Welcome

This month we are slowly heading towards autumn and beginning to embrace the changing seasonal colours in our home décor. As well as having lots of interior news, we tell you about new showrooms opening and established artists. Our new bi-monthly columnist Denise O’Connor from Optimise Design offers her top tips on how to create the perfect outdoor space, while Interior Association member Maggie Brady of Pearl Redesigns talks about the merits of upcycling and repurposing furniture. Features this month focus on giving your bedroom a refresh, from changing your style of bed to updating your duvet and cover, to painting or papering the walls. We also look at getting the best out of the lighting scheme in your home. We explore the art of art placement and, with the help of Canvas Galleries in Belfast, guide you through the process of showcasing your treasured pieces in the most captivating and harmonious ways. Our readers’ homes include a period property in Royal Hillsborough which has been sensitively extended and renovated creating a home that is full of character and charming surprises. We pay a visit to Martin and Laura’s newly built home in Co. Carlow which delivers a winning combination of space and light. Mairead and John’s summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire draws inspiration from its stunning unspoilt surroundings, with natural textures and materials used throughout, and finally bold colour and biophilic design are in abundance in a unique family home in Rathfarmham. which functions perfectly for a busy family of four. In our living section Marty O’Neill tells us the best bits about his visit to Sicily, Aoife Kelly takes a two-centred mini break to Porto, a city on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, and the picturesque seaside town of Espinho. Sandyford chef Gareth Naughton shares some of his current favourite dishes from Neighbourhood restaurant and Conrad McCormick give us lots of inspiration on how to choose the right climbing plant for your garden. Enjoy!

The Team at IHIL