Ann Marie McCarthy
Dulux was delighted to catch up with interior designer Ann-Marie McCarthy to find out about what inspires her and which trends will be making waves in Irish interiors in the coming months.
Ann-Marie provides a turnkey interior design and decorating service to private residential and commercial clients. She takes plans from initial concept right through to completion. Mac Interior Design aspires to produce interiors that are visually balanced and a representation of her clients personalities. She likes to make sure that she identifies with their needs, so that each design is an accurate indication of the client's standard of living. Contained by this concept she aims to implement her expertise in matching styles, furniture, fabrics, and colour. She offers straightforward, clear; guidance and her clients are regularly reassured by her practical approach.
Everyone has a favourite interiors colour - what is yours and why?
I really don't have a favourite colour. I'm on the fence on this one! It's so hard. I love them all.
Which interiors colours do you see as prominent in our homes for 2011?
Again this season it's got to be Colour, Colour and more Colour, make your rooms more rich and luxurious this Spring/Summer and don't be afraid to go a shade bolder. There seems to be a lot of grey complementing colours in the design world at the minute and it's a great alternative to beiges and taupes. Bright yellows and teals are such striking colors and they work really well with any grey colour pallete
Setting those shades against some sharp white skirting's and you'll have a room to brighten your mood.
Aside from colour, what are the major interiors trends coming down the line?
I am finding it harder and harder to get decent traditional furniture and I can really see antiques and furniture auctions coming back in a big way! I think they have fabulous character and can really add something special to a room.
Modern furniture seems to be more readily available and I love the minimalist crisp look.
I think adding texture in unusual ways adds another dimension, be it in the floors or artwork and fabrics.
Where do you get your interiors inspiration?
I can spend hours in fabric shops, reading interiors books, on the internet, I suppose when you meet with a potential client you see what inspires them. You then try to interpret their inspiration and bring it to reality.
Is there a particular interior style you like...contemporary, classical and how would you describe this style?
I can appreciate all styles, but if I was given a plot of land to build my dream house, it would definitely be a classical / country cottage style. I love this style as I find it so welcoming and relaxing. No fuss, lots of texture and very pretty!
Have you seen colour used in a cool or original way recently – It could be your favourite place, a hotel, restaurant, favourite art gallery?
I was in Lennon's Restaurant recently, its based in Carlow's Visual Centre for Contemporary Arts, and I just loved the plywood ceiling with the light lime wash! Really effective and created great texture! Not to mention it being economical!
How do you go about creating a colour scheme or look you like?
I try to get to know my clients and their tastes at our initial consultation. From there we might take and element that they would like to incorporate into the space and this in turn gives us our starting point. Balance of colour is essential and it is also important to get the right shades & tones to suit the aspect of the room being designed. I truly believe that everyone has different tastes and that it is so important that the client has their own personality and stamp on their home or place of business.
What would be your top tips for people looking to create an interiors look for their homes?
Firstly take your time! Mistakes are made when jobs are rushed. Get the basics in the room right.
- Furniture layout
- Electrics to suit furniture layout
- Prepare walls and timber work for painting and be sure to fill all gaps this will give you a crisp finish!
- Chooses your colour scheme and be brave you can be as bold or as subtle as you like as long as you balance the colour
- When choosing pattern remember scale is very important
- Finally, have fun!
