Let There Be Light

This Edwardian home in Dublin has been extended and refurbished to maximise the light and space for the homeowners and their four children.

Architect John Flood from DMVF Architects and interior designer Maria Fenlon of Maria Fenlon Interiors worked alongside the homeowners to extend and refurbish their Edwardian family home in Dublin.

As John explains, 'Having lived in the house for a few years the owners wanted help to create a bright, airy and sociable family home that honours the old and celebrates the new. With four young children, they had outgrown the small rooms and wanted to create large, family-oriented living spaces while enhancing the period character of the original house, and maximising the connection to the garden.

'On our first visit back in 2017, we found an ivy-covered house in private mature front and rear gardens, set back from a busy road. While the house had many beautiful original features, it was in need of refurbishment and was completely disconnected from the garden.

'Planning permission was granted in late 2018, and working in conjunction with building contractor David Smyth, construction began in the summer of 2019. Though largely completed by the time construction works were halted due to Covid, some finishing touches were delayed, but the family were able to move back in during the autumn of 2020, with final completion early last year,' adds John. Interior designer Maria Fenlon joined the project once the build had started. 'I was delighted to get involved and help to bring this home to life. The homeowners have a love of colour and gardening, so as well as working with the indoor outdoor connection throughout this home we have also looked to bring it to life with colour.'

The first nod to colour comes with the use of Farrow & Ball Green Smoke at the porch. Here Maria worked with the owners and the experts at Regan Tile Design on bespoke hand-drawn tiles to add interest and set the tone for what to expect once inside.