Reflective Minimalism Transforms This Double-Sized Dublin Home into a Designer’s Dream

A Clever Conversion in One of Dublin’s Leafy Suburbs

In a charming southern suburb of Dublin, a design-savvy couple turned two side-by-side homes into a single, luxurious residence without compromising the potential for future flexibility. With teenage children and frequent visitors in mind, the homeowners brought on Irish interior designer Róisín Lafferty, founder of Kingston Lafferty Design, and architect Stefan Hoeckenreiner of Ambient Architecture to lead the ambitious transformation.

The brief: unite the two semi-detached houses into a cohesive, modern family home while keeping the option open to revert them into two independent properties. “We maintained both original staircases and entrances,” said Hoeckenreiner, “so the homes could divide again—offering future autonomy for the children or creating different living arrangements.”

At the heart of the reconfiguration lies a cleverly designed rear courtyard, framed by a new mirror-image extension that balances the home’s proportions. This thoughtful symmetry ensures equal light, views, and flow across the newly combined 4,400-square-foot residence.

Seamless Spaces with Bold Statements

Lafferty’s design philosophy emphasized flow, flexibility, and tonal consistency. Gone are the chopped-up rooms typical of traditional Irish homes. In their place, she introduced full-height, floor-to-ceiling doors that vanish into the walls, creating a continuous visual language throughout.

The former front parlors of both homes are now connected—one functioning as a reading room, the other as a music room. They’re unified by a built-in, cobalt-blue bookcase running along the shared back wall. An oversized concealed door, also painted blue, seamlessly blends into the joinery—providing privacy when needed without disrupting the room’s aesthetic.

Standout products and features in this space include:

• Custom built-in joinery: Finished in bold blue lacquer
• Vintage Italian armchairs: Reupholstered for contrast
• Custom lacquered walnut table with red Formica top

Mirrors and Marble: A Signature Statement

One of the most breathtaking spaces is the sitting room, designed to feel more like a gallery or a high-design lounge. A reflective ceiling using bronze-tinted mirror panels draws the eye upward, making the room feel expansive while bouncing light and garden greenery throughout.

The centerpiece of this room is a stunning Verde Alpi marble fireplace—deep green with white veining—surrounded by concrete-effect polished plaster and custom built-in seating. The room also includes:

• Integrated book nooks
• Polished concrete floors with radiant heat
• Mirror-clad upper walls and ceiling, reflecting garden views

Initially, the homeowners feared the use of mirrors might feel gimmicky, but Lafferty reassured them: “Mirrors are not decorative—they’re architectural. They extend space and bring in unexpected light.”

An Elegant Kitchen Made for Entertaining

The kitchen and dining area is equally expressive. Lafferty brought in luxurious finishes that are both practical and theatrical. Key features include:

• Lacquered walnut cabinetry
• Crimson red Formica tabletop with bespoke walnut base
• Vintage Italian chairs, reupholstered in rich ochres and mustards
• Concrete floors that run throughout the downstairs living spaces

Every inch was customized to reflect the family’s eclectic, cultured lifestyle. This is a space where entertaining happens effortlessly.

Upstairs: Bold Color and Personal Style

Upstairs, the home features four bedrooms, an office, and a homework zone—each personalized with striking colors, lighting, and furniture.

Office

• Painted floor-to-ceiling in scarlet red inspired by a painting by John Redmond
• Custom joinery in a matching red lacquer
• Designed to feel like a modern creative studio

Teenage Son’s Room

• Sculptural sconce by Maria Gustavsson – Swedish Ninja
• Biomorphic stone sculpture by Indonesian artist Hartoyo
• Playful, functional, and full of personality

Teenage Daughter’s Room

• Pale tones with built-in vanity
• Sleek brass detailing and soft lighting
• Designed as a serene, feminine retreat

Guest Room

• Clad in taupe-toned cabinetry with storage built into every wall
• Minimalist and neutral, allowing guests to feel at home

Bathrooms as Artistic Escapes

The main bathroom reads like a boutique hotel spa. Lafferty combined bold material choices with artisanal finishes:

• Polished ochre plaster walls
• Brazilian quartzite floors
• Patinated brass vanity
• Freestanding acrylic bathtub
• Pendant light by Gio Ponti

The powder room continues the theme:

• Hand-applied polished plaster
• Floating custom brass sink
• Tumbled stone flooring by Miller Brothers

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A Home That Balances Form, Function, and Family

This remarkable home is more than a design project—it’s a case study in how bold creativity, thoughtful planning, and architectural elegance can create lasting harmony. With a rich mix of materials, intelligent symmetry, and emotional resonance, the house reflects the soul of the family who lives there.

As Róisín Lafferty continues to shape the European design scene, this Dublin home is a radiant example of her signature style: reflective, refined, and joyfully rebellious.