Welcome

As I write this we’ve just enjoyed our first real spell of warm, sunny weather. If only we could bank on it staying around for the next few months! This inspired me, as I’m sure it did many of you, to get into the garden and turn my attention to some new furniture. If you’re wanting to add to, or renew existing pieces, we bring you a stylish selection of seating designed for lounging and dining outdoors, and withstanding the changeable Irish weather!

As you will see, the owners of our readers’ homes featured this month have also taken their exterior spaces into consideration. From the stylish city garden in Fergus and Marianne’s Belfast home to the sprawling, mature gardens of the Co. Monaghan property. A stylish orangery overlooking the garden in Mike and Aoife’s Sandymount home to the sheltered courtyard area of the new build we get to admire in more detail in Kinsale – all complement their stylish interiors.

As well as looking outside, we also turn our attentions inside and take a closer look at hallway flooring options. Your choice of flooring in this area of your home can have a real impact and set the tone for the whole house and we’ve gathered together a variety of minimal and showstopping designs.

There are two contrasting readers’ kitchens, both offering a timeless style and an elegant open-plan kitchen design from interior designer Geri O’Toole will certainly inspire the hardworking hub of your home.

In our living section, recipes focus on rhubarb while it is in season and we’ve rounded up some tasty recipes that make the most of this springtime vegetable.We head to Edinburgh with Marty O’Neill from @dishyouwerehere and to Wicklow with chef Catherine Fulvio, with both recommending their favourite places to eat, stay and visit. We also get a closer look at a converted church which is now a unique holiday rental and the perfect escape in Strangford, Co. Down.

Finally, we highlight a range of Irish brands and makers throughout the issue, specifically in our Made in Ireland section, where we love being able to inspire you to shop local.