Host and interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan discusses the emotional challenges of home renovations, offering insights into managing stress, burnout, and relationships during the process.

She shares her own personal experience renovating a Georgian protected structure as well as practical advice on navigating the stress and expectatons from the very beginning of your home journey through to snagging.

Takeaways

• Understand that stress and disappointment start to build up from the buying process
• Expect cumulative "micro-frustrations" throughout the renovation, and energy will ebb and flow
• Do as much as you can when you're excited about the project as it will stand to you when you hit roadblocks or have to make a lot of decisions in quick succession
• Stand up for your role as client, but also know when to walk away/hire different people
• Divide tasks based on skillset within your family to manage workload effectively
• Adapt to the informal nature of the trades industry to avoid resentment
• Keep detailed records of instructions to avoid misunderstandings
• Be prepared for unexpected costs and have a contingency plan
• Use creative energy from others to overcome challenges

Sound bites

• "Front-load decisions to avoid fatigue."
• "Adapt to the informal trades industry."
• "Keep detailed records of instructions."
• "Be prepared for unexpected costs."
• "Divide tasks based on skillset."

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Renovation Challenges
• 00:03:00 Managing Stress and Burnout
• 00:09:00 Planning and Design Insights
• 00:15:00 Navigating Unexpected Hurdles
• 00:21:00 Conclusion and Personal Reflections

In this episode, Tanya Neufeld Flanagan interviews Grace McNally from McNally Joinery, discussing the importance of joinery in interior design and architecture.

They explore the evolution of McNally Joinery, the services offered, the design process, and the benefits of bespoke joinery. Grace shares insights on material choices, the significance of specialization, and the collaboration with clients and other trades.

The conversation highlights the value of investing in key joinery pieces and the unique aspects of timber compared to other materials. Grace also discusses exciting current projects and encourages listeners to reach out for bespoke joinery solutions.

Takeaways

• Joinery is essential in transforming spaces.
• McNally Joinery has a rich history since 1978.
• Bespoke joinery offers unique solutions tailored to clients.
• Specialization in joinery leads to better quality and efficiency.
• Supply and installation options are flexible based on client needs.

Sound bites

"Specialization is key in joinery." "Bespoke means the sky's the limit." "Don't be ashamed to ask for a price."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joinery and McNally Joinery 03:09 Specialization in External Joinery 07:40 Design Process and Client Collaboration 11:12 Combining Materials and Collaborating with Other Trades 12:12 Benefits of Bespoke Joinery 15:02 Investment in Key Joinery Pieces 16:21 Material Choices for Bespoke Joinery 18:57 Timber vs. Metal in Joinery 22:53 Weatherproofing and Structural Integrity 29:18 The Aesthetic and Emotional Value of Timber 30:54 Choosing the Right Materials for Durability 32:11 Understanding MDF vs. Solid Timber 33:59 Timber Selection for Internal Doors 36:16 The Role of Veneering in Joinery 41:03 Exciting Projects: A Unique Front Door 43:16 The Impact of Bespoke Joinery on Space 45:04 Managing Staircase Changes in Renovations 47:20 Getting Started with Your Joinery Project 50:08 Understanding Lead Times for Custom Work 53:31 The Importance of Budget Conversations

In this mini episode of the Interiors Podcast amidst a choatic move, interior designer and host Tanya Neufeld Flanagan discusses the five biggest misconceptions about interior design.

She emphasizes that interior design is not just a luxury for the wealthy, but a crucial aspect of improving quality of life and maximizing space.

The conversation covers the importance of understanding the true nature of interior design, which goes beyond mere aesthetics to include functionality, budget considerations, and the need for a cohesive design strategy.

Takeaways

• Interior design is a transformational tool for improving quality of life.
• It's not just a luxury; it's essential for maximizing space.
• Interior design involves optimizing layouts, not just choosing furnishings.
• Budgets for quality interior design can be significantly higher than expected.
• Interior design can save on construction costs by optimizing existing spaces.
• It's better to execute interior design projects all at once for efficiency.
• Interior designers help question and refine client assumptions about their needs.
• The bespoke nature of interior design contributes to its cost.
• Interior design overlaps with essential renovation finishes.
• A cohesive design strategy is crucial for successful interior projects.

 

In this episode, host and interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan shares her extensive journey of designing her kitchen, which has been three years in the making. 

She discusses the importance of functionality in kitchen design, the challenges faced during the process, and how design decisions were influenced by the architecture of her home.

Tanya emphasizes the need for a kitchen that not only serves its purpose but also complements the overall aesthetic of the house. She provides insights into the workflow of the kitchen, the significance of the kitchen triangle, and the creative solutions she implemented to maximize space and storage.

Takeaways

• The kitchen is often the most significant investment in a home
• Functionality should be prioritized over aesthetics in kitchen design
• Personal preferences play a crucial role in kitchen decisions
• Iterative design processes lead to better outcomes
• The kitchen triangle is essential for efficient workflow
• Storage solutions should be cleverly integrated into the design.
• A kitchen should be designed to blend with the architecture of the home.
• Consider the orientation of rooms when designing a kitchen.
• Using existing rooms creatively can eliminate the need for extensions.

Timestamps

00:00 The Kitchen Design Journey 09:47 Creating a Functional Space 19:52 Final Design Considerations

In this episode, Lauren Stonnell, CEO of Chase Erwin, discusses the luxury fabric industry, her journey from working in interiors in New Zealand to leading a prominent English fabric house, and the importance of quality materials in interior design.   She emphasizes the significance of understanding fabric performance, the trends in upholstery and drapery, and how layering fabrics can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space.   Lauren also shares insights on working with interior designers, the shift towards sustainable choices, and the versatility of fabrics in creating personalized interiors.     Takeaways

• Chase Erwin is a luxury fabric house, founded 40 years ago
• Quality fabrics can last for decades, making them a sustainable choice
• Understanding fabric performance is crucial for interior design
• Layering fabrics adds depth and sophistication to spaces
• Trends are shifting towards multicolored yarns and warmer tones
• Direct-to-consumer offerings include curated cushion collections
• Investing in a designer can lead to a cohesive interior scheme
• Natural materials are essential for creating timeless designs
• The Chelsea Design Center is a key location for exploring luxury fabrics

  Sound Bites

• "Sheers can soften modern spaces."
• "Fabrics can express your personality."
• "Invest in quality that lasts 20 years."

  Chapters 00:00Introduction to Chase Erwin 03:18Lauren's Journey to CEO 05:16Understanding Luxury Fabrics 08:57The Importance of Material Selection 11:22Trends in Upholstery and Drapery 15:04Layering Fabrics for Aesthetic Appeal 19:44The Versatility of Fabric in Design 24:17Direct-to-Consumer Offerings 29:34Shifts in Consumer Preferences 33:14Working with Interior Designers 38:15Sustainable Investment in Fabrics 42:22Final Thoughts on Fabric and Design

In this episode, host Tanya Neufeld Flanagan shares her insights from a year-long renovation of a Georgian protected structure in Dublin.   She discusses the evolution of the podcast format, focusing more on industry experts and solo episodes.   Tanya emphasizes the importance of understanding budgeting in renovations, the role of quantity surveyors, and the necessity of hiring experts to avoid costly mistakes.   She shares three key lessons learned during her renovation journey: understanding how to get accurate cost estimates, the importance of expert guidance, and building confidence in decision-making throughout the design process.   Takeaways

• The podcast is shifting to include more solo episodes and industry expert insights
• Renovating a home requires a pragmatic approach to budgeting and planning
• Architects may not provide accurate budget estimates without detailed designs
• Hiring a quantity surveyor can help manage costs effectively during renovations
• It's essential to do thorough research before purchasing a property for renovation
• Having a contingency plan is crucial for unexpected costs during renovations
• Don't underestimate the workload involved in managing a renovation project yourself
• Expert guidance can save you money and stress in the long run
• Building confidence in your design decisions is key to a successful renovation
• Iterating on design choices is a natural part of the renovation process

Sound Bites

• "Architects are not budget experts."
• "You need a plan A, B, and C."

Time-Stamps 00:00Introduction to the Renovation Journey 02:50Understanding Budgeting in Renovation 11:43The Importance of Hiring Experts 22:03Building Confidence in Decision-Making

In this episode of the Interiors Podcast, host Tanya Neufeld Flanagan interviews Domhnall O Gairbhi from Acquired.ie, a specialist in mid-century modern furniture. 

They discuss Domhnall's journey into the world of vintage design, and the nuances of sourcing and restoring unique pieces.

The conversation also explores the differences between Scandinavian and Italian midcentury design, the significance of statement pieces, and how to incorporate vintage elements into modern interiors.

In addition to the website, Domhnall's Acquired.ie have a showroom based in Stradbally, Co. Laois which is by appointment, and Donal's latest venture is a collaboration with the Roisin Lafferty Gallery on Fitzwilliam Square.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Acquired.ie and Domhnall O'Garvey 03:05 The Journey into Mid-Century Modern Design 07:01 Understanding the Market and Sourcing 11:28 The Aesthetic of Mid-Century Modern vs. Traditional Furniture 13:03 Regional Differences in Mid-Century Design 15:48 The Sourcing Process and Building Networks 22:19 Restoration and Customization of Vintage Pieces 26:45 Personalized Sourcing and Client Collaboration 30:54 The Importance of Quality and Presentation 34:45 The Role of Statement Pieces in Interior Design 38:30 Mixing Different Woods and Styles 40:26 Exploring Different Furniture Types 53:23 Collaboration with Roisin Lafferty Gallery 57:39 Final Thoughts on Vintage and Mid-Century Design

 

In this episode, host and interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan and Sarah McNulty (@mcnultysmythassociates) delve into the intricate processes involved in working with architects and managing construction projects.    They discuss the importance of understanding architectural terminology, navigating the tender process, and the significance of value engineering in aligning design with budget.   The conversation also covers the stages of construction, from tender analysis to finalizing layouts and managing mechanical and electrical installations, emphasizing the collaborative nature of architecture and interior design.   Takeaways

• Understanding architectural terminology is crucial for clients
• The tender process involves detailed drawings and builder selection
• Value engineering helps align design with budget constraints
• Construction drawings are essential for accurate project execution
• Bathroom layouts should be finalized early in the process
• First fix mechanical and electrical installations are critical stages
• Second fix involves the installation of visible fixtures and finishes
• Communication between architects, builders, and clients is key to project success
• Clients should not hesitate to ask questions about the process
• Engaging professionals early can lead to better project outcomes

In this episode of the Interiors Podcast, Tanya Neufeld Flanagan and Jean Koeppel of Visual Comfort delve into the world of lighting design. They discuss the importance of understanding different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—and how to effectively incorporate them into home design.   Jean shares insights on common mistakes people make when planning lighting, the significance of aesthetic choices, and the technical aspects of lighting such as Kelvin ratings and dimmers.   The conversation also touches on budgeting for lighting, the importance of material finishes, and the experience of visiting showrooms to see products in person. Overall, the episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to enhance their home lighting.   Takeaways:

• Lighting is essential for creating mood and functionality in a space.
• There are three main types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent.
• Common mistakes include not considering lighting early in the design process.
• Aesthetic choices in lighting can enhance the overall design of a room.
• Understanding lighting terminology helps in making informed choices.
• Material finishes in lighting can add character to a space.
• Budgeting for lighting should focus on high-impact areas of the home.
• Functional lighting should not be overlooked in favor of aesthetics.
• Technical aspects like Kelvin ratings and dimmers are crucial for effective lighting.
• Visiting showrooms allows for a better understanding of lighting products.

In this collaborative episode, Tanya Neufeld Flanagan joins the hosts of the Rip It Up podcast Jenny Sheehan (@workerscottage) and Kate O'Driscoll (@victorianrathmines) also a previous guest to discuss the most common renovation mistakes and how to avoid them.   They emphasize the importance of planning layouts for functionality, budgeting for interior finishes, and the critical role of lighting in creating a welcoming atmosphere. The conversation is rich with insights and practical tips for anyone considering a renovation project.   Takeaways

• Planning your layouts is crucial for functionality
• Consider long-term needs when designing spaces
• Budget for interior finishes early in the renovation process
• Get multiple quotes to avoid overspending
• Lighting can transform a space and should be planned early
• Think about how you live in your space, not just aesthetics
• Storage solutions are key to maintaining a tidy home
• Flexibility in design allows for future changes
• Don't overlook the importance of electrical planning for lighting
• Choose timeless materials for long-lasting appeal