In this episode of the Interiors Podcast, Tanya Neufeld Flanagan is joined by Craig Jones from Land Options Ireland to discuss innovative solutions to the housing crisis in Ireland.

Without a home, there can be no interiors which is why this podcast regularly explores the creative ways different people go about creating a home.

Tanya and Craig explore the potential of self-building, planning permissions, and the intricacies of land development. Craig shares insights on finding suitable plots, understanding planning constraints, and the importance of due diligence in property development.

Takeaways

• Self-building offers a unique solution to the housing crisis.

• Understanding planning permissions is crucial for property development.

• Finding suitable plots requires creativity and knowledge.

• Planning constraints can be navigated with the right expertise.

• Due diligence is essential before purchasing property.

• Land Options Ireland specializes in innovative land development.

• Craig Jones shares insights on planning and development.

• The housing market in Ireland presents unique challenges.

• Creative solutions can maximize land use and value.

• Engaging experts can streamline the development process.

Sound bites

"Self-building offers unique solutions."

"Planning permissions are crucial."

"Find suitable plots creatively."

"Navigate planning constraints expertly."

"Due diligence is essential."

"Innovative land development is key."

"Craig Jones shares planning insights."

"Ireland's housing market is challenging."

"Maximize land use creatively."

"Engage experts for streamlined development."

In this episode of the Interiors Podcast, Tanya Neufeld welcomes back Rachel Farrelly of Farrelly & Co.

To catch up on the first episode with this guest, listen to Episode 32, Everything youneed to know about paint.

They discuss the nuances of paint colours, focusing on neutrals and their impact on interior design.

Rachel and Tanya address colour drenching, double-drenching, and interesting ways to paint woodwork in complementary, tonal or contrasting colours depending on the aesthetic you want to achieve.

The conversation covers the evolution of colour trends over the last 20-30 years, the importance of understanding undertones, and how to achieve impact if bold colour just isn't your thing.

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

Takeaways

• Understanding the impact of undertones in paint colors is crucial.
• Neutrals can vary greatly depending on lighting and room orientation.
• Choosing the right paint involves considering both aesthetics and functionality.
• The evolution of color trends reflects broader cultural shifts.
• Sampling paint colors in different lighting conditions is essential.
• Neutrals are not just beige; they include a range of earthy tones.
• The concept of 'dirty neutrals' is gaining popularity in design.
• Paint choices should consider the long-term use of a space.
• Farrelly & Co. offers a curated range of colors suited for Irish light.
• The right neutral can create a timeless and adaptable space.

In this conversation, host and interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan and Ola Jordan from Irish retailer EZ Living Ola Jordan discuss preparing your home for the Christmas season.

Rather than thinking about cliched tropes such as adding knick knacks to every surface, Tanya and Ola break down a few steps to using the holiday period as an impetus to finish out some spaces you may be holding back on.

They discuss decluttering and getting smart with storage furniture, like footstools and ottoman beds. Next Tanya and Ola discuss how to complete spaces that might be missing an armchair or side table, a properly sized rug or a console, easily sourced via EZ Living Furniture's ample, affordable and in-stock range in a world of long lead times.

Once spaces are decluttered (or least box away the clutter!), and missing furniture added, it's time to explore layering decor items before you unbox all the ornaments. Essential styling items may feel like odd purchases by themselves -- things like bowls, vases and mirrors -- which help spaces from feeling bare. These are the foundations before you add holiday decor.

Tanya and Ola emphasize the value of incorporating everyday pieces into Christmas decor, choosing the right size tree, and mixing different shapes, materials and sizes of ornaments. Additionally, they highlight the benefits of in-person shopping and sentimental and bespoke decorations to enhance the festive spirit.

In the end, it's about getting some motivation to finish out spaces we want to use with friends and family, and taking the stress out of it, and making the holiday decor tie in with your own aesthetic and lifestyle, and having fun with it.

Takeaways

• Christmas is a time to declutter and refresh your home.
• Identify missing furniture to enhance your space for gatherings.
• Layering decor is key to creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Use everyday items to incorporate Christmas decor subtly.
• Personalized decorations can add a unique touch to your holiday styling.
• Consider the size and shape of your Christmas tree in relation to your space.
• Mix and match decor items for a more dynamic look.
• Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for the holidays.
• Invest in functional furniture that complements your style.
• Support local businesses by shopping for home decor in your area.

About this episode's sponsor, EZ Living Furniture

EZ Living Furniture was founded in 1998 by the Dilleen brothers from the West of Ireland, driven by a shared desire to make quality furniture accessible to everyone in Ireland. Starting with just one shop in Galway, our unwavering commitment to quality and value quickly set us apart from competitors. Word spread fast, and our reputation grew, attracting customers from near and far who sought out well-crafted furniture and home essentials. 

Today, EZ Living Furniture is proudly recognised as Ireland’s largest furniture retailer, with 22 stores nationwide and counting. We also have an award-winning online presence and an extensive catalogue offering everything from stylish living room sofas to elegant dining tables, comfortable mattresses, practical home accessories, and seasonal items such as garden furniture and Christmas décor.

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 all about rugs, host and interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan interviews Phoebe Holland, managing director of Rugs.ie, discussing the intricacies of rugs, their history, and the importance of quality in home decor.  

They explore various types of rugs, including Persian, Oriental, and Kilim, and delve into the craftsmanship behind them.

Phoebe shares insights on choosing the right rug for different spaces, the significance of material, and practical tips for care and maintenance. 

The conversation emphasizes the evolving role of rugs in modern interiors and the personalized service offered by Rugs.ie.  

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

Takeaways

• Rugs can significantly enhance the aesthetic of a home.
• Quality craftsmanship is essential in rug production.
• Persian and Oriental rugs have unique characteristics and histories.
• Choosing the right material is crucial for durability and maintenance.
• Rugs should be sized appropriately for the space they occupy.
• Layering rugs can add texture and warmth to a room.
• Rugs can be practical and stylish, suitable for busy households.
• Understanding the differences between hand-knotted and machine-made rugs is important.
• Rugs can be a long-term investment in home decor.
• Personalized service can help customers find the perfect rug for their needs.

A special bonus episode featuring snippets from the top 5 episodes from The Interior Podcast's first 50 episodes since launching in 2022.

These feature Susan McGowan of Ashen & Cloud, Eilish Rickard Interiors and Po McNamee (all interior designers) and builders/QS/engineer respectively, Shay Lally of Houses to Restore and Kieran McCarthy who you may know from RTE's Cheap Irish Homes.

Have a listen, find the original episodes if you like what you hear, and please subscribe, share and stay tuned as we continue with our new weekly cadence!

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

• 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

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