Former Model and Businesswoman Transforms Dublin Home

A former model turned businesswoman, Tara Chetty, has renovated a three-bedroom mid-terrace period residence in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, blending her fashion sense with a desire for a warm and inviting family home. The property, located at 5 Parnell Avenue, is on the market for €725,000 through Team Castles (01) 4900 700.

From Catwalks to Bridal Boutique

Tara Chetty began her career as a model in the early 2000s, working internationally in London, Milan, and New York. Returning to Ireland in 2011, she transitioned into the business world, co-founding the bridal shop Suite in Rathmines, Dublin, with her sister Sarisha Chetty. Chetty’s background includes studies in economics and philosophy at University College Dublin (UCD), as well as a post-graduate degree in buying and merchandising from London.

Renovating a 1930s Dublin Home

Chetty and her husband, John O’Connor, purchased the 1,292 sq ft home in March 2023. Built around 1930, the house required significant renovation. The couple undertook extensive work, including rewiring, replumbing, and insulation. They reconfigured the downstairs layout by removing walls to create an open-plan sitting room, dining room, and kitchen. A single-story extension was rebuilt as a two-story addition, and the attic was renovated to add another bedroom.

Interior Design Influences

Chetty’s experience in fashion heavily influenced the interior design. She aimed for a clean, comfortable, and light-filled aesthetic, drawing inspiration from interiors seen during her travels to New York and Barcelona for bridal dress sourcing. Walls were painted white, and original wooden floorboards were restored. The color scheme throughout the house is primarily black and white, accented with beige and cream furnishings.

Kitchen Design

The kitchen design was inspired by the TV series For The Love of Kitchens, featuring DeVOL Kitchens. Chetty sought to create a kitchen that felt integrated with the rest of the house, opting for a simple, uncluttered style with bare walls above the counters. Sliding glass doors provide access to a patio.

Family Life in Harold’s Cross

The couple were drawn to Harold’s Cross for its quiet location and proximity to schools for their children, Frank (eight) and Joey (four). They have since welcomed a third son, Freddy, who is six weeks old. Chetty describes Harold’s Cross as a friendly and welcoming community, noting its recent gentrification and the addition of trendy coffee shops and yoga studios. The proximity to the canal too provides a nearby green space.

Looking Ahead

Although Chetty and her family have enjoyed living at 5 Parnell Avenue, they now require more space as their family grows. They hope to remain in the Harold’s Cross area and are ready to pass the home on to new owners.