Episode 7
Elaine Mackenzie-Smith and Kevin Coughlan, Wicklow
Elaine and Kevin live in this 300-year-old cottage overlooking a lake in Wicklow along with their three children.
The cottage was built in the 1700s and the couple purchased it in 2011 when it was the one and only house, they went to view. They lived in the original cottage with their first child until they extended it in 2016 and later renovated the home in 2021.
They have created a modern family home that Kevin designed, and that Elaine finished, with colour and a sense of style that is beautiful but still comfortable for their kids to enjoy.
Eugene McCarthy, Dublin
Eugene and his son Alex live in a 1920s terraced house in Dublin.
Eugene purchased this property in 2022 and completed extensive renovations both aesthetically and structurally. The house underwent a deep retrofit and rear extension with a view to transforming it into a contemporary A rated home.
Eugene’s main aim was to create a modern home which is sustainable, so he added solar panels and an electric car charging station in the driveway.
He describes the interior of the home as contemporary and light filled, he sees it as the perfect home for him and his son, that meets all their needs.
Olivia and Peter Phillips, Louth
Olivia & Peter Phillips live in an eclectic self-build in Co. Louth with their three girls and Paddy the cat!
Olivia and Peter built their house on Olivia’s family land in 2004 and the family home has had quite a transformation over the years, starting off with a neutral palette but now having bright bold colours throughout. During lockdown Olivia sparked an interest in interior design and completed an online course and now Peter jokes he never knows what is going to have changed when he walks through the door!
The family describes their style of home as eclectic, with a real mix of new and vintage, that feels welcoming and cosy and which is a true reflection of their personalities.
