Material palette

A language of finishes for Cork stone, Atlantic light, and houses that are lived in every day of the year.

Walls that breathe

Limewash and mineral paints suit older Cork walls that still move with the weather. We favour soft mosses, warm greys, and clay tones that shift under west light without looking yellow. Vinyl sheens that trap moisture stay off our boards for heritage fabric.

Timber with a second life

Oak, ash, and reclaimed pine take oil and age without panic. We specify finishes that can be renewed after a decade of elbows and wet glasses. Bog oak appears as accent — a shelf edge, a stool — not as an entire kitchen of dark drama.

Stone underfoot and on the sill

Local limestone and slate connect the house to Cork’s geology. Honed surfaces hide the grit of country roads better than polished ones. Window sills get the same stone as the hearth strip when the budget allows.

Textiles for damp air

Linen, wool, and tightly woven cotton handle Irish humidity better than delicate silks. We choose colours that forgive a damp dog: heath, oat, and deep green. Curtains are lined; loose covers are washable; rugs are wool-forward.

Metal that dulls honestly

Unlacquered brass, aged iron, and pewter-toned taps suit country houses better than chrome that shows every water mark. Hardware is chosen to be gripped with wet hands after gardening.

How we present a board

Each palette arrives as physical samples where possible — chips, timber blocks, fabric swatches — with notes on Cork suppliers and install care. Digital notes support the conversation; they do not replace the feel of stone in the hand under studio light on Oliver Plunkett Street.