Designer Jim Dixon discusses his renovated Kenmare cottage

Luxury interior designer Jim Dixon, a senior figure at Winch Design, has spoken about his 19th‑century cottage in Kenmare, which he and his wife Nuala renovated a decade ago.

The property, known as Donnelly Cottage, was originally built in 1842 as a schoolmaster’s residence. Dixon says the three‑bedroom house required extensive TLC and “practically rebuild[ed] a lot of it”, but remains “very modest” and retains a natural Irish colour palette that reflects its location.

According to Dixon, the cottage is “barely bigger than it would have been when originally built” and serves as a welcoming home for friends, family and neighbours. The couple also own a second property a mile away, underscoring their commitment to the area after many holidays in Mayo.

Dixon, who splits his time between the Kenmare cottage and a London home near Winch Design’s Putney headquarters, highlighted that “a home can be anywhere; it can be a house on the ground or a skyrocket”. He will present his cross‑disciplinary design insights at Design Kenmare, taking place 13‑16 November.

Winch Design, founded in 1986, now employs about 150 staff and creates bespoke interiors for superyachts, private jets and residential projects worldwide.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: PROSPER MBEMBA KOUTIHOU / Pexels.