Altered in shape and size for functionality, kitchen and dining spaces feature the Miyazaki bar stools and DC09 dining chairs designed by Inoda+Sveje, Materia dining table, New Works table lamp, and an Anour pendant light.
In the rugged landscape of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is Tonal Haven by Roisin Lafferty; a secluded home-away-from-home that echoes its dramatic surroundings. This remote escape embraces the raw beauty of Connemara—a place of untamed landscapes, ever-changing weather, and sweeping coastal views. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, the region’s shoreline is dotted with hidden coves, fishing villages, and the iconic Connemara ponies, further embedding the home in its otherworldly landscape.
Engaged by an existing client to revive and reimagine their cottage into a retreat that would warmly welcome their family and visitors for many years to come, Dublin-based design studio Róisín Lafferty sought to create something truly special.
“This project is about subtlety, understated calm and harmony,” founder and creative director Róisín Lafferty says. “My genuine love of the landscape was the inspiration, which I sought to reflect in my material selection […] it is less about dominant design pieces and more about finding an expression of calm, delicate details and complementary elements that come together to create one beautiful song,” she adds.
The previous chimney breast in the kitchen was removed to make way for a double-sided stove. The stone defines the kitchen zone and captures the essence of the foamy sea close to the house.
Working within the double height space, the lounge features a custom made sofa from Ripple Furniture, and Armand & Francine coffee table.
The sofa appears to be floating on a limed oak plinth, which then continues into the dining to form a low level integrated sideboard and display plinth.
Modest in size but not in detail, the property is layered in natural stone and polished plaster; both of which play a key role in determining the overall colour palette. Tones of green and grey reference grassy pastures and cloudy skies, while hints of purple, blue, yellow and red are a continuation of the floral hues from the fields beyond.
“The weather itself is diverse and stormy, which can often be a negative thing,” Lafferty continues. “But here, it means that the depth of colour and variety of materials is immense— there is a magical energy to the place and an undefinable beauty that fully captivates.”
The B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa in green fabric sits comfortably in the snug, alongside the New Works Kizu table lamp by Lars Tornoe on a custom rug by cc-tapis.
Like a domino effect of detail, each element elevates the next—starting with clean lines and framed views, concealed doors and seamless material transitions, layered with natural stone, limed oak, and aged brass, punctuated by Corten steel accents. Bold materials find softness in cohesion, their tactility and warmth enhancing the sense of comfort and retreat.
Gutting the original house and re-building it to allow for a better spatial flow, the design team raised the door heights to be without headers and frames, removed one bedroom to make way for two additional ensuites in the guest rooms, and altered the layout of the primary bedroom to increase overall ensuite size. The kitchen was also altered for functionality, and the lounge opened up for a smoother transition between spaces. “Every room in the house was brought back to floors and boundary walls, and re-thought to balance functionality and beauty,” Lafferty reflects.
Reflecting on her favourite elements within the home, Lafferty recalls the plum and green ensuite and the built-in sofa tucked into the corner of the living space—an inviting spot where one can sit back and absorb the calming atmosphere of the connected spaces and the landscape through the windows, framed like artwork on the walls. It’s moments like these at Tonal Haven, and many more, that evoke a subtle yet undeniable sense of belonging at every turn.
Framing a view of the picturesque landscape, the design team opted to bring out the muddy, mossy green in the marmarino polished plaster, complemented by Irish Green stone.
The primary suite is framed with windows on two sides, and features the Oluce Atollo metal table lamp, Planette Wall lights in brush brass, and the Circulus Rug by Linie Design.
