A stunning coastal property near Kinsale in west Cork has been transformed into the perfect family gathering place through a comprehensive two-year renovation project. Interior designer Geri O'Toole was tasked with creating a "home away from home" for an extended family of 17 members, including children and grandchildren, who wanted a central location for holidays, weekends, and long summer days by the sea.
The homeowners approached the project with clear priorities focused on feeling rather than appearance. "We didn't really have a strong idea of how we wanted the house to look – instead, what mattered most was that it would feel warm, welcoming, and practical while still being beautiful," recalls one of the owners. The three-acre waterfront site required extensive rebuilding, extending, and remodeling, but the Limerick-based designer, who specializes in creating bespoke homes for clients seeking high-end personalized finishes, embraced the challenge despite knowing it would be a lengthy process.
O'Toole's design philosophy centered on understanding the clients' lifestyle and needs before developing the aesthetic. "At the start of any project, we spend a lot of time getting to know the clients, how they live, what they're drawn to, and how they want the space to feel," she explains. The designer opted for an earthy palette and incorporated limewash in select areas to create wall movement, ensuring the design responded to both the family's personal style and the home's architectural surroundings.
The kitchen and living area became the heart of the transformation, representing one of the project's most significant changes. O'Toole opened up the space to flood it with natural light, ensuring the stunning coastal views could be enjoyed from every angle. The design features bespoke cabinetry in ocean-inspired blue tones and a natural quartzite called Apollo installed in a waterfall design with a shark nose edge. Timeless finishes were paired with timber flooring, while dining and seating areas were furnished with custom pieces and layers of tactile fabrics, including a special edition French tapestry by Jean Lurçat to add color and joy.
The six-bedroom house includes a primary suite designed as a private retreat with hidden paneled walls opening to an ensuite bathroom. "Inspired by the shifting light of the coastline, we layered soft textiles, bespoke headboards and elegant finishes to create a sense of serenity," O'Toole explains. Guest bedrooms continue the theme of understated luxury, with each space feeling both restful and distinctive. One bedroom in particular features a soft, neutral palette with bespoke detailing and tactile fabrics, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere that feels both inviting and timeless.
Throughout the home, O'Toole incorporated carefully selected antique pieces, including a Regency hall chair, along with vintage and original artwork to add depth and juxtaposition. "A lot of the pieces in the house were either bespoke or sourced through antique dealers, so everything feels quite personal and considered," she notes. The designer worked with trusted suppliers and regular collaborators to create tailored solutions for each specific space.
Natural materials played a crucial role in achieving the desired atmosphere. Limewash paint from Bauwerk was used throughout to create a lived-in, textured finish, while marble and wood elements were incorporated extensively. "We really wanted to make sure the natural elements of the materials came through, it adds so much warmth and helps create that cozy, welcoming feel which ties the whole home together," O'Toole emphasizes.
The project, completed over two years and appropriately named "The Tides," faced some challenges along the way but nothing insurmountable. "The project took two years from start to finish, which was longer than the client had hoped, but they very much wanted it to have a high-end finish, so it was important to get it right rather than rush things," the designer explains. O'Toole, whose work spans Ireland, the UK, France, the UAE, and the US, admits she would approach future projects with more appreciation for the journey itself.
The family moved into their transformed retreat in April and couldn't be more satisfied with the results. "It's exactly what we hoped for – a beautiful, comfortable, timeless home that fits us perfectly. If anything, we just wish we'd done it sooner," they report. The lighting particularly impressed them, completely transforming the atmosphere and bringing warmth and drama to the spaces. Most importantly, the design successfully achieved its primary goal: bringing the whole family together, with the kitchen and living areas serving as the natural heart of the home where everyone gravitates during their coastal getaways.
