Space was limited. The budget was tight. But interior designer Lana Dullaghan’s imagination knew no bounds.

When she first turned the latch on this 19th-century property in Portobello, Dublin, Lana stepped back in time and into confined, cheerless rooms. “Before the renovations, the home was quite unwelcoming and lacked functionality, with no dedicated dining or sitting areas — just uncomfortable benches,” she says.

Today, she can fling open that same front door and show off a bijou bungalow brimful of history, colourful art, and creative storage solutions. This cottage may have been built way back in the 1890s, but it’s received a whole new lease of life for the 21st century thanks to the designer as well as its proprietor, Roy, who is originally from Cork. Because on first viewing, despite its age, Roy recognised the possibilities the property offered.

The vintage dwelling is set in a neighbourhood filled with similar historic residences. “It has a rich history and always offered great potential for modern living,” says Lana.

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Inside, post-revamp, you’re cocooned in an open-plan living area that combines the kitchen, dining space, and sitting area, all bathed in natural light from a large window. “This design not only showcases the cottage’s vintage character but also creates a cosy atmosphere, making it perfect for city living,” says Lana.

Exterior of the Portobello residence. Exterior of the Portobello residence. 

So how did she do it? Lana figured out how to maximise the minimal dimensions by blending her own aesthetic with the owner’s tastes. “If I had to describe my favourite style in two words, it would have to be art deco modernism: Where elegance meets function and practicality,” she says. 

“I have a soft spot for an elegant and luxurious style that remains understated, making it feel homely and cosy while reflecting relaxation and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

“It was an extremely fascinating project with a lot of history and practical storage solutions.

“We used a mixture of vintage and contemporary styles to bring the building into the 21st century while preserving its character and charm, along with details collected over time.”

Lana relished the test of working within the constraints of these 50sq m dimensions — as well as to a strict budget. “This house is very compact with limited space,” she says. 

“The living area is below ground level and has built-in support all around it, which made designing the kitchen and living area quite challenging. There is a small bedroom just above the living area, right at the top of the steps, but it’s extremely tiny.

“With a limited budget, we had to find creative solutions to connect all the patterns and textures we used while creating practical options for our clients. We chose deep, earthy vintage colours and incorporated many textures and patterns for added interest.”

Creating an inviting atmosphere “that combines the vintage character of the bungalow with modern touches” was the hallmark of Lana’s approach. “We chose earthy tones like greens, blues, and warm neutrals to connect the indoors with the natural beauty outside, while adding textures and subtle patterns to create distinct areas within the open-plan layout,” she says.

Although the building dates to the 1890s, the extension was added a few years ago by the previous owner. “The exact date of the extension isn’t specified,” adds Lana. “The renovations created a new bedroom and a bathroom, making the space much more functional.”

Speaking of functionality, the innovative storage solutions are among Lana’s favourite elements of the design: “They maximise space and make the bungalow both beautiful and functional.”

A perch of preference for Lana is by the gallery wall, which completes the living space and displays artwork from the client’s previous home, as well as new pieces reflecting Irish culture and history, including Ogham symbols and items connected to the house’s history. “The gallery wall truly stands out, showcasing Roy’s art collection. This includes a piece featuring Michael Collins that he was eager to incorporate into his new home, and an Irish landscape that connects with his hometown of Cork,” she says. 

“We complemented this with artworks that display Ogham language, the Children of Lir, and some modern pieces. 

“This personal touch beautifully links Roy’s heritage to the cottage, blending old and new styles seamlessly. It adds character to the space while celebrating the rich history of the artwork and the home itself.”

Although Lana and her team at Lana Dullaghan Designs had previously worked on several other vintage homes, she says the Portobello cottage was “the most complex”: “We completed it as a turnkey service, managing the entire renovation from start to finish. 

“There were a few bumps along the way, which is common in almost every renovation, especially with vintage homes. 

“I always say: Expect the unexpected, stay positive, and make it happen. I really enjoy these projects because they allow us to restore and enhance the charm of vintage homes, bringing them back to life.”

Lana’s golden renovation rules

Plan ahead to avoid making safe choices. I often find that people have too many options and struggle to make a decision, which can lead them to choose something safe that they later regret.

Focus on your own style. Don’t get confused or overwhelmed by differing opinions from family, friends, neighbours, or tradespeople and so on. It’s your home, and your choice is the most important one.

Consider the overall room design. When decorating your home, remember that it’s not just about individual choices but about the room as a whole — for example, when selecting colours for the paint, sofa, and curtains, think about the entire colour scheme rather than focusing on each element individually.

See Instagram: lanadullaghandesigns; website: Lanadullaghandesigns.com.