The Interiors Podcast

In this episode of The Interiors Podcast, Tanya Neufeld Flanagan speaks with interior designer Geri O’Toole of Geri Designs about what makes her signature “classic contemporary” style so compelling, and why the best homes are designed for feeling as much as for appearance.

Geri shares the story behind her design instincts: growing up surrounded by creativity, antiques, craftsmanship, and old homes, and how those early influences shaped the way she approaches interiors today.

Together, Tanya and Geri explore the shift away from copy-and-paste interiors toward more personal, tactile, and characterful spaces that reflect the people who live in them.

They dig into:

• What “classic contemporary” really means in an Irish context
• Why natural materials create warmth, depth, and longevity
• How to use colour intentionally without overwhelming a space
• The importance of joinery, lighting, and ceiling details
• Why planning early can save money, stress, and regrets
• How to design a home around real life, not a Pinterest fantasy

• Design for how you want to feel, not just how you want to look.
• Invest early in the bones: layout, joinery, lighting, floors, and finishes.
• Natural materials add grounding, warmth, and authenticity.
• Colour works best when it has a clear reference or emotional purpose.
• Good interiors are personal, functional, and layered over time.

The conversation closes with practical advice for anyone renovating, building, or refreshing a home: start with how you want the space to feel, invest in the bones of the house, and don’t be afraid to bring personality into your interiors.

In this episode, interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan interviews John Dobbin, Dublin-based managing director of Dobbins + Company Architects.

With his extensive experience in high-value residential and commercial, John shares insights into how architects and interior designers can best collaborate to deliver cohesive, efficient, and personalised building projects, and the other professionals that will save you money and stress along the way.

The discussion emphasises early involvement, strategic decision-making, and the importance of clear communication to avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Takeaways

• The evolving relationship between architecture and interior design and their intertwined roles
• The importance of early collaboration between architects and interior designers
• Key considerations for managing budgets, timelines, and decision-making in residential construction
• How to leverage professionals like quantity surveyors effectively
• Strategies for managing client expectations and scope creep in renovation projects
• The value of comprehensive planning and preemptive decision-making
• The significance of understanding building contracts, change management, and the impact of small decisions

• Interior design influences architectural decisions, especially with high-value residential and hotel projects, fostering more integrated and functional interiors.
• Early engagement with interior designers helps align visions, optimize budgets, and enhance the overall quality of space.
• Managing a building project involves not just design, but also careful planning around costs, timings, and change control.
• Regular, detailed communication among clients, architects, interior designers, engineers, and quantity surveyors prevents costly redesigns and delays.

• Clear scope definitions, fixed budgets, and minimizing mid-project changes are essential to successful outcomes.
• Architects often serve as project managers, but involving specialized professionals early can streamline processes (e.g., QS, structural engineers).
• The importance of understanding and navigating building contracts, claims, and delays to keep projects on track and within budget.
• Collaborative, transparent negotiation between clients, architects, and interior designers leads to better, more cohesive results.

Connect with John Dobbin, Dobbin + Company Architects

• Website
• Instagram

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Join host and Dublin-based interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan to discover how the team behind Farrow & Ball moved on to creating Fermoie, an artisan-centric fabric house out of Wiltshire in the UK.

Fermoie blends artistry, heritage, and sustainability to redefine British fabric design. Learn what pattern, colour, and texture add to your home when it feels like something is missing.

In this episode, Jamie Shawcross, Managing Director, shares insights into the brand's passionate approach, from color mastery to eco-conscious manufacturing, making elegance accessible for all.

Takeaways

• The philosophy behind Fermoie's understated textiles and how subtlety influences design
• The unique craftsmanship process: hand-drawn motifs, rotary screen printing, and texture
• The importance of color storytelling rooted in heritage and natural pigments
• Sustainability commitments: B Corp certification, eco-friendly supply chain, and recycled outdoor fabrics
• The role of interior design in choosing and layering fabrics for a lived-in, authentic look
• How Fermoie’s collections facilitate both professional designers and DIY homeowners
• The expanding range: wallpapers, wall coverings, and accessories like lampshades and cushions
• Practical tips for mixing patterns and creating cohesive spaces with subtle, stylish fabrics

Resources

Explore how Fermoie’s understated textures and rich history can elevate your interior style, whether layering textiles or choosing statement wallpapers.

Visit their showroom or browse online for inspiring ideas and bespoke options.

• Fermoie - Official Website
• B Corp Certification
• Fermoie Wallpaper Collection
• Fermoie on Instagram

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

LIVE AT DESIGN SOURCE AT THE RDS, MARCH 6 2026

This is a series of behind-the-scenes industry interviews aimed at designers, architects, craftspeople and trades.

Discover the ins and outs of decorative plaster finishes with Anna Bougharbel from Maison Anna B, delving into microcement, lime finishes, and their best applications.

This episode offers expert insights into choosing the right material for your space, application tips, and sustainability considerations.

LIVE AT DESIGN SOURCE AT THE RDS, MARCH 6 2026

This is a series of behind-the-scenes industry interviews aimed at designers, architects, craftspeople and trades.

In this live interview, architect Courtney McDonnell shares her expertise on project collaboration, team roles, managing challenges, and building successful client relationships in residential architecture. Discover practical tips for working with specialists, avoiding common pitfalls, and enhancing project outcomes.

LIVE AT DESIGN SOURCE AT THE RDS, MARCH 6 2026

This is a series of behind-the-scenes industry interviews aimed at designers, architects, craftspeople and trades.

In this insightful interview recorded live at an industry event, Ruth Maria Murphy, Ireland's leading interiors photographer, shares her journey from design student to a holistic visual strategist.

Discover how strategic investment in photography, branding, and positioning can elevate your interior design career and attract high-quality projects.

Join host and interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan as she explores how Leanne Kilroy @goodboneslondon transformed her Victorian terraced house into a warm, functional home that harmoniously blends vintage charm with modern comfort.

In this episode, Leanne shares her phased renovation approach, sourcing strategies, and design philosophy rooted in authenticity and lived-in appeal.

Takeaways

• Leanne's strategic approach to phasing renovations to accommodate family needs
• Designing extensions that enhance period charm while optimizing natural light
• Sourcing vintage furniture to build a layered, lived-in aesthetic
• Utilizing natural light and glazing effectively in compact London homes
• Balancing open shelving with a curated, cozy look
• Navigating the challenges of living through renovations with a busy household
• Mixing antique and modern pieces seamlessly without an eclectic feel
• Emphasizing intentionality, patience, and confidence in home styling

In this episode of the Interiors Podcast, host and interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan shares key insights from working on seven different interior design projects over the past year.

Instead of a typical annual recap, she dives into five key lessons learned, focusing on common challenges faced by clients, particularly those in Dublin considering fixer-uppers or period properties.

Tanya emphasizes the importance of creating a cohesive home style, trusting one's instincts in design choices, and understanding the functional aspects of kitchen layouts.

She examines two period projects that demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform spaces without extensive renovations.

The conversation covers the significance of a well-planned kitchen layout, the impact of colour palettes on overall home aesthetics, and innovative uses of space in period properties.

Tanya encourages listeners to embrace their unique styles while also considering practical elements that enhance daily living.

Learn more about interiors consultations at https://tanyaneufeld.com/services

Takeaways

• ​Trust your gut when making design choices.
• ​A kitchen should reflect the overall style of the home.
• ​Consider the work triangle for kitchen efficiency.
• ​Cohesive color palettes enhance home aesthetics.
• ​Innovative uses of space can maximize functionality.

In this episode of the Interiors Podcast, Tanya Neufeld and fashion journalist Mosha Lundström Halbert explore the intersection of fashion and interior design.

They discuss how personal style can help people choose original, timeless home decor best suited to their taste and their lifestyle, the impact of fashion trends on interiors, and the importance of authenticity in design.

Mosha shares insights from her career as a fashion journalist and her experiences renovating a historical home in the UK, offering listeners a unique perspective on blending fashion with interior aesthetics.

Our guest Mosha Lundström Halbert is a multi-disciplinary fashion and culture journalist, brand consultant, and founder of NEWSFASH Media. Follow her @moshalundstrom and @newsfashmedia on Instagram.

The Interiors Podcast is brought to you by Farrelly & Co, Ireland's premium painting company.

To learn more about their full suite of painting services, colour consultations and paint colours, please visit ⁠https://farrellyandco.com/pod.

In this episode, interior designer & host Tanya Neufeld Flanagan shares her comprehensive journey through the renovation of her Georgian home in Dublin.

She discusses the importance of engaging professionals early, understanding renovation costs, and navigating planning permissions.

Tanya emphasizes the need for a well-thought-out budget, the significance of choosing the right architect, and the integration of interior design into the architectural process.

Throughout the conversation, she shares valuable lessons learned, including managing delays, the snagging process, and the overall emotional journey of home renovation.

The Interiors Podcast is brought to you by Farrelly & Co, Ireland's premium painting company.

To learn more about their full suite of painting services, colour consultations and paint colours, please visit ⁠https://farrellyandco.com/pod

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Georgian Renovation Journey

02:19 Understanding Renovation Costs and Planning

06:30 Navigating Planning Permissions and Council Regulations

12:13 Redesigning with a New Architectural Approach

17:57 Finalizing Designs and Tender Drawings

28:46 Managing the Renovation Process and Next Steps

29:42 Designing with Purpose: The Importance of Specific Requirements

30:08 Tender Drawings and Cost Estimation: The Role of Quantity Surveyors

32:01 Navigating Budgeting: Understanding Bill of Quantities

33:57 Managing Expectations: The Reality of Renovation Timelines

36:16 Choosing the Right Builders: Importance of Recommendations

37:43 First Fix Items: Planning for Success

39:06 Window Selection: The Cost of Poor Choices

40:52 Ordering Sanitary Ware: Balancing Quality and Budget

42:42 Managing Delays: The Impact of Unexpected Issues

45:34 Finalizing Designs: The Importance of Early Decisions

48:56 Dealing with Specialist Repairs: The Challenges of Older Homes

52:14 The Snagging Period: Lessons Learned After Moving In

The Interiors Podcast is brought to you by Farrelly & Co, Ireland's premium painting company.

To learn more about their full suite of painting services, colour consultations and paint colours, please visit ⁠https://farrellyandco.com/pod