Family, Festivity and Tradition

This beautifully decorated home harks back to the classic green and red colour scheme for Christmas, with festivities taking on a family-oriented approach.

- EDITORIAL BY EMMA DEIGHAN. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP LAUTERBACH.

Eimear, Stuart and their family have called their 1970s three-bedroom semidetached house in Kilnamanagh home for the past 18 years.

With its attic conversion and years of thoughtful updates, the house has character with modern living at its heart. At Christmas, though, it takes on an entirely different charm.

'At Christmas especially, it feels magical and really comes into its own,' says Eimear. The sense of warmth begins the moment you step through the sage green front door, custom made by Vindr VS Windows and Doors, her go-to for all external doors and windows. 'The door is timber and was made to our taste. We chose sage green to complement the windows and set a welcoming tone right from the entrance.' Underfoot lies herringbone oak flooring in a tumbled finish by Canadian Flooring, which Eimear says adds 'a slightly worn, timeless feel.' When the family added a new extension, they also raised the ceiling in the porch, creating height and drama. A feature light from Light Cookie completes the space, while ARated Building Services carried out all the building work.

Eimear's preparations for Christmas begin in early December with a deep clean. She takes about a week to fully dress the house, 'being really creative with details.' 'It's such a creative outlet for me,' Eimear adds. While she handles most of the decorating herself, the tree remains a family affair.