Arlene Costello shares the design elements she used to create a luxurious hallway in her home, with the help of Fleetwood Paints
Curator of fashion, lifestyle and interiors Instagram account @thestyleflamingos, Arlene Costello regularly posts updates on her stunning self-build in Co Kildare. Here she shares how she achieved her nature-inspired hall and landing area using Fleetwood Paints.
Hi Arlene! Tell us about you and what you do…
Originally, I studied and worked in the area of law and completed my entrance exams to become a barrister and a solicitor before I had my children. I have always adored style in both my home and fashion, so I created my Instagram to document all the things I am passionate about. I am a Mammy to two girls, Isabelle and Juliana, and I love that I can blend motherhood and digital content creation in the way that I do. Working with a brand like Fleetwood has been a dream come true – seeing our recent hall and landing transformation come to life has been amazing.
How would you describe your home?
It’s very traditional, with features like sash windows and double carriage stairs. As our interior decorating evolves, I want to create a timeless and elegant feel – Georgian-style homes are my inspiration.
You often document the makeovers you’ve given rooms in your home; what advice do you have for someone who wants to get started on a transformation project?
My audience love a good transformation and I love sharing them! I would advise to get your inspiration first from Instagram or Pinterest. Have a vision of what you want. You can have a big transformation in a room by adding some fresh accessories from brands like JYSK or Grove Home so you don’t always have to undertake a large project. In terms of paint, the Fleetwood team are excellent for giving their expert advice on colours. A top tip I have for painting projects is to bring home lots of samples for every room as different lights really affect the shade.
One area in particular that you worked on recently was your hallway and landing, which looks so elegant. What was your overall vision for it?
Thank you. I think the hall and landing is one of my favourite areas in the house now. I knew I wanted to add a feeling of nature and calm in the space so a green shade seemed like the perfect option. My entrance and staircase are quite a focus when you arrive into the house so my overall vision was to feel a sense of luxury and timelessness and I think the ‘Monet Dark’ shade has helped us to achieve that.
Tell us more about this shade used in the hallway, and why you opted for it?
Angelina from Avenue One Design sourced the wallpaper for me and gave me the tip of using the beautiful ‘Monet Dark’ from the Fleetwood Vogue Collection. It is such a stunning tranquil shade that I just can’t stop looking at. The Monet range is just so classic and timeless. It always receives so many compliments on Instagram. The whole range of Monet colours are so beautiful, but I feel Monet Dark has made our hall and landing come alive.
You also painted the outside of your home using Fleetwood…
Yes, we used Fleetwood’s ‘Warm Stone’ on the exterior of our home and love the light, airy but warm tone of the shade. We also used ‘Bofin Fern’ from the Vogue Collection on our front door which is a beautiful rich green shade. I might be just a little obsessed with green!
You style your home so beautifully with little touches. Where are your favourite places to shop interiors, and do you have any Irish shops/brands in particular that you like?
Aw, thank you so much. I love styling my home and making it feel cosy – it’s my happy place! I absolutely love Grove Home, Arboretum Home & Garden, Tipperary Crystal and Carraig Donn. They all do so many amazing accessories for the house and it’s so nice to shop Irish, too. My console table was bespoke-made by the talented Tony from Doyle Designs and we just love it. My most-asked question is about my baskets; they are from Dunnes Stores which is another great place to shop for the home and garden.
Finally, you mention that you have lots of exciting plans in the works for 2023. Can you share any of the plans you have in mind for your home?
I have so many lists as we are only six years in the house, and as anyone with a self-build home will know, it’s a huge work-in-progress. This year we are planning a kitchen makeover so fresh paint will be everywhere. It may involve some green shades! We are also hoping to complete our entrance pillars and finally complete our main bathroom. I would like to freshen up some bedroom paints too and we will definitely be using Fleetwood paints in our projects.
To find your nearest Fleetwood Prestige stockist, visit fleetwood.ie. Fleetwood Prestige is exclusive to the Vogue, Ventura and Pantone Colour Collections, and any colour can be mixed into Fleetwood Prestige.
