We catch up with first-time self builder Clodagh McKenna who is the face behind Instagram account @clodaghs_countryside_home and is married to Stephen. The new family home which is located in Eskra, County Tyrone is filled with the joy from their two children Cassie (6) and Connor (2).

Clodagh decided to set up her Instagram account and share her beautiful new home when her beauty salon business was temporarily closed due to the initial government lockdown. Commenting on this Clodagh explained "being at home on a full-time basis was a big change and it gave me the time to not only enjoy my home more but to also add the finishing touches whilst sharing my proudest photos to help inspire others".

The House Design

The inspiration behind their new build home was based on the four years that the couple lived in Australia. Clodagh explained that they invested time in visiting show homes around Australia and due to their site extending to approximately 2 acres they knew they wanted an 'Acreage Style Bungalow' that benefits from a large footprint.

The build started in 2016, which was the same year Clodagh and Stephen got married. In 2018 the family proudly moved into their new home, just five weeks before their son Connor was born. Clodagh recalls how it was the most wonderful first Christmas sharing their new home with a newborn.

The Kitchen

The kitchen was Clodagh's main area of focus during the build as it's her family's main gathering area for everyday living. Locally they knew kitchen manufacturer Greenhill Kitchens was highly regarded as having a great reputation so they visited their showroom under the guidance of Frank from Greenhill Kitchens. Clodagh instantly fell in love with a kitchen featuring a large mirrored splashback and cooker surround. Unfortunately however their current self build layout had no feature wall to place this look against as all the windows were already fitted on all potential walls. To achieve the desired look the couple ended up building up and moving one of their windows.

The kitchen that they had designed and manufactured features shaker-style cabinetry with brushed steel handles and a large fitted island measuring 1200x2900. The family wanted a chic kitchen that had an air of simplicity and therefore went for a soft pavilion grey colour on the cabinetry with a darker downpipe for the island which made their Anthracite grey windows standout.

To add a touch of luxury they opted for a matt white Quartz worktop (LYSKAMM) which was complemented by large 750 x 750 Carrara marble floor tiles finished in matt white and supplied by local tiling store 'Tyrone Tiling' in Augher.

The kitchen was finished off with custom made blinds from local interior designer Sarah from Studio 8 Interior Design, Omagh and three mirrored pendants which were placed above the island to match in with the mirrored splash back and supplied by Castle Lighting Omagh.

You can view the pendants featured in this gorgeous home by clicking this link: Smokey Pendant with Chromed Glass which are available to purchase on our website or in-store at £70 per pendant.

The Master Bedroom

Clodagh's favourite room in her new home is the master bedroom which features a dressing room and large stone fireplace that runs all the way to the ceiling.

Their dressing room was also designed by Peter at Greenhill Kitchens and they opted for ivory cream cabinetry to keep it timeless. The bespoke mirrored doors are beautiful with large drawers and plenty of storage. Internal plugs and light sensors were installed inside the wardrobe to keep hair appliances tidy and allow the family to see their clothing with ease.

The Hallway

The entrance hallway is a truly elegant space with neutral colours. Local interior designer Sarah from Studio 8 designed the bespoke mirror and sourced the sideboard. Commenting on the hallway lighting Clodagh explained "We were recommend to visit Castle Lighting for luxury lighting pieces and that's exactly what we got. I picked a timeless chandelier that is a perfect match for the hallway mirror."

You can view the luxury chandelier featured in Clodagh's home on this link: Luxury 12 Light Crystal Droplet Chandelier which comes in either a Satin Silver or Antique Brass finish and is priced at £750.

The colour of the hallway is known as 'Purbeck Stone' and was chosen to complement the 'Carthwell Green' front door. The curtains are a goblet style from the Ashley Wilde Collection and are complemented by thick grey wooden pole. Both the curtains and poles were sourced by Sarah at Studio 8.

The Windows:

Clodagh went to Cassidy Windows in Dromore, Co. Tyrone for her windows and opted for triple glazing that feature a 'Anthracite Grey' frame inside and out. To complement the windows is grey bi-folding doors in the dining room which lead out to a roofed patio area.

Bi-folding doors supplied by Cassidy Windows

Clodagh's Insider Tips:

• If you were to rebuild your home would you do anything differently? I would have planted trees in the early stages of building.
• Have you any advice for those thinking of creating a new home? Try to enjoy the process of creating a new home and don't feel under pressure to get it finished as quickly as possible. Everyone has a different journey and you can't compare yours to anyone else's experience.
• What is your main source(s) of inspiration? I'm very inspired by Instagram accounts. I like to follow the journey of real home owners who are trying to create their dream home.
• Have you any top styling tips? Keep things simple and layer with touches that make the statement. This will help ensure your interiors don't date quickly and have timeless appeal.

Pictured is more of Clodagh's beautiful interiors.

Suppliers of Clodagh's New Build Home:

• Greenhill Kitchens
• Okane's Kitchens
• Cassidy Windows
• Tyrone Tiling
• Studio 8 Interior Design

Castle Lighting supplied the lighting featured above:

• Luxury 12 Light Chandelier priced at £750, click here: Luxury 12 Light Crystal Droplet Chandelier
• Chromed Glass Pendants priced at £70 each, click here: Smokey Pendant with Chromed Glass

So there you have it, a sneak peak into one of Tyrone's finest new build bungalow homes with top advice from Clodagh @clodaghs_countryside_home! Be sure to follow Clodagh on Instagram where you can stay up to date on her inspirational new home and top interior tips.