Design Eye: interior designer Suzie McAdam shares her favourite finds
The Dublin-based interior designer known for blending old and new on her inspiration and wish list destinations.
The last design piece I bought was a small 1920s bronze sculpture by Guillaume Laplagne – it was a bit
of a bargain and it fitted in my handbag.
My design language has always been centred on creating a dialogue between timeless charm and modernity. I want rooms to have touches of whimsy, history and vibrancy that are balanced within their surroundings.
In my home, I have two statues by Australian artist Troy Emery. There is something playful yet sinister about them, which appeals to me.
Suzie's Guillaume Laplagne sculpture
Suzie's Troy Emery statues in her previous home. Photograph by Ruth Maria Murphy
Collaborating with La Maison Pierre Frey for many years has been a real joy, and the recent celebration of their 200th anniversary at the Château de Louÿe was an enchanting affair. Every room was meticulously curated to embody a unique textile narrative, transporting you through a tapestry of history and style.
As I child, I spent a lot of time in Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which I found mesmerising. Her art collection was deeply personal, encompassing paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles and decorative arts from various cultures and time periods, which has been very influential on my own design eye.
Some of the most striking items in my projects and in my home have been sourced from The Store Yard in Co Laois. From salvage Georgian architectural elements to Art Deco lighting, it is truly a treasure trove.
The flea markets of Paris are my happy place, talking to the dealers and understanding each piece’s provenance.
To be truly creative, I think you must have a calm and clear mind. I find the mountains, forests and streams in Wicklow captivating and peaceful.
Joseph Walsh is one of Ireland’s greatest ever makers. I was privileged enough to work on a residential project that he created the Lumenoria dining table for. It was wonderful to have such an organic and dynamic piece as a centre point to the design.
I’m in the process of designing my own home, which I moved into last year. It’s a listed Regency home by the sea that is challenging to design, but it’s also very liberating to go with my own choices and direction.
A restaurant I would recommend for its design is La Sponda, an Italian fantasy come to life where jasmine plants adorn the ceiling, emerald floor tiles gleam, and classical Italian wall sconces cast a romantic glow.
This feature originally appeared in the spring/summer 2024 issue of IMAGE Interiors. Have you thought about becoming a subscriber? Find out more, and sign up here.
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