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

• 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

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

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

• 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

• 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.

• 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