Inside the family home of interior designer Sarah Louise Dunne
Sarah Louise Dunne of Sarah Louise Interiors.
Interior designer Sarah Louise Dunne is known for her love of merging beauty with function — as well as her eye for exquisite pieces.
What element of her own living space makes it feel “extra”? “One of my favourite pieces at home is a vintage armchair that was here when we moved in 17 years ago,” she says. “I reupholstered it in a soft, sage green velvet. It’s beautiful with curved wooden arms and just the right amount of character.”
The Dublin designer will be taking a perch at the Ideal Home Show as it unfolds next weekend, from October 17-19, where she will offer an insight alongside interior designer Carla Benedetti and colour consultant Jane Witter at the Dulux Heritage Interior Design Hub. Sarah Louise will also be onstage at the DFS Interiors Theatre on Saturday, October 18. “What I look forward to is meeting fellow designers, suppliers, and homeowners — sharing ideas and hearing different perspectives. It’s inspiring to connect with people who are passionate about making homes more beautiful and functional,” she says.
Her own “deep passion for design” was a life-changing discovery Sarah Louise unearthed during the renovation of her own home. “I did psychology in UCD, then trained as a primary school teacher with a view to doing education psychology. I then began my own renovation and realised my passion for interiors was something I needed to explore properly. I had three children at this time and decided to make the career change which I am so happy I did,” she tells Home.
Sarah Louise established not only her own design studio for consultations, but also a full retail store in Dundrum Town Centre. “I create fluid spaces with a classical lived-in vibe using tones that deliver elegance, ease and flow,” says Sarah Louise.
“Many of the pieces [in my spaces] are bespoke-made for clients to give the feeling of equilibrium and balance in space.”
She is married to Cormac and they share their residence in Mount Merrion, Dublin, with their four children, aged 14, 11, 10 and 7.
As a designer, it sounds like a challenging brief to make the space work for this diverse demographic and their varied styles and tastes. So how does Sarah Louise do this, at home and for clients, as well as conjuring her signature calming alchemy of comfort and luxury? “I tailor my projects by selecting high-quality materials that feel luxurious yet are durable and easy to maintain,” she says. “Thoughtful space-planning ensures every element serves a purpose, blending elegance with everyday usability.” Strategic use of colour enhances functionality, she adds. “Darker shades can ground a space while lighter tones open up and brighten areas, making them feel more spacious and livable,” says Sarah Louise.
And what about colour and emotion, how does colour make her feel? “Colour has the power to transform how we feel in a space completely,” says Sarah Louise. “Soft, muted tones bring a sense of calm and clarity, while rich, bold colours can energise and inspire us.”
Has she made it work to her advantage in her own nest? “Absolutely. In my own home, the living room is a good example of this balance. I’ve used a warm, muted palette — soft taupe walls with deep navy accents and natural textures like wood and linen — to create a space that feels both refined and relaxed,” says the interior designer.
“The colours not only set a serene tone but also stand up well to daily life. It’s a space where I can host comfortably or unwind at the end of the day, proving that luxury doesn’t have to compromise on liveability.”
She designed her family home and feels there’s still “so much work to do — possibly another renovation”: “As an interior designer, it never stops, I am always planning the next project.”
Sarah Louise will be sharing ideas on the current shift to warm and organic “grounding” pieces and colours using the luxurious Dulux Heritage paint range. “There is a definite move towards well-rooted colours that evoke feelings of calm and balance — this can be seen globally too,” says Jane Witter, Dulux colour consultant.
Sarah Louise and Carla Benedetti will create two very different room looks at the Ideal Home Show.. ‘Less is more, a space should feel considered and lived in, not staged or overly designed — that’s a good design result,” says Sarah Louise.
Carla Benedetti’s hallmark style strikes a seamless balance between old and new, a consciousness that respects interiors’ longevity. As a thoughtful curator and daughter of an Italian mosaic artist, she masterfully crafts layered interiors, rich in texture and grounded in authentic materials. “My space [at the Ideal Home Show] will be grounded using layers of different natural finishes, new and re-purposed pieces. I’II be curating a space rich in texture and authentic materials,” she says.
When planning your dream interior design scheme, incorporate items that reflect your personality or story — unique decor, meaningful artwork, or colours you love — to make the space feel truly yours.
- The PTSB Ideal Home Show returns to the RDS Simmonscourt on Friday, October 17, to Sunday, October 19, with home improvement professionals and suppliers under one roof to showcase the latest innovations in home builds and renovations. Tickets are available at Idealhome.ietarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Slouiseinteriors.comtarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Duluxheritage.ie @duluxheritageireland
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