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my home in one photo
'A lot of what we have is thrifted': Bronagh shares her personality-filled living room in Clare
Self-described ‘homebody’ Bronagh Fleming chats us through her favourite room.
EACH WEEK, WE ask an Irish person with a passion for interiors about a favourite spot in their home.
Interior stylist Bronagh Fleming has lived in ‘Fox Hollow’ – a bungalow in Co Clare – with her husband Ivan for five years.
This week, self-proclaimed homebody Bronagh (@foxhollowstyle) chatted us through the space in her home that she’s proudest of: her living room.
What do you love about this part of your home?
Our living room is two steps from the front door, so it’s the first living space you come to. The door to this room is always open, and I love that. It’s a cheerful, expressive and colourful space. It’s like a great big smile, welcoming you in to the house.
Talk us through some of the objects in the photo.
Lots of what we have in our home has been gifted or thrifted. The writing desk on the left was my grandmother’s, but I gave it a new lease of life with paint and wallpaper. The lamp base on the right is gifted and I made the shade for it.
Much of the art on the walls has been created by family and friends and people we have met, talked to and connected with. Plus there are some sentimental items too; a tiny 18th century hand-painted portrait of Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire, a gift from my husband on our 10th wedding anniversary.
What was your inspiration when you were putting the space together?
I took what is a small, dark, north-facing living room and instead of trying to force it to be bright and spacious (which is never going to happen) I decided to roll with the weak natural light and small dimensions and make it a cosy, warm nest.
Sometimes that’s the biggest downfall: trying to make a space something that it’s not. That can make for a really uncomfortable place to be. Sometimes you need to bend the rules or create your own to get the perfect place for you.
How well does this photo reflect the rest of your home?
When we first moved here, I put so much effort into this room that the other rooms felt quite bland in comparison. I don’t know why I felt I couldn’t put my own stamp on the whole house straight away, I was so tempered in my approach to decorating. But I eventually found my groove and the whole house has caught up, so it flows well now.
Be honest: how much tidying did you do before taking this photo?
A lot! In real life, the cushions are generally thrown to one side or the other and the coffee table has always got mugs and papers thrown on it.
But before you go thinking that it looks too perfect, let me point out the very wonky picture just left of centre at the top. You see? Not so perfect! And Millie the pug? She’s not supposed to be up on the sofa, but as she is just an occasional house guest I couldn’t say no.
Do you have a spot in your home that you’re particularly proud of? Do you enjoy styling the different rooms in your house? Are you always adding and changing little things to make your space stand out? If so, we want to hear from you! Email amy@thejournal.ie with a few lines about yourself and your home for a chance to feature in My Home in One Photo.
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