Laura Magee, the powerhouse behind Instagram’s @deco.dwelling, gives us a tour around her bright Belfast home.
Words: Nikki Walsh | Photography: Elyse Kennedy
Homeowner: Laura Magee, a fashion buyer from Belfast who also runs the Instagram account, Deco Dwelling.
The house: Three-story redbrick Victorian house in the leafy Belfast Ballyhackamore suburb.
It’s five years since Laura Magee’s three-storey Victorian home appeared on the pages of House and Home magazine, and since then it’s had a serious makeover. Why? “Necessity,” says Laura. “We had issues with the plaster. The ceiling fell down in the hallway. When it fell it sounded like a car had driven into the house!” She patched it up, only for it to fall again. When new cracks appeared, she knew it was time to get the builders in. The to-do list was long – alongside remodelling the kitchen and bathroom, she wanted to install double glazing, add storage, revisit the colour schemes, and switch from oil to gas.
What advice does she have for anyone embarking on a renovation? “Have a priority list and be willing to compromise. There are so many things to consider. Budgets will stretch. Time will stretch. Sometimes you won’t know what’s achievable until the builders are in, so it’s important to always have a plan b. If you have an idea and you really want it to work, be persistent with tradesmen. Push where your ideas are achievable. And shop around. And be prepared to be stressed out.” She laughs. “Drink wine.”
To take the full house tour, check out the November/December 2024 issue of House and Home. But if you can't get to the shops right now, why not buy a copy via our app? Find all the details on how to download it to your device here.
For more beautiful real homes, top gift ideas and Christmas inspiration, then look no further than the latest House and Home magazine. Out now! And don't forget to check in with the team on Instagram too @houseandhomemagazine.
