Ireland's lively capital Dublin, is a city steeped in history and culture. This unique combination of old and new can be seen all along the streets and tucked away in the winding corners of the city. Among the glass buildings and modern office blocks are the terraced homes and Georgian quays of old. One thing they all have in common though, is a keen interest in interior design. This blog delves into some of the most popular interior design trends in Dublin right now.
Minimalist
While Dublin may be an old city with hordes of historical artefacts, a surprising design trend in Dublin is modern minimalist design. This style is largely influenced by the Japanese notion of Zen and emphasises simplicity and peace. By minimising clutter and focusing on the basics, a minimalist environment seeks to generate a sense of quiet and tranquillity. Perhaps it is a response to Dublin’s old days of poverty where people held on to their belongings for as long as they could, but modern Dublin prefers to rid itself of clutter and be cleaner and more refined.
Everything in a minimalist interior serves a purpose. Furniture is generally sleek with clean lines, and colour choices are typically neutral with white, beige, and grey tones being especially popular. However, a minimalist room does not have to be frigid or sterile. Textures and materials are important in creating warmth and depth. A well-placed plant, a soft rug, or a significant piece of art may bring life to a minimalist environment.
While some may regard minimalism as a rigid set of rules, it is in fact, a design philosophy that encourages people to rid themselves of unnecessary “stuff” and to live with less. It is about creating a home that is efficient, functional, with freedom from extraneous distractions. Minimalist interiors are a haven for people to live with clarity and ease. A clean home is a clean mind.
Contemporary
Contemporary interior design in Ireland is a combination of traditional design with a modern touch. This reflects the natural beauty of the Irish environment with a sense of warmth, comfort, and informal elegance.
Natural materials such as wood, stone, and wool are commonly employed in Modern Irish interiors to create a strong connection with nature. The colour palette frequently draws inspiration from Ireland's wild countryside, embracing green, blue, and earthy tones.
Industrial design
Industrial design is another prominent style in Dublin interiors and is found in bars and restaurants as well as homes derived from converted lofts and modern apartments. This style embraces raw, unpolished materials and is inspired by the aesthetics of factories and warehouses.
Think exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and visible pipes and ducting. Reclaimed wood, metallic or iron fixtures, copper colours and vintage furniture are also frequently used in the industrial design, producing a distinct, edgy mood that is nonetheless warm and inviting.
Scandinavian design
Scandinavian design is noted for its simplicity, functionality, and minimalism and can be found in many interiors around Dublin. This design emphasises light, airy spaces with a largely neutral colour palette.
Clean lines and natural materials such as wood and soft tan leather coupled with basic, well-designed furniture are common components in Scandinavian interiors. Plants and cosy textiles may give warmth and vitality to the spaces, encapsulating the concept of 'hygge', a Danish word referring to a sense of cosy contentment.
Eclectic
Eclectic design is a lot like Dublin itself. A melting pot of influences and cultures. This design style allows for the mixing and matching of diverse design components from different times and styles.
An eclectic interior can have a modern sofa next to a vintage coffee table, or an old rug next to modern art. It's a style that emphasises originality and, when done correctly, can result in a lively, bright room that feels like a personal and unique reflection of the occupants.
Japandi
Japandi is a relatively new but very contemporary interior design style that has recently captured the hearts of Dubliners. This style is a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design principles, combining Scandinavian design's simplicity and functionality with Japanese aesthetics' grace and minimalism.
Japandi style is distinguished by its relaxing, neutral colour palettes, which frequently feature tones of grey, off-white, and subtle pastels. Natural elements such as wood and stone reflect the Scandinavian style but combined with Japanese bamboo and wallpaper prints they come together to create Japandi. The overall impression is of calm with a connection to nature.
Japandi furniture is often low and streamlined, with clean lines and a distinct lack of clutter. Every object in the space has been carefully selected and serves a specific purpose, adhering to the Japanese idea of 'iki,' which translates to "sophisticated simplicity."
At the same time, Japandi design manages to infuse warmth and friendliness into environments, a trait drawn from the Scandinavian idea of 'hygge'. Soft furnishings, warm lighting, and a variety of textures all contribute to the creation of inviting, cosy places.
As a result, the area is calm and tidy, and it is not only aesthetically beautiful but also wonderfully functional. This style injects a much needed escape from the bustle of Dublin city.
Country Cottage
The Country Cottage style works well for individuals looking for a pleasant, homey atmosphere, and it can integrate traditional Irish cottage design features. Rustic furniture, exposed wooden beams, and a warm, earthy colour palette characterise this look. Fabrics with floral or plaid patterns are popular, and accessories may include vintage or antique.
Georgian Classicism
Dublin is notable for its Georgian architecture, which was popular in the city from the early 18th through the early 19th centuries and many Dubliners continue to be inspired by this era when it comes to home design. Interiors in the Georgian style are distinguished by their beauty and symmetry, with a strong emphasis on proportions and balance.
Muted colours like pastel blues, greens, and creams are frequently used in the colour pallet. Georgian-style interiors generally include elegant mouldings, large fireplaces, and antique furnishings. This design is ideal for individuals who want to create a space that exudes historic charm and sophistication.
Dublin's interior design scene is as diverse as its people. From the traditional elegance of Georgian Classicism to Industrial, Scandinavian, Minimalist, Japandi, Country Cottage to the very appropriate Eclectic design styles. All of which culminates in Modern Irish interior design.
Interior design style is a very personal decision that is impacted by your lifestyle, interests, and the architecture of your space. Whatever style you prefer, the goal is the same, to create an environment that makes you feel at ease, a space that feels like home.
If you want to learn more about these designs and the world of interior design, we welcome you to enrol in one of our comprehensive courses. Our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to turn any space into the place where dreams are made. You'll master everything from the fundamentals of design to advanced techniques under the supervision of seasoned industry professionals, putting you on the path to becoming a confident, creative interior designer.