NEVER- ENDING STORY
Filling their Galway home with interesting vintage items and custom-made pieces is an ongoing project for these retro enthusiasts
When Russell Hart and Emer Fitzpatrick moved into their Galway home they brought with them a whirlwind of activity. Along with their sons, Eoghan, 11, Alban, 9, and Fionn, 6, Holly the cat and Obi, a rescue puppy, complete the family picture.
The house was verging on derelict when the couple viewed it, but they were beguiled by its charm and loved the big windows and generous proportions. They decided to buy, and soon after set to work on their vision, moving walls and opening up the lower floor so that the dining room, sitting room and kitchen are all now connected as part of a free-flowing space.
Impressively handy, Russell was kept busy with the endless removal of woodchip wallpaper and the deconstruction of steel and concrete outhouses. The renovation took nearly four months to complete with the couple adding an extension to become a den for the boys. During this upheaval the family were able to live at the B&B they run a five-minute walk away.
When it comes to decorating, Russell and Emer favour a slow evolution, layering their home with art posters, antique buys and pieces commissioned from local artisans. ‘Don’t try to do everything at the beginning,’ says Russell. ‘Get walls and doors right, then add to it over the years.’ Rather than rushing to create a space which could go out of fashion rapidly, the couple chose mainly white walls and the occasional feature wall that can be easily altered.
Never ones to rest for long, the couple plan to extend the hall and turn the garage into a utility room where the boys can store sports gear.
It seems that the house, constantly responding to its owners’ needs, is as much a living, breathing entity as the family that live there. ‘Our home will never be truly finished because it’s always evolving,’ says Russell, ‘ but that’s part of the joy of living here.’