The Interiors Association have been invited to design a stand at the 44th Irish Antique Dealers Association Fair in the RDS in Dublin with the theme ‘Antiques in a Contemporary Setting’. The Interiors Association represents professionals working within the Interior Architecture and Interior Design Community in Ireland.
Vice-President Sarah Brown and PRO Denise Ryan embraced the task and have been very excited in putting the concept together. Both designers run their own successful practices. "In the past two years we have noticed a trend towards more classical design, both in domestic and commercial interiors. Minimalist detailing has been replaced with the warmth and character of ornation and stainless steel and chrome are being replaced with antique brass and burnished bronzes" says Denise Ryan. "There is a trend, also seen in current fashions, towards the past - vintage, antique, retro. In the current climate - both economically and environmentally - reusing and recycling are very much in vogue".
‘Customers have less disposable income’ adds |
Sarah Brown. ‘They want to ensure the product they invest in is durable and will hold its value over time, even if resold – that’s why antiques are such a great option. A solid piece of furniture can always be refinished to restore it to its original appearance – a huge advantage over many of the veneered options today’.
The design, which displays a Living & Dining Room, is based on the concept of using core classical items of furniture combined with contemporary furnishings. With advice and experience from members of the Irish Antique Dealers Association, the designers have selected antiques that will work in a stand alone setting or integrated with one another. All items are different styles and eras to push aside notions that everything should match.
‘We’re using innovative vinyl flooring from The Flooring Consultancy which gives a clean finish to maximise the impact of each antique’ says Sarah. ‘With this, we have vibrant silks and metallic damask wallpapers from Designers Guild. These are perfect to illustrate the concept – taking a traditional element
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and revitalising it with modern technology and materials’. Italian pendant lights from Nirvana Lighting in Kilkenny will be on display for the first time in Ireland. ‘They compliment the modern furnishings and ‘funk up’ the old. It’s all about context really’, according to Denise. ‘We want visitors to the stand to think about how they can mix things up in their own homes. If you inherit an antique, or buy it just because you love it that doesn’t mean that it has to dictate the design for the rest of the room. It shows a confidence if you can take that piece and work it with other furnishings’.
During the show, members of both the Interiors Association and the Irish Antique Dealers Association of Ireland will be on hand to advise on the concept and the individual antiques. The Interiors Association will also answer any questions you may have on how to choose an Interior Designer. All members of the Interiors Association must meet minimum standards regarding education and experience to become accredited. To see a list of members, or become a member, please visit www.theinteriorsassociation.ie. |
