I was lucky enough to visit Ireland not too long ago and get priceless lesson in classic Irish Country House style. It’s really no different than what you might find in an English country house, but this manor was smack in the middle of the Emerald Isle.
While these images make the house feel like Downton Abbey, I was struck how the house, though large, seems intimate, and I think that is because of the furniture and decor.
The classic carpets immediately warm-up the spaces, and deeply colored and heavily upholstered furniture makes the rooms cozy.
As you can see there is an abundance of table lamps with warm shades, timeless crystal chandeliers and traditional floor lamps bellied up to welcoming arm chairs.
Velvets and silks share space with tapestry and gold. A true melange of decor that reinforces the notion that Irish Country House style homes on this grand scale may have been in a single family for generations, each adding their own mark on the manor. This was truly a decadent yet welcoming estate.
1. This gold wrought iron wall sconce would add sophistication and atmosphere to a formal dining or living room.
2. I love the idea of putting this an embroidered decorative pillow on a slipper chair, or to anchor the center of a sofa with either solid or geometric decorative pillows on either end.
3. Create instant old world elegance with the clear crystal 8-Light chrome chandelier by Genovo.
4. Nothing will make a den, library or living room look more homey than this antique style brass floor lamp.
5. This velvet berry colored tufted accent chair has a rich hue like the soft seating in the country house images above. A perfect place to perch by a fire or read a book.
6. Every country house seems to have some touch of Chinoiserie like the Famille Scalloped Porcelain Table Lamp.
Photos: Rob Levine