Greystones Residence
Co. Wicklow, Ireland
2026
Images by Anam Design Studio
Creating a family home ought to be something we can do in our sleep, however they usually end up being some of the most agonisingly tricky designs to pull off. There are so many competing functions to fulfil, so many differing opinions and the worry that the design can withstand the destructive forces unleashed by young children and pets.
Our approach starts by considering the fundamentals: flooring, doors, joinery and how they will appear after a few years of family life. Quarry tiles were chosen for the downstairs areas for their durability and character. Douglas boards for the rest of the flooring and joinery as they are able to take a knock and chip and still look good. The white painted doors are replaced by douglas pine for similar reasons and the architraves borrow a detail from doors seen in the west of Ireland where the family has ties.
The linen covered sofas and marble tables made from reclaimed counter tops are a continuation of this approach, they invite all kinds of after school activities yet can still be cleaned up easily enough in time for evening drinks. Key living areas like the kitchen and living rooms are designed to be convivial, putting obvious technological distractions like TV’s and computers out of sight and angling the furniture in such a way to encourage conversation.
Special attention was given to the master ensuite bathroom which completely reimagined a rather conventional bathroom into a much more luxurious walk in bath and shower. Rich Clayworks plaster covers the walls creating a more enveloping environment, reminiscent of a Hamam, encouraging long soaks and showers.