Cecelia Ahern: 'I live in the same village where I was born and bred'
My Happy Home: Irish novelist Cecelia Ahern talks to House Beautiful about living in her childhood village, swapping scent secrets with Jo Malone, and a downstairs toilet inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Cecelia studied journalism and media communications at Griffith College in Dublin but withdrew from a master's degree course to pursue writing.
Her debut novel, PS I Love You, was adapted into an award-winning film starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. Cecelia also wrote the book, Where Rainbows End, which was also adapted into the film Love, Rosie in November 2004 starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin.
Cecelia's books have sold 25 million copies internationally and are published in over 40 countries and in 30 languages.
As well as writing, Cecelia has created, produced, and co-written the original TV series, US ABC Comedy Samantha Who?
Cecilia lives in Ireland with her husband David and their three children.
What makes you happiest at home?
CA: I live in Malahide, the seaside village in Ireland where I was born and bred. My kids go to the same school I went to and some of the teachers are still there. It's such a lovely place to raise kids. We live in a dormer bungalow, which we've recently renovated.
The thing that makes me happiest at home is a hanging egg chair my mum got me for my 40th birthday. I love sitting in it in the garden with a cup of tea and a book or just floating and looking at the trees.
What is your favourite room in the house?
CA: My favourite room in the house is the under-the-stairs toilet. It's such a small space and because the rest of the house is very light, plain and simple, I decided to have fun in there.
We've used an Alice in Wonderland wallpaper in Rose Pink, designed by Arts and Crafts artist CFA Voysey. I absolutely love Alice in Wonderland – more as an adult than as a child. I've a little bookshelf in there, an Alice's Adventures in Wonderland book and teapot, and a huge clock like the white rabbit's one.
What would we find on your bedside table?
CA: On my bedside table I have nothing but a Louise Kennedy glass lamp that I bought for my very first house. I'm keeping it forever.
What's the best home bargain you've ever snapped up?
CA: My big white Ikea desk. It moves up and down so I can sit and stand to work. I use it every day, so for the small amount I spent, it's served me well!
And what's your biggest extravagance?
CA: Our renovation — it was a big investment — and making it more environmentally friendly. We've had solar panels installed and an air-to-water heating system. It's supposed to be a very sustainable house.
Describe your decorating style
CA: My decorating style is like the Firmdale hotels, which are stunning. I've gone for similar pale walls, with pops of colour from quirky chairs. It's not a magazine house, but it is a home.
Have you ever had a decorating disaster?
CA: I'm really bad with measurements and have no concept of space. Last year, I ordered a cool Danish dining room table that took up the entire room. We ended up giving it to someone who had just moved, so it went to a good home.
Do you collect anything?
CA: I love to collect quirky art. One of my favourites is a piece by Eoin O'Connor called Tongue in Cheek, which is a close-up of two cows in a field. I also have bronze sculptures by a friend of mine called Orla de Bri.
Describe the view outside your window
CA: Lots of mature trees in my garden. It has a countryside feel, a lot of rabbits, foxes and badgers.
What would you buy as a housewarming gift?
CA: Jo Malone candles. I light a Lime, Basil and Mandarin candle every time I'm writing. I met Jo a couple of years ago and when I told her, she explained the power of scent and how I'm triggering my creative mind.
What is your dinner party aesthetic?
CA: I'm a candle girl – I'll have lots of them on the table, especially at Christmas, so I set the food up on the kitchen island and everyone helps themselves. While I love looking at fancy tables, there's usually no room for anything other than everyone's plates and glasses!
Where do you shop for the best homeware?
CA: My favourite homeware store is Woodie's in Ireland. It sells all the Tupperware you can imagine, garden and home furnishings, lights and pillows. I could get lost in there for a couple of hours.
What is your favourite object from your travels?
CA: A piece of zaka art from Soufriere in St Lucia. It's a long painted wooden carving of a face.
Describe your perfect Sunday...
CA: Having lunch with my parents. Mostly it's my mum who cooks, sometimes me. We live in the same village and on Sundays my kids and their cousins put on shows. It's lovely.
This or that with Cecelia Ahern...
Eat to live or live to eat? Live to eat. Unfortunately!
Quick shower or relaxing bath? A shower because of time.
TV in the kitchen? Yes.
Entertain or be entertained? Be entertained.
Gadget guru or technophobe? Technophobe.
Get someone in or DIY? We've had interior designers before but now do it ourselves.
Hoarder or declutterer? Declutterer.
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