Meet six Irish artists with the perfect painting for your home

Buying pieces of work, at the right price point, by homegrown talent is the aim of the Artist in Residence experience at EZ Living Interiors 

Artist in Residence participants Rachel Clarke, Lisa Woods, Paula McGurdy, Karen Lee, Irene McCabe and Carolyn Walsh.

The lure of a home interiors store is irresistible to anyone who loves playing house in the same way some of us can’t walk past a shoe shop without darting inside for a quick try-on.

Art galleries come a close second, but it occurs to me that while art and interiors inevitably end up cohabiting, they aren’t necessarily seen in public together beforehand, so it can be tricky determining how an artwork will look when hanging on your wall when opting for original art, which can also be more expensive than a mass-produced generic piece.

Laura O'Keeffe and Sarah Dunne, co-curators of Artist in Residence.

Creating some much-needed art and interiors synergy is EZ Living Interiors, which this week launched Artist in Residence, a programme bringing together six Irish artists to exhibit and sell their work in two of the retailer’s stores — the Sandyford, Dublin, flagship and Gulliver’s Retail Park in Santry.

With the buzz around interiors in recent years for prioritising the purchase of goods with lasting value, it’s timely, especially as the art world is increasingly affected by AI.

“People in the creative field need support,” says co-curator and marketing communications manager, Laura O’Keeffe. “A lived experience goes into making art. It’s something authentic for customers to have in their homes. This instalment of Artist in Residence will run until spring 2026. As the art sells, it will be replenished, so there’s always something new to see.”

Visual artist Rachel Clarke's paintings are characterised by silhouettes and a warm colour palette.

If you find the art world a little bewildering and venturing into an art gallery induces imposter syndrome, then maybe the more natural habitat of a home interiors store can provide a gentle transition, especially one where you won’t be told off for sipping coffee near the precious stock. “I thought it was a really nice idea to promote Irish art and highlight creativity in Ireland,” says Meath-based fine art practitioner and Artist in Residence participant Rachel Clarke.

 “It opens up fine art, which can be intimidating and niche to a new, fresh audience.”

Carolyn Walsh's work is inspired by sunset colours and a love of buildings.

Another participating artist, Dublin-based, Kerry-born Carolyn Walsh, makes art inspired by the hues of Irish sunsets and her love of old buildings. “Art is so important in the home,” she says. “It personalises your space, gives it atmosphere, colour and texture.”

Her prints offer an affordable way into the art world, starting at €45. Paintings go up to €1,900 with 100% of the purchase price of every piece going to the artists, who include self-taught Karen Lee selling figurative work of familiar places like Cork’s Shandon Steeple and Dublin’s Poolbeg chimneys. 

The contemporary work of another self-taught artist, Irene McCabe, and the abstract canvases of trained artist Paula McGurdy, with their striking colou,r are also on offer. 

Self-taught artist Lisa Woods art is contemporary, abstract and filled with vibrant colour.

Cork artist Lisa Woods, now Dublin-based, has contemporary abstract paintings which can respond to the interior design scheme and personal taste of her buyers. “The whole idea for Artist in Residence sang to me,” she says. “Local artists, Irish, and the interiors aspect. It’s a no-brainer. EZ Living Interiors is a one-stop shop, and now to have original art as well finishes it all off.”

Lisa is showing four pieces in Sandyford “on a massive wall by a marmalade couch,” she says.

This delightfully colourful description references the retailer’s Scott sofa, a contemporary model with echoes of mid-century modern design, hand-picked by co-curator and visual merchandiser Sarah Dunne.

It’s part of an approach to creating what she calls “an authentic sense of space” that feels like a fully furnished and accessorised room at home, giving an immersive context for the art. “Art is essential,” says Sarah. “It brings personality and soul into a space; it lets people show who they are and give depth to a room.”

Artists in Residence at the Parlour Room.

The exact location is The Parlour Room, an area within the store created using reclaimed Georgian windows and elements of classical plasterwork. Still, far from being a pastiche of the period, the touches are subtle, a nod to a period when interior design and architecture flourished, and which now contrasts with the vibrant modern works of art along with Sarah’s choice of accessories; rugs, throws and cushions, boucle textures, and hues referencing the Irish landscape, a theme running through some of the artists’ work. “I wanted to create calm against the vibrancy of the art,” she says. “We’re seeing customers taking a moment to pause and linger with their coffee. There’s genuine curiosity and connection.”

Artist in Residence takes place until spring 2026 at EZ Living Interiors, Sandyford, and Gulliver’s Retail Park, Santry, Dublin, during regular store opening hours.