In this episode of Style Stories, Laura is joined by broadcaster and Ireland AM co-host Muireann O’Connell, who opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of buying her first home. 

From the tears of finally getting the keys to the reality of broken boilers, clutter battles and the “knees test” for sofas, Muireann shares a refreshingly honest take on what it really means to make a house feel like home.

With her trademark humour and relatability, she chats about influences from her mam, the joy of taking your time with interiors, and why comfort matters just as much as style. Expect plenty of laughs, practical tips, and a behind-the-scenes peek at life on live TV — plus 

Muireann’s current design obsessions (spoiler: pink walls are in).

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

•  Muireann’s emotional rollercoaster of finally getting her first home
•  Why it’s okay to ditch the pressure and take your time with interiors
•  The surprising “knees test” for choosing the perfect sofa
•  Her mam’s fearless influence — from ripping up carpets to knocking walls
•  Clutter vs calm: making the bedroom a space just for rest
•  Pink walls, sideboards and the joy of adding colour back into her home

GUEST DETAILS
 
Muireann O’Connell is a TV presenter, broadcaster, and co-host of Ireland AM, the country’s longest-running breakfast show. Known for her quick wit, relatability, and ability to make viewers feel like they’re chatting with a friend over coffee, Muireann has become one of Ireland’s most recognisable media personalities.

Alongside her broadcasting career, Muireann has been candidly sharing her first-time homeowner journey — from the highs of finally getting the keys to the everyday realities of turning a house into a home. With her trademark humour and down-to-earth honesty, she offers a refreshing perspective on interiors, lifestyle, and what it really means to create a space that reflects who you are.

 
MORE INFORMATION

Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie.   
Style Stories is produced for EZ Living Interiors by dustpod.io

QUOTES

• I burst into tears when I got the call about my keys — I never thought the day would come. 
• If there’s one thing I don’t mind taking my money, it’s my home. 
• You don’t have to have everything perfect straight away — it’s a lifetime project. 
• The knees test is vital. If your knees don’t touch the couch properly, it’s not the one. 
• I ripped the wardrobes out immediately — I want my bedroom to just be a bedroom. 
• If you don’t have as much stuff, you might just be a little bit calmer. 

KEYWORDS

#MuireannOConnell #StyleStories #EasyLivingInteriors #HomeInspo #FirstHomeJourney #InteriorDesignTips #IrishHomes #HouseToHome #HomeStyle #CosyLiving

In this episode of Style Stories, we’re joined by writer, editor and creative director Orla Neligan—founder of creative media studio Cornershop—for a rich and reflective conversation on visual storytelling, intuitive style and the beauty of thoughtful details.

Orla shares how her childhood comic books, a teenage darkroom, and a lifelong love of magazines led to a career spanning food styling, interiors, branding and set design. She talks about the feeling of a space, the value of repurposing what you already own, and why creativity works best when it’s collaborative—not contrived.

From the scent of a room to the spine of a book, Orla shows how the smallest elements can tell the biggest stories.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

●      Orla Neligan’s creative path—from comic books to Cornershop

●      Why storytelling is at the heart of great interiors

●      Repurposing what you already have, to style your space

●      The value of collaboration and trusting your creative team

●      How to make a space feel personal, not perfect

GUEST DETAILS

Orla Neligan is a writer, editor, producer and stylist, and the founder of Cornershop, a creative studio specialising in visual storytelling across interiors, food, lifestyle and branding. With a career spanning journalism, editorial direction and set design, Orla has worked on everything from in-flight magazines to cookbooks, photoshoots and TV sets.

She has served as editor of Abroad Magazine, Cara (Aer Lingus), Business Traveller, SQ (Superquinn), and K (The K Club Hotel), and has contributed features to The Irish Times, The Sunday Business Post, 

Irish Tatler, and more. As a stylist and creative director, she’s brought her sharp eye and signature warmth to brands, broadcasters, publishers and personal projects alike.

Whether she’s styling a set, writing a feature or shaping a brand’s identity, Orla’s work is grounded in authenticity, elevated by detail, and always tells a story.
 
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/orla-neligan-99781b16/
https://www.cornershopproductions.com/

MORE INFORMATION

Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie.   
Style Stories is produced for EZ Living Interiors by dustpod.io

QUOTES

Collaboration works when ego leaves the room. It’s never just one person—it’s the whole team that makes something great – Orla Neligan
 
 Have you ever walked into a space and felt something straight away—even before you’ve looked around? That’s the magic I’m always chasing – Orla Neligan

You're trying to create a narrative that feels like someone—relatable, inspiring, and maybe a little bit surprising – Orla Neligan

Lots of us struggle with not knowing how to use flowers fully to create beautiful spaces. Some of us lack confidence when buying and arranging flowers, others have uncertainty about color combinations and are intimidated about creating impressive tablescapes for special occasions.

Today you will learn how to befriend a perfect expert in this who is just around your corner! You’ll know how to invest in quality flowers, and create stunning arrangements with confidence. You will discover practical tips, learn flower care secrets and gain the creative freedom to break traditional rules through playful color clashing and seasonal displays.

Join us right now with Heather Condren, the vibrant founder of Flower Pop, Dublin's boldest floral studio. From serving high-profile clients including the Beckhams, this "accidental florist" brings infectious energy and a rebellious approach to traditional flower arranging, making flowers accessible to everyone.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Heather Condren's Floral Journey and Flower Pop's Evolution
• Sources of inspiration, including fashion, movies, and more 
• Choose seasonal flowers for the best quality and longevity.
• How to use flowers of different heights, varieties and using multiple vases.
• How you can play with color without fear.

GUEST DETAILS

Floral designer, entrepreneur and business owner, Heather Condren runs a successful floral studio in the heart of Dublin 8. Passionate about innovative design, passing on the knowledge of being creative through blooms, and championing other Irish female makers in the store.

Heather has worked and styled for many Irish and international brands, collaborated with Irish creative agencies and PR companies, created florals for bridal shoots, including the cover of Confetti Magazine in 2020. They were also featured in international floral magazine Cinefluer in 2023.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-condren-023205106/
https://www.flowerpop.ie/

MORE INFORMATION

Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie.   
Style Stories is produced for EZ Living Interiors by dustpod.io

QUOTES

Make friends at your local florist. If you do need to pop in somewhere and buy a bunch, separate that bunch. Don't put it into a single vase in the middle of your table. - Heather Condren

Any leaf that's going below the waterline should be removed. And if tulips droop, put a little copper coin in the bottom of the vase. - Heather Condren

If you're having a dinner party on a Friday and you go into your florist, they'll say you need to get your flowers on Tuesday. They're going to look their best on Friday. - Heather Condren

KEYWORDS

#FlowerPop #HeatherCondren, #floraldesign #seasonalflowers #weddingflowers, #flowerinspiration
#EZLivingInteriors #StyleStories #Podcast

David O'Brien isn't just an interior designer - he's a storyteller who happens to use homes as his canvas. In this vibrant episode, David pulls back the curtain on his creative world, sharing how he transformed a blank plot of land into the now-famous Black House, a design that caught national attention and challenged traditional Irish home aesthetics.

Growing up in a creative family with a carpenter dad and design-savvy mom, David was always destined to think outside the box. From binge-watching Grand Designs to collecting vintage treasures since childhood, he's turned his passion into a profession that's all about creating spaces that feel deeply personal.

The episode is a delightful journey through David's design philosophy: mix old with new, never be afraid of bold choices, and always let your home tell your story. Whether he's talking about rescuing a 19th-century grand piano to use as a kitchen island or sharing his impressive collection of 120 house plants, David proves that great design is about joy, memories, and a bit of creative courage.

Listeners will walk away inspired, with practical tips on sourcing unique pieces, understanding lighting, and creating spaces that make you smile the moment you walk in.

In this episode, David delves into:

• Design Philosophy: Telling your life story through carefully curated, meaningful spaces.
• Vintage Hunting: The thrill of finding treasure in unexpected places, from auctions to Facebook Marketplace
• Creative Roots: How family, travel, and passion shape a designer's unique vision.
• Lighting Magic: Creating atmosphere through strategic, mood-enhancing illumination.
• Design Wisdom: Breaking rules, embracing personality, and making your home a joyful reflection of you.
• Black House: A bold architectural rebellion against traditional Irish home design.

GUEST DETAILS

David O'Brien is a Cork-based interior designer known for his warm, character-filled approach to creating modern living spaces. He follows a philosophy of “sentimental interior design,” where vintage finds, family heirlooms, and meaningful objects are carefully woven into the fabric of a home to evoke memory, comfort, and personal history. His own home, the "Black House" in Ballygarvan, was a finalist on RTÉ’s Home of the Year in 2021, famously featuring a grand piano repurposed as a kitchen island. This bold design choice reflects David’s unique blend of functionality, storytelling, and sustainability.

David believes homes should feel familiar and safe—places that reflect the people who live in them and their life experiences. As the creative force behind RJ O’Brien Building Contractors, he brings this ethos into renovations and design projects across Cork and Dublin, seamlessly blending antique charm with contemporary practicality.

MORE INFORMATION

Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie

QUOTES

There isn’t really a typical day - that’s what I love about the job. You could be picking the perfect hue of white for a dining room one morning and then checking in on building works the next. - David O'Brien

I grew up in a very creative household… My dad was a carpenter, my mom was always evolving the house. She spent a lot of time trying to create a lovely, cozy space for us. - David O'Brien

From a really early age, I was watching those TV shows—Sarah Beeny’s Property Ladder, Grand Designs. I loved the idea that you could change homes up to suit who was living there, not just what they were designed for. - David O'Brien

We try and plan way ahead of the project… changes when things have started are expensive. My role is to negotiate between the client and the builders and to create something with a really natural plan going forward. - David O'Brien

Our big light is purely for effect, it’s never on. It never gives good lighting. You want lamp lights. In general, I do think it’s a little bit more relaxed in planning, you need sockets in the right places. - David O'Brien

Don’t go into a store and be like, ‘that’ll do for now.’ You won’t get something nicer later—you’ll just live with what you bought, and it won’t bring you any joy. - David O'Brien

When you step inside the door, your worries just start to fade away. I wanted to come into a bright, airy space filled with plants and treasures that I’ve collected over many years—something that brings a smile to my face every single day. -  David O'Brien

In this episode of Style Stories with EZ Living Interiors, our marketing manager, Laura O'Keeffe dives into a fascinating conversation with Clare Vallely, co-founder of Kukoon Rugs. 

Kukoon Rugs has completely transformed the Irish rug market and now offers a game-changing machine-washable rug collection. Clare shares Kukoon Rugs' incredible journey, from selling their very first rug in 2006 to becoming one of Ireland's leading names in home décor. She then offers invaluable advice on how best to incorporate rugs into your home.

Whether you're refreshing a single space or redesigning your entire home, Clare offers invaluable insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear the story behind Kukoon Rugs and get ready to redefine your interior style!

In this episode, Clare delves into:

• The power of strategic partnerships, including their year-long collaboration with EZ Living Interiors, and how shared values elevate the customer experience.
• Why staying ahead of interior design trends, actively listening to customer feedback, and maintaining affordability are crucial for success.
•  The magic behind their collaboration with talented artists like Jacqueline Rooney to bring unique product offerings to life.
•  The soaring popularity of their "soft, washable" collection – offering the perfect blend of luxurious feel, durability, and practicality.
•  Clare's personal favorite: the stunning "Verity" design with its captivating medallion pattern in terracotta and blues.
•  The evolving world of home décor, from the timeless appeal of texture (like jute) to the exciting resurgence of Art Deco and bold colors.
•  Practical tips for choosing the perfect rug size to transform any room.

GUEST DETAILS

Clare Vallely is a dynamic entrepreneur who co-founded Kukoon Rugs with her brother Paul, transforming her family's market trading legacy into a cutting-edge design brand.

Starting by selling her father's surplus rug stock on eBay in 2006, Clare has grown Kukoon Rugs into one of Ireland's most exciting and innovative rug companies, known for its bold designs, customer-first approach, and commitment to affordability.
With a lifelong passion for interiors that began in childhood — evidenced by her carefully preserved design scrapbooks — Clare has steered Kukoon Rugs through significant industry changes.

Her approach blends creative vision with strategic thinking, focusing on bringing exciting, washable, and stylish rugs to market.
From working alongside her father in market stalls to leading a successful design-led brand, Clare embodies the spirit of family entrepreneurship and creative innovation in the home decor industry.

https://www.kukoonrugs.com/

MORE INFORMATION

Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie

Styles Stories is produced by DustPod.io for EZ Living Interiors.

QUOTES

• Gone are the days where your options were a plain wall rug, or God forbid, a carpet remnant - Clare Vallely
• Rugs have become much closer to fashion and to people's identities - Clare Vallely
• We love to travel for style inspiration - Clare Vallely
• It's about distilling fashion trends down into what this means in the rug world - Clare Vallely
• The biggest mistake we see being made with rugs is still people buying too small - Clare Vallely
• If you can get the front legs, at the very least, onto the rug, you'll see a massive difference - Clare Vallely
• We're always trying to be ahead of the trends, getting the heads up before the general population about colors of the year. - Clare Vallely
• It's about being brave. Lean into the color that you love, and start bringing those tones into your space gradually - Clare Vallely

KEYWORDS

#EZLivingInteriors, #KukoonRugs, #StyleStoriesPodcast, #InteriorDesignTips, #HomeDecorTrends, #RugStyling, #IrishInteriors, #WashableRugs, #RoomTransformation

Sustainable living starts at home—and it’s easier than you think. Jo Linehan, Editor of Climate at The Sunday Times and sustainability columnist for Irish Country Magazine, shares her practical, inspiring approach to conscious design and how to make any space—rented or owned—feel intentional, beautiful, and better for the planet.

With a background that blends journalism, interiors, and environmental awareness, Jo shares her top tips for intentional living, including;

• Strategic styling for renters; without compromising values
• The power of plants, from air quality to wellbeing
• Simple, effective changes for everyday sustainability
• Creating a new standard in the circular economy in interiors 
• Bringing more intention to your space with items that tell your story and spark joy

You’ll also hear about Jo’s upbringing and time in New York shaped her view on design, her favorite interior styling tips (hint: it involves bedding and mirrors), and her advice for building a more sustainable home without the overwhelm.

Whether you're eco-curious or already on your sustainability journey, this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice and inspiring ideas to help you design a home that looks good, feels good—and does good.

GUEST DETAILS
Jo Linehan is a journalist, editor, and sustainability advocate with over a decade of experience in fashion, interiors, and conscious living. She began her career at IMAGE Magazine before moving to New York to work in fashion styling and freelance writing. In 2016, she co-founded GAFF Interiors and GAFF Shop. Since 2019, Jo has focused on sustainable development, launching the Futurist podcast and earning an MSc in Management for Sustainable Development. She is Editor of Climate at The Sunday Times and a regular voice on Newstalk. Jo lives in Dublin with her partner and their rescue Staffie, Harley.

https://www.jolinehan.com/ 

MORE INFORMATION

Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie

Styles Stories is produced by DustPod.io for EZ Living Interiors.

QUOTES

Having the patience to sit with the space and figure out what it actually needs, it takes a little bit more time, but it does mean that what you're going to end up with is a space that is really thought through, and that really, really works. - Jo Linehan

It’s hard in this world to have intention, but it's definitely worth it if you can pare things back and work on it. - Jo Linehan 

When you're renting, you kind of need to figure out what spaces do I really want to make the most of and focus your investment and your time into that. - Jo Linehan 

It really buys into my whole ethos of encouraging a circular economy and trying to show people that second hand is not second best. - Jo Linehan 

KEYWORDS

#sustainable #interiors #garden #renting #naturalmaterials #plants #secondhand #circulareconomy

Step into the world of interior design mastery. Sive O’Brien, the visionary Editorial Director of House and Home magazine, shares her 25-year journey from fashion runways to living rooms that will transform how you think about the spaces you inhabit. 

Sive gives us insider info on emerging trends like curved furniture and Boucle fabrics, along with some brilliant insights including:

• Career evolution secrets that transformed her journey from fashion to interior design
• Insider perspectives on the enduring power of print in our digital world
• Trend forecasting tips to keep your home stylishly ahead of the curve
• Sustainability strategies that balance beautiful design with environmental consciousness
• Community building that has created House and Home's loyal following

She also peels back the curtain on the publishing industry, revealing the delicate dance between glossy print pages and digital content while, and lots about balancing aspirational and affordable content.

Whether you're a design enthusiast seeking fresh inspiration or simply curious about the evolution of interior aesthetics, grab a coffee, get comfortable and listen to the expert advice of Sive O’Brien.

GUEST DETAILS

 Sive O’Brien is Editorial Director at House and Home Magazine. Sive is also a content specialist and Brand Marketing consultant (MSC in Fashion Marketing) with 20+ years of experience in content, publishing, and brand development, working with, for, and alongside brands.
https://www.siveob.com/
https://www.houseandhome.ie/

MORE INFORMATION

Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie

Styles Stories is produced by DustPod.io for EZ Living Interiors.

QUOTES

If you pick something for your home you can be living with it for 20 years. It has to work with your family, has to work with your life. - Sive O’Brien 

Interiors are just my big love. It's my vice. - Sive O’Brien

People seem to be just embracing so much more color in their homes now. - Sive O’Brien

It is all about surrounding yourselves with pieces you love, feeling comfortable, having tactile pieces and just creating a sanctuary. - Sive O’Brien

KEYWORDS

#Interiordesign #fashion #journalism #digital #magazines #sustainability #storytelling #home #Boucle #Pantone 

Get ready for some refreshing inspiration. Brendan Courtney is about to drop some serious wisdom that will make you want to grab a notebook, pour your favourite coffee, and hit pause on everything else.

Some brilliant insights you will pick up include:

• Design hacks that will totally transform how you think about your living space
• Insider tips on creating a home that's not just beautiful, but completely functional and sustainable
• Advice on navigating major life transitions - from career shifts to home renovations
• Budget-friendly strategies for designing your dream space without breaking the bank
• Personal growth secrets that blend interior design with personal development

He also shares how TV led to his career in fashion and design, some great behind-the-scenes stories of Lennon Courtney and lots about renovating his own home in Wicklow. All served up with Brendan's signature wit, warmth, and real-world expertise.

Drop everything. Grab your headphones. This is your moment to reimagine your life, one design choice at a time.

GUEST DETAILS

Brendan Courtney is one of Ireland’s best known and well-loved TV Presenters, Broadcaster, Activist and Designer.  He has hosted countless TV series in Ireland and the UK including his own self titled terrestrial TV talk show, his first TV format ‘Wanderlust”  and most recently as host of his original TV format  “Keys to my Life”.

Brendan also runs his own successful women’s wear fashion label ‘Lennon Courtney’ with his business partner Sonya Lennon, with whom he has also co-written two No.1 books on confidence and style.

Using his profile to advocate for equality in the areas of health, housing, age and gender he recently achieved first-class honours in Europe's first Masters of Business (MBA) Degree in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

https://www.brendancourtney.com/about

MORE INFORMATION

Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie

 
Styles Stories is produced by DustPod.io for EZ Living Interiors.

QUOTES

For me, home is everything. Our living space is the most important space we're in. - Brendan Courtney 

The biggest skill I think I have now is listening. - Brendan Courtney 

Everything takes twice as long as you think it's going to take. So give it that in your head. - Brendan Courtney 

Speak to everyone who's already bought a house and ask them what their experience was, because it's very inspiring to hear how people got on the property ladder. - Brendan Courtney 

KEYWORDS

#fashion #design #LennonCourtney #homerenovation #balance #firsttimebuyers #mortgage #budgeting

We are beyond excited to drop our very first episode of Style Stories!

Our first guest is the legendary Hugh Wallace, the charismatic judge from "Home of the Year" and the genius behind some of Ireland's most stunning architectural transformations! We sat down on Hugh's top sofa pick, the Scott, in our amazing Sandyford Flagship store to chat. 

Some brilliant insights you will pick up include:

• How Hugh's journey from Dublin to Dallas completely transformed his career
• The surprising way his dyslexia diagnosis at 18 became his superpower in architecture
• Behind-the-cameras at "Home of the Year" incl heated debates with Amanda!
• Secret to choosing furniture that will stand the test of time (Spoiler: it's not just about the looks)
• A genius newspaper hack that'll save you from buying furniture that doesn't fit your space

This episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and so many nuggets of wisdom from Hugh's 45+ years in the design world. His passion for creating spaces that truly work for people shines through in every story he shares.

Ready to transform your space with expert insights? Hit play now! 

Don't forget to follow Style Stories with EZ Living Interiors. Trust us,you won't want to miss what we've got coming up next!

GUEST DETAILS

Hugh Wallace is an award-winning architect and founding partner of Douglas Wallace Consultants.

Hugh has a passion for creative design that engages with its audience to create conversation and comment. He believes that good architecture is essential to create social cohesion and enhance our enjoyment of our landscape and living environment whether in the city or countryside. It’s about creating a smile on our faces - creating a sense of place and belonging.
Hugh’s is also known for many high-profile RTE TV shows including Home of the Year , the Great House Revival and My Bungalow Bliss.

MORE INFORMATION

Find EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ie

Styles Stories is produced by DustPod.io for EZ Living Interiors.

#InteriorDesign #StyleStories #HughWallace #DesignPodcast #EasyLiving

Step into the world of design, architecture, and personal transformation with "Style Stories with EZ Living Interiors" - a podcast that goes beyond the surface of beautiful spaces. 

Each episode features intimate conversations with design innovators, industry legends, and creative visionaries who share not just their expertise, but the compelling journeys that shaped their perspectives on style and living. Our first guest is one of the best, the legendary Hugh Wallace, on Wednesday March 5th.

From career-changing moments and personal revelations to practical design hacks and industry insights, you will pick up invaluable tips for creating spaces that truly reflect who you are.  

Follow now and join us for three special weekly episodes starting March 5th.