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.
First up in the series, we visit the stunning home of Julie Blakeney, founder of communications company, Jailbird and the brilliant creative brain behind the lush Insta account @Not_inthebudget. We have taken so much inspo from Julie’s interior style and home decor documentation, so we jumped at the chance to sneak a peek at how she’s making her home winter and Christmas-ready.
Tell us about this space and why you chose it.
“This space used to be a tiny galley kitchen before I renovated it. It’s now the dining area in an open plan kitchen and I love the brightness of the space. I bought mid-century furniture for most rooms in the house and I love how this sideboard makes the art and plants pop.”
Can you tell us about 3 of your favourite items in this space?
“There are so many brilliant artists in Ireland and when I bought the house I really wanted to fill it with the immense talent we are so lucky to boast on this little island! This space features two of my favourites, Rachael Clarke and Ronan Dillon, who are very different but their use of colour really makes me drawn to their work. The other piece I love is my midcentury sideboard. I saved for nearly 5 years for the house and everything that’s in it- each piece means a lot to me and represents hard work (and sometimes, sweat and tears!)”
“The Ronan Dillon piece is from Hang Tough Gallery, the Rachael Clarke piece is bought directly from her which I love as you can have the chats with the artist and learn about the piece. The midcentury sideboard is from Mel in Beyond Retro who is a total brain on everything from this era.”
How would you describe your home and interior style?
“It’s a mix of Scandi-chill with lots of splashes of colour. I rented for years and I never really put in any effort to my rental houses. It’s only now that I’m getting a chance to spread my interior wings and I love creating chilled spaces with personality.”
How do you approach styling areas of your home?
“I don’t think I ever have a plan but I have a very definite sense of what I like and what I don’t like. I tend to make decisions quickly once I see something I’m into. Luckily that hasn’t resulted in too many purchase disasters (yet!) The sideboard, for instance, really influenced everything else I placed around it.”
Where are some of your favourite places to shop for interiors?
“Ooh, this is a hard one as I have a ton of places I love. I’ve bought some gorgeous pieces from Oriana B Interiors. I love their vintage style! I’ve also got things like pretty glasses and candles from Zara Home, their delivery speed is amazing! I also love house plants and Hopeless Botanics is my go-to for all things green, they have a gorgeous selection and they are such lovely, informative people. My builders, Dealow Construction, who renovated my house actually helped inform a lot of the interiors too. They knew I had a slightly out-there style and were brilliant at giving me some great suggestions for tiles and finishes.”
What was the last thing you bought for your home? What makes a home cosy for you?
“The last few weeks have been all about prep for Christmas. It’s my first year hosting dinner and I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I’ve bought lots of table settings, candles, and decorations, making sure they all have the same colour theme (sad but true!). Cosiness for me is less about items in the house but the actions around those items like a fun dinner with pals or watching 12 hours of a boxset in your PJ’s.”
Your favourite winter ritual at home?
“Candles, wine, and a good cheese board is pure cosy bliss to me.”
You can spy even more of Julie’s stunning home over on her Instagram. This feature was made in collaboration with BIC Megalighters, purchase your own at Dunnes, Supervalu, Woodies and other major retailers nationwide.
.
.
.
.
.
.