'Igloo' apartment is cool but not cold

Architect Colm Dunphy has used so much white in his Ashtown apartment that his friends dub it the 'igloo' , writes Eoin Lyons

A two-bedroom apartment of average size might not sound like the most inspiring abode, but architect Colm Dunphy has given one such place, in Ashtown, Dublin 15, subtle changes that take it out of the ordinary.

Dunphy bought the apartment last year as a home. Stepping into an entrance hall blanketed with white marmoleum shot with flashes of grey that continues into the livingroom beyond, you feel enveloped and soothed by an almost all-white palette.

"I like to watch people's faces as they enter for the first time," says Dunphy.

"It's quite different from the decorating formula that's in almost every interiors book or magazine."

One friend has taken to calling it "the igloo". The advantages are obvious: "White acts like a magnifying glass in a small space and allows you to empty your mind after the business of the day."

Apart from the colour scheme, he also made a few tweaks to the layout, opening up a storage cupboard to the kitchen and taking down a small dividing wall between the kitchen and living area.

The apartment is neither cold, stark or boring: three accusations usually levelled at white interiors.

Lighting plays a big role in creating warmth as do colourful accessories that are changed frequently.

The result is a fine example of how to live successfully in a small apartment. Take things back; refining; put two things in and take one away.

Hallway

"The hallway feels like a room not a long corridor," says Dunphy. This is mostly due to a recess created by closing up a door that opened to a tiny storage cupboard. Into the recess he hung a long mirror lit by concealed bulbs. The effect is a feature that gives the room atmospheric light and an extra feeling of space. The flooring here, as throughout the apartment, is marmoleum. This material is hard-wearing, soft underfoot and easy to clean.

In a small apartment, it's best to use the same flooring throughout. "I chose it because I wanted to look outside the box and see what else could be done and to choose flooring other than wood."

Living

The main feature in the living area is an L-shaped recess that was cut from the stud partition wall. A strip light draws emphasis to the shape. "I started with this and everything else followed. Just one thing like this can give a room individuality and life. This is the focal point of the room, rather than a television."

Lighting is an integral part of the room. There are many light sources, combinations of which can be used to create different atmospheres. Sliding doors open to a large balcony. Each apartment in the block has one. "Part of reason for going for white was because of the large overhang from the balcony of the apartment above. It blocks out quite a bit of sunlight so I wanted to create something bright and light inside."

Kitchen

The kitchen is at the back of the main living area. It was made larger by opening up a storage cupboard (the doorway to the hall was closed up and now holds the lit mirror).

"I thought the best way to use space was to remove the wall that divided the storage cupboard from the livingroom. Now the kitchen is longer and open to the room."

The units are white but the splash-back and countertop is a very dark wood-effect laminate.

"The dark contrast with the rest of the room gives the kitchen some definition."

Press and release catches have been used instead of handles on unit doors.

Low shelves in the same veneer as the countertop create an open division between kitchen and living space.

Bedroom

"There's not a lot in the bedrooms because I think the focus of an apartment like this should be on the living space," says Dunphy.

The furniture that is there was bought at Living and Mobilia, two shops Dunphy reckons are particularly good for neat furniture, suitable for apartments, but at fairly reasonable prices. Colour is brought to the rooms with smaller items.

"I don't think a room should have permanent colour. It's nice to be able to change the colour in a room according to the weather, time of year or your mood. You can do that through small things such as rugs, bed linen, vases or whatever."

Colm Dunphy is at colmjdunphy@gmail.com