The Interiors Podcast

An interior design show aimed to help you elevate your space in conversations with industry professionals and homeowners in Ireland. Hosted by Tanya Neufeld Flanagan, expat and interior designer based in Dublin, Ireland.

48. Top 5 interior design misconceptions 08/08/2025

47. Georgian reno BTS: The kitchen design process 08/01/2025

46. Elevating spaces with textiles ft. Chase Erwin CEO Lauren Stonnell 07/25/2025

45. Top 3 learnings from 1 year renovating a Georgian 07/18/2025

44. Midcentury & more with Acquired.ie founder Domhnall O Gairbhi 07/11/2025

43. Working with an architect (Part 2) with Sarah McNulty of McNulty Smyth 06/27/2025

42. The power of lighting with Visual Comfort VP Jean Koeppel 06/13/2025

41. Top 3 renovation mistakes ft. the Rip It Up podcast 06/05/2025

40. Bringing personality to contemporary spaces with Courtney McDonnell Architects 05/25/2025

40. Bringing personality to contemporary spaces with Courtney McDonnell Architects 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 indoor and outdoor spaces, material choices, and the importance of personal style in creating unique living environments. They discuss the challenges of navigating design trends and emphasize the significance of feeling comfortable in one's home. The conversation also highlights the role of color, texture, and practical materials in achieving a cohesive and inviting aesthetic. Some key takeaways 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. /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/36705570

39. How to solo self-build with Jade Kirwan @my_solo_self_build 05/03/2025

38. Working with an architect (Part 1) with Sarah McNulty of McNulty Smyth 04/15/2025

38. Working with an architect (Part 1) with Sarah McNulty of McNulty Smyth In this episode, architect Sarah McNulty shares her journey in architecture, emphasizing the importance of empathy in understanding client needs. She discusses her experiences in building her own home, the diverse projects she undertakes, and the significance of a well-defined brief. The conversation highlights the challenges of budget constraints, the importance of proportions in design, and the collaborative nature of architecture. The conversation also highlights the significance of solar gain in design, emphasizing the balance between natural light and comfort in living spaces. Sarah also reflects on a case study of a 1930s renovation, illustrating how client needs evolve and how architects can adapt to create functional and beautiful spaces. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricate process of architectural design, from initial sketches to the complexities of planning regulations and tendering. Sarah and Tanya discuss the importance of detailed drawings and bills of quantities in ensuring accurate pricing and project management. Takeaways Empathy is crucial for architects to understand client needs. A well-defined brief leads to better architectural outcomes. Budget constraints often require compromises in design. Proportions in design significantly affect the feel of a space. Good design should reflect the client's personality and lifestyle. Collaboration between architects and interior designers enhances the final result. Understanding the emotional response to a space is essential. Architects should consider both interiors and exteriors from the start. The design process is iterative and may require adjustments on site. Investing time in the brief stage pays off in the long run. The design process begins with sketching to explore options. AutoCAD can make designs feel too rigid compared to sketches. Understanding planning regulations is crucial for project timelines. Detailed drawings are essential for accurate tendering and pricing. Bills of quantities help ensure builders price projects accurately. Building relationships with contractors is key during the tender stage. Solar gain is important for optimizing natural light in homes. Value engineering can help clients make cost-effective design choices. The architectural process can take a year from initial discussions to site work. Consultations with architects can improve project outcomes. /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/36149250

37. Crafting your personal style with fashion & interiors journalist Sarah Macken 04/01/2025

36. Building for your budget with self-builder Jenny Balfe 03/11/2025

36. Building for your budget with self-builder Jenny Balfe In this episode of The Interiors Podcast, host and interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan interviews Jenny Balfe, social worker, mother of three and self-builder behind the Instagram account. Jenny and her husband have successfully self-built their dream family home in Wexford, 3km from Rosslare aided by their contractors, Next Level Construction. In this episode, Jenny dives into how and why they opted to build and their journey to finding their site, including working with local planning authorities, evaluating county development plans and testing a site's drainage quality. She worked closely with an architect technician to help identify the kind of home they could afford, and walks us through the revisions to the plans and sacrifices made along the way. One of the key takeaways in the conversation centres on how the reduction in their bungalow's footprint allowed for the house to meet their brief while still ensuring they could have the finishes they wanted - a mistake many make when stretching themselves perhaps to have a larger house for the sake of it. Jenny and her husband were able to design a home that suited their family's needs after renting for a long time and ideating on what their ideal home would look like, especially as their children ranged from 5 to 13 years old while they lived on-site in a mobile while building. In the redesign process, Jenny talks about reducing bedroom size and number of bathrooms they actually needed, and how to ensure you have separate spaces for your family, plus some of the downfalls of open plan living. We walk through some of the grants and the build process itself, why Jenny opted for a contractor versus the direct labour route which can offer savings but requires a lot more hands-on work and knowledge, as well as limited access to trades during times in which labour can be hard to find. All this journey is amidst the backdrop of Ireland's housing crisis, and Jenny's self-build experience shows how buying a site and building a house from scratch can be done really effectively, achieving great value, and a home that fits your needs perfectly. It requires a lot of research and in-depth work on floorplans, and a lot of gumption. Follow Jenny to learn more about all her self-build and get helpful tips on everything from self-build mortgages to help with refining layouts. Follow interior designer and host Tanya and at the podcast's Instagram . /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/35643755

35. Interior design pet peeves: materiality, kitchens, hotel aesthetic & bad styling 02/27/2025

35. Interior design pet peeves: materiality, kitchens, hotel aesthetic & bad styling Welcome back to The Interiors Podcast! Today, Tanya is chatting design pet peeves with her friend Jenny, founder of Jennifer Anne Interiors. The two go on and on about their biggest interior design pet peeves. This episode hopefully inspires and challenges you to look around in your space, and see where you can make some small and affordable adjustments. They start off discussing materiality pet peeves in homes. The materials chosen for a home can make a huge difference, from tile, porelain, and wood. Often people will opt for the fake version of a certain material, without realizing how it can dull and 'cheapen' a space. There are certain materials that are meant to have wear and tear, and some that will not actually last as long. They then go into the pet peeve of poorly designed kitchens. Both have seen very impractical and lazy kitchen designs. There are a lot of design mistakes that people make, such as excess bulky cupboards, or a washing machine in the kitchen. We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, and Jenny and Tanya give a lot of great tips to make sure the space does not end up getting cluttered and busy. They also discuss how fashion and certain trends have started to take over, and people have lost their sense of personal style. They encourage people to really think through a certain choice when paying for something. Will it last long? Do they actually like it? Does it reflect their style? Photographs, rugs, cushions, and blankets. They discuss it all. Where they should be placed, better fabric options, all things to think about when designing. (And no, you don't need that Dior coffee tabel book!) This discussion is not intended to offend or make anyone feel like they have to make huge changes to their space if they have some of the mentioned designs already. Jenny and Tanya have seen loads of design mistakes, and they want people to be aware of them, while giving more practical choices, while encouraging them to stay true to their own personal style. /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/35463675

34. Wrapped: 2024 interiors takeaways & our Georgian reno 12/20/2024

33. Buying and selling in today’s market with estate agent Matt Forkin 12/13/2024

33. Buying and selling in today’s market with estate agent Matt Forkin In today’s episode, Tanya is joined by seasoned real estate agent Matt Forkin, where they dive into Ireland’s property market. With nearly two decades of experience, Matt shares his professional journey, starting in 2006, and how he weathered the turbulent 2008 financial crisis. He reflects on the evolution of his business, from starting in property management to becoming an independent real estate brand, Forkin Property. Matt provides an insider look at the housing crash of 2008-2009, detailing the challenges of a stalled property market and how it still affects the market even today. From a lack of mortgage lending to a market dominated by bank sales and receiverships, he explains how those formative years shaped his approach to the ever-changing real estate landscape. Shifting to present-day trends, Matt discusses his bread and butter, the property market in County Wicklow and beyond. He highlights the rising demand for new builds, fueled by government affordability schemes which make it easier for first-time buyers to enter the market. He discusses rising construction costs and labor shortages which are pushing prices higher, creating a complex environment for buyers and developers. Matt explains why new developments are so appealing when it comes to community and lifestyle, especially for a first time buyer. From energy-efficient designs to thoughtfully planned neighborhoods with amenities, these homes are ideal for families looking to settle into vibrant communities. However, he also weighs the benefits of secondhand homes, which often offer better value per square foot, despite requiring renovations. New-builds are becoming more and more popular throughout Ireland, particularly Wicklow. Matt offers valuable advice for families that outgrow their homes, and for second-time buyers navigating the market. Should they extend their current property or take the leap into something new with more space? He stresses the importance of home presentation when selling, suggesting simple upgrades to attract higher offers. Matt and Tanya explore the growing popularity of apartments, particularly among down-sizers and non-nationals who value accessibility and convenience. He sheds light on the changing dynamics for Irish homebuyers, and offers insights for anyone looking to buy, sell, or invest in today’s property market. This episode is a great discussion into Ireland’s current property market. Matt Forkin generously shares so much wonderful advice that buyers can use when considering their next move, or their current spaces. You can follow Forkin Property on Instagram . Their website is linked . /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/34271300

32. Everything you need to know about paint with Farrelly & Co. 11/29/2024

32. Everything you need to know about paint with Farrelly & Co. Welcome back to the Interiors Podcast! Tanya makes a return after a six-month hiatus, featuring an in-depth conversation with Rachel and Alan Farrelly of Farrelly & Co, a Dublin-based paint company. The duo, both business partners and spouses, first walk through how they founded their company in early 2020 after returning from a three-year stint in Australia. Inspired by the types of design they encountered there, they set out to bring a more customer-focused and detail-oriented approach to the Irish painting industry. Farrelly & Co’s business model and product line are tailored to a clientele who value craftsmanship and authenticity. The company operates exclusively online, which allows them to maintain a direct relationship with their customers. They prioritize quality over mass appeal, and they’ve cultivated a loyal customer base that appreciates their attention to detail and personalized service. Tanya, Alan and Rachel discuss how Farrelly & Co initially thrived despite launching at the onset of the pandemic. They talk about how lockdowns spurred a surge in demand for home renovations, giving the business a strong start. Using their backgrounds, they expanded their skill by launching a line of high-quality, eco-friendly paints in 2022. Their paint is non-toxic, vegan, and safe for children, embodying their commitment to sustainability and premium quality. They walk us through what the process is like to remove old layers of paint from period properties, and the true grunt work that goes into it. They then also discuss the common mistakes that other services will make when it comes to prep work and renovations. Their true expertise is their specific process with the prep work, and that’s what makes it so long lasting, making it a better investment for the consumer. Alan and Rachel discuss how precise they must be when picking the colors of someone’s home, and they do not cut any corners when it comes to making sure someone’s space is curated and then painted to perfection. They walk us through important steps when it comes to sampling, consulting, and coloring a room, as well as common mistakes to avoid in the process. They share the basics that people need to understand when it comes to picking colors for each specific room in their homes. They discuss color drenching, picking the right color for your trim or panelling, and the right paint finish for each room in your home. They are always conscious in their design, and they make sure to take their customers' lifestyle into account. They encourage their customers to take risks, be brave with colors, and to follow certain trends that can elevate a space. This conversation shows the importance of passion and adaptability in building a successful business. Despite the challenges of starting during a global pandemic, Farrelly & Co has established itself as a trusted name in paint products, carving out a distinctive place in a competitive market. /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/34197660

31. A 101 guide to budgeting for Dublin renovation with QS and founder of houses to restore Shay Lally 03/29/2024

31. A 101 guide to budgeting for Dublin renovation with QS and founder of houses to restore Shay Lally Welcome back to another episode of The Interiors Podcast. Today, host Tanya Neufeld Flanagan had the pleasure of interviewing Shay Lally, QS and founder of Houses To Restore. Shay and Tanya got to discuss renovations and how to work around the challenges of the budgeting when you're considering buying a property. He also gives us an insight of how is Instagram came about, and where his passion for renovation began. Houses To Restore originally started as an Instagram account that highlighted properties on the market and gave ideas on how a QS would restore each property, sharing budget and ideas. With the success of the account since the pandemic and property boom, Shay moved into consulting services and now offers a full design and build model with the company working with architects, engineers, interior designers and sub-contractors. Shay and Tanya discuss how tricky Dublin renovations can be to estimate when you're considering a property or have already bought. Shay and Tanya walk through his entire process in helping a client with a renovation from seeing a property that's on a market to initial costing plans all the way through to project managing an extension or refurb. Shay discusses the range of costs homeowners can expect depending on the type of property and access and whether kitchens, bathrooms or windows are being updated. They also dive into the cost of an extension and some other "hidden" costs like VAT and professional fees people may not consider until it is too late in the process. There are a lot of issues that can pop up when purchasing and renovating a home, and Shay emphasizes the importance of seeking out guidance and having a good architect and team working on a space, as well as having a QS to evaluate all aspects of the renovation process. Shay goes into detail about cost plans and how the owner can tweak their renovation and budget to suit their lifestyle needs. Join us next time for more insights and stories from the world of renovation and interior design. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode. Until then, keep creating spaces that reflect you and your lifestyle. Resources You can learn more about Shay Lally and Houses To Restore on their website: Follow Shay on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/houses_to_restore /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/30463218

30. IMAGE Interiors editor Megan Burns on inspiration, aspiration and Irish design 02/28/2024

30. IMAGE Interiors editor Megan Burns on inspiration, aspiration and Irish design Welcome back to The Interiors Podcast. In this episode, host interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan discusses inspiration, aspiration, and Irish design with IMAGE Interiors magazine editor Megan Burns. We dive behind the scenes of this iconic biannual magazine and what makes it so special and influential in the Irish interiors scene. The IMAGE Interiors ethos is to highlight the best of Irish design and craft. Megan Burns, who has recently taken over as editor, explains that ‘trends’ are less of a major focus, but rather showcasing themes, artisans and homes that tell a story and enlighten the viewer. We discuss how Irish design is evolving and how every reader can bring something that they see in the magazine into their own spaces. True to their more editorial and curated aesthetic, IMAGE Interiors make an effort to put forth unique interiors homes in every issue. Megan emphasizes that it is important for people to do what THEY want in their homes, rather than adhering themselves to what they think is appropriate in their homes. She encourages viewers to proceed with less caution in approaching how they want their spaces to look. IMAGE Interiors features many different projects, designers, architects, and focus on the sustainability of the designs being shown - every issue feels timeless and like it could sit on your coffee table without aging out. Megan and Tanya discuss how even though the magazine can include many seemingly complicated designs, it is still focused on making sure that anyone can read and enjoy. IMAGE Interiors seeks to inspire the viewer to think about their own style in an authentic and courageous way, no matter where they are living. Join us next time for more insights and inspiring stories from the world of interior design. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode. Until then, keep creating spaces that reflect you and your lifestyle. Resources You can learn more about IMAGE and the IMAGE interiors magazine on their website - Find them on Instagram - Follow Megan - /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/30154213

29. How to craft effortless elegance for your lifestyle and property with Po McNamee, interior designer 01/12/2024

29. How to craft effortless elegance for your lifestyle and property with Po McNamee, interior designer Welcome back to another episode of The Interiors Podcast. I want to share with you the enlightening journey we took in our latest episode titled "How to Craft Effortless Elegance for Your Lifestyle and Property" with the esteemed interior designer Po McNamee. We delved deep into the art of creating spaces that exude a unique blend of restrained glamour and effortless elegance, a signature style that Po is renowned for. Po, with her 15-20 years of experience in luxury, domestic, and commercial properties, enlightened us with her philosophy of intertwining clients' personalities within their homes. She emphasizes the joy of working on personal projects, bringing clients' visions to life, and the excitement of restoration projects. Her expertise shines through in her ability to modernize while respecting the heritage and character of spaces. We explored the intricate process of interior design, particularly in restoration projects. Po detailed how her team collaborates with architects and other professionals, focusing on interior architecture to ensure that the essence of each project remains strong from concept to completion. She stressed the importance of being involved early in projects, ensuring clients' desires are met, and avoiding costly redirections. The highlight of our conversation was Po's description of her style - elegant, yet restrained, with a focus on quality materials and art. She loves incorporating natural materials and colors, adding touches of fun and personality through unexpected elements. Her approach is client-centric, valuing their input and ideas, which often become the magic in the projects. Listeners, this episode isn't just about interior design; it's a testament to the power of listening to clients, understanding their needs, and transforming their spaces into something that not only looks beautiful but feels like home. Po's work is a blend of aesthetics, functionality, and client's personality, which makes each project unique and personal. Join us next time for more insights and inspiring stories from the world of interior design. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode. Until then, keep creating spaces that reflect you and your lifestyle! Resources Follow Po on Instagram @pomcnameedesign /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/29367943

28. Avoiding bland interiors with Susan McGowan of Ashen & Cloud 11/17/2023

28. Avoiding bland interiors with Susan McGowan of Ashen & Cloud In our latest episode, I had the opportunity to chat with Susan McGowan of Ashen and Cloud, a beacon of creativity in Ireland's interior design scene. We dove deep into a topic that many of you have pondered over – how to steer clear of a bland aesthetic in your living spaces. Susan’s insights are a goldmine for anyone yearning to infuse their homes with character and individuality. Susan's journey from a music-oriented background to the pinnacle of interior design is as intriguing as it is inspiring. Her approach to each project is refreshingly unique, shaped by her experiences and a keen eye for merging client desires with artistic expression. We discussed various design categories – from contemporary sleekness to the intricate charm of refurbishments – each requiring a nuanced touch to achieve balance and allure. One of the standout stories from Susan was about a project in Kerry, where a traditional farmhouse meets modern design. It's a vivid example of blending the old and new, using natural materials and colors drawn from the surrounding landscape. This project alone could spark a million ideas in your mind about your own home! We also tackled the ever-daunting kitchen design, where Susan provided sage advice on avoiding 'safe' choices that lead to uninspiring spaces. She encouraged bold decisions, like choosing standout features carefully, to create a kitchen that's not just functional but also a reflection of your personality. Our conversation took a fascinating turn when discussing a project for clients relocating to a contemporary new build in their retirement. The challenge here was integrating their cherished antiques into a modern setting – a true test of Susan and her team's creative prowess. And of course, Susan shared her golden rule – detailed planning is key. Whether it's furniture, lighting, or artwork, considering every element from the get-go is essential to avoid bland interiors. She also had a reassuring message about design trends: It's less about following them and more about creating spaces that resonate with your personal style and life's moments. For those needing a bit of professional guidance, Susan mentioned the various services offered by Ashen and Cloud, from comprehensive design to helpful consultations. How to Connect with Susan McGowan: Instagram: Follow Susan and her team’s latest projects and get inspired by their unique designs at . Website: Discover more about Susan’s work, philosophy, and the range of services offered by visiting the Ashen and Cloud website: . Through these platforms, you can explore Susan's portfolio, and perhaps even find inspiration for your next design project. Whether it's a full-scale renovation or simply seeking a fresh perspective on your living space, Susan’s expertise is just a click away. Remember, each episode of the Interiors Podcast strives to bring you closer to the heart of home design, featuring professionals like Susan who are reshaping the way we think about our living spaces. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions! /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/28668118

27. Navigating today’s housing market on your own terms with House & Home magazine editor Ciara Elliott 10/13/2023

26. Best of interiors & industry highlights 2023 09/29/2023

26. Best of interiors & industry highlights 2023 As we kick off season three of the Interiors Podcast, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the gems from season two. From interviewing industry experts to diving deep into personal home renovation stories, we've covered a lot. Jenny Butler shared her transition from commercial to residential design, revealing how her experience influenced her own home's design. I also shared a solo episode on creating your unique style, a formula to ensure your home reflects your personal taste while staying true to its architecture. And for those DIY enthusiasts, Vivian McKendry's journey of climbing the property ladder and her DIY successes (and a few lessons learned) is a must-listen. We had inspiring homeowners like Rob Hennessy, who took on a massive renovation project during the pandemic, and the behind-the-scenes of our new home featured on RTÉ's Home of the Year. For those diving into the technical side, the episode with Dogwood Designs demystifies joinery, breaking down the differences in materials and costs. Kate O’Driscoll's pivot into renovation consulting after her DIY journey with a Victorian home offers insights for those early in their renovation planning. And if you're on a tight budget, Kieran McCarthy's practical advice from the show "Cheap Irish Homes" is invaluable. Lastly, for those navigating the maze of planning permissions, Luke Wymer's episode is a comprehensive guide, especially if you're dealing with historical properties. As we move forward, I promise to continue bringing you both inspiration and practical tips. If you have any recommendations or want to connect, reach out on our Instagram. Thanks for being part of this journey, and I can't wait to share more in season three! Make sure to follow the podcast on whatever platform you are listening. Find me on Instagram @theinteriorspodcast Episodes Covered in Season Two: Episode 16: Bringing the best of commercial interiors home with interior architect Jennifer Anne Interiors Episode 17: Finding your interiors style & inspiration with a story Episode 18: A lesson in DIY design and renovation with Vivian McKendry of @the.project.home Episode 19: Combining passion and practicality in a Great House Revival with Rob Hennessey Episode 20: Our Home and RTE's Home of the Year Episode 21: The 101 of joinery & custom kitchens with Dogwood Designs Episode 22: A DIY approach to period properties with renovation consultant Kate O’Driscoll Episode 23: The 101 to planning a renovation with build expert Kieran McCarthy Episode 24: A Portobello home makeover by designer Sophie Lundstrom Halbert Episode 25: A guide to your planning journey with Planning Consultant Luke Wymer /episode/index/show/cd406e70-dcc4-416e-83d1-17e6ace0ef5e/id/28167797

25. A guide to your planning journey with planning consultant Luke Wymer 06/02/2023

24. A Portobello home makeover by creative director Sophie Lundstrom Halbert 05/19/2023

23. The 101 to planning a renovation with build expert Kieran McCarthy 05/05/2023

22. A DIY approach to period properties with renovation consultant Kate O’Driscoll 04/21/2023

21. The 101 of joinery & custom kitchens with Dogwood Designs 04/07/2023

20. Our Home and RTE's Home of the Year 03/22/2023

19. Combining passion and practicality in a Great House Revival with Rob Hennessey 03/10/2023

The Interiors Podcast

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