Cover The living room of a Dublin, Ireland home by Maison RA-D
The living room of a Dublin, Ireland home by Maison RA-D
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With geometric precision and contemporary flair, Maison RA-D ushers this Dublin, Ireland townhouse into the modern era
The concept of space is just as much about what you see as what you don’t. And in this Georgian townhouse at the heart of Dublin, Ireland, Rodney Alday and the team behind Maison RA-D held that contradiction up to the light. “When we first stepped inside the Georgian townhouse, we were immediately struck by the stately elegance of its internal architectural fabric,” mused the designer. “Yet much of this grandeur was concealed beneath the overwhelming dated décor, a dull colour palette and a certain gloom that diminished the proportions. The house was crying out for its grace to be restored.”
The last thing Maison RA-D wanted to do was to diminish the historical significance of the home, which reflected Dublin’s preservation of its Georgian architecture through the centuries. At the same time, they wanted to create a dream home for the client, drawing inspiration from French interior architect Joseph Dirand’s philosophy of “minimalism with presence.”
As a result, the Dublin home builds on its Georgian roots with contemporary clarity, reflecting the Maison RA-D team’s ongoing relationship with the client. “Over the past decade, I’ve been designing homes for him in London, New York and Dublin,” Alday shared. “We have an understanding of his aspirations as he moves between cities, reflecting his enduring pursuit of elegance and ease.”
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Above The entryway to a Dublin, Ireland home designed by Maison RA-D
Above Designer Rodney Alday in the living room of a Dublin, Ireland home he restored with the Maison RA-D team
The entryway to a Dublin, Ireland home designed by Maison RA-D
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Upon entering the home, the imposing hallway offers a glimpse of the Dublin townhome’s scale and heritage. Its soaring floor-to-height ceilings, exquisite mouldings of ceiling roses and restored staircase flood the room with light and colour, all the while framing the nearby dining room. Another notable piece in the entrance hall is the Hippo lounge chair by NOR11, its distinctive barrel shape adding a sculptural edge to the space. Hanging above the seat is Beast and Sun by Vesna Parchet, a mixed-media masterpiece that adds a touch of intrigue to the liminal area.
The dining room of a Dublin, Ireland home designed by Maison RA-D, with a Pentagon Chandelier by Bella Figura, Bresle Rug by Soho Home dining table by DK3, Hera Dining Chairs by Pedrali, Escapism Table Runner by T C S, bowls and candleholders by Ferm Living, Echasse Bowl by Audo CPH, Sumo Vase by 101CPH and Tribu Bench by 101 CPH
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The entryway leads into the dining room, which balances a welcoming air with a deep sense of formality. Atop the imposing marble fireplace is an antique mirror, while a smoked Murano chandelier adds a focal point in the space. A round dining table by DK3 sets the stage for intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, grounded by a silk oriental rug that adds vintage charm to the space. “We wanted the room to feel effortless and lived-in, so we mixed different textures to bring out its character,” shared Alday.
Adjacent to the room is the kitchen, designed with comfort in mind. The Farrow & Ball Minister Green painted joinery establishes a soothing atmosphere, in contrast with the charcoal stone countertop and AudoCPH limestone table. The RUBN Long Lord pendant adds a metallic touch to the space, softened by the Cassina Indochine chairs illuminated by its warm glow.
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Above The living room of a Dublin, Ireland home by Maison RA-D, which features an antique Steinway Boudoir grand piano
Above The living room of a Dublin, Ireland home by Maison RA-D
The living room of a Dublin, Ireland home by Maison RA-D, which features an antique Steinway Boudoir grand piano
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Ascending to the first floor, one catches a glimpse of the grand salon. Maintaining the grand Georgian proportions, the drawing room features an eclectic blend of pieces. The curved, textured sofas from Moroso fill the space with organic symmetry, while the CCTApis rug in rust adds a pop of playful colour to the space.
Art is an integral part of the drawing room’s design. At the centre of the space is Leah Beggs’ Blanket of Clouds, its muted palette reflecting the overcast skies of Dublin seen through the expansive windows. A nearby rendition of Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol adds a jolt of energy to the room, adding unexpected whimsy that contrasts with the impression of formality.
The bedroom of a Dublin, Ireland home designed by Maison RA-D, with an Alys Bed by B&B ITALIA, Globe Table Lamp by Square in Circle, side tables by Eicholtz, Edge Rug by Linie Design, Willis Bench by Soho Home, Margeaux Oblong Cushions + Alderton cushion by Soho Home and navy herringbone blankets by Johnstons of Elgin
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Stepping back down into the lower ground floor, one is immersed in a private space connecting the two bedrooms with the entertaining areas. “We wanted a quieter counterpoint to the formal, principal rooms,” said Alday. “The flow between the spaces is complemented by a warmer palette with subtle textures and fabrics.”
The soothing hues of the bedroom are punctuated by jewel tones, with the burnt orange headboard from B&B Italia complemented by plush Soho Home pillows and a bench in a similar shade. The colour palette is carried over into the bathroom, with geometric tiling adding unexpected visual interest to the space. “We wanted the tiles to be artworks in their own right,” said Alday. “They’re deliberately bold against the subtle microcement backdrop, elevating a visual contrast beyond mere function.”
An interplay of functionality and aesthetics can also be seen in the home’s most secretive feature: modern wall panelling conceals a hidden door, behind which lie the rear office and powder room.
Above Designer Rodney Alday in the living room of a Dublin, Ireland home he restored with the Maison RA-D team
Designer Rodney Alday in the living room of a Dublin, Ireland home he restored with the Maison RA-D team
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Altogether, the home exemplifies Maison RA-D’s enduring approach to design. They coax out the original elements of the space, reimagining them in a way that not only reflects the homeowners’ personalities, but also grows with them over time. “Whatever the season, the underlying space and our thoughtful interventions keep the home gracious and functional,” Alday said. “The home can weather both the climate and the rhythms of daily life, while still feeling light, inviting and elegant.”
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Credits
Photography: Studio Rochowski
Design: Viaduct Furniture
Design: PJ Construction
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
