Houzz Tour: Luxury Update for a Dublin Penthouse
Neutral colors, warm metals and a clever layout create a home suited to the owner’s taste and needs
When Dublin design duo Angelina Ball and Grace Macdonald of Phoenix Interior Design were tasked with overhauling the interior of a penthouse in a 2004 building, they were excited about transforming the tired decor into something special and luxurious. The pair worked alongside the apartment’s owner, who was heavily involved in the design process. “He also had a huge input into the functionality of the space, and we designed the apartment to suit his lifestyle,” Ball says. “It was great witnessing the property gradually transform from an outdated, ordinary interior into a contemporary luxury penthouse. It has a special feeling.”
The penthouse comprises a spacious open-plan living and dining area (18 by 17 feet), a kitchen, three bedrooms, two en suite bathrooms and a main bathroom.
The living area is open and airy, with the sofa and TV deliberately facing away from the dining area, which helps define the two zones, as does the addition of a cozy rug next to the sofa. The living zone gets further cohesion through the black tones on the fireplace, shelves, pillows and artwork.
The solid oak flooring was stripped, whitewashed to brighten the natural wood tones, then sealed with a matte finish.
The living area is open and airy, with the sofa and TV deliberately facing away from the dining area, which helps define the two zones, as does the addition of a cozy rug next to the sofa. The living zone gets further cohesion through the black tones on the fireplace, shelves, pillows and artwork.
The solid oak flooring was stripped, whitewashed to brighten the natural wood tones, then sealed with a matte finish.
The L-shaped sofa was custom-made in gray linen. Its feather-wrapped cushions are “unbelievably comfortable,” designer Angelina Ball says. They’re topped with custom pillows in a palette of ochre, gray and taupe.
The low-key, luxe vibe continues with a swivel chair in caramel faux leather, a coffee table with a gold metal base and the gray wool rug.
“The artwork above the fireplace is a photograph on Plexiglas. It’s my favorite item in the apartment,” Ball says.
Artwork: Cobra Art; pillow fabrics: Zoffany and Osborne & Little
The low-key, luxe vibe continues with a swivel chair in caramel faux leather, a coffee table with a gold metal base and the gray wool rug.
“The artwork above the fireplace is a photograph on Plexiglas. It’s my favorite item in the apartment,” Ball says.
Artwork: Cobra Art; pillow fabrics: Zoffany and Osborne & Little
The lofty, double-height ceiling allows for a mezzanine, where the owner has laid out a bar, TV area and entertainment zone.
“The mezzanine was part of the original design, but we replaced outdated steel railings with a partition wall,” Ball says. “It gives the apartment a contemporary, sleek look and makes the mezzanine really feel like a separate space. The pod seating and table make you feel as if you’re in a trendy bar.”
The large, statement light fixture of wrought iron with gray metal mesh accentuates the grand proportions.
“The mezzanine was part of the original design, but we replaced outdated steel railings with a partition wall,” Ball says. “It gives the apartment a contemporary, sleek look and makes the mezzanine really feel like a separate space. The pod seating and table make you feel as if you’re in a trendy bar.”
The large, statement light fixture of wrought iron with gray metal mesh accentuates the grand proportions.
At the other end of the mezzanine is the TV area, furnished with plush lounge chairs.
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The mezzanine bar is fully functional and a great place to gather with guests. “We refurbished it in a gray-brown, with quartz countertops to complement the woodwork and paint color,” Ball says.
Bar paint: Charleston Gray by Farrow & Ball
Bar paint: Charleston Gray by Farrow & Ball
The dining table, made from elm wood with X-frame supports, is paired with gold Eames Eiffel-style chairs.
“The glazed door leads out onto a large balcony and barbecue area,” Ball says. “We chose sheer white roller blinds to still let light into the space when privacy is required.”
There’s no furniture next to the table, so there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax.
There’s no furniture next to the table, so there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax.
A serving window between the living room and kitchen is a new feature.
“The biggest challenge was the kitchen,” Ball says. “It was dark and felt closed off from the rest of the apartment. It just didn’t do the property justice. The serving window rectified that, and now it looks as if it was always there and part of the original design.”
The owner loves to cook, so the kitchen was designed in a simple U shape, with the cooking appliances on the back wall and the preparation surfaces to the right and left.
High-gloss, cappuccino-colored cabinet fronts are offset by the marble-effect quartz counters, white subway tile backsplash and white porcelain floor tiles.
Kitchen: Jonathan Williams Kitchens; woven leather and chrome bar stools and copper pendant lights: Phoenix Interior Design
“The biggest challenge was the kitchen,” Ball says. “It was dark and felt closed off from the rest of the apartment. It just didn’t do the property justice. The serving window rectified that, and now it looks as if it was always there and part of the original design.”
The owner loves to cook, so the kitchen was designed in a simple U shape, with the cooking appliances on the back wall and the preparation surfaces to the right and left.
High-gloss, cappuccino-colored cabinet fronts are offset by the marble-effect quartz counters, white subway tile backsplash and white porcelain floor tiles.
Kitchen: Jonathan Williams Kitchens; woven leather and chrome bar stools and copper pendant lights: Phoenix Interior Design
Elegant and luxurious, the master bedroom includes a bathroom and walk-in closet.
“Our client wanted the feeling of a luxury hotel room and somewhere he could relax away from the living space,” Ball says. “The color palette is very on trend, with gray, black and gold accents.”
“Our client wanted the feeling of a luxury hotel room and somewhere he could relax away from the living space,” Ball says. “The color palette is very on trend, with gray, black and gold accents.”
Like a number of objects in the penthouse, the headboard is custom. It features a stained oak surround and Osborne & Little fabric.
The gold and black side tables and twisted nickel bases on the lamps echo the colors and geometric patterns of the pillows and wall art.
Pillow fabric: Osborne & Little; furniture sourced from a wholesaler by Phoenix Interior Design
The gold and black side tables and twisted nickel bases on the lamps echo the colors and geometric patterns of the pillows and wall art.
Pillow fabric: Osborne & Little; furniture sourced from a wholesaler by Phoenix Interior Design
The second bedroom uses a color scheme of restful taupes and off-whites. A faux fur throw adds to the cozy feel and complements the bronze curtain fabric.
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Who lives here: A professional couple
Location: Dublin
Size: Three bedrooms, three bathrooms
Designers: Angelina Ball and Grace Macdonald of Phoenix Interior Design
The apartment is part of a development that includes three penthouses, 13 apartments, one house and communal areas. This penthouse was special because it was designed to the owner’s individual specifications and style.
Wall paint: Half Paris Grey by Zoffany; Bark wallpaper (behind media unit) by Osborne & Little