'It all started with the white table': Katie shares the bright hallway she designed from scratch

‘One of the first things I sketched out was a big, grand entrance hall.’

EACH WEEK, WE ask someone based in Ireland with a passion for interiors to share one photo of their favourite spot in their home.

Katie O’Riordan moved into her self-build dormer bungalow in Co Kerry with her three children in September.

“Our house was a self-build in the truest form,” says Katie. “I designed the house from scratch and it really is my dream home.” The build, though, was an extended family affair, she explains, “My father and I worked on the house Monday to Friday, with my brother joining us on Saturdays to work on it. I learned how to mix mortar, lay blocks, stand rafters and much, much more.”

Her dad wouldn’t let the schedule slip, no matter the weather, said Katie, “He worked tirelessly on the house – even on the days I would say it was too cold or too wet, he would always say, ‘You won’t get a house built taking days off.’

This week, Katie (@uptheboreen) chatted us through her favourite spot: her light-filled hallway.

Entrance Hall (1) Katie O'Riordan Katie O'Riordan

What do you love about this part of your home?

One of the first things I sketched out was a big, grand entrance hall with lots of light flooding from every direction. I’m peculiar about things, so I had to ensure that the front door lined up with the French doors and that the Velux lights above all lined up. My main reason for having such a large entrance was so I could pick a 12ft tall Christmas tree and decorate it like the Hallmark Christmas movies.

What’s your favourite object in here and why?

My favourite object in the hall is the scroll leg table. I saved the tutorial for this on Pinterest about four years ago and while everyone else was enjoying the All Ireland match this year, I was making this dream a reality with some crafting.

What was your inspiration when you were putting this room together?

It all started with that scroll leg table and dreams of a perfect Christmas tree.

Be honest: how much tidying did you do before taking this photo?

I tidied away school shoes and school bags. I’m looking for the perfect baskets to hide them away permanently.

Is there anything in here you’d like to change?

There’s nothing I would change, but I am looking forward to getting everything finished. I need to add my pony walls (a wall that extends halfway from wall to ceiling) and finish the dreaded painting.