'Dark grey paint transformed the space': Caroline talks us through her calming living room

‘The piano wouldn’t win for its good looks, but the room would feel empty without it.’

EACH WEEK, WE ask someone based in Ireland with a passion for interiors to share one photo of their favourite spot in their home.

Caroline Warde lives in a dormer bungalow in Galway with her husband and three teenage children.

“We built the house on our land in 1997,” says Caroline. “Then in 2006 we extended it to include a new utility room and large family room.”

This week, Caroline (@acuriousnest) chatted us through her favourite spot: her sitting room.

unnamed Caroline Warde Caroline Warde

What do you love about this part of your home?

As the sitting room is south-facing, it’s a lovely room to enjoy both in the morning and at night. The room has gone through many décor changes through the years. We painted the walls a dark grey some years ago and it has totally transformed the room, making it feel cosy and atmospheric – especially in the evenings when the table lamps and candles are lit. This is where my husband and I relax at the weekend with a book or listening to music.

What’s your favourite object in here and why?

My favourite object is a toss up between the green velvet sofa which we bought last year and our old piano. I think if I had to, I would choose the piano. The piano wouldn’t win for its good looks, but the room would feel empty without it. Both my daughters play and nothing makes me happier than when I’m making dinner or in the garden and I can hear piano music.

What was your inspiration when you were putting this room together?

I don’t think I had a plan in mind when decorating this room other than I wanted it to be cosy to relax in, and a grown-up space for myself and himself as the teens take over the rest of the house. We have acquired most of the pieces in the room over the years as I don’t subscribe to the idea of decorating in one big swoop.

Be honest: how much tidying did you do before taking this photo?

I didn’t do much tidying before taking the photo as this room isn’t used as often as the other rooms in the house, so it was more of a quick dust. The other rooms in the house are a different story.

Is there anything in here you’d like to change?

I am on the lookout for a glazed bookcase to replace the current Ikea number. It holds a lot of books, but isn’t the most attractive. A new light fitting is also on my wish list for whenever I can settle on a style.