The creation of a majestic family home in Monaghan was a joyous project, with a client open to our design ideas but with a firm vision for their dream home. At the Manor House, on the outskirts of a town in Ireland's beautiful County Monaghan, the scenic countryside, the charming townscape and many gorgeous lakes played their part in providing stunning views from the residence.
We developed interior designs for this large new build of 10,000 square ft., working closely with the client's architect. Inputting from the get-go, we had the chance to influence many architecture features which played to the style of the home; a classic French country style with a modern day family feel.
The emphasis of the design, be it for adults, their young family, or all the visiting family and friends, was an aesthetic with a timeless elegance. With a few formal areas to get the royal treatment, and others more causal, comfortable and relaxing, we got to work, and boy, did we have fun!
Upon entry through wide double doors and surrounding glass panels, a glorious foyer connects the formal rooms at the front of the house. This room, fully panelled with elegant joinery, ends at a sweeping, curved staircase under an incredible, oculus lightwell, which floods the room with daylight. Elegantly upholstered furniture in symmetry and in pairs create formality.
The living room, with elaborate panelled coffered ceilings, rows of light framed, tall, sash windows, and a huge stone fire centrepiece, offered the perfect layout for a formal sitting area, with a custom Italian chandelier, lavish curtains and a wall of bespoke bookcases complete with librarian's ladder. The Grand Piano sits beyond in a curved window bay, just in sight.
In keeping with this elegant style, and a neutral colour scheme of creams, blues and greys, in the large Kitchen Living Dining we choose a classic French shaker kitchen, modernised with a bespoke dining area banquet, great for family dining, alongside the formal round dining table and chairs.
In this room, windows are a-plenty and the room is as spacious as it is bright. Considering this, and the natural light movement, we planned window treatments with a mix of romans and wave curtains recessed to the ceiling.
In fact, throughout the Manor House, large windows and the volume of natural light are an impressive design feature. We spent much time considering window dressing and their formats, from recessed wave track curtains, to elegant boxed pelmets, to roller blinds, all linked to the smart control app. We used luxurious, neutral Italian fabrics to elevate the look.
The Master Suite, complete with walk-through wardrobe and large ensuite, is designed around the sweeping views over the countryside. Elegant fabrics, ceiling and wall mounted light fittings and bespoke Ventura furniture where agreed under the watchful eye of our stylish client.
In all, we are proud of this modern masterpiece sitting by the rolling drumlins and rugged beauty of County Monaghan. While Paris influenced the architecture, we combined this classic backdrop with contemporary joinery, bathrooms, kitchens and high quality furniture. We also fully furnished and styled each room using bespoke items. The home feel elegant and timeless but with a depth and warmth which will sustain into the future for this family, and the next.
