Have you ever wondered why certain colours or design styles resonate with you more than others? It might have more to do with your personality than you think. One of the most powerful — and surprisingly personal — tools I use in my design process is the concept of seasonal personality types. It’s rooted in […]
Here in the northern hemisphere, autumn is definitely starting to settle in. The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing colour and a distinct change is taking place in nature’s colour palette. And you may be noticing these external shifts are being mirrored by some internal adjustments – physically, mentally, or emotionally? This seasonal […]
Modern life is so busy and fast-paced. For most of us, it feels nearly impossible to slow things down and create the sense of calm we may be craving. And the constant busyness can result in a build-up of clutter – mental as much as physical – in our lives and homes. To make matters […]
This is part of a series looking at different sizes and types of housing for sale in Connaught, for those living in the greater Dublin area who are considering a move west. They are based on online listings. If you’d like a tailored house-hunting service, with in-person visits to vet properties, get in touch. This […]
The red thread (also known as a golden thread) is basically a common thread that you weave throughout your home’s décor. It is the magic trick that can create a sense of cohesion if the colour palette, and even styles, differ somewhat between adjoining spaces. We want to create a harmonious transition from one space […]
Estate agents are reporting increased interest in property in the west of Ireland since the mass work-from-home situation kicked in. With this no longer being considered a privilege for the minority of office-based workers, the option for many to live much further from their employer’s base is opening up new lifestyle options and more affordable […]
Today is Suicide Prevention Day and I was listening to a representative of Pieta House being interviewed this morning. He said that September and October are particularly difficult months generally, and this year they have already seen a surge in calls throughout the lockdown period. He didn’t have a theory as to why September and […]
This is the second in a series of tips on home décor. The crucial guideline in good interior design is this: form follows function. Meaning how well a space functions is the priority, and how it looks comes next. And when it comes to a well-functioning space, room layout is key. In tandem with that, […]
I have been working from home for years, moving between the living room and kitchen, and sometimes even my bed, depending on the light, the weather and what I’m working on. And I live in a small home, with an open-plan kitchen/living room. It has been vital for me to be able put everything away […]
Last week Ireland’s House and Home magazine reported that their May/June issue was the best selling in ten years! Proof, if you needed it, that lockdown has significantly amplified the desire to update and upgrade our home décor. I personally believe that loving our homes is an important self-care practice. That involves caring for it […]
Unsurprisingly, lockdown has stimulated our appetites for home improvement. And this is a good thing for our mental and emotional wellbeing, as our home environment has a huge role to play in that. Colour in particular has a significant impact on our moods and on our rooms. For that reason, we need to choose our […]
We’re all familiar with the phrase, “My body is a temple”. Not so common is the concept that our homes are temples too. Whether religious or not, we often view the places that are sacred to us as places outside of our homes. They can be churches for some. And equally, they can be the […]
I believe that, regardless of ownership, our homes should be true sanctuaries. Our home needs to be a safe space for us to nurture our wellbeing on all levels. But for those living with domestic violence, staying home does not equal staying safe. Throughout the lockdown I have been thinking about all the people who […]
