For months, my boyfriend had been hinting about a big surprise dropping around my birthday. Not knowing was driving me crazy and I spent weeks begging for clues! Finally, he gave me a doozy of a hint by humming the theme of Game of Thrones (which, as most GoT fans know, was shot in Ireland). When I guessed the birthday surprise was a trip, his face gave it away: we were going to The Emerald Isle!
Hands down, Ireland is the most breathtaking country I’ve ever experienced. So much natural beauty to see in the endless rolling hills, lush green valleys and majestic oceanside cliffs – visually, it’s almost too much to take in. The never-ending, winding roads led us to the most magical places – including this 300-year old castle (yes, a CASTLE!) we stayed at.
If these walls could talk! Historic Castle Leslie (where we stayed on my actual birthday) had the most ornate architecture I’ve ever seen.
Everywhere we went, the scenery left me awestruck – not only the picturesque vistas, but the vivid, Celtic colour scheme. Imagine hillsides covered in a thick carpet of the greenest-green grass against a backdrop of azure sky and turquoise sea. Sigh. From a purely design point of view, Ireland is a gorgeous study in contrasts, from the warmth of the countryside and to the crisp coolness of the surf pounding the rugged coastline.
Although it all feels like anaisling (translated from Irish means “dream”), Ireland will forever have a special place in my croí(“heart”). Inspired by our trip, I put together this Benjamin Moore colour palette of subtle, soft calming earth tones designed to take us back to Ireland anytime we want to go – without a passport!
These spectacular hues are perfect for creating a space that says fáilte (“welcome”) to our home, whether on the walls or on accent furniture, kitchen cabinets, walls or small decorative touches.
Featured Colours (left to right): 567 Balsam, CC-610 Tea Light, 2134-20 Midsummer Night, and CC-90 Natural Linen
Featured Colours (left to right): 2130-50 New Hope Gray, 875 Blue Veil, CC-780 Kensington Blue, and 2124-10 Wrought Iron
Featured Colours (left to right): Sienna Clay, CC- 2 Raphael, 2152-40 Golden Tan, and 968 Dune White
Featured Colours (left to right): CC-680 Raindance, 2112-70 American White, 2139-60 Green Tint, and 433 Forest Hills Green
Sudbury, where should I go next? If you have ideas of places I can find interior design inspiration and do some trendspotting, please let me know by leaving comment below.
