This exquisite 542 sq m Georgian residence in south Dublin showcases grand period architecture and a bold design vision, the latter of which was brought to life by interior design experts Anthony Buggy and Joanne Kelly from Think Contemporary, who are celebrating their 15th anniversary this month.

“Our clients fully embraced our vision,” explains managing director Buggy, “which focused on creating a remarkable atmosphere — the homeowners were keen to avoid any dull, beige aesthetics.” Rather than having a show house appearance, they desired an inviting family space that promoted entertaining guests. Through the use of vibrant colors, distinctive furnishings, and imaginative design elements, the team at Think Contemporary crafted a plan that honored the building’s historic roots, while providing a unique and contemporary environment for a couple and their three children that supported their lifestyle.

In a period home, balancing respect for original features while avoiding overdependence on them is critical. The entrance of this eight-bedroom property achieves this balance wonderfully, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the remainder of the home. The historic architraves, mouldings, and covings, previously in disrepair, have been lovingly restored, but they’re just part of the design narrative. Bold walls painted in Dulux Heritage Red Ochre provide an audacious contrast to the intricate Georgian details and generate a cozy warmth that invites visitors in to relax.

If the hallway presents a theme of “expect the unexpected,” the living room certainly lives up to that promise. The terracotta motif continues, with the Red Ochre paint extending to the ceiling, creating a striking contrast against cornflower blue walls. “Care must be taken when darkening a ceiling,” Kelly remarks, “but with the room’s impressive height and south-facing light, it was a perfect fit.” The architraves, skirting boards, and window shutters harmonize with the walls for a cohesive look, imparting a modern flair that also enhances the room’s intimacy, especially when the shutters are drawn. What could have been an expansive 50 sq m space feels remarkably cozy.

The master bedroom features dark walls and coordinated shutters, echoing the enveloping atmosphere of the entire home. “There are no curtains or blinds to obscure the stunning details of the original sash windows,” Buggy notes. “The shutters are fully operational and used daily,” Kelly adds, emphasizing their role in maintaining the home’s period charm.

In this remarkable home, Think Contemporary has effectively fused old and new, blending historic features with contemporary furnishings while also balancing masculine and feminine influences. Rich dark tones are complemented by soft curves, robust textures are countered with refined details, and the imposing scale of the space is softened through layered lighting. In the master suite, the designers applied a direct strategy with contrasting color schemes to separate the bedroom from the en suite and dressing area: authoritative navy against gentle blush, effectively showcasing how contrasting elements can be harmonious.

For an ambitious project like this, trust is paramount, and throughout the three-year renovation, the clients were willing to follow Buggy and Kelly’s design instincts. “However, a few features were uniquely inspired by the clients, such as the marble flooring in the hallway and the striking black internal doors,” Buggy shares, noting the influence of a stay at the Four Seasons London inspired the door choice.

The couple also fell in love with Bubble sofas from designer Sacha Lakic’s collection for Roche Bobois during a showroom visit. Kelly explains, “They create a beautiful contrast between the historic and the modern and provide balance in the room. Plus, they’re incredibly comfortable and not just visually appealing.”

The bespoke recessed shelving flanking the painted timber fireplace was a customization not original to the structure, allowing for a creative approach. With a navy powder-coated metal frame accented with brass detail and glass shelves, it offers a glamorous alternative to traditional alcove units. Vertical lines are echoed in the discreet wall sconces that flank the installation, bringing a sense of structure playfully highlighted by a contemporary artwork by Lola Donoghue and an abstract lampshade crafted by Hicken Lighting using fabric from Casamance.

Period residences often risk being overly uniform when their architecture overshadows the owners’ personalities and lifestyles. However, Think Contemporary has masterfully created a layered aesthetic that seems carefully curated over the years. Alongside designer furnishings and custom installations, the space is dotted with clever high-street acquisitions: a blue perforated side table from Homesense costing merely €80 and a bed from Next in the master suite instead of a longer-lead Roche Bobois design.

The home’s flooring features selections sourced from rugs.ie, with a luxurious silk and wool rug in the living area that seamlessly unifies the space and defines the conversation zone. Limed oak herringbone flooring, obtained from Irwin Tiles & Hardwood Floors in Co Monaghan, flows throughout the ground level except for the hallway, creating continuity between the living room and the adjacent entertainment space. Originally two distinct rooms divided by a door, the entertainment room was transformed into one expansive, sociable area featuring two distinct zones. “The previous internal door was too damaged, so removing it was a logical choice,” Buggy explains.

At one end, a stunning custom fluted oak bar with a Carrara marble top, designed by Think Contemporary and produced by D&D Kitchens in Co Meath, serves as an attractive centerpiece. An island in the same materials adds a luxurious touch and facilitates movement throughout the room, supporting social interactions. “This is where the owners enjoy drinks before dinner, especially when hosting guests or during family gatherings over the holidays,” Kelly explains, noting the choice of rich Dulux Signature Aston Green for the walls to cultivate an evening hospitality ambiance.

A round Ted Baker wool rug artistically reflects the Georgian ceiling rose above. Buggy and Kelly have cleverly incorporated contemporary elements to honor the architecture’s rich history. The rug also harmonizes with the island’s contours and the Roche Bobois sofa, imparting a softness to create a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere for guests.

On the opposite end of the room, a custom media unit from D&D Kitchens cleverly conceals the television and game consoles. The pool table was an unexpected twist, Buggy explains, as the initial plan included more seating arrangements. Nevertheless, it anchors the space effectively, its linear form contrasting well with the media unit, vertical mantelpiece, and the horizontally aligned artwork chosen by Buggy and Kelly from artbymaudsch.com.

A distinctive green tiled detail introduces an element of surprise to the space. “We believed the alcove required texture,” Kelly remarks. “A simple paint finish wouldn’t suffice, so we opted for a tiled feature.” Sourced from TileStyle in Dublin, the Quintessenza Marea tiles enhance the depth and visual intrigue of the room, contributing to a more dynamic atmosphere. “Utilizing an unusual texture in a thoughtful manner can significantly enrich a space,” Kelly concludes.

There’s little that is conventional about this project; thoughtful design choices permeate every aspect. Although three years is a significant duration for a single home renovation, the satisfaction derived from seeing the homeowners fully embrace their dream space has made it all worthwhile.