26th April 2024 | IN EXPERT INSIGHT | BY SBID ShareTweetPinterestLinkedIn Linda McNally, Founder of Clontarf Interiors, has given her insights into the industry. Clontarf Interiors Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? Ever since I was young, I’ve been a creative person with a strong affinity for art and design. While I loved to paint I concluded that I wanted my creations to not just be merely contemplated but to actually be experienced; I started my career in advertising (visualising) then a career travelling with Virgin Atlantic Airways, which opened my insights into interior design. I realised I wanted to physically include the observer in my work and ultimately, I wanted my creations to have a profoundly positive impact on peoples day-to-day life. Once I had this epiphany, it became immediately clear that interior design was the creative avenue that would best allow me to realise this goal. I haven’t looked back since. Clontarf Interiors Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? The main aim for any project I undertake to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and truly enjoyable to live in. Feng shui is a keen interest of mine and incorporating it’s timeless and powerful principles is not only a source of personal enjoyment but also allows me to achieve the aforementioned aim. Additionally, being a people person, I enjoy meeting new clients and collaboratively including them in the design process so that they feel part of the finished work, which hopefully will bring genuine and lasting joy into their lives. This gives me a great deal of satisfaction. Clontarf Interiors What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with many great clients this year, with each project having several memorable features. There is, however, one project that really stands out in my mind and that is an apartment that I designed on Aylesbury Road, Dublin. Honestly, it was a challenging project as the apartment’s ceilings, walls and floors were concrete, this made simple installations of wall lights etc. a challenge. After much deliberation, we converted it into a one bed apartment and fitted it with a walk in dressing area, ensuite, galley kitchen and an expansive living room. A big part of why this project is so memorable is because of how big the transformation was. The before and after photos honestly look like completely different properties and when the client finally saw the finished space they were truly taken aback; astonished, even. It’s reactions like these that I truly cherish. Clontarf Interiors What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? I most enjoy working on new built homes, as it’s like getting a blank canvas. Such projects allow me to employ the entirety of my creative arsenal. You get a chance to determine room sizes, lighting plans, space planning, minor details like where the sockets go, this may seem miniscule but these are all little details that are imperative to achieving a beautiful finish. Clontarf Interiors What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? Managing one’s time effectively can be difficult in this game, as there are so many moving parts. You have to coordinate your own schedule (which can be hectic at times!) as well as ensuring that everything from windows, custom furniture, kitchen fittings and flooring are all delivered on time and installed to the highest standard. If just one item is delayed or one item isn’t fitted to a sufficiently high standard, then this can have a major knock on effect in other areas of the process and cause a deadline to potentially be missed. That’s why staying on top of things and planning ahead are always necessary. Clontarf Interiors What do you wish you knew before working in the field? I wish I knew how big a time commitment is required to succeed in this field. The truth is that to develop a level of design proficiency where you can consistently generate amazing results for your clients, you need to spend years diligently and persistently working on your craft. The required work ethic can only be sustained if you have a genuine burning passion for design and keep up the momentum. Clontarf Interiors If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? Fully believe in your own design concepts; don’t get too influenced by trends! Trust your gut. Make sure you plan your time wisely, schedules are so important in this game, one slip and the project could fall apart quite quickly. Clontarf Interiors How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? With my own clients, I’m seeing an increase in demand for eco-friendly furniture and fabrics. Sustainability is a trend that I foresee continuing as more and more people become aware of the environmental problems we face today. From a technological standpoint, depending on which way developments in artificial intelligence unfold, we may see a world in which designers work alongside AI to enhance and expedite their creative process. Such a development could lead to big changes in the industry as a whole. Clontarf Interiors What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? I feel greatly honoured to have become an SBID Accredited Interior Designer. I have worked extremely hard over the course of my 24 year career to become the best interior designer that I could be and to have my work recognised by one of the most reputable design institutions in the world means a great deal to me personally, my family and all of the wonderful clients that I have been fortunate enough to serve over the years. About Clontarf Interiors Established by Linda McNally in 2004. Since the beginning, we have been serious about achieving quality in every single aspect of our work, which is clearly reflected in our portfolio of residential and commercial projects. Atmosphere & Energy are the essential ingredients that go into creating the personality of your home. They make visitors’ experiences unforgettable but more importantly that they allow the occupants to live in an environment that creates great pleasure every day. During my many years in business, the success of the house comes from the owner, (the house is tailored to meet the needs of its occupants). At the end of a project, it’s important that each room evokes a sense of wellbeing, comfort, and happiness. No two households have or share the same requirements, taste, or style, so I approach each project with a blank canvas and allow the client to lay down the first brushstrokes of their individual style. 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