Sometimes the best design projects aren’t about starting from scratch; they’re about taking something technically perfect and breathing soul into it. That’s exactly what Edit Design Studio accomplished in their “From Showhouse to Soulful Home” project, situated in the picturesque landscape of Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland. This stunning residential transformation showcases how thoughtful design intervention can completely reimagine a space’s emotional resonance without compromising its architectural excellence.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Kerry’s mountains and coastline, this home presented Edit Design Studio with a unique challenge: transforming a beautifully constructed but emotionally distant showhouse into a genuine space that reflects its owner’s personality and passions. The project would ultimately become a masterclass in sophisticated transformation, featuring carefully selected pieces, including our versatile Edward Sofa and elegant Henry Bench – furniture that would prove essential to creating the perfect balance between refined aesthetics and comfortable daily living.
The Challenge: from impressive to inviting
When Edit Design Studio first walked through this property, they encountered a familiar dilemma. The home boasted impeccable architectural integrity and high-end finishes. Still, its existing palette of dark greys, graphite and black created an atmosphere that felt more like a luxury hotel than a place where someone actually lived. Beautiful? Absolutely. But it lacked the warmth and character that transform a house into a true home.
“The bones were fantastic,” explains the team at Edit Design Studio. “But the space felt anonymous. Our goal was to maintain that sophisticated foundation while introducing personality, warmth, and functionality that would support the homeowner’s actual lifestyle.”
The Recipe: balancing sophistication with soul
What makes this project particularly compelling is how Edit Design Studio approached each room with a clear understanding of how their client actually lives. Rather than imposing a singular design vision, they created a recipe that could be adapted to different functions while maintaining visual coherence throughout the home.
High-quality pieces that work overtime
At the heart of their approach was selecting furniture that could anchor each space while offering the flexibility to evolve with the homeowner’s needs. Enter two heroes of this project: our Edward Sofa and Henry Bench – pieces that exemplify the studio’s philosophy of investing in high-quality foundations that deliver beauty and functionality.
Edward Sofa
The Edward Sofa’s modular system proved perfect for the transformed living spaces. Its minimalist design and generous proportions provided the visual weight needed to ground the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, while its compositional adaptability meant it could be configured to encourage intimate conversations and larger gatherings. The sofa’s clean lines maintained the home’s sophisticated edge, while its plush comfort invited actual daily use.
This project has two modules and an accessory of our Edward Sofa – ED90.CLF.D + ED120.BG.E + ED.HR – upholstered in Provence Midnight.
Henry Bench
Meanwhile, our Henry Bench became the studio’s secret weapon for adding functionality without sacrificing style. With its removable cushion and refined materials, it seamlessly transitioned between roles – providing extra seating in the living area, serving as a stylish end-of-bed piece in the master bedroom or offering a practical perch in the newly created walk-in dressing room.
This project has the size L of our Henry Bench, upholstered in Galway Taupe and the legs are in Tabac Ash.
Building personality
With these anchoring pieces in place, Edit Design Studio built layers of personality throughout the home. The rarely used formal living room was reimagined as a gentleman’s study and den – a bright, multifunctional space that celebrates the homeowner’s interests in cars, cycling and mountaineering through carefully curated artwork and thoughtful display of personal collections.
The master bedroom transformation shows the studio’s sophisticated understanding of colour psychology. They embraced a rich, cocooning palette that feels masculine and restful, creating a true retreat from daily demands. The adjacent former study became a dedicated walk-in dressing room, proving that luxury isn’t about square footage – it’s about thoughtful functionality.
The finished project achieves that elusive balance between sophistication and liveability. The Edward Sofa and Henry Bench prove their worth daily, providing the comfort and functionality the homeowner needs while maintaining the refined aesthetic he values. More importantly, the home now tells his story – from the carefully displayed cycling memorabilia to the cosy reading nook that actually gets used.
Sometimes the most impressive design work is about creating spaces that make their inhabitants feel genuinely at home, day after day. In that regard, Edit Design Studio’s recipe is absolutely worth following.
Ready to create your own sophisticated daily living spaces? Explore Domkapa’s collection to discover furniture that works as hard as it looks good.
Featured Image: Edit Design Studio | Visual Feast
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