Welcome

As we move into the summer holidays we’re adopting an optimistic outlook when it comes to the Irish weather and bringing you a few ideas to liven up your outdoor living on hot, sunny days. From shady parasols to comfy cushions, there’s everything you need to create your own garden oasis.

If you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to that all-important connection between the interior and exterior of your home, then there can be no better example than our Co. Meath cover home. Interior designer Aisling Wilson has worked with the homeowners on this impressive family home, which offers a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living and entertaining.

We also head to Galway to take a closer look at a stylish conversion of a period semi, and in Ballymena we step inside Beverlee and James’ new build. Last but not least, we visit Andrea and Mark’s home in Swords where they’ve carried out a complete decorative transformation.

Other interior features this issue include Sara Austin’s advice on bringing the outdoors in and interior designer Nicola Pollard focuses on how to create a timeless, elegant style throughout your home. In Meeting the Brief Jackie Carton shows how a slight reconfiguration of space and bespoke furniture have completely transformed a teenage bedroom. We also focus on flooring with advice on how to choose what is right for the rooms in your home. Plus, we’ve a fantastic prize for one lucky reader to win up to £1,000 of Swiss Krono flooring from Tile & Wood Floor Store in Bangor, Co. Down.

In our living section we bring you recipes from Genevieve Taylor, one of the chefs attending the Big Grill BBQ & Food Festival in Dublin this August (page 120), as well as a few plant-based options from The Veg Box, the latest cookbook from David and Stephen Flynn of The Happy Pear.

Travel takes us to Killarney, Kilkenny and Valenica. And for those looking to enjoy a summer adventure in Ireland take a closer look at the campervan offering from new Irish lifestyle brand Seaweed & Saltwater.

However, if you simply plan to stay at home and get the garden sorted, our gardening columnist Conrad McCormick focuses on Salvias (page 136) and shares his tips for making the most of a small garden.

Whatever your plans over the summer holidays – enjoy!