozy for children fosters independence and creativity. Adaptable and adjustable features, like those in the daughter’s bathroom, are particularly smart as they can evolve as the child grows. The glass scribble board in the playroom is another excellent example of catering to a child’s needs in a fun and practical way.
Time.news Editor: Let’s talk about the “pantry/home bar” stocked with premium spirits and, a secret door is planned. Home bars – functional luxury or extravagant?
Amelia Stone: Home bars are absolutely on the rise, and you’re seeing a lot of hidden aspects like secret doors or hidden rooms these days. It’s about enhancing the overall experience of your home. It elevates the experience and gives you complete control rather than going out and this home owner seems to understand that.
Time.news Editor: What key takeaways would you offer readers contemplating their own home renovation projects?
Amelia Stone: Firstly, think about how you live in your home. Functionality should always be at the forefront. Secondly, don’t be afraid to mix materials and textures to create visual interest and a tactile experience. Thirdly, consider the power of lighting to transform a space. And remember that good design is about creating a space that reflects your personality and enhances your well-being.Always tailor your portfolio to impress potential employers [[2]].
Time.news Editor: Amelia, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!
Amelia Stone: My pleasure!