\u201cRoy bought the bungalow last year after seeing that, despite needing a lot of work, it had great potential,\u201d she says. \u201cThe 1890s building is in a wonderful neighbourhood known for its warmth and charm, and the street is lined with fascinating historic cottages, making this bungalow a delightful part of the community. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe previous owner had extended what was originally a cottage to feature an open-plan living area which included a kitchen, dining space and sitting area, all with a large window, which is accessible directly from the front door. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut when he bought it it was not functional as a home, as it had insufficient storage and no proper dining or sitting area, which would make comfortable living difficult. The living and dining areas had neither a sofa nor a dining table and only had benches instead.\u201d<\/p>\n
When they took the house on there were bright red floors in the living area and bedroom, along with dark blue walls in the bathroom and utilityroom, which created an \u201cunwelcoming atmosphere\u201d.<\/p>\n
To the rear of the building is a narrow area which houses a small wetroom\/shower and a bathroom, along with a utility area. This opens to a small outdoor space through large sliding doors. The only bedroom is situated above the living area, accessed by stairs, but without any doors due to the limited space.<\/p>\n
So, not letting these issues stand in her way, Dullaghan, who is known for her work in transforming both residential and commercial premises, made a plan to create a welcoming home for her client. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe kitchen and utilityroom needed updating and better storage as they lacked the basics for everyday living, so we identified the main issues,\u201d she says. \u201cThese included the need for more storage, a better layout, and a way to restore the bungalow\u2019s charm to make it feel cosy and inviting. <\/p>\n
![\"Lana](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ZCDRNKGXTJAONGEQBHX35GY6BQ.jpg\")
Lana Dullaghan created a way to restore the property\u2019s charm and make it feel cosy and inviting ![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/RRJVQLHRQZGLZACXXGGDLWCWXA.jpg\")
A new warm-green kitchen was installed to maximise storage, featuring an attractive splashback and worktop ![\"Dining](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/33TK7NN4JRHY3CT5JH4XMK7Z2M.jpg\")
Dining area, with a bench and floating shelves for added storage <\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal was to transform the space into a warm home in a lovely neighbourhood, adding a contemporary touch to bring this beautiful cottage into the modern era. So we designed the entire space, focusing on decorating and storage solutions without making any structural changes. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn the open living area, we created a new layout for the kitchen, dining and living spaces, including a new bathroom, wetroom shower area and utility space. We adjusted the bedroom layout to allow for extra storage. And a new green kitchen was installed to introduce warm colours, featuring a beautiful splashback and worktop while maximising storage solutions. All necessary appliances were included for comfortable everyday living.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the opposite side of the open-plan living area, the interior designer and her team positioned a sofabed to provide an extra option for guests, alongside a comfortable sofa for daily use and a personal gallery wall above it. <\/p>\n
In the utilityroom, they replaced a tall unit with large sliding doors, allowing for better space and traffic flow from the open living area to the bathroom and outdoor space. They also created a dining area with a bench and floating shelves, complemented by a handpainted mural to add interest. This design provided storage for the homeowner\u2019s collection of ornaments, books and dining essentials, with LED lights for a cosy atmosphere during tea time or elegant meals.<\/p>\n
The upstairs also had a makeover.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the bedroom, we reconfigured the layout with a hallway wall headboard featuring LED lighting, maximising storage with units and drawers under the bed,\u201d she says. \u201cWe utilised every inch of the space to enhance storage solutions. And, in the bathroom, we used warm neutrals on the walls and darker colours on the ceiling to create added interest while keeping the walls bright and warm.<\/p>\n
It felt rewarding to improve the space and add a personal touch which reflects both the character of the heritage home and the unique design which we tailored for our client<\/p>\n
\u2014 \u00a0Lana Dullaghan<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the design of the bungalow, colours, patterns and textures were crucial to define areas and bring character to the vintage home. We used earthy tones like greens, terracotta, blues and warm neutrals to connect the indoors with the outdoors, along with copper and brass accents throughout the house, reflecting the vintage property\u2019s Irish heritage. Subtle patterns were incorporated to add interest without overwhelming the space.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project involved turnkey services, managing everything from design to project completion and the final touches.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Louth-based designer, who works across Leinster, says the project was initially due to take two to three months, but this was delayed by a few weeks due to unexpected issues under the benches that required a complete redesign.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we first saw the property, I wondered why there were so many benches in the living area without a proper sofa or dining space,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd, as we began removing the old furniture, we found a support structure for the old part of the house hidden beneath the benches, about 20cm high and 20cm deep, which our client was unaware of. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis complication forced us to rethink the entire layout of the living area, including storage solutions and the height of the kitchen worktop to fit all the appliances.\u201d <\/p>\n
The team had to quickly adapt to the new schedule to keep the project on track. The original budget of \u20ac50,000 was exceeded due to the new challenges and the necessary adjustments.<\/p>\n
![\"To](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/BEOTS5Z2GZDXREKO32TLUINSJY.jpg\")
To the rear is a small wetroom\/shower and bathroom, along with a utility area. This opens to a small outdoor space through large sliding doors ![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/YIVHYQXUXBFZXNFJEA5YBHYN3U.jpg\")
A gallery wall displays personal pieces from Irish artists related to the owner’s hometown of Cork ![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/TQFPYLZYHRB5DGOX4DZE7M4AFE.jpg\")
The bedroom layout was reconfigured to maximise storage, with units and drawers under the bed <\/p>\n
\u201cRoy, our returning client, was very understanding and supportive throughout the renovation, which was crucial for managing the challenges we encountered,\u201d says the designer. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen renovating an older property, it\u2019s important to hope for the best while being prepared for surprises. From experience, these unexpected issues are a normal part of the process, especially with older homes. And while some projects go smoothly from start to finish, others have a few surprises along the way. Being prepared and open to changes always makes the experience more enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Open shelves, which connected with the property\u2019s heritage, featuring a handpainted wall mural and LED lights to highlight sentimental items and books, and other details \u2013 such as the gallery wall \u2013 serve as meaningful features of the open-plan living area.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsing creative ideas like these helped us to reduce costs while enhancing the living area,\u201d Dullaghan says. <\/p>\n
Such solutions allowed Dullaghan and her team to turn obstacles into new opportunities for design and functionality. <\/p>\n
\u201cOverall, it felt rewarding to improve the space and add a personal touch which reflects both the character of the heritage home and the unique design which we tailored for our client,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n