Sometimes, a design isn’t just about creating a space—it’s about evoking a memory, sparking joy, and connecting generations. For the Ideal Home Show in Dublin, Ireland, in the spring of 2023, I embraced the opportunity to design something truly unique. This project, as part of the Interiors Association of Ireland, was a nostalgic nod to childhood—a reminder of the timeless value of classic literature and nursery rhymes.

The centrepiece of the room was a bespoke bed crafted from salvaged church pews, originally from a church in Belfast. It was a labour of love, stripping away decades of wear to reveal the beauty of the pitch pine beneath. Sanded, refinished, and modernised with LED smart lighting and sensors, the bed became both a statement piece and a functional addition to the room. A gentle light beneath served as a comforting guide for children during the night—a touch of modern technology in a design rooted in tradition.

Every detail told a story. The pieces were bespoke, hand-painted with care, and celebrated sustainability, creativity, and purpose. Visitors, young and old, were drawn to the space, often pausing with expressions of wonder and nostalgia.

This wasn’t a design about trends—it was a one-of-a-kind creation that evoked emotion, sparked conversation, and reminded us of the importance of weaving sentiment and storytelling into the spaces we create.