Warm tones, bespoke joinery and thoughtful reconfiguration breathe new life into this Georgian Dublin 6 home, marrying classical elegance with contemporary family living.
For the family who live in this Georgian home, the property’s modernised interior had long felt at odds with its historic charm. Originally updated by a developer in the early 2000s, the house functioned well but lacked warmth and authenticity.
“While it was practical, the interior and garden had a contemporary aesthetic that clashed with the building’s Georgian character,” says Elizabeth Moloney, of Amber Design Group. “Many of the original features had been hidden or altered, and the layout didn’t really suit the needs of a growing family of four. The biggest challenges were the lack of connection between the interior and garden and the mismatch between the home’s architecture and its finishes.”
The clients wanted to restore a sense of period elegance while making the home more liveable for modern family life. “They were looking for a more classical contemporary feel that complemented the original Georgian features,” Moloney explains. “They wanted to create cosier, practical spaces for a busy family of four with a dog. Before the redesign, they were really only using about a third of the home’s living space.”
The transformation at Castlewood Avenue involved a complete renovation and reconfiguration across all floors. “We completely redesigned the floor plans to improve flow, functionality, and light,” Moloney says. “We also worked closely with a landscape gardener to reimagine both the front and rear gardens, so the outdoor spaces felt as thoughtfully designed as the interiors.”
Inside, the team collaborated with skilled craftsmen to create bespoke joinery throughout, including an in-frame kitchen, custom wardrobes, Crittall-style internal doors and a tailored home office. “Every detail was designed to feel cohesive and personal to how the family lives,” Moloney notes.
The colour and material palette was carefully considered to bring character, warmth, and depth to each space. “On the lower ground floor, we chose a warm neutral palette and layered tones to create softness,” Moloney explains. “We introduced playful fabrics through bar stools and cushions, while a bespoke striped rug from Roger Oates added a tailored yet lively touch. In the gym, deeper shades on the wall panelling provided contrast and focus.”
For the grander rooms on the ground floor, rich Farrow & Ball hues and textured fabrics were used to create intimacy and sophistication. “Bathrooms offered an opportunity to be bolder,” she adds. “We used classic black-and-white chequered flooring with dramatic wall colours for impact. In the bedrooms, the children’s rooms were playful with lively wallpapers, while the main bedroom embraced a refined palette of warm neutrals for a calm, elegant retreat.”
The result is a home that feels both timeless and deeply personal. “The most successful aspect of the project is how it restores the home’s period character while making it functional for modern family life,” Moloney reflects. “The reconfiguration has transformed how the family uses the space, every room now serves a purpose, and the garden feels like a natural extension of the home. It’s elegant, warm, and perfectly suited to how they live.”
Photography: Elyse Kennedy
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