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HOME & GARDENS

Be it gardens or bedrooms, interiors or antiques, Home & Gardens is your one stop shop for great ideas and tips to brighten your home ... and life.

<p>A bulky air-conditioning unit would be unsightly in Jennifer's small bedroom. Picture: Nolan Moya Nolan</p>

home and gardens

Jennifer Sheahan: How to cool your home this summer

'Ireland is not a nation of air-conditioned homes — cooling ourselves down is not normally something we need to worry about'

<p>Applying for or using the Vacant Property Refurbishment grant scheme? Kya deLongchamps says it’s renovators' last chance this year to avail of the Conservation Advice Grant Scheme for Vacant Traditional Houses. File picture</p>

home and gardens

Renovation Nation: Applying for Ireland's conservation grant

<p> Maximalism is trending with a shift to heavily patterned rugs like the William Morris style soft washable Sylvan from Kukoon to make a statement in a room.</p>

home and gardens

Home: How to choose rugs for wooden and tiled floors

The Great House Revival: See how Knocknagoshel man made his dream home a reality

home and gardens

The Great House Revival: See how Knocknagoshel man made his dream home a reality

Close-up of a flowering branch of wild cherry tree

home and gardens

Garden Q&A: Are Wild Cherry trees poisonous to livestock

Strong sense of the contemporary in this 1835 work by James Arthur O'Connor

home and gardens

Strong sense of the contemporary in this 1835 work by James Arthur O'Connor

Peter%20Dowdall

Peter Dowdall: The switch which drives us gardeners outside has gone off once more

Kya deLongchamps.jpeg

How to deal with the storm of hair hitting your carpeting and hard flooring

Choisya in an English garden in summer

home and gardens

Peter Dowdall: Preparing your garden for the coming rapid growth

Happy smiling woman stretching on bed in the morning

Bedroom secrets: How to create a healthy sleep environment

Ensure your sleeping environment is protecting you throughout the night

Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

Four Dublin art auctions offer huge choice to suit all budgets

Four Dublin art auctions offer huge choice to suit all budgets

Sales on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Whyte's, deVeres, Gormleys and James Adam will keep collectors busy and engaged, writes Des O'Sullivan

Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

Garden Q&A: The leaves on my red camellia are yellow. How can I make it healthier?

S Garden Q&A: The leaves on my red camellia are yellow. How can I make it healthier?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

Des O'Sullivan: 'Antique furniture continues to represent good value'

Des O'Sullivan: 'Antique furniture continues to represent good value'

From an Irish Georgian fireplace to a Louis XV desk, over a thousand lots will be under the hammer at Irish auctions this week

Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

Adult woman lying in bed with her dog and enjoying the moment

Life in the doghouse: Should we allow our pets in our beds?

Should you really invite the dog onto the mattress, asks Kya deLongchamps

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Hedgerows are a haven for nesting birds — and are protected during nesting season

Hedgerows are a haven for nesting birds — and are protected during nesting season

Legal restrictions on cutting hedgerows between March and August 31 are to protect bird life during the nesting season, and to protect vegetation and wildlife habitats during the months of growth and reproduction

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Seaweed on the beach on the Channel Island of Herm, UK

Why you should be using seaweed in your garden

Seaweed is something we often treat as a bit of a nuisance, stepping carefully around it on the beach on our summer holidays. Yet this plant material can provide valuable nutrients and minerals to our plants, as a mulch or liquid to boost root health.

Wed, 19 Mar, 2025

They met in a carpet factory. Six decades later Cork couple weave time-travel 'tapestry'

They met in a carpet factory. Six decades later Cork couple weave time-travel 'tapestry'

Eve Kelliher discovers how Kay and Tom Donnelly and their former colleagues at Youghal Carpets joined forces with artist Katie Nolan to recreate the past

Tue, 18 Mar, 2025

Wish List: Supermodel sofas and seven other home design ideas

Wish List: Supermodel sofas and seven other home design ideas

All roads lead to the Emerald City as Eve Kelliher checks out green-themed buys for our lives and our living spaces

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

Vivid Green Irish Shamrock or the Three-leaf Clovers on the Field for Background

Peter Dowdall: How the shamrock became a symbol of Ireland

'Trifolium dubium's association with St Patrick is well known. But it doesn’t end with religion. Shamrock's creeping stems have spread into our very psyche'

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

Home: Create an outdoor oasis for al-fresco living and dining

Home: Create an outdoor oasis for al-fresco living and dining

We get advice from the pros on how they plan for warmer days and evenings and entertaining and relaxing between the downpours

Fri, 14 Mar, 2025

Solitary Hawthorn tree.

Garden Q&A: My whitethorn tree has never blossomed. Why not?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

10 things you didn’t know about hoverflies

10 things you didn’t know about hoverflies — our gardens' unsung heroes

Many go by the names the Footballer, Batman and Marmalade and hoverflies pollinate more than half the world's crops. Here's how to help them survive

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

Beautiful flower garden and wooden cabin house

Back-garden cabin proposals: All you need to know

'Tiny homes, factory builds, and timber structures are not the problem. Suitably designed, sited, insulated, ventilated and maintained, a quality cabin can do exactly what bricks and mortar can do'

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

Jennifer Sheahan: The interior design mistakes to avoid

Jennifer Sheahan: The interior design mistakes to avoid

From measurements to lighting and from paint to rugs, being design savvy can help you save money in the long run

Tue, 11 Mar, 2025

The Great House Revival: See the home Cork teacher and landscaper 'grew organically’

The Great House Revival: See the home Cork teacher and landscaper 'grew organically’

Eve Kelliher talks to Grace Cotter who shares how she and her husband John went from being fans to featuring on the TV show

Sun, 09 Mar, 2025

Antiques: Collectors eye everything from a scarecrow to a hat tree

Antiques: Collectors eye everything from a scarecrow to a hat tree

Sales in Dublin and in Durrow promise sought-after lots, writes Des O'Sullivan

Sat, 08 Mar, 2025

All roads will lead to Limerick for antique and vintage fair

All roads will lead to Limerick for antique and vintage fair

St Patrick's weekend antique and vintage fair at Limerick Racecourse next Saturday and Sunday (March 15 and 16) offers everything from furniture to rugs, coins and art

Sat, 08 Mar, 2025

Indiustral composition of concrete living room with mock up poster frame, stylish grey sofa, green pillow, black coffee table, p

Put practicality first when buying materials for your home

From stainless steel to wood and laminate flooring and from countertop surfaces to soft seating, here is your must-read guide

Fri, 07 Mar, 2025

Wish List: Eight ideas to add zest to your living space

Wish List: Eight ideas to add zest to your living space

Mary Cate Smith eyes buys to create comfort in bedrooms and living rooms and add the cool factor to kitchens

Fri, 07 Mar, 2025

Lilies, herbaceous flowering plants growing from bulbs, large prominent flowers,

The best summer bulbs to plant in your garden now

Summer-flowering bulbs are ideal for planting between March and May as the soil begins to warm up

Thu, 06 Mar, 2025

Jennifer Sheahan: Kitchen appliances that could change your life

Jennifer Sheahan: Kitchen appliances that could change your life

'I have been hunting for new versions of integrated appliances that are different and useful. I was pleasantly surprised at what I found'

Wed, 05 Mar, 2025

Home of the Year: See why this tiny-space design scored a perfect 10 and a spot in final

Home of the Year: See why this tiny-space design scored a perfect 10 and a spot in final

Judge Amanda Bone says the amount the owners have managed to fit into the 'tight site' means the property 'has real architectural merit'

Wed, 05 Mar, 2025

Empty minimalist living room with large window

Six top DIY tips to dodge home decorating disasters

From samples to structural changes and from measurements to consulting a pro, here's your quick and easy guide to getting it right first time

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

Bespoke Western Red Cedar Clad Home Garden Office with Bifold Doors, Slate Terrace, Barbecue and Firepit with Raised Flower Beds

Home Q&A: Garage conversions, modular buildings and cabins

Kya deLongchamps answers frequently asked questions about planning permission and new proposals and rules

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

Spring clean: The pros' secrets to organising and decluttering your space

Spring clean: The pros' secrets to organising and decluttering your space

We consult home organisers Terri O'Callaghan of Decluttered by Terri, Ann Teehan of Neatly.ie, and Jenny Douglas of A Good Moment

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

The Great House Revival: How artist turned Cork city centre shop into dream home

The Great House Revival: How artist turned Cork city centre shop into dream home

Inside 42 Douglas Street as Hugh Wallace visits Cora Murphy's studio and home, formerly the 'front-room shop' of Mary and Desmond Lynch

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Boyd Neighbourhood at Rutherford Road and Islington Ave, Woodbridge, Canada

Slate, clay or fibre cement? How to choose roof tiles for your home

Kya deLongchamps looks up to outline the pros and cons of Ireland's traditionally popular roof material choices

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Crocuses, Krokus

Peter Dowdall: How to make the most of crocus displays

These flowers are seen as nature’s way of reassuring us that warmer days are on their way In some cultures, they represent cheerfulness and gladness

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

Auctions: A 19th-century mirror, a home bar — and art fit for a pharaoh

Auctions: A 19th-century mirror, a home bar — and art fit for a pharaoh

Des O'Sullivan checks out the variety of lots at a two-day auction in Castlecomer

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

Irish and international art sales in the frame

Irish and international art sales in the frame

Art sales at home and away offer a wide range of choices, write Des O'Sullivan

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

Wish List: Eight awesome ideas for your life and your living space

Wish List: Eight awesome ideas for your life and your living space

Esther McCarthy eyes sparkling and colourful buys

Fri, 28 Feb, 2025

Revealed: Interior designers' secrets to a budget home refresh

Revealed: Interior designers' secrets to a budget home refresh

Spoiler alert: These two tips are also cost-effective and involve rethinking the use of furniture you may already have

Fri, 28 Feb, 2025

Jennifer Sheahan: Go with the flow for a satisfying spring clean

Jennifer Sheahan: Go with the flow for a satisfying spring clean

'I never plan my spring cleaning, but once a year the frenzy takes over. Should the frenzy grip you, these are the best methods'

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Woman meditating in back yard

Get grounded: Connect with the garden to boost your wellbeing

Rediscover your room outside this spring with these top tips for a sustainable experience to benefit both you and your garden

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

Jennifer Sheahan: Use the ceiling to make a small space feel larger or to add drama

Jennifer Sheahan: Use the ceiling to make a small space feel larger or to add drama

Ceilings are often a forgotten canvas of interior design. Here are some creative ways to make your ceiling a standout feature in your home

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

Renovation inspiration: How to avoid delays and mistakes

Renovation inspiration: How to avoid delays and mistakes

We visit Barnahown in Co Cork whose owner Ciara O'Brien shares the secret to how she revamped this 1880s farmhouse

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

Exhibition gives a wider audience to artists obscured by their gender

Exhibition gives a wider audience to artists obscured by their gender

The search for overlooked artists gathers pace, writes Des O'Sullivan

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

Antiques from Springfield House and Buswells Hotel

Antiques from Springfield House and Buswells Hotel

Des O'Sullivan previews an interiors auction with much to offer now on view at James Adam

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

Wish List: Eight cool finds to boost our lives and living spaces

Wish List: Eight cool finds to boost our lives and living spaces

Eve Kelliher seeks out pooch-pleasing seating, thinks pink with paint, and opens a new chapter thanks to a banker-turned-bard

Fri, 21 Feb, 2025

Jennifer Sheahan answers your top home renovation questions

Jennifer Sheahan answers your top home renovation questions

Jennifer reveals the most challenging, interesting and frequent questions she gets — as well as the funniest

Fri, 21 Feb, 2025

Urban Rooftop Terrace with Modern Design

Peter Dowdall: Green roofs can boost biodiversity and help flood alleviation

'Vertical gardens reduce the volume of water and the speed at which the rainwater enters the drainage system, decreasing the risk of flash flooding'

Fri, 21 Feb, 2025

3D rendering of simple kitchen design with green wall

Kitchen cabinets: All you need to know when buying new or second-hand

Here's your practical guide to the structural smarts of a sustainable kitchen

Fri, 21 Feb, 2025

Home Q&A: Should I get rid of wall cabinets in my galley kitchen?

Home Q&A: Should I get rid of wall cabinets in my galley kitchen?

It’s not a binary decision. There are multiple ways to open your kitchen and retain blind storage where you need it

Fri, 21 Feb, 2025

A close-up image of a gray stone Buddha statue sitting amidst a vibrant garden.

Gardening: How to make your balcony a calm outdoor space

Here's advice from the pros on transforming even the tiniest space into the ultimate chill-out zone or urban oasis to boost your wellbeing

Wed, 19 Feb, 2025

Flowers

Peter Dowdall: Spring has sprung in our gardens

Masses of spring bulbs planted in autumn are starting to pay floral dividends

Mon, 17 Feb, 2025