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

Gillian Karaiskos moved from London to Antrim three years ago with her husband and two children. 

“Our home was built thirteen years ago to the previous owners’ exact specification,” says Gillian. “The house has a great internal layout with beautifully appointed rooms and we’re enjoying making it our own.”

This week, Gillian (@mrs_k_at_the_bridge) chatted us through her favourite spot: the hallway.

Gillian Karaiskos Gillian Karaiskos

What do you love about this part of your home?

I love the slightly unconventional layout of our hallway. It splits to the left and to the right, and directly opposite the front door is a large double height window which frames the view of the surrounding countryside and floods the area with natural light.

What’s your favourite object in here and why?

Can I choose two things?! Firstly, the toy car. My son got this for his first Christmas and always parked it in the hallway at bedtime and, even though he’s too big for it now, our hallway wouldn’t feel the same without it.

Secondly, a fairly recent purchase, the mirror. I had my eye on this for a long time and and couldn’t resist it any longer, it weighs a tonne and hanging it was a three-man job, so now that it’s in place it’s there to stay!

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

Honestly, I didn’t do much tidying to take this photo. We have lots of storage for coats bags and shoes, so there’s no excuses. Although, to be fair, with two kids and a dog, there’s always something left lying in the hallway!

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

I always look to interiors magazines and Instagram for inspiration, but I’m a great believer in letting a home evolve over time and I just like what I like and go with it.

In my mind, a home should be a collection of what you love, tell a story of who you are and, most of all, be a comfortable and relaxing space for family life.

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

We’ve already added the oak floor which has really warmed this space up, but I’d love to add some softer lighting and would remove the spotlights if I could.

How well does this photo reflect the rest of your home?

I think this photo is a great reflection of the rest of our home. Bright open spaces, individually styled, with personal touches throughout to create a laid back, homely and welcoming space for family living.

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