Operation renovation: ‘The fact we have white upholstered furniture and some precious furnishings has become a little joke in our family, being the gay couple with no kids’

The budget-busting transformation of this former farmhouse in Co Waterford offers a slice of Danish style with plenty of modern twists, including a clever glass walkway Craig Dee and Matthew O'Rourke in the kitchen/living room of their revamped cottage in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford. Photo: Patrick Browne The Danes and the Irish have quite a lot in common. Two countries with approximately the same population size, with a seafaring culture and a strong tradition of woodworking and a climate that promotes cosy living, not to mention their love for butter and bacon.

When it comes to design, Ireland has been leaning into the functional and elegant aspects of Nordic design with a desire to be both stylish and sustainable — Ikea’s easily digestible design testament to its international influence. Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.