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What I am Loving

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Dana Gibson | 1 Comment

On our recent trip to Ireland, we stayed at a beautiful hotel that had the most exquisite decor. While Irish period interiors are abundant at historic homes and castles, here in the midst of the Burren landscape is a modest manor done up in the most current designs.

Most of the sofas and seating were upholstered in solid velvets and linens-always in a neutral or quiet color scheme. The walls were dark and moody which surprised me because they worked so well. The beauty was how the designer tossed in splashy ottomans or popped the sofa with a playful print.

These unexpected touches effortlessly lifted the mood.

In addition and to my delight, a gardener arrived each morning with fresh anemones or daisies for bottled vases. The entire place was not in your face pattern at all nor did it seem tightly coordinated and planned. The rooms were elegant and easy to live in.

Accessories at this manor guest house were not overlooked. Candlesticks and glass bowls plus large scaled ceramics were used to warm the premises up. While these are now public rooms, personal family photographs were displayed on polished wood tables reminding guests that this was once a family house. Even the cats had the run of the place.

Bamboo in Parsi Grey Picture Frame by Dana Gibson

I loved this corner showing a view of the rocky Burren landscape in the distance. What a pretty place to perch. If you look closely, the pillow pattern is a classic animal print while the cushion is a floral. I love that the scales are the same. The effect is so fresh.

What I learned form my visit to this majestic castle in the midst of literally nowhere:

A dose of color is essential even for the moodiest and elegant rooms.
Don't forget to accessorize with pieces you have collected and love.
Display photos of your loved ones including your black and whites. After all, the place we call home should be the repository of everything we love.

Here are some of our favorite home decor items at Dana Gibson, based on our trip to Ireland.