A charming pink cottage in Dublin's Stoneybatter neighborhood has undergone a remarkable transformation, featuring innovative design elements including secret doors and a custom mini bar. The two-bedroom artisan cottage, painted in Cinder Rose by Farrow & Ball, was subtly reconfigured by first-time buyers Olwyn and Luke to create a more cohesive and functional living space.

The couple utilized Ireland's vacant home grant to upgrade their 46-square-meter property, working with contractor Gary McAleer of Go Site Services, based in Dungannon. They enlisted design firm April and the Bear to completely rethink the layout, with the primary goal of creating a space where they could cook while entertaining friends and family. Senior interior designer Emma Delaney led the project, focusing on creating functionality for each space while aligning with the couple's daily lifestyle.

The original layout presented several challenges, with the house opening into a small hall that led directly to the living room - a long rectangular space with two bedrooms branching off it. The kitchen was located at the rear of the home, with the bathroom positioned along the boundary wall overlooking a small yard. Despite the compact size, the property benefited from good ceiling heights that helped create a sense of spaciousness.

To address privacy concerns from street-level foot traffic, Delaney introduced a tiled entrance hall to the floor plan, complete with a custom-built bench for hanging coats and storing outdoor shoes. This area was painted in Cordoba by Little Greene, a rich color that appears throughout the interior design. While this addition slightly reduced the living room's footprint, it successfully created distance and privacy from the street. Space-saving pocket doors with reeded glass panels were installed to divide the spaces, providing seclusion while allowing natural light to flow through.

One of the most striking features of the renovation is the secret bedroom entrance. By relocating the wall between the master bedroom and living room to align with the chimney breast, Delaney created valuable closet space within the wall itself. The traditional swing door was replaced with full-height double doors designed to resemble a cabinet, effectively disguising the bedroom entrance. "The idea was to create novelty within the space, while also giving our client the opportunity of having a more sizeable wardrobe space," Delaney explained.

To create visual balance in the room, custom joinery was used to build a mini bar on the opposite side of the chimney breast. Both the secret doors and mini bar feature the deep mulberry Cordoba shade, which is also used in the interior of the master bedroom. This bold color choice is offset by a soft white called Hollyhock from the same paint company, creating what Delaney describes as a decisive and tonal effect that demonstrates professional color expertise.

The kitchen underwent a complete transformation with the removal of the wall separating it from the living room. A custom bench was built to act as a room divider while providing built-in storage for the couple's cookbook collection. Slatted oak fins were strategically placed to create separation between the dining area and lounge, allowing light to pass through while screening one area from the other. The kitchen cabinetry was designed below counter level to make the compact space feel larger, featuring micro-Shaker style cabinet doors and a single open shelf measuring one meter long for personal items, oils, and everyday essentials.

Additional functional improvements included carving out space from the kitchen to install a new shower room at the rear, which freed up the original bathroom to serve as a utility room. This change moved noisy appliances out of the main living areas. The guest bedroom, accessed from the entrance hall, now serves double duty as a home office, maximizing the use of every square foot.

Delaney emphasized the importance of bold color choices in small spaces, noting that while some clients may be hesitant about using dramatic colors, they are highly effective tools when applied correctly. "We understand complementary colors and how to use dark colors to effect, so that it looks more polished," she explained, adding that color works "100 percent of the time" when used strategically.

The completed project has resulted in a warm, inviting, and private home that successfully balances entertainment needs with daily living requirements. The transformation has been recognized by the design community and has been shortlisted for this year's IDI Awards. April and the Bear offers comprehensive residential design services ranging from layout reconfigurations to custom joinery work, with one-hour consultations available for €300 plus 23 percent VAT, tailored to individual client needs and budgets.