Revealed: Irish interior designers' must-haves at home

From furniture to gadgets, we discover what the pros consider to be the non-negotiables in their own living spaces

Fri, 17 Jan, 2025 - 08:44

Carol O’Callaghan

Late to the trend, I caved and bought an air fryer after gentle coaxing by friends for two years and seeing how heating the oven just to warm a few mince pies was a slow and energy-wasting process.

Like any true convert, I’ve now taken to waxing evangelical about its unexpected virtues; a bake function, roasting, dehydrating if you’re so inclined, and warming mince pies with a flaky, delicious result as if they had come out of the oven.

Of course, this will come as no surprise to seasoned air-fryer users who smile benignly at me as I relay this information like someone thinking they’ve invented the wheel.

Now in daily use, I thought I’d ask experts in the interiors biz what they consider indispensable in their own homes.

Sinead McDonagh has the Arlington sofa from Caseys on her wish list for 2025.

Sinead McDonagh, global head of homeware design at Penneys, moved house in late 2023 and is in the thrall of her Dromoland Castle King Koil mattress she bought shortly afterwards. “The comfort is on another level, one the best items we bought moving in. Every night I look forward to jumping in and cosying up under my 13.5 tog feather duvet, another item I will certainly be keeping all year round with the weather in Ireland.”

As her home interior evolves, Sinead tells of plans to also purchase a particular sofa. “I’ve had my eye on the Arlington from Caseys for a while now,” she says. “It’s hands down the most comfortable sofa I’ve found. The seat cushions are not just foam but have a feather fill too for ultimate comfort and huge pillow-like armrests to lay your head on when lying down. Just waiting on the 2025 colours because I’d love it in an olive green.”

Blue Willow china is a choice for all seasons for Aoife Tobin which she loves to mix and match with other wares in her tablescapes.

Aoife Tobin, award-winning creative director at interior architecture and design studio Style So Simple, says vintage-style glassware and thrifted tableware are the stars of the show in her home. “But not in a perfect way,” she says. “I love a mix-and-match feel, where each piece has its own story.”

Disciplined by years of renting meant confining home purchases to smaller items, although that’s about to change as Aoife has made a house purchase. “Glassware and tea sets became my one vice,” she says. “I’ve picked up pieces from second-hand and vintage stores. It's my way to add charm and creativity to my rentals. My champagne flutes are from Stone + Beige in Kimmage where I bought a set with my auntie. We have matching sets which makes them even more special.

"My teacups are from Mother of Junk in Brooklyn and my teapot is one that was in my granny's house since my mother was a toddler. Now they’re transitioning with me to my new home.”

Velvet softness, cosiness and contemporary style make the Fly sofa Aoife Hayes’ favourite piece.

Satisfying a craving for total comfort, interior designer and owner of Objekt Design Space Aoife Hayes praises her spacious velvet sofa. “I’m loving the trend for oversized sprawling sofas,” she says. “It satisfies a craving for total comfort paired with velvet fabric, and in the colour of the moment, rich ochre. This is why my Fly sofa is my absolute favourite piece.”

Lighting doubling up as art means Aoife Hayes has opted for the Kartell Geen A floor lamp in brick red.

She also has her eye on lighting with an interesting twist beyond simply being functional: “Lighting within the home doubling as art will be a real strong trend. We’re using lighting in less traditional ways and more as playful pieces of art. Kartells Geen A floor lamp in the colour of the season, brick red is an on-trend example.”

It’s back to talk of gadgetry for making life a little easier for designer Tullio Orlandi as smart plugs have transformed how he uses his home. “They were a gift from my tech-loving partner, and while I initially had no idea how to set them up or what they did, I’m now hooked,” he says.

The luxury Le Labo scented candle range is a favourite of Tullio Orlandi, especially the frankincense-based Encens 9.

“From zoning lighting in different rooms with table lamps, to effortlessly controlling the TV, they’ve made life so much easier. No more awkwardly leaning behind furniture to switch lamps on or off.”

Another item the designer says he can’t live without is a good-scented candle. “My go-to brand is Le Labo, with Encens No.9 being my absolute favourite,” he says.

“There’s no better feeling, especially on those colder nights than lighting a beautifully scented candle and enjoying the cosy, comforting aroma.”