Welcome

Let’s face it, there’s always something we are looking to change and improve within our homes and this month we have reached out to the professionals to help you whatever task you plan to take on, big or small, indoors or out. From the initial planning, through to designing and decorating, there are lots of useful hints and tips to help you make informed choices, including any energy efficient upgrades and sustainable improvements.

Our readers’ homes this issue take us to Co. Monaghan, where Oana and Bogdan have used their interior skills to create a home that is uniquely theirs. Interior designer Caroline Fernandes introduces us to her second home in Rosslare Strand, which she has beautifully decorated to reflect its seaside location. In Co. Londonderry homeowners JP and Jayne have brought an old rectory back to life. And in Belleek, Owen and Lisa have also breathed new life into a pretty, whitewashed traditional Irish cottage. In both of these homes you will see how the homeowners have demonstrated their sustainable styling with the use of reclaimed and recycled pieces.

In our living section we catch up with the Buggans family and their quirky cookbook ‘Camping Soul Food’. This lockdown project has taken the family on quite a journey and is even up for an award at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards taking place in Sweden this June. Foodie and travel enthusiast, Marty O’Neill whisks you away to the beautiful Mediterranean city of Palma. Meanwhile closer to home Sarah Boland recommends places to visit when you’re in Ireland’s capital city. Our gardening expert Conrad McCormick focuses on container gardening and how to achieve the perfect lawn this summer, and as always, there is lots to inspire from our Irish designers and makers in Made in Ireland.