"Cronia's apartment had a very strong overall look... Beautiful styling was apparent everywhere."
Neville Knott, presenter of RTE 1's Showhouse
Living/Dining Room
This is undeniably the piéce de résistance of my apartment because of its size and impressive view onto the street below as well as its carefully detailed presentation. I have worked my colour scheme around a striking hand tufted rug with contemporary “cube” design in rich cream, teal and varying shades of brown. This, I feel, lends itself to a wonderful inviting and restful "urban-chique" look, enviable to many young executives wishing to live in Dublin city-centre. This particular rug inspired me to seek out a complimentary and intriguing yet understated wallpaper for my feature wall. My choice of "silk" ribbed acqua-marine wallpaper adds another dimension to this living space.
I'm a huge fan of textures and this does not have to be restricted to soft furnishings. The horizontal "stripe" of the paper is highlighted by the immense light from the ceiling-to-floor and quasi-wall-to-wall window. I have broken up this solid block of colour by hanging a stunning contemporary fireplace on this feature wall. The strong orange hue of the flames contrasts so strikingly with my wallpaper and I have even complimented this with my carefully selected floral display. I wasn't prepared to settle for any electric fireplace so I chose to splash out on a really eye-catching model with a back-illuminated chrome and black surround, which is brand new to the Irish market. It certainly adds that "wow" factor to my Living/Dining Room, as well as of course bringing warmth and light to this space.
In contrast to my feature wall, I have chosen an understated warm cream paint colour for the rest of my walls. This helps to balance the entire look by opening out the space. I believe this entertainment area has mass appeal, as I have deliberately kept the interior neither overly masculine nor feminine. The centrepiece rug sets off the walnut floors beautifully, as well as the rich, textured tan/brown “linen” sofa, teal scatter cushions with ornate gold design and other luxurious accessories and artwork. My light fixtures are relatively understated in comparison so as to maintain a sense of space, but all the while complimenting other teal and chrome aspects of the interior.
As space is paramount here I have opted for a clever window screen mechanism; overlapping sliding panels of fabric within the window frame. For these I have chosen a beautiful elegant French linen fabric with fine vertical stripes of brown and aqua-marine on a subtle cream/white background. This again adds to the contemporary, minimalist feel of the property, in keeping with my streamlined furniture choices. The dark wenge and chrome dining table and neat light cream leather chairs work wonderfully with the walnut floor and oak doors. Again, all individual elements are brought together by the colours contained in the rug below the fireplace. The retro-style coffee table, which sits on this, has an attractive glass panel feature on top - something of a theme in the room - with ample concealed storage underneath, and the beautiful walnut dresser/bookcase sits snugly under the wall-mounted LCD TV. Additional storage is offered in the form of floating dark wood and staggered glass shelves.
Each aspect of this interior has been thoughtfully implemented so as to create as spacious and flowing a look as possible. The contemporary sliding window panels undoubtedly finish the look by bringing together all the individual elements of my colour scheme, creating a cosy, urban entertaining space. The result is a striking, low-maintenance interior, which I feel, is the envy of many young professionals and first time buyers. I am so proud of the stylish "wow" factor of this room, but more than that, the chique, contemporary feel of its interior is ideal for relaxing, dining and entertaining. I really, really love it!
