When Breda and Paul McDonald decided it was time to refresh their beautiful Victorian home in Cobh, they faced the challenge of modernising it while preserving its cultural and historical charm. After extensive research, they selected Veronica Collins, an Interior Architect and Project Manager with over 35 years of experience in renovations, extensions, and reconfigurations. Veronica fully embraced their concerns and shared their commitment to maintaining the home’s unique character, and the stunning results speak for themselves. Breda and Paul were overjoyed with the finished project and now two years on Breda says she is still in love with the work. “ We couldn’t be happier with the transformation. Veronica truly understood our vision of modernizing the home without losing its character. The attention to detail, the seamless flow of spaces, and the connection to the garden – it’s everything we dreamed of and more. It’s a place we’re proud to call home every day.”
We’re sure you’ll agree that the transformation was nothing short of spectacular.
A Victorian Revival
When the owners of this Victorian home sought to breathe new life into their cherished property, they turned to a trusted collaborator: interior architect and project manager Veronica Collins.
Having previously worked with the clients on a series of bespoke renovations, Veronica was once again entrusted with leading a full-scale redesign.
Drawing on her close-knit team of skilled tradesmen – including a builder, joiner and cabinetmaker – she oversaw every detail of the transformation with her signature blend of creativity, precision, and timeless style.
Light, Space & Flow
A once-dark, north-facing kitchen was reimagined as part of a bright, open-plan dining and living space, creating a seamless connection to the garden beyond. The new layout offers an effortless flow between zones while strengthening the visual and functional link to the outdoors.
A significant structural change involved incorporating the inner hall by removing two nib walls, dramatically improving circulation and allowing natural light to pour into the kitchen.
To provide flexibility, glass double doors were installed into the new opening. Hung on parliament hinges, they open back fully against the walls – allowing the spaces to be joined or separated with ease. This provides the perfect balance of openness, privacy, and acoustic control.
Garden Connection
One of the standard features of the renovation is the installation of large bespoke garden doors, designed to frame uninterrupted views and flood the interiors with daylight. These open out onto the south-facing garden, extending the living area onto a patio and enhancing the sense of indoor-outdoor living.
A Kitchen Made for Living
The newly configured kitchen is both practical and elegant, designed for everyday comfort and effortless entertaining. At its centre, a 2.4 Meter canopy hood paired with a quartz stone splashback creates an understated yet powerful focal point.
Tall, glass-fronted cabinets enhance the sense of space and reflect natural light, contributing to the room’s bright and airy atmosphere. A breakfast bar positioned to face the garden offers a tranquil spot for coffee or conversation, illuminated by a glass globe pendant that casts a soft glow – particularly magical during winter evenings.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the utility room was updated with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry offering valuable backup storage space for the kitchen, without sacrificing space or style.
Classic Elegance in the Drawing Room
In the drawing room, period detailing was preserved and elevated. Intricate cornicing, window architraves and panelling were accentuated with a light touch. Bespoke bookcases, designed and crafted with a focus on proportion and scale, were painted the same colour as the walls for a seamless look.
To maximise natural light, roman blinds were chosen instead of curtains, and the space was furnished with neutral-toned furnishings and glass tables to maintain a sense of brightness and spaciousness.
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