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# my home in one photo
'I try to make the old work with the new': Mel shares her carefully curated family room
Complete with lamps, candles… and a disco ball.
Each week, we ask someone based in Ireland with a passion for interiors to share one photo of their favourite spot in their home.
Mum-of-two Mel lives in a three-bed semi-detached home in Co Clare.
This week, Mel (@melterioristic) chatted us through her favourite spot: her living room.
What do you love about this part of your home?
It really is our ‘family’ room. It’s where we get together for down time. It’s perfect for cosying up by lamp light and candles – and sometimes a disco ball or two. The girls love Saturday nights and putting on variety shows. It all takes place here.
What’s your favourite object in here and why?
It’s very hard to say. I have an emotional attachment to a lot of things. Most of what I own hold their own value to me and tell a story, which I think is very important.
Be honest: How much tidying did you do before taking this photo?
I try to keep the house in order but it is fair to say it’s never been more lived in than now. On this particular day the sun was shining and the children were in the garden. The staging didn’t take long because the timing was good.
What was your inspiration when you were putting this room together?
I’m passionate about interiors and all of the different eras throughout time and so it is very hard for me to stick to one style. Collectively, what I enjoy from all of these styles is the sense of luxury. I wanted to create a relaxing space regardless of budget.
Is there anything in here you’d like to change?
My home is ever-evolving and things are changing all the time, so I make the old work with the new. If I was to change anything it would probably be downsizing my suite of furniture. It’s just that little bit too big for the room, but it’s very comfortable.
