This corner of a living room that houses the family piano was the ideal setting for a musical themed fantasy 'vine'. The tree chosen is the Rowan or Mountain Ash, full of Irish symbolism, and each of the elements in the design has its purpose/message. The Rowan is said to represent poetic inspiration, is a tree of life and said to be a guardian of the home. The swans are classic Irish birds, and in their famous myth, The Children of Lir, had exquisite singing voices. The salmon, in his well-loved myth, gave the wisdom of the world and the gift of poetry. The instruments shown are two of the most loved by traditional musicians, and the music is opening and closing phrases of a traditional Irish air.
This doorway is given unexpected exotic residents with a pair of peacocks.
The wall above a fireplace is given a new dimension with this unusual 'view through a hole in the wall' of Powerscourt lake and the Sugar Loaf mountain in Wicklow, Ireland. The oak leaf and acorn trail surround is populated by the animals and birds most typical of the area.
In
this living-room, the family piano has been turned so that the musician can face
out into the room (the piano's sound was enahnced by not being against the wall
as well!), so to fill in the back of the upright structure, which is normally
not 'dressed', a panel decorated with musical instruments painted 'en grisaille'
made the perfect finishing touch. The motifs are based on Dublin eighteenth century
plasterwork examples.
Jungle dining room - This fantasy tropical decoration was created for the dining corner of a tiny townhouse, for a client with a love of bright colours, and greens in particular. It features real species of flora, hummingbirds and butterflies, and to her delight, the client has a list of all the species illustrated.
In the same townhouse, the small, windowless kitchen corner is brought to life by an illusion arched opening, overlooking a view of the coast of Morocco.
