Dressing Clonash House - Ashling’s Made‑to‑Measure Story
Neonatal nurse Ashling shares her self‑build journey on Instagram under the name @clonash_house. She and her husband Martin, along with their two children, moved into their home two years ago. As with many self‑builds, the process didn’t stop at the move‑in date. Clonash House is still evolving. Ashling describes it as “a work in progress”, one they’ve been chipping away at over time, tackling each space with care and intention.
Ashling’s approach to interiors reflects both her personal style and the reality of a busy life. Working full‑time while building and settling into a new home meant she and Martin needed a plan that felt manageable. “We planned and designed our home room by room,” she says. That step‑by‑step mindset made the process feel less overwhelming.
The couple were originally drawn to “bright, spacious areas” and clean, contemporary lines. But Ashling also has a soft spot for more traditional elements. Rather than pick one lane, they chose to mix the two styles. The result is a home that combines modern functionality with warm, classic features, each room intentionally curated and designed to work long‑term.
The main bathroom at Clonash House features dove grey panelled walls, a large mirror and marble‑look tiles — all rich in texture and detail. For the window, Ashling chose the Linen Look White fabric for this Roman Blind, which was fitted inside the window reveal for a neat, flush appearance.
“There’s a lot going on with the panelling, the large mirror and the tiles,” she explains. “So, I kept it simple.” The linen‑look fabric brightens the room without overpowering it, and its clean lines complement the bathroom’s structure. “I love the quality and the luxurious feel of the fabric. It adds a classic and timeless feel to the room.”
The utility room presented a different brief. Navy cabinetry defines the space, so Ashling selected our Blue Zen Stripe fabric for this Roman Blind to introduce a soft contrast. The blue tones in the blind echo the cabinetry while its light background ensures the room still feels open and bright.
Again, the blind was fitted into the window reveal. Ashling explains how this created a consistent look across rooms and kept the finish clean. “We went with a neutral paint colour to tie it all together,” she adds. “The blind itself has become a feature in the room.” For her, this fabric not only served a practical need but also added personality and balance.
Like many people managing a new home and a full‑time job, Ashling valued simplicity in the ordering process. “It’s such an easy process to work with Material World,” she says. She began by browsing the website to explore fabrics. Once she had decided on the ones that suited her space, she sent through her window measurements.
The blinds were delivered within a few weeks and were ready to install straight out of the box. “They are so easy to install, you can do it yourself,” she explains — a major bonus for anyone who prefers to manage their own home projects at their own pace.
After completing a few rooms and gaining experience with the made‑to‑measure process, Ashling offers a few tips for others considering new window treatments:
- Take your time. Live in your space before making decisions about window dressings.
- Don’t follow trends. Choose what suits your home and your lifestyle.
- Stick with your gut. Your home is personal — trust what feels right.
She is already planning the next room and looks forward to collaborating with Material World again.
Need window dressings of your own?
Call +353 (0)45 879 663 or visit us in‑store to learn about our made‑to‑measure Roman Blind service. We’d love to chat.
