A sumptuous paneled interior is balanced by the natural light and delightful whimsy in this historic Dublin home…
Photographs by Ruth Mary Murphy
The mahogany paneling and inlaid flooring are offset by the lightness of the hand-painted ceiling mural of Irish flora and fauna by Michael Dillon.
Limerick-born interior designer Suzie McAdam has long been fascinated by the intersection of history and art. McAdam's fascination with mixing eras was rooted in her early years visiting historic homes and in her memories of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, where she spent part of her childhood. This early exposure to art collections and historic interiors laid the foundation for her design philosophy, which is expressed in the redesign of a Georgian house in one of Dublin's prominent squares.
Interior designer Suzie McAdam
Once owned by a distinguished Irish family who were not afraid to put their own stamp on their prestigious properties, it offers a completely atypical layout, says McAdam: “Most Georgian houses of this period are entered via a narrow hallway – here on the right The Wall was probably completely removed in the late 18th century to allow a better view into the reception area. It was entirely paneled in mahogany and, highly unusual for Dublin at the time, with an inlaid floor.” At first McAdam found the atmosphere created by this rather masculine intervention overwhelming, but its beauty was undeniable. She decided to balance the heaviness with lighter and prettier elements such as the mystical ceiling mural depicting natural Irish flora and fauna and the theatrical lighting pendant that cascades like a string of pearls.
The Halti pendant light – “like a pearl necklace” – comes from Cameron Design House. The artwork above the fireplace is by Michael Cullen. The Climbing Vine rug is from Nordic Knots. The sofa, covered in Pierre Frey's Opera Velor, comes from Maison Dada; The armchair is a custom-made product from the Suzie McAdam Collection. The coffee table is by Tom Faulkner.
The bespoke joinery pieces for either side of the fireplace are from the Suzie McAdam Collection, as are the sofa, granite coffee table and kidney-shaped desk with back-painted glass. The Dome table lamp is by Jonathan Adler, the floor lamp by Soho Home. The console table is from Tom Faulkner and the rug is from Nordic Knots.
Although she originally pursued a path in architecture, McAdams' true calling became clear when she graduated with a degree in interior design in 2010. A stay in California, where she worked with a well-known designer on high-end residential projects, was the opportunity that introduced her to the world of interior design. Luxury interior design, albeit in the contemporary twist. Here she learned to balance luxurious aesthetics with a feeling of comfort and lived-in elegance.
Bespoke armchairs are from the Suzie McAdam Collection.
The Tiglia table lamp is from Visual Comfort.
In 2013 McAdam returned to Dublin and founded Suzie McAdam Design Studio. A private home order led to more thanks to positive word of mouth. Today, her work is known for fusing contemporary and classic design elements and her somewhat bold and cliché-free approach to decorating. McAdam's current design projects include the transformation of a five-star hotel in Stephen's Green and the redesign of some of Ireland's most famous private homes.
In the dining room, Michael Dillon's hand-painted mural depicts pastoral scenes from parts of the country significant to the home's owner. The Avalon dining table is by Tom Faulkner and the rosewood dining chairs from 1stDibs were reupholstered by Abbey Upholsterers. The sideboard is a custom-made product from the Suzie McAdam Collection.
The floor lamp is in vintage style, the armchair upholstered in Velvet Lines by Pierre Frey is a custom-made product from the Suzie McAdam Collection.
McAdam's work is characterized by her deep knowledge of design history and her passion for sourcing unique antiques, vintage furniture and exquisite textiles. Your customers are typically interested in art and investing in art and furniture. From antique pieces to mid-century treasures, she creates interiors with unusual finishes, furnishings and subtle sophistication. Her love of color, texture, and carefully selected finds results in spaces that are not only visually compelling, but also deeply personal and inviting.
The study walls are covered in Schumacher's Forest Hills wallpaper. The chairs and table are custom-made from the Suzie McAdam Collection. The Gem chandelier is by Giopato & Coombes.
Her designs eschew fleeting trends and instead focus on spaces that combine history and character with overt modernity. Her unmistakable style is clearly visible in this house: “My aim was to bring out the Georgian details with contemporary touches. The task was to give the space this duality.”
A bespoke oval dining table from the Suzie McAdam collection was made by Studio Kinnard and the leather-piping bench seat was made by Abbey Upholsterers. The ceiling light is by Beata Heuman.
In the kitchen, the elegant joinery is from David Crowley Furniture. The tile floor is from Mosaic Assemblers. A mix of vases, bowls and objects are by Article and the artwork is by William Crozier.
SEE MORE: Designer and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece on her desk
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