Caoimhe McGinley: 'I had imposter syndrome when I moved into my house' 

The Big Hill House chatelaine tells Eve Kelliher about designing a home and a collection 'full of stories’

Caoimhe McGinley in her kitchen at The Big Hill House.

It's been some voyage — in every sense. After spending 10 years living in the Middle East, where she’d worked as a teacher, Caoimhe McGinley returned to her hometown of Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, to break ground on a self-build.

No sooner had she touched down than the Instagram account she started to chart her “house journey” took off — @thebighillhouse is now an online community with almost 160,000 followers.

But let’s reverse the magic carpet a little to hover over that fateful move-in date, Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011 — how did Caoimhe feel as she approached the front door of The Big Hill House? “I cried my eyes out,” she tells Home.

The Big Hill House.

“I was two weeks post-partum, had packed the four kids into the car at my parents’, drove out their lane and in our lane. I would say it was an anti-climax, incredibly emotional, and I had imposter syndrome in the house for the first year or so. It didn’t feel real.”

It’s that raw honesty, as well as all Caoimhe’s sense of fun and glamour, that appeals to her followers and draws us in whenever she posts online. She tells it like it is.

Caoimhe McGinley in her hallway.

And, as a mum of young children (and a pet parent of a cocker spaniel), Caoimhe knows only too well that spills and splashes are part of life’s Technicolour tapestry.

The popular content creator   has had many partnerships with top home brands, including designers Sadie Smith, Frances McBain and Jacqueline Rooney. This week, Caoimhe rolled out a vibrant collection in collaboration with leading Irish rug retailer Kukoon, with limited-edition pieces in her signature style incorporating her love for travel. “Caoimhe’s rugs are full of stories,” says Clare Walsh, Kukoon’s creative director. “Some evoke feelings of being in a Middle Eastern souk, while others transport you to the golden beaches of Byron Bay. They simultaneously spark memories of past trips and inspire more adventures to come.”

Clare is one of the thousands who followed Caoimhe’s online journey, which is how the latest collab came about: “Caoimhe’s house is incredibly stylish and her interior design skills are remarkable, but what always stands out for me is that her house is a home. It’s not a collection of rooms where her children aren’t allowed to have fun.”

Interior design has, adds Caoimhe, always “been a quiet thread running through my life”: “As a child, I was the one rearranging furniture for fun or collecting home magazines for inspiration but it was the self-build that brought that passion to life in a tangible, meaningful way. Designing a space from the ground up gave me a deeper appreciation for the details: how a room feels, flows, and supports everyday living.”

The limited edition of six designs described as “premium and affordable”, are soft, washable and woven from recycled materials and come in several sizes and colours

Q&A with Caoimhe

Where is your happy space at home?

In my kitchen, with the children, sitting at the island.

How would you describe your home/interiors?

Our home is a reflection of timeless comfort and thoughtful design — where every corner invites connection, and every piece tells a story. 

It’s family-welcoming at its core: cosy seating that draws people together, a kitchen that’s the heart of daily life, and spaces designed to grow with us.

Who shares your home?

My four children, three boys and a girl and a cocker spaniel called Coby.

Favourite glow-up?

Seasonal accessories — cushions and throws.

When did you build?

We broke ground July 2018 and moved in December 2011.

How did you feel?

Blessed. It was a dream come true building our own home.

What’s the biggest challenge about a self-build?

Affording it!

What was surprisingly easy, and is there anything you’d do differently?

Having good tradesmen made all the difference in a successful self-build. I would [like to] have one room wider, but overall, I’m happy with what we achieved.

Any lifestyle inspiration from your time in the Middle East?

Yes, for sure. We have the famous “bum gun” or bum hose — also known as douche shower kit. We have art on our walls and a lot of our rugs that have Middle Eastern design, and that played a large role in my collection with Kukoon.

Why do you think interiors and home renovation create such interest in Ireland today?

In Ireland, our homes have always been at the heart of who we are — places of welcome, warmth, and storytelling.

In recent years, especially during covid, there’s been a growing appreciation for the power of interiors and renovation, not just for aesthetics, but for creating spaces that reflect our values, personalities, and way of life.

Caoimhe's bedroom.

With more people spending time at home, we’ve become more intentional about how our spaces support us emotionally and practically.

There’s also a strong tradition in Ireland of making the most of what we have — of bringing character, history, and soul into every room. 

Renovating a home isn’t just about updating it; it’s about honouring its story while shaping it to suit modern family life. That balance of old and new, of personal and functional, really resonates with us.

Your best bargain ever?

My four kitchen island stools from Loaf. I got them at less than half price from a lady in England.

Biggest extravagance?

Our staircase — but worth it.

Favourite colour?

Green.

Do you paint your own living space?

I painted the entire house myself from base coat to finished colours.

Do you enjoy cooking, and if so, what’s your signature dish?

Yes, I love a prawn linguine.

Dream dinner guests?

My family and friends, all around the same table.

What is your key design advice when choosing flooring, rugs or furniture?

Ultimately, choose with intention. Ask: Will this last? Will it grow with us? Does it make this space feel like home? Always start with how you want the space to feel, not just how you want it to look.

What are you working on right now?

My new rug collection with Kukoon; it is incredible, and I am hoping it will lead to more exciting collaborations in the future.

• Instagram: @thebighillhouse and Kukoonrugs.com

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