This time of year is so special, and at GAFF we know that you’ll be looking high and low for the perfect festive interiors inspo.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with BIC Megalighters to step inside the homes of 3 interior mavens to share the Hearth of their home with us; the place in their house that they love to soak up that cosy, winter feeling.
For everyone in this series, creating that special mood with candles or a fire is key, and thankfully BIC is on hand with their Megalighter to ensure every little flicker is lit safely and easily this Christmas. You can find out more HERE, or purchase your own at Dunnes, Supervalu, Woodies and other major retailers nationwide.
Today we’re stepping inside the supremely sophisticated home of Stylist and Digital Creative Lorna Weightman @styleisleirl. We love Lorna for her super slick fashion insights and honest approach on her Instagram, not to mention all of her Ruby content (we do love a cute Insta pup). Her home, btw, is beautiful and we couldn’t wait to quiz her on her interior inspirations.
Tell us about this space and why you chose it.
“The fireplace is one of my favourite parts of our home. During the winter, it has become the centrepiece of our family in so many ways. Not only for giving warmth to the living room, but it also creates an emotional warmth that instantly makes me feel safe and relaxed. Our dog Ruby adores it!”
Can you tell us about 3 of your favourite items in this space? Where you got them from, why you love them?
“The stone work around the fireplace is so intricate, I didn’t want to crowd it. For Christmas, I combined a few things myself; the garland was quite plain so I took some old decorations and added them, securing them with garden wire. I even added some dried fruit. I love crafting, I find it so therapeutic! The wicker basket was a find in a charity shop that fit perfectly into the concrete surrounding the pit. It looks worn and well used, like it came from a home that loved their cosy fires too. Lastly, the mirror belonged to my mother in law who passed away at Christmas in 2017. It’s a beautiful piece, and despite being quite old, the frame seems quite modern. It’s what I love about treasure hunting in warehouses and auctions, the things you find can come to life again against the right backdrop.”
How would you describe your home and interior style?
“I love period pieces as well as mid-century interiors, so I’ve used these eras to inspire me. I create Pinterest boards for every room so I can come up with an aesthetic that blends in around the house. I feel each room should tell a story; whether that’s from family gatherings or the history of a piece of furniture. I love things that have a tale to tell.”
How do you approach styling areas of your home?
“I trawl websites for second hand or vintage pieces to add to it. I recently got a French Oak table from an ad on a second-hand furniture website for the conservatory and the whole styling of the room is now revolving around that as the centerpiece. So, all in all, I think this is how I apply my styling techniques to the house. Sometimes I will be wandering around a shop and just see a vase or a candlestick and then an explosion of ideas hits my head, and I just run with that. It’s nice how the smallest things can spark a whole look. I think that’s how I work as a stylist so I can extend that to my amateur interiors skills!”
Where are some of your favourite places to shop for interiors?
“In Ireland, I love Kirk Modern in Blackrock, it’s where we found our 1970s drinks trolley. I also love Molly’s Vintage Vibes online shop – she has impeccable taste and mid-century is her thing. The last thing I bought was more something to upscale an old piece. We have this ancient telephone table that looks a little old-fashioned so I just bought new fabric and a staple gun to give it a new look. I might also sand it down to make it look more worn.”
What makes a home cosy for you?
“I think aside from the fire, I love soft furnishings in dark shades and mixed textures. They conjure up an intrinsic warmth and need to stay at home! I love candles and since we have been home for most of the year I have gone through quite a lot… I love the glow they give rather than electric light. We don’t have ceiling lights in the sitting room, instead, we have lamps with varying bulb strengths to create balanced lighting across the room. I spent ages moving them around to get the right light! I’m very fussy!”
Your favourite winter ritual at home?
“For about a decade, my husband and I have a Sunday ritual of watching a James Bond film and making a martini to go along with it all while reading the papers. In the winter, these afternoons become so lovely and something I look forward to with the fire blazing, the dog snoozing in front of it, and the sense of calm that comes with it.”
For more interiors, beauty and fashion insight, and inspo, check out Lorna’s Instagram and website. This feature was made in collaboration with BIC Megalighters, find out more HERE or purchase your own at Dunnes, Supervalu, Woodies, and other major retailers nationwide.
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