By Bill O'Sullivan
01st Sep 2015
01st Sep 2015
Interior designer Roisin Lafferty?takes us inside her super stylish south Dublin abode, and shares her interiors inspo, smart saving ideas and top tips…
My favourite thing about my home is??The lounge in our light filled extension. It always has beautiful natural light, overlooks the eclectic garden and links the whole house. It is the hub of the home. It is also the perfect spot to chill with the girls over a glass of wine on a Friday evening.
The first thing I did when I moved in was…?Open a bottle of champagne with friends.?The renovation job was ambitious??’spanning three years of my working life??’so prosecco just wouldn’t cut it!
People visiting always say? “I love this spiral staircase….”?It is a really strong feature in the space and always grabs people’s attention when they enter. It links the hallway to the large extension so it is one of the first things people see. Sourced from a local salvage yard, we customised it so that it would fit into the space and had it painted in a rich petrol blue, which showcases the intricate detail well. It is the main feature in the space and divides the living and dining area.
My biggest splurge was? Marcel Wanders Skygarden pendants in the library.?My two weaknesses in my job are tiles and lights ??they are my professional equivalent to shoes (and I have lots of shoes!). I love incorporating classic design light fittings into all of our work, as well as designing our own custom light fittings. Marcel Wanders is a serious inspiration of mine with his interiors and product designs. The pendants already are a contrast of styles with a seamless gloss dome on the outside and an intricately detailed plaster moulded interior. They juxtapose against the traditional panelled room beautifully. Having two defines the different zones in the room and adds drama and humour to the space.
My smartest saving was? My large garden table, which’seats 10.?I opted to make the table and wanted to bring something old to the contemporary garden design. I sourced an old door from a salvage yard and trestle legs from IKEA and created a large dining table. It was a very simple and inexpensive way to make a functional table but also to have a bit of fun with it.?It was coated and painted so that it will last for a few years outside and is easily replaced.
In a fire I would grab? The stained glass Parisian panels – although they wouldn’t be the easiest to grab!?I love when things have a story and past, which explains why I am so drawn to vintage and antique pieces. These stained glass panels were sourced in Paris and began their life as part of the perfume shop Lentheric. I love the detailing and the craft and skill involved in stained glass manufacture. The cracks add to their uniqueness and to their story. Imperfections are a sign of an interesting past.?To add interest, I added mirrored panels behind them which bounce the light and showcase their detail.
My favourite interiors trend right now is….?more is more.?I love simplicity but I am increasingly drawn to the more maximised interiors at the moment. Drama with rich tones, layered textures, brave artwork and detailing are filling my pinterest and instagram feeds and I have to admit, I am a big fan! Why choose one thing when you can have everything!
The interiors trend I’ll always love is? Old with new.?I tell clients that their home should reflect their personality and therefore should develop over time, growing and adapting as tastes change, as the owner grows. I love when someone’s home is a collection from all of their experiences, mixing new finds with old pieces, passed down through families and generations.The old mixed with new adds quirkiness and enhances character in the home.
My favourite Instagram account to follow for interiors inspiration is? @Ihavethisthingwithtiles – because I am addicted to tiles!?This is a visual treat at any time of the day.
My three top three tips for finding interior design inspiration?are…?1. Be brave with your home. It should be a reflection of you;?when people enter they should recognise it as yours.?2. Stop and breath! When overwhelmed by work, stop, take a break, get some air… and have faith that your creativity will return! 3. Surround yourself with people and environments that excite, challenge and inspire you. The best creativity comes from those experiences. Positivity breeds positivity.
Find Roisin on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram at at kingstonlaffertydesign.com.
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