Keeping an open mind on furniture: Sarah Shortall Visual Merchandiser, Casey’s Furniture
I initially studied interior Design in Carlow and then completed a degree in interior architecture at Cork Institute of Technology.
I’ve recently moved back to Ireland from Perth, Australia where I lived for four years and worked as a visual merchandiser. Originally from Kilkenny, I moved to Cork last April and have been a VM with Casey’s Furniture since last August.
Being responsible for the display and presentation of both our stores means I travel between Cork and Limerick regularly.
It’s my job to ensure standards are being upheld and that our stores’ products are presented to our customers in a cohesive and attractive way. A typical day can be anything from redesigning store interiors, ordering wallpapers or props, to planning furniture placements and conducting photo shoots.
We have recently launched our garden furniture in store. This was a new and exciting challenge for me; trying to create an outdoor summer feel inside the stores.
All aspects of display and layout had to be prepped and planned well in advance. In the weeks prior, I worked closely with our decor specialists and marketing team to revamp both stores and give a fresh spring/summer vibe.
I try to always remain open minded and see our furniture through the customer’s eyes. It important not to let my individual taste overpower what our customer sees.
That aside, my own personal style is what I think of as Sleek Eclecticism, I love to mix styles and genres but never taking it past the point of cluttered or hectic.
I love working in a creative role, seeing the evolution of a before into an after. There really is no better feeling. The style of furniture on offer in our stores will often spark an idea for a design scheme.
Thinking about where that furniture belongs, what type of house it belongs in, and what type of family would want it, this is what gets me to the final concept.
I love the industrial comeback we’re seeing. It’s so great to be able to see people appreciating the simplicity of materials such as steel, concrete and brick. Not everything has to be new, pristine and plastic. Believe it or not, an industrial look can be super versatile even in the home.
I have recently designed a new home for my husband and I, and we are working tirelessly on getting it off the ground.
I believe this will be my most treasured possession, somewhere I can be proud of and fill with life’s memories and the most perfect furniture.
No favourites for me when it comes to designers — inspiration can come from anyone and anywhere. I make sure to keep up-to-date on current trends, being selective in what I follow online, visiting trade shows and always snapping a picture of anything interesting I see along the way.
There is, however, one building that always remains in my mind as answering the call of its environment perfectly: Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, outside Chicago. It’s a fabulous example of how our homes and lives can connect with the surrounding landscape.
I have never worked in a medieval building before. That would really challenge my abilities and push me to my limits, so perhaps a renovation of an old castle. That would be amazing.
A key piece of advice I was given is to keep a common thread or language throughout your design and the final look will automatically knit together.
Don’t obsess over trying to match every colour perfectly, it’s just not necessary. Ten different tones of the same colour will look just as good as one. Also, if you don’t have the confidence to go it alone, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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