Design/life: Niamh MacGowan, Printmaker, Interior Stylist & Home Consultant

Textures and hues of nature inspire creativity for Niamh MacGowan.

What’s your background?

My background is in fine art and I have also worked for many years in galleries and with event organisers, so I have been curating and putting beautiful things together for display for many years.

Seven years ago, I went out on my own and, using my curatorial skills, I began my home-art consultancy.

My services have organically progressed into interiors with an emphasis on paint colour which, in a way, arcs to a full circle to my beginnings as an artist.

Niamh’s use of rich colour sets off the chandelier she commissioned from Coppergreen.ie for the library room in an Edwardian house in Dublin.

What’s a typical work day like for you?

The joy of my job is that there is huge variety in what I do, as I offer a number of creative services while also splitting my time between my printmaking and home consulting.

First thing in the morning is a swim. I am lucky enough to live across from a beautiful beach in Wicklow so I head down with Dinny, my dog, and a cup of tea in hand to start the day energised.

On some days, I pay one-off visits to people’s homes for a three-hour consultation.

It leaves the client with plenty of creative inspiration for decorating, be it paint colours or layout within the home, or guidance on finding the right style of furniture or making the most of pieces they already have.

Niamh worked with Kube Kitchens to create an atmospheric yet contemporary space in this new build in Kinsale.

Other days I address people’s art at their home. I arrange reframing, procuring new pieces and then rehang them, so they can see their art collections in a new light.

Later in the day, it’s back to Wicklow to spend some time at my desk, corresponding and sourcing and researching for my ongoing projects.

Tell us about a recent or a favourite design or project that you have worked on?

Behind the scenes, I have been working on my own home and garden over the past few years.

Myself and my other half have done everything ourselves on a very tight budget and so we have had to be very resourceful.

It has enabled me to use my house as a litmus test for many of the ideas and the paint brands and methods I advocate.

After all our hard work, it was an affirmation to have it selected as one of the houses featured on this year’s ‘Home of the Year’ on RTÉ.

Niamh’s dining area. Her cottage in Co Wicklow featured on RTÉs ‘Home of The Year’ earlier this year.

What’s your design style?

I would say it is rustic, comfortable and homely with an attention to detail and the art of display. I like to help people create a particular atmosphere in their home.

I think in Ireland, we crave cosy homes that make you feel instantly relaxed when you enter them.

What/ Who inspires your work?

I always look to my surroundings, nature, the garden, the coast or the forests.

The hues and textures of nature would be my main go-to source for inspiration, both in my own artwork and in my interiors projects.

What’s your favourite trend at the moment (if you have any)?

I try and veer away from trends, as I like to think real interiors should be timeless and uncontrived, indicative of the owner and an expression of their personality.

Although I must admit I do get excited when the heritage paint companies launch new colours for me to fall in love with.

My favourite colour at the moment is Inchyara Blue by Farrow & Ball. It makes me want to repaint a room in my house!

The colours and textures used by Niamh are gleaned from nature.

What’s your most treasured possession?

Can I have two? I have a stunning oil on board of Coliemore Harbour by Wicklow painter, Brien Vahey, which hangs in our bedroom.

I also cherish an old 1960’s painting of exactly where I used to live on the Thames, which we picked up for a bargain price, and it hangs over the dining table.

We move the furniture around now and then, but this painting never moves from its spot.

Who is your favourite designer, or style inspiration?

My design heroes are Axel Vervoordt and Ben Pentreath, among others. Both are very different in style but equally as appealing.

For more inspiration, I adore the Elizabethan home of Arne Maynard in Wales, and also Rory O’Connell’s Georgian farmhouse in Ballycotton is a fantastic lesson in display and colour, showcasing his gorgeous collection of art and John Ffrench ceramics.

What would be a dream project/ design for you to work on?

I am working on it at the moment. It is an 1820’s house in Co Galway which is being faithfully restored to life.

The clients are with me in my enthusiasm for using slubby colours and textures and we will be using limewash paint on the original parts of the house.

We are mixing old family heirlooms with new contemporary pieces to create a really unique and special place to come home to.

Have you any design tips for us?

Try and think about the feeling you would like to create in your home. When choosing paint colours, push yourself a little.

If you go a little too ‘safe’ you may be disappointed, whereas you might surprise yourself with the results of daring to choose a richer tone on your walls.

www.niamhmacgowan.com

Facebook: niamhmacgowantheprintmaker

Blog: www.niamhtheprintmaker.wordpress.com