Each room has a distinct personality, full of rich, earthy tones that make you feel instantly at home.
For a designer, working with a new build can have its benefits, but without a doubt the biggest challenge is usually working out how to make the house feel full of character. Rochelle Morrison of Cest Interior Design explains that this was certainly the case for this project in Derry.
“As a complete new build, the house began its life on paper, an elegant set of architectural drawings by Des Ewing,” she says, and it was constructed by Stephen O’Donnell of Brickworx Contracts. “The structure was beautifully imagined: 10ft ceilings, generous sash windows, graceful proportions, and a quiet grandeur that sat comfortably in its private city setting. But as with all new builds, the real challenge was ensuring that once completed, the home felt rooted, soulful, and full of character. From the outset, the ambition was clear – to create a home that felt timeless from day one, a place with substance, warmth, and personality woven into its very foundations.”
The owner of the home wanted it to feel like a sanctuary, she explains. “A home that felt refined and contemporary yet comforting and deeply personal. They were drawn to clean lines and modern craftsmanship but also loved the gentle nostalgia of mid-century design. Above all, they wanted somewhere calm and welcoming, where every room had its own story, and where the design felt effortlessly harmonious.”
As Rochelle was involved from the beginning of the project, the design of the interiors and the architecture were able to evolve together, creating a coherent vision. This early integration, she says, was key to the beautiful finish of this home.
Rochelle was able to plan room layouts from the beginning, ensuring each space felt balanced and elements such as lighting could be placed exactly where needed. Bespoke craftsmanship also plays a large part in how this home feels. “Panelled walls, custom dark-oak cabinetry, and built-in joinery were crafted not just as storage, but as architectural features that bring soul and permanence to a brand-new home,” she explains. Bespoke cabinetry was crafted by Kyle Mooney of Kyle Mooney Handmade.
With such a strong foundation, the colours and materials that were chosen for this home are able to gently complement these spaces. “The palette embraces warmth and calm,” Rochelle explains. “From soft creams, linen whites, gentle neutrals, and natural materials that feel instantly comforting to deep red brown and green tones to create a feeling of cosiness.”
Materials such as stone and marble were used to add texture without overpowering the space, and are balanced with softer materials such as wood and textiles. “The result is a home that feels serene, welcoming, and beautifully balanced.”
As it was designed from the ground up, this house is full of details that show the quiet beauty of carefully planned spaces. The arched dark oak kitchen wall, which can be softly illuminated adds a sculptural note to this space, while the curved sofa in the living room echoes this shape, while providing an inviting place to sit.
Artwork has been curated throughout the home, and helps each room to have its own personality. Even the bathrooms have distinct characters, one decorated with toile wallpaper, while another with a custom designed marble mosaic floor.
The result is exactly what Rochelle had hoped for, a home that feels warm and lived-in. “Despite being a new build, the house carries a warmth and timelessness that usually takes decades to cultivate. Because the interiors were considered from day one, the home feels harmonious, each room connected by tone and intention, yet full of its own heart.”
Photography Sarah Fyffe
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