Be inspired by this Georgian townhouse in Dublin

Layered cushions, a large window, abstract painting and textured rug make sure the space remains cosy but light.

Shades of grey create a real sense of sophistication and surprising warmth in this living room. Layered cushions, a large window, abstract painting and textured rug make sure the space remains cosy but light.

1/8 Relaxed black living room

living room with grey sofa and lamp

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

To lift the darkness of the grey, the adjoining walls have been painted cream for a softening effect. The fireplace and shutters add a traditional touch that help to accentuate the original features in the room.

The floor lamp was from Artemide, and the Love cushion and throw were from Brown Thomas.

2/8 Dramatic black hallway

black hallway with flower vases on desk

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Teaming glass with black creates a dramatic, but inviting look in this hallway. The large panels of mirror make the space appear bigger, while the slim, low console table is the perfect size for a hallway.

The console table was from Minotti.

3/8 Modern dining room with extensive storage

dining room with round dinning table chair and storage units

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

In this kitchen-diner, which is at the other end of the main living room, the feature wall floor-to-ceiling bookcases are a stunning addition, and act as a screen keeping an adjoining guest room separate. Black is the overriding colour here, with gloss surfaces and a glass pendant light bringing another dimension to the look.

The table and chairs were from Sovet, and the bookcase was from Tisettanta.

4/8 Compact kitchen

black and grey kitchen and lady

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Although small, the kitchen is ideal for the owner and her daughter's needs. Appliances and storage are hidden away in units - one houses the fridge, freezer, oven and microwave behind sliding dark oak-stained doors, and on the other side of the room is a unit with the sink, dishwasher and hob.

Visit Poliform to find similar storage ideas.

5/8 Pared down living room

living room with fireplace and sofa with cushions

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

This secondary living room has a serene feel thanks to the cool neutral colours. There is still a consistency with the rest of the house as softer tones of grey have been used for the sofas and rug.

Visit Dwell to find a coffee table like this, and Prestige Fireplaces Ltd for a similar fire surround.

6/8 Slate grey dining room

grey dining room with black dinning table and chair

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Still following the theme of grey throughout the house, this dining room, at the other end of the second living room, has been painted a slightly lighter shade. A black gloss dining table is a stunning focal point, while the traditional-style marble fireplace is a contrast to the modernism of the rest of the room.

The dining table was from Sovet, and the sideboard was from Casa Milano.

7/8 Modern home office

home office with white wall black desk and chair

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

In the corner of the dining room is a small home office, complete with modern storage and slimline desk. Coolers colours allow the black gloss desk to become a feature, while the off-white bookcase is highlighted by black curtains behind.

The desks and shelving were from MDF Italia.

8/8 Simple bedroom

bedroom with white cupboard and bed

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

High-gloss wardrobes and rubber flooring add interest to this neutral bedroom, as well as helping to open up the space and keep it light. A no-fuss bed gives the room a minimal feel, and all storage remains tucked away behind the sliding doors.

The wardrobes were from Tisettanta, and the rubber flooring from Dalsouple.

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Heather Young
Editor

Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.