CAOIMHE MCGINLEY IS best known for her social media account The Big Hill House where she has over 164k followers. The mother of four is known for her love of design, fashion, interiors and more and has just launched a new collection in collaboration with Kukoon Rugs inspired by her years spent travelling and living abroad writes Ruth O’Connor.

You live in your hometown of Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone. What does home mean to you?

Home to me is a safe space. I always say I live in a bubble. My children are my
home and my parents are my home. For me, home is also in words and connections with people.

You spent 10 years living in the Middle East – what did you miss most about
home and does your current home have any design influence from this period in your life?

I missed the seasons the most when I lived abroad. We have touches of the Middle
East throughout our home to remind us of our time spent in the desert. Some
beautiful art and lots of photos on the walls and my rug collection with Kukoon has drawn from Middle Eastern influences. 

With four children, how important is it for you that your home balances style and practicality?

I’d say less style and all of the practicality. You can never have enough storage. The
house is never, ever tidy unless I have a photoshoot. It’s more important to me that
the kids feel safe and happy and know that this is their space to fully unwind and be
themselves. I decorate seasonally mainly for them – it’s their house, not mine, is how I
look at it.

To what do you attribute your love of design and how has your eye for design developed over time?

Definitely my travels across the world. I always had an appreciation for different
interiors and everywhere I go it’s the first thing that catches my eye. Whether it be in
a restaurant, walking down a street or visiting a shop in a foreign country, interiors and
how a space is finished are things that intrigues me.

I’ve learned a lot over the past few years from other accounts especially on
Instagram. Over time, I’ve become more confident with my interior choices. I notice
how things are put together, and how small choices (colour, spacing, rhythm, texture)
can change the entire mood of an object or space.

What opportunities has your love of design led to?

I’ve had lots of beautiful opportunities come my way through documenting the build.
I’ve gotten to work with some incredible brands, especially Kukoon who allowed me to
design my own six-piece rug collection this year. That has been a surreal project to be
a part of and to see it all coming together and to see what goes into a collaboration like that has been really special.

How would you best describe your home/ style?

I’d describe my home as a happy family home – one that’s full of both love and a bit of
chaos. It’s not perfect and that’s what makes it feel alive. There’s always movement,
kids’ voices, unfinished projects, little messes that tell the story of a life being lived.
But within that energy is warmth, laughter, shared meals and a sense of
togetherness that grounds everything.

My style reflects that same spirit – welcoming, practical and personal. I like spaces
that feel lived-in rather than staged and where comfort is as important as aesthetics. 

Do you have any advice for readers who don’t know what their own style is or where to start with designing or decorating their own homes?

Start with what feels good, not what looks ‘right’. Pay attention to spaces where you feel most comfortable – cafés, a friend’s living room… What do you like about them? Collect, don’t commit (yet). Make a Pinterest board, save Instagram posts, or even cut out magazine clippings. Don’t overthink it, just gather what draws your eye. After a while, you’ll start to see patterns emerge – things like repeated colours, shapes, or moods. That’s your style beginning to surface.

Start small. Instead of trying to design an entire home, focus on one corner, one shelf or even just choosing a lamp you love. Small, intentional choices build momentum and confidence. Mix meaning with aesthetics – style isn’t only about trends it’s also about what tells your story. That could mean displaying a travel souvenir, a family photo or a handmade object alongside new pieces. The blend is what makes a home uniquely yours.

Remember it’s allowed to evolve – your style doesn’t have to be fixed. It can change with your life, your needs and even your mood. The goal isn’t to get it ‘perfect’ but to create a space that feels like you right now.

What is your favourite room and why?

This changes every week and with every season. My kitchen is a dream come true. Having the kids sit at the island while I cook their favourite meal is something I will never take for granted.

Were there any companies or tradespeople that you worked with who you’d recommend to readers?

All of our tradesmen were local and brilliant. Companies I’ve worked with have been
Butler and Dunne and Two Fussy Blokes for all things paint and James in Turkingtons
Cookstown has been a huge help with paint as well. DFS for furniture, Cedar and Co for all things bespoke cabinetry and Greenhill Kitchens for the dream kitchen.

What comes next in terms of home projects?

I’m always looking at walls thinking they need to be painted, always planning the next project. My utility is next on the list and a walk-in wardrobe down the line. It’s a
lifetime job and I’d honestly rather book a flight and have a holiday!

Any advice for readers on how to make a house a home?

Start with comfort

A home should feel good to live in, not just to look at. Soft lighting, cozy textures and
furniture you actually want to curl up on can instantly shift the mood.

Add personal touches

Fill your space with things that tell your story: family photos, art you love, souvenirs
from trips, even handmade pieces. Those details give a home its soul.

Embrace imperfection

A home doesn’t need to look like a showroom. The quirks, the little bits of mess, the
signs of life… those are what make it feel real, lived-in and loved.

Create rituals in your space

Light a candle in the evening, have a ‘weekend breakfast spot’ at the kitchen table
or designate a cozy corner for reading. Rituals anchor you to your space and make it
uniquely yours.

Invite life in

Plants, pets, children’s laughter or friends gathered around the table – life itself is
what transforms four walls into a home. At the end of the day, a house becomes a home when it reflects you and holds space for the people and moments you love most.

Notebook:

Caoimhe can be found at @thebighillhouse on Instagram and you can view her full collection online here at kukoonrugs.com. Check out Kukoon on Instagram here.

Other Information:

Two Fussy Blokes: twofussyblokes.com

Greenhill Kitchens: greenhillkitchens.co.uk

Turkington Windows: turkington-windows.com

Cedar and Co.: cedarandco.ie

DFS: dfs.ie