Sara Cosgrove On Her Ever-Evolving Conservatory

In our Staying In With column, we ask the experts of interior design to tell us about their ultimate night in. Here, we speak to interior designer Sara Cosgrove about her collected garden conservatory, beloved (12-year-old) sofa and why she believes the best homes are never really finished.

Staying In With Sara Cosgrove

Sara Cosgrove

What’s your favourite place to stay in, and why?

Without question, it’s my conservatory at home. It overlooks the garden and changes character throughout the day as the light moves across the space. I can watch my bird feeders, my favourite drama series! It’s decorated with collected objects, antiques, contemporary art, soft lighting and comfortable furniture to create a room that feels calm and lived in. It’s where I naturally gravitate at the start and end of every day.

Is this a space you like to host guests in, or wind down in?

Both. I love entertaining, but I equally value alone time. It’s a room that adapts effortlessly, whether it’s filled with friends over a glass of wine or completely silent with a cup of coffee and the papers on a Sunday morning.

How have you set it up? 

Comfort comes first, but not at the expense of style. I bought four beautiful chairs from The Store Yard in Laois several years ago that are the most comfortable dining chairs I’ve ever owned. You can sit in there for hours. Another big thing for me is the lighting – it’s all layered on dimmers. Every material invites you to touch it, from the waxed cotton on the chairs, to the timber veneer on the antique sideboard, to the patterned tiles and velvet side chairs. I always say a room should appeal to every sense, not just the eye. And in autumn and winter, I add candles and some string lights; it becomes somewhere you never want to leave.

Tell us about a ‘wow’ feature that you love to show off, or like to keep to yourself.

It’s the garden. It’s mature and has lots of magical spaces within it. It’s also unexpected: you can’t tell it’s there from the front of the house.

What was your best buy or investment for that space, and why?

Investing in timeless, well-made upholstery was absolutely worthwhile. I designed and had my beautifully crafted sofa made over 12 years ago. It is something we use every single day and I still love it. I’d always encourage people to buy fewer, better pieces that they’ll love for decades.

Is there anything on your wish list?

I’m always searching for exceptional antique pieces and art, particularly with an Irish provenance. I really want a piece by the artist Sean Molloy from the Molesworth Gallery. I’m also planning a full renovation of our home, so I’m enjoying collecting ideas and sourcing pieces slowly rather than rushing decisions.

What does the space say about your personal design style?

It reflects everything I believe about interiors. I’m not really a follower of trends. I prefer spaces that feel layered, tailored and quietly luxurious. Rich colours balanced with soft neutrals, natural materials, beautiful craftsmanship and meaningful objects create rooms with longevity.

Do you see the space changing or evolving much in the future?

Absolutely. I think the best homes are never really finished. They evolve as you do. I’ll continue refining it, introducing pieces collected through travel and work, and eventually completing the larger renovation we’ve planned. The character will remain the same – it will simply become an even better version of itself.

Do you prefer staying in or going out?

These days I’m much happier staying in. My perfect evening is cooking for family or friends, opening a great bottle of wine, lighting candles and lingering around the table long after dinner or doing a jigsaw. That said, I also love discovering beautifully designed hotels, bars and restaurants, The Libertine in Dublin is a new favorite as is Los Mochis in Notting Hill.

How do you live a life in balance? Is this reflected in your home at all?

Running a business means life can be incredibly busy, so home has become my haven. I consciously create spaces that encourage me to slow down, comfortable seating, soft lighting, natural textures and views of the garden. I believe our homes should restore us, not overstimulate us. That philosophy influences every project I design.

Anything else we should know?

For me, design has never been about creating beautiful rooms; it’s about improving how people live. I’ve loved creating special spaces since I was a kid. Whether I’m designing a family home, a luxury hotel or a residential development, the goal is always the same, to create places that people genuinely enjoy spending time in.

More From Sara

You can keep up with Sara Cosgrove over at saracosgrove.com and @saracosgrovestudio on Instagram.