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WHEN INTERIOR DESIGNER Karina Heaslip was tasked with the redesign of an existing family home in Kilkenny it was an opportunity to reinvent the 20-year-old bungalow for a new era, writes Ruth O’Connor.
Qualified Architectural Technologist Karina Heaslip worked for various architectural firms in Dublin, Galway and Mayo before establishing her own design business. She frequently works with Dermot Bannon as interior designer on RTE’s Room to Improve. Offering architectural and interior design solutions to clients, she was the perfect choice of designer to work alongside architect Ciaran Devine to reimagine an outdated bungalow in the Co. Kilkenny countryside.
The homeowners have lived and worked extensively abroad, however when it came to the renovation of their own home they wanted it to remain firmly set in its Co. Kilkenny surroundings. They opted for soft limestone flooring, natural furnishings and cosy linen couches rather than smooth marble and minimalist contemporary furniture. “The clients were keen for us to include comfortable furniture in keeping with the house and its setting – they didn’t want furniture that was overly contemporary or minimal,” says the designer.
“The couple wanted a house that felt like it belonged where it was – they didn’t want to build a new contemporary or faux period home,” says Karina. “They wanted a home that belonged in its location but which was updated to become a contemporary country home featuring muted tones and textures throughout – hence the use of natural materials including limestone and linen, wood panelling and oak. Natural materials were key to the design.”
“Such a large space could have felt voluminous and cold, so it was important to incorporate soft muted tones and natural materials to make the space more cosy,” says Karina who opted for limestone flooring by Fossil Stone Specialist, linen sofas, an oak dining table by Ethnicraft and wooden panelling by Geraghty Joinery to create a cosy feeling in the room.
Karina worked with architect Ciaran Devine to reconfigure the internal layout – moving walls internally to get the most out of the interior space. Key aspects of this was the knocking of the large chimney breast between the kitchen and front sitting room opening up the space into a large living/ dining area. The stairs to the attic space was also moved from the back of the house to the front in order to create a loft space with a dormer window which has become a cosy office space/ snug with views over the surrounding countryside.
“Before the redesign this bungalow was dark, dated and cold,” says Karina of the home which is now open and welcoming. “We wanted to create a variety of spaces for the family – including open plan spaces where everyone can come together as well as those that are smaller or cosier. There is a snug behind the kitchen and an attic conversion that can be used by different members of the household – as a chill out space for the young adults in the family or to entertain friends.”
Bedrooms and bathrooms were also reconfigured to accommodate the family’s needs and to disguise aspects such as windows that could not be moved. “In the master bedroom there were existing windows which posed a problem in terms of the design,” says Karina. “The solution was to incorporate shutters into the tongue and groove panelling behind the bed – a detail that was followed through throughout the house.”
Bedroom storage was an important consideration of the redesign and reconfiguring the space allowed for a new walk-in wardrobe to be created as well as an en suite with generous shower space. A new ‘Jack and Jack’ shared bathroom was also created for the clients’ sons who are young adults studying at university.
“When it comes to private homes it is important for us to work very closely with the client,” says Karina. “We will have a concept in mind and will liaise closely with the clients throughout the process – there is no decision made without consulting them on samples of all finishes for example.”
One of the biggest challenges of this project was moving the stairs without compromising the other areas in the home. The existing kitchen was small with a window over the sink and no access to the outside space. The solution was to create a small pop-out extension in the kitchen with sliding doors to the patio thus creating a bright and beautiful space with views over the countryside. Kitchen cabinetry is by Michael Farrell in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Lighting was key to the design and Karina worked with lighting designers Wink Lighting in Co. Wicklow on the lighting scheme. “Wink created a beautiful lighting scheme – in the living area the trusses in the ceiling are all uplit beautifully whereas everywhere else in the space the lighting is low level thus creating a lovely soft atmosphere,” says Karina who also used lighting by Mullan Lighting in Co. Monaghan throughout the home.
Karina commends her clients for their bravery when it came to the colour scheme. Although there are no bold statements when it comes to colour, with white and neutral tones used throughout the home, there are subtle moments of colour used including Little Greene’s Olive Green in the hallway and Farrow & Ball’s Trenon in the primary bedroom.
“Everyone was happy with the end product. The clients trusted myself and Ciaran and were brave in terms of trusting me with some of the bolder colours in the home,” says Karina.
“What has been picked out in colour is still quite accessible – colour was used to add to the overall look of the interiors rather than to make any bold statements. We could have used all neutral or grey tones but it wouldn’t have resulted in the same impact or feel in the home.”
For more information on Karina Heaslip’s design services go to karinaheaslip.com and follow her on Instagram: @karinaheaslip .
Instagram Address Book:
Architect: @ciaran.devinearch
Furniture: @siennahomefurnishings
Joinery: @geraghtyjoinery
Kitchen: @michaelfarrellcustom
Lighting Design: @wink.lighting
Feature Lighting: @mullanlighting
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