Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

When Joanne and her family first laid eyes on this Dublin bungalow several years ago, they saw more than just a single-storey home - they saw potential and a template from which they could curate a masterpiece.

- EMMA DEIGHAN

'We bought it a number of years ago and turned it into a twostorey property,’ Joanne begins. ‘We had a lot of time, because that was during lockdown, to really think about what we would do with it and the colours we would bring in.’

This transformation wasn’t just a structural change but a journey of discovery and personalisation. ‘We investigated paint colours and finishes, exploring all the possibilities,’ Joanne continues.

For her, colour is more than just a visual element; it’s an emotional one. ‘I love colour—pinks and blues and flowers, and similar colour and design themes. I think you really have to go for it when you love brights. We took a chance on the colours—it’s so hard choosing them – but I think it’s a good move to opt for something bright because it gives everyone an uplift. I think, and I hope, the colours we chose are both relaxing and calm,’ she adds, referencing the pastel blue and pink colour palette throughout the property.

Joanne describes the style of her home as ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.’ This phrase perfectly sums up the essence of her interior design. ‘I love old antiques, and charity shops and markets. My mum is from the north, and she and her family passed on old books and cutlery which inspired an interest in old things. I try to use those things as much as possible. It gives more character to a new build, gives it more soul.’

Storage was a critical aspect of their renovation. ‘We have three kids and a lot of sports gear in our house, so storage was a big consideration,’ Joanne notes. Richard Burke Design was instrumental in this, crafting custom storage solutions throughout the property, including a bespoke kitchen table.