This Cabinteely home has been transformed into a light-filled, family-ready sanctuary
Clever design, thoughtful detailing, and generous family spaces breathe new life into this Cabinteely semi, creating a warm, light-filled home that is future-proofed.
For Chloe and Hugh, settling near Hugh’s childhood home in Foxrock meant finding a house that could grow with their family. They found their sanctuary in a Cabinteely semi-detached home, but it needed a transformation. Originally built in the late 1960s, the four-bedroom house had a classic mid-century layout with formal front rooms, a rear kitchen dining area, and upstairs box rooms that felt cramped and disconnected. “While they loved the location, the house lacked space, flow and energy efficiency,” says Gillian Bell of SHOLA. “The upstairs configuration was particularly challenging, and converting the attic into a usable family space became key to unlocking the home’s potential.”
The couple dreamed of a bright, personality-filled family home that would accommodate their children now and in the future. “They wanted a house that felt lived in and comfortable, yet rich with texture and colour,” Bell explains. “Above all, the design needed to make the most of every square metre and future-proof their lifestyle.”
The transformation involved a series of thoughtful interventions across all floors. On the first floor, a front extension and raised roofline created a luxurious master suite, complete with a spacious bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom. “We knocked through a small box room and used part of the extension to craft this private retreat,” Bell says. The former rear box room was enlarged to become a comfortable double bedroom, while the old playroom was transformed into a warm, welcoming teen bedroom.
The attic conversion further expanded the home’s family-friendly spaces. A side dormer allows for a light-filled staircase, while a generous rear dormer opens up a flexible space for study, play and reading, complete with a cosy nook for quiet moments. Large windows and thoughtful placement of dormers also create subtle connections to the garden, allowing natural light to fill every corner. The ground floor was refreshed with bespoke cabinetry in the kitchen and a dream pantry, supporting the family’s love of cooking and everyday living.
Materiality and colour were central to the home’s personality. “Chloe was a dream collaborator, adventurous with colour and unafraid of drama,” Bell notes. In the north-facing sitting room, Farrow & Ball Green Smoke on the walls and custom joinery pair with warm parquet flooring for a cocooning, sophisticated feel. Elsewhere, Farrow & Ball Wimborne White creates airy, light-filled rooms, while warm-toned woods, tactile finishes and brick tile flooring bring grounded comfort.
Standout details, such as the patterned London Basin Company sink in the master en-suite, add a whimsical, playful touch to the serene spaces. Custom joinery throughout the home, from cabinets to bespoke shelving and doors, provides both functionality and charm.
“The most successful aspect of the project is how every inch of the home now works hard for the family,” Bell reflects. “From the serene master suite to the attic’s bright, multi-functional retreat, each space was designed with both current and future needs in mind. The reading nook has become a favourite spot for quiet afternoons, while the rest of the home supports busy family life with ease. Every decision, from layout to finishes, was made to ensure the house will grow with Chloe, Hugh and their children for years to come.”
The result is a warm, light-filled family home that combines style, practicality and personality, a true example of how clever design can transform a standard semi-detached house into a functional but beautiful space for modern family living.
Photography: Nina Bottelier
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