Modernism Emerges in a Dublin Victorian
Although its tight urban location dictated limited square footage and access to light, this Dublin, Ireland, home feels surprisingly open and spacious. After an entirely dilapidated Victorian without a single toilet, this 1,200-square-foot house now comfortably homes a couple and their two kids. Architect Catherine Crowe of Optimise Design opened up the rear, additional skylights and created a very clear view from front door to the patio. “The first house was incredibly dark and poky, and [the customers] wanted to exude this feeling completely,” she says.
in a Glance
Who lives here: A designer few and their 2 daughters, ages 2 and 14
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Size: 1,200 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths
Optimise Design
Crowe mixed high- and – low-end items to get the look the customers wanted within their budget. Ikea cabinetry contrasts with a more expensive navy-colored glass backsplash and counter tops in kitchen.
Backsplash, adjoining counter: Tipperary Glass RAL 5008; bar top: solid pine, Ikea; range, hood, fridge: Whirlpool, integrated by Ikea; floor tile: Terra Maestricht, Mosa Tile; bar stools: Ikea
Optimise Design
One of many Victorians in this area was in a dire state of disrepair. It had no indoor bathroom, had a collapsed floor floor and ceilings, and was originally only 1 room deep. Crowe and her staff added on the kitchen, dining room and a bathroom on the ground floor, and a master suite upstairs.
Optimise Design
The few needed plenty of storage space but did not want bulky built-ins to be a major characteristic of the house. Glossy white storage in every room visually blends in with the home’s design. This kitchen screen unit highlights the client’s blue and white Wedgwood dining set — the inspiration for the navy and white color scheme.
Storage: Besta, Ikea; table: Bjursta, Ikea; seats: Eames; pendant: Louis Poulsen PH-50, YLighting
Optimise Design
Big sliding doors on the rear of the house enable the backyard to become an integral component of the house. This distance was treated by Crowe as one big room. “We wanted it to be a beautiful area to look on, in which you can slide open the large glass doors and feel like you were dining out,” she says.
Optimise Design
Both of the customers love Scandinavian design, so that they used a cool palette of grays, blues and whites. White walls allowed Crowe to produce more dramatic feature walls.
Crowe had skylights installed over the stairs; the light that they allow in combines with the pools of light in the back of the house.
Optimise Design
Ceramic floor tiles at the hallway run out throughout the kitchen and all of the way to the end of the patio, continuing the link between the spaces. A bamboo wall in the rear of the property ensures privacy from neighbors.
Wall paint (both by Dulux): Eskimo Boot (mild), Zen Retreat (dim)
Optimise Design
Virtually all of the Victorian features and details of the house were beyond repair, so the homeowners started over with a more contemporary feel. Small black fireplaces throughout were the sole original features that may be saved.
A lot of the furniture and art came in the owners’ previous home; Crowe worked around these pieces for the interior design. The turquoise, coral and gray tones in those three large display prints appear from the cushions and other accents.
Rug: Rug Art, Dublin; coffee table: classic, Retrospect; sofa: Habitat; screen prints: Mike Fitzharris
Optimise Design
A orange retro light served as inspiration for the hot beige and burnt orange furniture and accessories in this room.
Orange lamp: classic, Retrospect; upholstered seat: classic; orange rug: Ikea
Optimise Design
The customers wanted the kids’ rooms to be playful. Crowe played with color and form from the teen kid’s room. Ikea bedding complements custom pillows and window treatments. The desk is a classic locate, repainted white.
Bedding: Ikea; butterflies: Urban Outfitters; division artwork: Habitat; window therapy: silk, Osborne & Little
Optimise Design
The same coloured glass in the kitchen, this time in a lively gray, covers the walls of this shower. The hard-wearing substance not only adds color but also reflects light.
Wall Floors: Terra Maestricht, Mosa Tile; butterfly: Debenhams; bathroom, sink: Sonas; silver pig: Next House
Optimise Design
Crowe loves the serene feel of the master bedroom. “I love the manipulation of light and view,” she says. “It is a really restful space.” The roof in this second-story room opens into the pitch, where large skylights can catch sun anytime of day.
Bed framework: Malm, Ikea; rug: Muji; table lamp: Dunnes Home; bedside lamps: Hicken Lighting
Optimise Design
A window seat tucked right into the bay has an angled window for an ideal view of the Dublin mountains over the encompassing chimney tops.
Pillows: Osborne & Little and Ikea
Optimise Design
The nursery, equipped with an original fireplace, is filled with thoughtful and individual particulars. The crib belonged to a few of the customers, along with the rocking chair belonged to one of the baby’s grandmothers. The art was created by the few as an additional sentimental touch.