40. Bringing personality to contemporary spaces with Courtney McDonnell Architects
Release Date: 05/25/2025
48. Top 5 interior design misconceptions
The Interiors Podcast
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...
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47. Georgian reno BTS: The kitchen design process
The Interiors Podcast
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...
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46. Elevating spaces with textiles ft. Chase Erwin CEO Lauren Stonnell
The Interiors Podcast
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...
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45. Top 3 learnings from 1 year renovating a Georgian
The Interiors Podcast
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...
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44. Midcentury & more with Acquired.ie founder Domhnall O Gairbhi
The Interiors Podcast
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...
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43. Working with an architect (Part 2) with Sarah McNulty of McNulty Smyth
The Interiors Podcast
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...
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42. The power of lighting with Visual Comfort VP Jean Koeppel
The Interiors Podcast
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...
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41. Top 3 renovation mistakes ft. the Rip It Up podcast
The Interiors Podcast
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...
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40. Bringing personality to contemporary spaces with Courtney McDonnell Architects
The Interiors Podcast
In this episode, architect Courtney McDonnell discusses her journey in architecture, her design philosophy, and the evolution of client needs in residential projects. She shares insights into her award-winning projects, including the innovative Pink House and the transformative Griffith Avenue project, highlighting the importance of integrating interior and exterior design while addressing contemporary living requirements. In this conversation, host Tanya Neufeld Flanagan and Courtney McDonnell explore various aspects of contemporary design, focusing on the integration of...
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39. How to solo self-build with Jade Kirwan @my_solo_self_build
The Interiors Podcast
In this episode of The Interiors Podcast, Jade shares her inspiring journey of self-building her own home in Ireland. From the initial decision to take on such a project to the challenges of planning permissions, budgeting, and managing local trades, Jade provides insights into the realities of building a home solo. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision, making sacrifices, and learning through the process. Jade's story serves as a motivational guide for anyone considering a self-build project, highlighting that with determination and the right mindset, it is...
info_outline- Courtney won two awards for her project, Griffith Avenue.
- She established her practice in 2017 after a diverse career in design.
- Her approach focuses on creating cohesive interior and exterior designs.
- Clients often seek innovative solutions for maximizing space.
- There is a shift away from traditional open-plan living.
- The Pink House project showcases a unique blend of color and design.
- Courtney emphasizes the importance of understanding client personalities.
- She advocates for clever modifications of existing spaces.
- The Griffith Avenue project involved a complete transformation of a dated home.
- Light and space are central themes in her architectural designs. The garden was in amazing condition, requiring no landscaping budget.
- Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces enhances functionality.
- Creating cozy living spaces involves thoughtful layout and design.
- Achieving a minimalist look can be challenging with varied materials.
- Green tones can add warmth and depth to a design.
- Porcelain is a practical alternative to natural stone finishes.
- Understanding how spaces make you feel is crucial in design.
- Editing design choices helps in navigating overwhelming options.
- Transforming standard homes into unique spaces is achievable with thoughtful design.