25 Beautiful Homes

120 | 25bh oCtober 2017 for stockists go to where to buyNEVER-ENDING STORYRussell Hart and Emer Fitzpatrick’s constantly evolvinghome is perfectly suited to the fast-pace of family lifefeature JuLIet beNNINg | PhotograPhy gAP INterIorS/MArK SCott###### When Russell Hart and EmerFitzpatrick moved into theirGalway home they broughtwith them a whirlwind ofactivity. 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 thecouple viewed it, but they were beguiled by itscharm and loved the big windows and generousproportions. They decided to buy, and soonafter set to work on their vision, moving wallsand opening up the lower floor so that thedining room, sitting room and kitchen are allnow connected as part of a free-flowing space.Impressively handy, Russell was kept busywith the endless removal of woodchip wallpaperand the deconstruction of steel and concreteouthouses. The renovation took nearly fourmonths to complete with the couple adding anextension to become a den for the boys. During``````this upheaval the family were able to live atthe B&B they run a five-minute walk away.When it comes to decorating, Russell andEmer favour a slow evolution, layering theirhome with art posters, antique buys and piecescommissioned from local artisans. ‘Don’t tryto do everything at the beginning,’ says Russell.‘Get walls and doors right, then add to it overthe years.’ Rather than rushing to create a spacewhich could go out of fashion rapidly, the couplechose mainly white walls and the occasionalfeature wall that can be easily altered.Never ones to rest for long, the couple planto extend the hall and turn the garage into autility room where the boys can store sports gear.It seems that the house, constantlyresponding to its owners’ needs, is as much aliving, breathing entity as the family that livethere. ‘Our home will never be truly finishedbecause it’s always evolving,’ says Russell, ‘butthat’s part of the joy of living here.’``````the ProPerty1950s semi-detached townhouseLocation galway, Irelandrooms hall, sitting room,dining room, kitchen, den, fourbedrooms, bathroomPurchased 2006Previous ProPerty‘before moving here, we lived ina little two-up, two-down inDublin,’ says emer.home truthsinsPiring``````siTTing rOOmrussell made the shelves using acombination of furniture ply and mdF.try Fjord four vintage multicoloured woodenwall shelves, £115, Maisons du Monde``````KiTchenan island unit custom made from stainlesssteel gives this space an industrial edge.Xavier Pauchard tolix-style stool with naturalwood seat, £69, Cult Furniture, would work