Vicki Faller welcomes us into her home, Elibank House, in Castlemartyr, Co Cork
When envisioning your dream home, what was it that you wanted to create?
We always dreamed of building a home that would make us smile from the moment we arrived — from the garden and drive to the front door and every room beyond. Every detail holds meaning for us; it’s where we truly relax and spend time with the people we love most. In terms of style, I often describe it as a bit of a mullet: a classic, formal Neo-Georgian front, but at the back it’s all about fun and flow, with large panels of glazing and big sliders that blur the lines between house and garden.
Where do you look to for interiors inspiration?
Having lived in Edinburgh for many years, I’ve always been drawn to homes that stand the test of time. Those beautiful period properties with character, symmetry and soul but I also love blending them with modern form and function. Inspiration now comes from everywhere: from boutique hotels to hidden streets when I go travelling; to magazines and books. I’ve been obsessed since I was little, squirrelling away my mum’s old magazines under my bed and poring over every page. Even now, nothing excites me more than seeing a room layered with beautiful fabrics, unexpected materials and clever use of colour. Real homes are my ultimate source of inspiration – seeing how people actually live in their spaces always sparks ideas.
What shops do you like to buy from?
I’m always picking up little pieces here and there, no room at Elibank House ever feels completely finished! Over the years, I’ve discovered so many wonderful Irish suppliers and stores. CA Design is brilliant for statement furniture and finishing touches. Interiosity is perfect for unique finds and accessories. And Pod Furniture has some gorgeous contemporary pieces. I love EZ Living Interiors for practical but stylish buys that work beautifully for family life, and The Victorian Company and the 1930 Furniture Company are my favourites for heritage-inspired styles. And then there are the smaller makers I adore, like McCrafts — two incredibly talented women who create stunning handmade interior bows; one proudly sits on my front door and makes me smile every time I come home.
You’re also a fan of Irish paint brand, Fleetwood?
Yes, Fleetwood Paints has been part of Elibank House from the very beginning. We started using them during the build because their trade centre in Cork is fantastic. I could walk in with any inspiration image or fabric sample and they’d colour-match it perfectly every single time. That accuracy was so important when we were finalising our palette, and Fleetwood made the process effortless. As the interiors progressed, I really leaned on their expertise, not just for colour, but for advice on the right finishes and products for different rooms and surfaces. Their support and knowledge have been invaluable throughout the entire journey. I also love their curated collections, especially the Prestige by Fleetwood paint range which offers such a stunning spectrum of shades. Fleetwood gave me the confidence to choose colours that feel timeless but also reflect our personality, helping us layer character and warmth into every corner of the house.
Tell us about the shades of paint you’ve used from Fleetwood in your home?
I’ve always gravitated towards a subtle, calming colour palette: soft whites, earthy tones and relaxing neutrals which flow throughout most of Elibank House. I also love to have fun in certain rooms, especially the kids’ spaces, where bolder shades bring so much personality and energy. Our biggest paint project to date was painting the full exterior of the house. After three years of mulling over samples, we finally committed to Fleetwood Atelier White and it was the best decision we made. It’s a beautifully soft, timeless white that instantly elevated the whole façade and it was mixed into their exterior paint Fleetwood Weather Guard .
You’ve taken on some smaller projects, too?
Yes, one of my favourites was upcycling our bedside lockers with Fleetwood Rothko Red, a bold, rich tone that completely transformed the pieces and added such warmth to the room. Over time, I’m excited to build on our palette with more personal touches, curiosities and artwork to make every space truly reflective of us as a family. Also, last year, we added colourful window surrounds in Mocha Cream (Eggshell), and I still smile at our handiwork every time I see them. There’s something so rewarding about those smaller, hands-on projects, especially after the intensity of a full build. We also colour-dipped my son’s bedroom in Wynwood Blue – with the whole crew “helping” and it’s still one of the kids’ favourite memories.
What are some other top painting tips you’ve learned along the way?
Prep, prep, prep – it makes all the difference. Getting the surface right before you even open a tin of paint is key to achieving a flawless finish. I’d also say don’t be afraid to be brave. Paint samples almost always look darker on the swatch than they do on the walls, so if you love a shade, trust your instincts and go for it. And remember — it’s only paint. If it doesn’t work, you can always change it. One trick I swear by is painting a canvas or large board instead of the wall; you can move it around the room and see how the colour reacts to light at different times of day. Finally, lean on the experts. Fleetwood’s paint consultants were incredible throughout our build. They also host fantastic pop-up colour consultations, so it’s worth following them on Instagram to find out when the next ones are happening. It’s such a great way to get expert advice and fresh inspiration.
What’s next in the house?
There’s always a wish list! We’ve got a projector room that’s been very much my husband’s pet project over the past few years, and we’re finally at the exciting stage of starting the interiors. I’m planning a full colour drench in there using our deepest, boldest shade yet to create a really cosy, cinematic feel. This winter, we’re also hoping to tackle some wall panelling, which means plenty more painting ahead and I already have my eye on a few of Fleetwood’s richer tones to add depth and contrast. I love the idea of layering moodier shades in certain pockets of the house while keeping the main spaces soft and neutral, so the home slowly unfolds as you move through it.
