Houzz Tour: Vintage Finds and Period Details in Northern Ireland
A couple make a Victorian house their own with upcycled pieces, salvaged materials and thoughtful restoration
When the asking price was reduced on this large Victorian house in Northern Ireland, it didn’t take long for Jill O’Neill and Justin Lowry to put in an offer. “We’d seen it four months before, but it was too pricey,” O’Neill says. “Then it came down in price and we visited again. After that we were smitten!”
The house, which had had just three previous owners, was in pretty sound condition and had a generous-size yard. And much of the work that needed to be done was cosmetic rather than a complete overhaul. “The house was well cared for, but the work was just not to our standard,” O’Neill says.
The house, which had had just three previous owners, was in pretty sound condition and had a generous-size yard. And much of the work that needed to be done was cosmetic rather than a complete overhaul. “The house was well cared for, but the work was just not to our standard,” O’Neill says.
Working together running their salvage and design company means there’s no such thing as a totally completed project for this creative couple. “We were still working on the house when we moved in. In fact, we still are,” O’Neill says. “There’s always something to do!”
The couple are both mad about salvage, upcycling and renovating old houses. “We wanted the house to feel updated but to have a nod to tradition,” says O’Neill, who also owns ReFound, a company that works with artists to upcycle old pieces. “Some people think it’s a bit out there, but it’s a really comfy and workable home with lots of interesting trinkets and character.”
Herbert Terry Anglepoise lamp, Persian rug, Globe-Wernicke bookcase: On the Square Emporium; Parker Knoll chair and copper-topped table: ReFound
The couple are both mad about salvage, upcycling and renovating old houses. “We wanted the house to feel updated but to have a nod to tradition,” says O’Neill, who also owns ReFound, a company that works with artists to upcycle old pieces. “Some people think it’s a bit out there, but it’s a really comfy and workable home with lots of interesting trinkets and character.”
Herbert Terry Anglepoise lamp, Persian rug, Globe-Wernicke bookcase: On the Square Emporium; Parker Knoll chair and copper-topped table: ReFound
Knocking down a wall between two rooms offered the opportunity to create one large open-plan kitchen and living space. Tackling the living room end was largely a redecoration job. The couple covered the ceiling in wallpaper, masking the fact that it was in poor condition. “It probably could have done with being replastered,” O’Neill says, “but we’re really happy with the wallpaper feature.”
Ceiling wallpaper: Zoffany at Atelier Design
Ceiling wallpaper: Zoffany at Atelier Design
One of the most important jobs they faced was the fireplaces. After discovering that one of the ground-floor ones was damaged, they decided to swap the fireplaces in the living room and dining space.
“It was a big job, as we had to replace the flues,” O’Neill says. “It was also difficult finding the right guy for the job.” Fortunately, the renovation was successful and both fireplaces have been gloriously restored. Finishing them off with slate hearths added a contemporary touch.
Wall color: Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball
Find Your Fireplace Style
“It was a big job, as we had to replace the flues,” O’Neill says. “It was also difficult finding the right guy for the job.” Fortunately, the renovation was successful and both fireplaces have been gloriously restored. Finishing them off with slate hearths added a contemporary touch.
Wall color: Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball
Find Your Fireplace Style
Most of the kitchen features salvaged materials, including the wood for the shelving on either side of the sink and the wooden breakfast bar. Large gray ceramic floor tiles increase the sense of space, while the reconditioned Aga range adds a cozy note.
Ercol table and chairs, stools, farm sink, vintage lighting: On the Square Emporium
Ercol table and chairs, stools, farm sink, vintage lighting: On the Square Emporium
The couple had the cabinets crafted to their design from softwood, then added a granite countertop. “I like the reclaimed look,” O’Neill says. “It has a touch of industrial style, and the wood has been treated with a soft gray wash, which gives it a bit of warmth.”
A vintage haberdashery cabinet fits neatly under the stairs, making good use of the available space by holding the family’s kitchen essentials. “We built the wall around it,” O’Neill says.
Working on the house project never gets boring for the couple, who are avid collectors. “We’ve recently added a library and a smoking room decorated in shades of deep red,” O’Neill says.
There’s a feeling of drama in the dining room, painted a deep shade of blue. The table, which was made from an industrial sewing machine, was upcycled in Refound’s workshop, while the large mirror was a gift from O’Neill’s sister, who owns a restaurant in Belfast. “The chairs are old cafe chairs and we never intended to keep them. We’ll replace them eventually,” O’Neill says.
Woodwork color: Harbour Grey, Zoffany; Metalline wallpaper: Tektura at Lee Austin Design
Woodwork color: Harbour Grey, Zoffany; Metalline wallpaper: Tektura at Lee Austin Design
Lowry discovered this chest, which sits in a den next to the dining room.
Harvey, the couple’s 2½-year-old son, is about to move into a new room, which will feature an old school blackboard. “My husband hates repro,” O’Neill says, “so if it’s not old, we don’t get it.”
These doors, which lead to a powder room, came from an old telephone booth salvaged from the Stormont Estate — Northern Ireland’s Parliament buildings.
Running an auction house and salvage yard means a lot of stock inevitably ends up creeping into the couple’s home, where they move it around and switch it back into the store as they get tired of pieces.
“It’s a disaster!” O’Neill says with a hoot of laughter. “We also have lots of outhouses, which are currently full of taxidermy. There’s a lot more in the house than I would like, and at some point I’m going to have to say no!”
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“It’s a disaster!” O’Neill says with a hoot of laughter. “We also have lots of outhouses, which are currently full of taxidermy. There’s a lot more in the house than I would like, and at some point I’m going to have to say no!”
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jill O’Neill, husband Justin Lowry and their young son, Harvey
Location: Helen’s Bay, County Down, Northern Ireland
Size: Five bedrooms, three bathrooms
O’Neill and Lowry, who got married last year, bought this house a week before their son, Harvey, was born. “It was a pretty hectic few months,” O’Neill says. “The previous owners had been living here for 40 years and we had to do a fair bit of work on the chimneys, wiring and windows.”
The couple, who run On the Square Emporium, an auction house and salvage yard in Belfast, were attracted to the generous proportions of the house, which is known locally as Rust Hall. “We loved the feel of it,” O’Neill says. “It was so welcoming and obviously a lovely family home. The couple before us were just so sweet too. It’s also where Justin grew up, so we knew what the area was like.”
One of the first spaces they tackled was the beautiful hallway, complete with original stained-glass windows, which needed little work apart from some repainting. When they ripped up the carpet, they were thrilled to discover parquet flooring beneath. “It was such a great find,” O’Neill says.
Wall color: Wedgewood Blue, Zoffany