Designer’s renovated cottage where Cork meets California cool

Cathy Angelini is no stranger to extreme home makeovers. The interior designer (Cathy founded Flamingo Interior Design in 2016) is responsible for some of Cork’s most impressive room reinventions, elevating even the most standard of Irish living spaces with her keen eye for mid-century modern design and finishes. “My approach to every design project is to consider the function of the space and the building itself. After that, I create a design that is unique, empathetic, and meaningful.”

No surprise, then, that Cathy approached her 100-year old bungalow just outside of Cork city with the same loving care, respect, and creativity. Originally a labourer’s dwelling, Cathy and her husband fell in love with the old thick stone walls, a typical feature of the era.

The result is a cosy and deceptively spacious home that's bright, colourful, and, thanks to Cathy's talent for sourcing unique and eye-catching pieces, oozes Californian cool

“We bought our home in the summer of 2015 and moved in November of that year. The original cottage needed to be gutted, and we had to rewire and renew the plumbing, so we did this along with adding the extension. Once we moved in, we still had a significant amount of work to do, from fitting skirting and architraves to painting and furnishing most of the rooms.”

The result is a cosy and deceptively spacious home that’s bright, colourful, and, thanks to Cathy’s talent for sourcing unique and eye-catching pieces, oozes Californian cool. The bright yellow front door gives a clue as to what awaits inside – vintage side tables, jute and animal skin rugs, slouchy mid-century armchairs, a butter leather brown sofa, and plenty of personality.

“My own style is probably best described as eclectic. I’m drawn to buildings, furniture, and decor with a history, so anything from traditional Irish cottage style to mid-century style appeals to me.”

The kitchen is the centre of the home, a simple, open-plan space that connects to a living area. "I didn’t want to make the room look too busy, but I have added some personality and interest with items like the retro-style Smeg fridge and vintage backsplash tiles.”

As for Cathy’s favourite space, a recently renovated porch is still giving her a thrill. “We didn’t have the time to attack that part of the house until the first lockdown. It functions as a small second living space, and it’s my favourite place to relax. I’ve used Molly’s Vintage Vibes, The Vintage Hub, Donedeal, GAFF Shop and vintage flea markets to find its unique pieces.”

With a wealth of experience from both her personal renovation and the redesign of countless homes, restaurants, and businesses in the county, Cathy offers advice for those looking to follow renovation suit, “Firstly, take note of the architectural style of the room or the building. I find the best approach is to reflect this when furnishing and styling the space.

Mixing styles

“Pay attention to the aspect of the room – if it’s north-facing, for example, you will need to create warmth with your colour scheme, lighting, and textures you introduce. Add lots of varying textures if you want to create an inviting and comfortable space. Don’t be afraid to mix interior styles to help create depth and personality.”

'If possible, live in the house for a while before carrying out the renovations. It'll help you find out how you use each space'

One of the most common questions those undertaking a redesign ask is where to spend and where to splurge, notes Cathy.

“Keep the majority of your budget for your finishes and fittings. You won’t be changing your floors, windows, etc, for a long time, if at all. If possible, live in the house for a while before carrying out the renovations. It’ll help you find out how you use each space, what spots you like at different times of the day, and that will inform where and how you invest.”

With her LA-inspired pad complete, Cathy’s attention is now turning to the outdoors. “We have a few large windows in our house, and I want to look out at a full, lush garden. I don’t have many regrets about our renovation.”

When asked what she’d do differently if she had the chance again, Cathy is quite content with her achievements. “Perhaps, if I were to start it all over again, I’d be slightly braver in my choices.” We think undertaking and completing such a unique renovation is plenty courageous enough.