Trad Style

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With our renewed interest in traditional local products, a resurgence in old Irish craft techniques, and the eternally inviting appeal of a cottage-style property, no wonder people are falling for trad again. Snug interiors, patterned wallpapers, traditional rugs, woollen blankets, sumptuous curtains… what’s not to like?

Here’s our pick of the best traditional house tours we’ve featured in Image Interiors & Living. Click on the pictures below to see the full house tour.

This polished gem in the Dublin suburbs, home to the owners of?Peter Legge Associates architects and their sons – the brothers behind?Makers & Brothers ??has a homely atmosphere and a seductively dark palette of natural tones and materials. ?It is a happy home that one always wants to come back to – it has its own welcome and charm,? says mum Cornelia.

This rambling country abode in Castlepollard belongs to former fashion designer and current homewares queen Helen James. It’s everything you imagine a picturesque country home to be, albeit with a modern twist – think creeping rose bushes, muted shades of Farrow & Ball, a charming pink half door and grassy fields out the back. Helen describes her home style as intuitive and practical – and ever-changing as she’s constantly planning, moving things around, looking at what the next project will be.

Tucked away in picturesque Ballycotton, this charming farmhouse is owned – and curated – by cookery teacher and writer Rory O’Connell of?Ballymaloe Cookery School, who also trained and worked in interior design. Effortlessly stylish, the early-Georgian farmhouse is an amazing mixture of old and modern, with a touch of quirky, and is a testament to its owner’s combined love of food and interiors. Renovated over many years, the house has been filled with extraordinary vintage finds from Rory’s travels, while keeping its original farmhouse feel: ?I wanted to introduce more light but I didn’t want to mess around with the fabric of the house.?

Aghavannagh, above, is an old army barracks with amazing views of the Wicklow Mountains and has been lovingly – and painstakingly – restored by Veronica Roden and Rory McArdle from a rambling and deserted edifice since 2011. Now, antique furniture and objets d?art are set against a simple backdrop of white walls and natural finishes, including exposed wood and stone. The resulting effect is elegantly rustic: ?We wanted to turn something neglected and derelict into a place of aesthetic beauty and happiness,? Rory explains. Looking out over the peaceful Wicklow Mountains, it’s clear to see it’s been a worthwhile dream.

Which one is your favourite? Comment on?Facebook below or tweet to us on?Image_Interiors.

For some great ideas on how to recreate this style, look at the products in the gallery above, and head to our winter woolen warmers gallery?here for more tips on how to cosy up your home for the dark season.

Love the trad look? Check out the Tipperary farmhouse tour and farmhouse style tips in our November/December edition, on shelves now.

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