Find Out How This Converted Cottage Became A Warm Family Home
Photography: Ruth Maria
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Find Out How This Converted Cottage Became A Warm Family Home

When Irish interior designer Geri O’Toole came across an old cottage in County Limerick in need of some TLC, she was keen to transform it into a cosy family home – whilst retaining some of the original features and character. Here, Geri explains how she did it…
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Photography: Ruth Maria

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The Property

We’re in a great location, close to the children’s schools, transport links and our work. I live here with my husband, Cathal, and our two children, Finley who is ten Edie who is three, and our dog Baxter. We bought our home in 2015 and started our renovation a few years later.

The Brief

The property itself was an old cottage. We wanted a warm, cosy space to come home to as a family. I love neutrals and natural materials but incorporated pops of colour through the accessories, textures and finishes.


TAKE THE TOUR

The Kitchen/Dining Area

I consider functionality first when designing a kitchen. The kitchen is not just a space to cook, but also a space for socialising and gathering with family and friends. I wanted ample counter space, storage and a layout that promoted easy movement between areas. 

Lighting is so important in a home and in a kitchen especially; it can greatly impact the atmosphere and functionality of the space. Here we have different types of lighting – task lighting over the island and stove, for example, and ambient lighting for setting the tone at the end of the day when meals are prepped, homework is done and you are winding down for the evening. Lastly, accent lighting, like pendant lights and under shelving lighting, add style and highlight key architectural or decorative elements. 

We have used a natural stone on our countertop, Calcatta Gold. We added a chunky edge and a waterfall to the island. Our cabinets are oiled oak in a stain I chose with my cabinet maker. I designed the oak bench for the dining space and the travertine-top dining table. Here, seating includes a curved banquette in sage mohair fabric, designed by us and installed by our joiner. I love the flooring – it’s warm, irregular and imperfect.

BAR STOOLS: similar Layered Lounge 
PENDANT LIGHTS: similar Porta Romana  
KITCHEN DESIGNER: Con Bruder 
FRENCH LIMESTONE FLOORING: Ca’ Pietra 
WICKER LAMP & SHADE: Neptune 
DINING TABLE: Diamond Furniture 
DINING CHAIRS: vintage
CHANDELIER ABOVE DINING TABLE: Browsers 

The Living Room

We didn't have a chimney in our living room but wanted the same cosiness as a fireplace. We used Bio Ethanol from Livingstone Fireplaces and Planikafires.

ARMCHAIRS: Acquired 
SOFA: Browsers 
SIDE TABLE:  Kave Home 
COFFEE TABLE: Acquired 
PARQUET FLOORING: Mansion Weave, Matt Britton 
VOILE USED FOR CURTAINS: Pima Cream, Larsen 
LOW CHAIR: Togo, Ligne Roset 
FLOOR LAMP: Acquired

The Library/Hallway

We’ve incorporated personal items, framed photos, souvenirs and family heirlooms to avoid having that showroom look. Layering colour with a mix of textures and heights is important in shelf styling. 

CABINETS: designed by Geri, made by Con Bruder
WALL LIGHT ABOVE PICTURE: Etsy
RUG (IN LIBRARY): The Rug Company 
LADDER: The Library Ladder Co. 

The Cloakroom

We wanted to keep the brick wall but made it a point of difference by painting it this lovely soft, deep green.

MARBLE BASIN: Etsy
TAPS: Axor, Tubs & Tiles
PAINT: Kelp, Curator Paints 

The Utility Room

When it comes to household chores, I’m all for making the room as pretty as possible – I like to think it makes the chores less boring.

PAINT: Sulking Room Pink, Farrow & Ball
MARBLE USED FOR COUNTERTOP: Arabescato Borghini
BRASS TAP: Caple 

The Main Bedroom

I wanted this room to be a serene place to escape to, so it had to be full of neutral tones. We love this deeper tone in here, it helps you feel cocooned in the space.

SOFA: Browsers
COFFEE TABLE: Geri Designs 
CUSHIONS: Zinc 
PENDANT LIGHTS BY BED: Geri Designs 
BEDSIDE TABLES: Browsers 
WALLCOVERING: Chinchilla, Phillip Jeffries 
BEDHEAD FABRIC: Idaho, Larsen  
BOLSTER FABRIC: Nobilis 
DRESSING TABLE: designed by Geri, made by Con Bruder 
DRESSING TABLE GREEN STOOL: Pols Potten 
CURTAIN FABRIC: Larsen  

The En-Suite

TRAVERTINE: Marmorio 
MARBLE USED FOR FRAME : Breccia Capraia, Lamont Stone 
WALL LIGHTS: Porter Bathroom 
BASIN MIXERS: Axor, Tubs & Tiles

Visit GERIDESIGNS.IE

Photography RUTHMARIA.COM

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