{"id":961,"date":"2020-10-01T07:57:15","date_gmt":"2020-10-01T07:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/?p=961"},"modified":"2020-10-05T08:04:58","modified_gmt":"2020-10-05T08:04:58","slug":"how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"How a railway bridge inspired design of Munster newbuild – (Irish Examiner)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Eve Kelliher discovers how a Cork couple looked to their surroundings when creating their dream home<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How
The eight-arch bridge, over which the main Cork-Dublin rail line travels, near The Arches, Whitechurch, Cork. Pictures: Denis Minihane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

TRAINS have hurtled centre stage in countless iconic movies and the residents of The Arches in Whitechurch, Cork, could be forgiven if they were to speculate whether their home plays even a brief cameo role in commuters\u2019 journeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emma and Cian O’Flynn\u2019s eye-catching newbuild is located near a bridge over which the main Cork-Dublin rail line snakes. \u201cWe\u2019re always wondering if people on the train can see in through the windows!\u201d says Emma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Exterior
Exterior view of The Arches, next to the 19th century-built railway bridge.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Their house is, in fact, named after the eight-arch bridge, which was constructed in 1849 by the Great Southern & Western Railway (prior to that the Cork-Dublin rail line ended in Mallow). Some 150 stonecutters were employed daily to cut stone dressings for the bridge, in an enterprise that was to provide work for between 15,000 and 20,000 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And over a century and a half later, when Emma and Cian started shaping the plans for their home, they made sure natural stone (and plenty of it) featured as a visual homage to the structure outside and its history. \u201cThe stone was something we really wanted throughout the build but were strongly advised against it. Most people we spoke to thought it would be overpowering \u2014 but we\u2019re delighted we stuck to our guns,\u201d says Emma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The open-plan, light-filled living\/dining area at The Arches. Pictures: Denis Minihane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Maximising light was also a priority. \u201cWith the amazing bridge outside and the house positioned to the south, we wanted to take full advantage with as many windows as possible,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emma\u2019s family have lived on this land for generations (they formerly operated a stone mill there) and when she and Cian received a site they promptly set about developing their dream home, realising it in two years, in 2016. \u201cWe are very fortunate to have been given this site by family. Ours is the eighth family house on this land and we are the first of our fourth generation to live here,\u201d says Emma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Builder Joe Dilworth and engineer Jackie Manley were key to the project, as was John Hayes, who completed the work on the stone wall, while Emma and Cian say they \u201cwould be lost\u201d without their family friend\/gardener Mac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The couple\u2019s interiors scheme hinges on an open-plan living area and double-height dining area, with an enviable aspect over the garden, and a stunning staircase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Arches\u2019 location and proximity to family enhance its appeal, says Emma, who describes \u201cgathering around the kitchen island\u201d as a highlight of living there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pooches'
Pooches’ paradise: The couple’s dogs have their own room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The interiors also had to suit every family member and so the house is dog-friendly and includes a designated room, off the living area, for the couple\u2019s beloved pooches, two boxers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, adds Emma, there was one last d\u00e9cor hurdle. \u201cWe were both really scared of colour!\u201d she says. Enter interior designer Sinead Cassidy, a client of Cian\u2019s at his gym, ATP Fitness, where Sinead had also completed some design work. \u201cSinead really helped us with becoming more adventurous with the interior whilst also keeping the comfort and the homely vibe,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter speaking with Sinead we immediately knew she was the perfect person to help us enhance the interiors of our home. Sinead works with the features you have in your home and uses amazing colours, fabric and lighting to enhance each space.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The staircase at The Arches. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Like many who had just finished their newbuild, Emma and Cian \u201cfelt they had got the core items right but wondered where to go from there\u201d, adds Sinead. \u201cIn other words, what could be added to create not an average home but a stunning stylish home! My job was made easier by the fact that the layout and finishes to date in the house were pretty cool and interesting. Cian and Emma really did an amazing job in creating a dream home.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colour is \u201cprobably the most useful design tool\u201d of all, believes Sinead. \u201cColour was the starting point. In this case, I felt the addition of colour was going to be very effective both in wall colours and textiles,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
A piece of art in the hallway provided colour inspiration for the interiors scheme. Console table and hall table, available to order through Sinead Cassidy Design; hall table lamp, Lightplan, Kinsale Road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith a new-build, the tendency is to revert to tried-and-trusted neutrals and this is often the right thing until you have lived in it and are comfortable with taking up the colour challenge.\u201d Emma and Cian were ready, she felt. \u201cThey just needed the encouragement and direction in selecting the colour additions,\u201d says Sinead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But where to start? In this case, it was an inspirational piece of art with burnt orange and autumnal tones. \u201cAs this was almost in the middle of the open-plan area, I felt that the room could be balanced with an orange wall colour on one end wall and some striking modern scatters in the living area,\u201d adds Sinead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next up was the addition of a brass-coloured console table beneath the picture. This was sourced through Sinead Cassidy Design and Sinead confined the accessories confined to glass, wood and metallics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The orange wall had the bonus too of livening up the cream kitchen units. \u201cIt made it all more interesting and vibrant,\u201d says Sinead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Scatters
Scatters and dining chair fabric, available to order through Sinead Cassidy Design.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The neutral-toned dining chairs were also about to get a makeover. \u201cWe made the decision to reupholster the original cream leather dining chairs in a combination of grey and orange velvet and we used the same sumptuous velvet as the scatters on the sofa,\u201d adds the interior designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis meant we could match fabrics perfectly for consistency in this open area. Plus, the chairs look stunning and so rich now! We had the chairs Scotch-guarded for added stain protection.\u201d The crowning glory to really pull the colours scheme together was the addition of a handknotted rug from Rugs.ie in Douglas. \u201cIt encompasses all the tones in the room including the stonework \u2014 cream, terraacotta, grey and is wonderfully luxurious This area just illuminates in the sunshine with the double-height and the view is gorgeous,\u201d adds Sinead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colour was also the starting point in the hall\/entrance area. \u201cWe used a dark green pine needle colour here. It is a dark dramatic colour and really shows off the crisp outline of the stairs,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The rug (sofa area) (“Riviera”, from Rugs.ie in Douglas Woollen Mills) is handknotted from wool and bamboo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This area is all open-plan leading into the living area \u201cso it is important for the scheme to flow but this colour scheme shows that unity can be achieved just as effectively using a contrasting colour as opposed to tonal\u201d, adds Sinead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moderation was a touchstone, adds the interior designer. \u201cColour was definitely the first thing and my starting point. Cian and Emma have very busy careers and this home needs to be their sanctuary and suit their personalities,\u201d she says. \u201cThey are both very relaxed so this vibe is very evident in their selection of furnishings which are well-chosen, comfortable and inviting. My suggested additions needed to be mindful of this. Artwork is sublime around the house and makes a statement on its own without any dressing up or complicating.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The couple\u2019s own creative flair is impressive, she adds. \u201cTheir vision and design is remarkable as this is their first home. Details such as keeping the landing balcony fully glazed both for noise reduction and cooking smells are a very clever idea,\u201d says \u201cThis project was about engaging a designer after living in the property for a while and being at a crossroads. The colours and cosmetic changes introduced succeed in adding a dash of style and personality to the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe worked out the mood we wanted to convey which was bright and cheerful- contemporary and stylish. I am always excited when the scheme evolves from just a colour selection. There are no limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love the colours we have used \u2014 the deep oranges and greens. I think they really connect with the beautiful outdoors, mature trees and the unique location.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The circular wood\/ metal wall art piece was a gift from a family member and its style works with the mantel style, both in the wood type and the chunky frame. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Eve Kelliher discovers how a Cork couple looked to their surroundings when creating their dream home TRAINS have hurtled centre… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":968,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/1966193_15_articleinline_Arches_20exterior.jpg","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\r\nHow a railway bridge inspired design of Munster newbuild - (Irish Examiner) | Sin\u00e9ad Cassidy Design<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How a railway bridge inspired design of Munster newbuild - (Irish Examiner) | Sin\u00e9ad Cassidy Design\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Eve Kelliher discovers how a Cork couple looked to their surroundings when creating their dream home TRAINS have hurtled centre…\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sin\u00e9ad Cassidy Design\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-10-01T07:57:15+00:00\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-10-05T08:04:58+00:00\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/1966193_15_articleinline_Arches_20exterior.jpg\" \/>\r\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\r\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"450\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\r\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/\",\"name\":\"Sin\\u00e9ad Cassidy Design\",\"description\":\"Cork-based Interior Designer\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/#\/schema\/person\/95c9e11d4fdaeec4c25743b6ba65ca4b\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/?s={search_term_string}\",\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/1966193_15_articleinline_Arches_20exterior.jpg\",\"width\":600,\"height\":450},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/\",\"name\":\"How a railway bridge inspired design of Munster newbuild - (Irish Examiner) | Sin\\u00e9ad Cassidy Design\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2020-10-01T07:57:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-10-05T08:04:58+00:00\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/#webpage\"},\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/#\/schema\/person\/95c9e11d4fdaeec4c25743b6ba65ca4b\"},\"headline\":\"How a railway bridge inspired design of Munster newbuild – (Irish Examiner)\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-10-01T07:57:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-10-05T08:04:58+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/#webpage\"},\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/#\/schema\/person\/95c9e11d4fdaeec4c25743b6ba65ca4b\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/how-a-railway-bridge-inspired-design-of-munster-newbuild-irish-examiner\/#primaryimage\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Person\",\"Organization\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/#\/schema\/person\/95c9e11d4fdaeec4c25743b6ba65ca4b\",\"name\":\"Sinead Cassidy\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/#personlogo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/BDBEEC47-5B3D-437E-A53D-3264A83D3C3A.jpeg\",\"width\":368,\"height\":383,\"caption\":\"Sinead Cassidy\"},\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/#personlogo\"}}]}<\/script>\r\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9sOYG-fv","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/961"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=961"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/961\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":969,"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/961\/revisions\/969"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/968"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sineadcassidydesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}