Style and Sentiment at Christmas

This Kilkenny home was a passion project for Juanita and her husband, Kieran. At Christmas, it comes alive with a beautifully curated collection of Christmas decorations and sentimental pieces.

- EDITORIAL BY EMMA DEIGHAN. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP LAUTERBACH.

There were a few setbacks when Juanita and Kieran started on their dream home project.

Planning was declined twice on a previous plot of land, so after many evenings scouring South Kilkenny for another, more suitable site, work began on this stunning ‘traditional farmhouse with a modern twist’.

‘We moved in one year and one month from the date we broke ground,’ Juanita begins. ‘We've been here just over two years now.’

They both loved the traditional farmhouse look but wanted modern accents for a sense of timelessness. ‘I was very inspired by the vaulted ceilings in modern American farmhouses and really wanted to replicate that look in our home. I'd describe the style as transitional - a mix of traditional and contemporary design which creates a timeless and balanced interior,’ Juanita continues.

The main two-storey section of the house contains four bedrooms, two ensuite and two sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom, as well as an office, kids’ den, kitchen, utility, and pantry.

‘We added a large open-plan area which we clad with Kilkenny Limestone, White Limestone and Lacken stone to achieve that traditional field-stone look,’ she explains. ‘We also added a vaulted ceiling and oak beams for character. Off that is a cosy sitting room with a large pocket door, perfect for entertaining or closing off for some peace and quiet.’

Juanita took her time perfecting the interior palette. ‘I wanted to create a home that would stand the test of time. I collected images of homes that inspired me and had Pinterest boards for most rooms.’ Natural finishes feature heavily, from black bog oak windows and natural stone to white oak tiles and brass accent lighting. ‘We used neutral and warm colours for contrast, with different shades of blue to bring calmness and cohesion throughout.’