This country cottage in Wicklow looked rather tired until digital creator Jodie Wood gave it a slick, modern, characterful update, both inside and out.
Not many people bid on a house without first viewing inside, even fewer when they’re in a maternity ward. “We found this house on the day I went into labour,” explains Jodie. “We had been house hunting for 18 months and I was getting so fed up and worried because I was going on maternity leave and I just wanted to have it sorted. This house came up and I just had a gut instinct that this was the right house for us.
While in hospital, Jodie asked her mum to go to the viewing and says “once she gave me the thumbs up, we put in an offer straight away. We were in hospital with Milo two weeks later and we got the call to say our offer was accepted. We were so lucky.”
Jodie used Dulux Heritage Potters Pink on walls and ceilings and Dulux Heritage Pale Nutmeg on the skirtings
Jodie now shares this idyllic retreat with her husband, former rugby pro (for London Wasps) Will Matthews, their two sons Milo (6) and Noah (4) and daughter Sadie (4 months). Built in the 1880s, the two storey stone cottage oozed natural charm but needed a fair bit of modernisation. “We did some minimal upgrading at the beginning,” explains Jodie, “and then two years ago, we took on a major refurb and extension build. Our goal was to create a modern cottage that would combine the rustic, welcoming sensibilities of countryside living with contemporary twists.”
Jodie says she always wanted the transformation to feel sympathetic to the original stone building so they kept all the fireplaces, designed arched doorways to soften the new build and added wood panelling to create texture. She focused also on essential elements of modern living – lots of light, contemporary finishes and a generous kitchen perfect for entertaining as they have a large extended family. The end result is a liveable, original aesthetic that prioritises warmth, comfort and style.
Jodie chose Dulux Heritage Red Ochre for wardrobes in Sadie's room
As Jodie’s Instagram is full of classic style notes – from her glossy grooming videos to her effortlessly chic fits – it comes as no surprise that she took the same unwavering approach to decorating her home. She describes her interior style as modern heritage which translates into natural materials (marble countertops and hardwood flooring), muted colour palettes (an olive green sittingroom and a chocolate brown kitchen), classic furniture and clean lines. Pops of colour, introduced through accessories, artwork and textiles, add vibrancy and punch to the space. “Your home should be a reflection of your personality and I never wanted that sad beige home look,” she jokes.
Jodie wanted a calm, serene feel in her daughter Sadie's bedroom
“The point of decorating is to create the background for the best life you can have,” she adds, “which means embracing the chaos of everyday existence and building a home around it that’s as useful as it is beautiful, as loved as it is lovely. And I don’t mind a bit of mess – God knows there’s enough crayons walked into the floors and little hand marks on the walls. Aesthetics are important to me but it’s equally important that a home has more to offer than just being beautiful or comfortable. There should also be room for some fun. I like to think my house is positive and happy.”
Dulux Heritage Potters Pink on walls and ceilings, Dulux Heritage Pale Nutmeg on skirting is complemented by beautiful touches of velvet and rattan
Jodie does however make a distinction between more-is-more and anything-goes. Smart storage solutions prevent the house feeling overwhelmed and chaotic. “The playroom is the best invention ever,” laughs Jodie. “It’s where I store giant storage baskets for the mountain of plastic toys.” And does it all stay in the playroom? “I wish! The boys have invaded every corner of the house. I’ve managed to secure exclusive rights to my dressingroom and the little office space off it for now, but I know it’s only a matter of time ...”
The newly decorated baby bedroom in the home of Jodie Wood in north County Wicklow.
The most recent (and last) transformation in the house is Sadie’s bedroom. “It was more of a feeling” she says of her approach to decorating this space. “I wanted to go into this room and feel relaxed. I wanted it to be warm and calming for Sadie. I read up on it and discovered that colour drenching can create wonderfully calm spaces, perfect for nurseries and anywhere else you want to add a dose of peace. By painting everything in the same shade, you avoid creating any strong contrasts or harsh lines. Instead, your eyes simply drift across the room, for a gentle, tranquil feel.
“As for the colour – before I had a girl, I don’t think I had a pink thing in my house! But I was drawn to this Dulux Heritage shade of pink that didn’t stray into too-girlie territory. The walls and ceiling were colour drenched in Potter’s Pink, softly complemented by Pale Nutmeg on the skirting boards. It’s pretty and soft and brings a wonderful atmosphere to this room without being overpowering.”
Sadie's toys
A jolt of joy comes from the Dulux Heritage Red Ochre painted wardrobe while bookshelves are lined with Jodie’s childhood favourite reads and cute chequerboard frames add a playful element to the walls. Pride of place goes to stunning watercolours by Kara Rose of Tuftluck Studio which depict equestrian themes – not surprising as Jodie has been a keen rider for decades.
After opting to keep themselves in the dark about their baby’s gender, the whole family were caught by surprise with Sadie’s arrival. “Although the boys had us plagued with “we just want a sister” chants, I was convinced I was having a boy! I’m thrilled that they’re both mad about her, especially Noah who is obsessed. The two of them couldn’t wait to help build her cot with us this week.
Jodie said she couldn't be happier with the transformation her paint choices have brought to the room
Is she excited for Sadie to move into her new room? “I’m not a bit excited,” she half jokes with a groan. “I don’t ever want her to leave my bed ... I’m still getting used to having this gorgeous girl! But when the time come, I know she’ll love it. It’s my favourite room to walk into now.
Explore the full range of colours and recommended colour schemes on the Dulux Heritage website duluxheritage.ie
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