The lure of a home furnishings store is irresistible to anyone who enjoys playing around with the house, just as some of us can't walk past a shoe store without rushing in to quickly try it on.
Art galleries are a close second, but it strikes me that while art and interior design inevitably coexist, they are not necessarily seen together in public beforehand. Therefore, it can be difficult to determine what a piece of art will look like when it hangs on the wall when choosing original art, which can also be more expensive than a mass-produced generic piece.
Providing much-needed synergy between art and interiors, EZ Living Interiors has this week launched Artist in Residence, a program that brings together six Irish artists to exhibit and sell their work at two of the retailer's stores – the Sandyford, Dublin flagship and Gulliver's Retail Park in Santry.
Given that in recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on purchasing goods with lasting value when decorating interiors, this is exactly the right time, especially as the art world is increasingly affected by AI.
“People in creative fields need support,” says co-curator and marketing communications manager Laura O’Keeffe. “Creating art is about a lived experience. It is something authentic that customers can have in their home. This edition of Artist in Residence runs until spring 2026. As the art sells, it will be restocked so there is always something new to see.”
If you find the world of art a little confusing and going to an art gallery triggers imposter syndrome, then perhaps the more natural habitat of an interior design store can provide a smooth transition, especially one where you won't be insulted if you drink coffee near the prized inventory. “I thought it was a really good idea to promote Irish art and highlight creativity in Ireland,” says Meath-based art practitioner and Artist in Residence participant Rachel Clarke.
“It opens up visual art, which can be intimidating and niche, to a new, fresh audience.”
Another participating artist, Dublin-based and Kerry-born Carolyn Walsh, creates art inspired by the colors of Irish sunsets and her love of old buildings. “Art is so important at home,” she says. “It adds a personal touch to your space, adding atmosphere, color and texture.”
Their prints offer an affordable entry into the art world starting at €45. Paintings cost up to €1,900, with 100% of the purchase price of each piece going to the artists, who include self-taught artist Karen Lee, who sells figurative works of well-known locations such as Cork's Shandon Steeple and Dublin's Poolbeg Chimneys.
The contemporary work of another self-taught artist, Irene McCabe, and the strikingly colored abstract canvases of trained artist Paula McGurdy are also on offer.
Cork artist Lisa Woods, now based in Dublin, has contemporary abstract paintings that can respond to her buyers' interior design and personal tastes. “The whole idea of artist in residence excited me,” she says. “Local artists, Irish and the interior design aspect. It's a no-brainer. EZ Living Interiors is a one-stop shop, and now there's original artwork to top it all off.”
Lisa is showing four pieces in Sandyford “on a solid wall next to a jam sofa,” she says.
This delightfully colorful description refers to the retailer's Scott sofa, a contemporary model with hints of mid-century modern design, hand-picked by co-curator and visual merchandiser Sarah Dunne.
It's part of an approach to creating what she calls an “authentic sense of space” that feels like a fully furnished and equipped room at home and provides an immersive context for the art. “Art is essential,” says Sarah. “It brings personality and soul into a space; it lets people show who they are and adds depth to a space.”
The exact location is The Parlor Room, an area within the store created using reclaimed Georgian windows and elements of classic plasterwork. However, the accents are far from a pastiche of the period, but rather subtle, a nod to a time when interior design and architecture flourished, and which now contrasts with the vibrant modern artwork and Sarah's choice of accessories; Rugs, throws and cushions, bouclé textures and tones that reference the Irish landscape – a theme that runs through some of the artists' works. “I wanted to create calm against the liveliness of art,” she says. “We see customers taking a moment to stop and linger over their coffee. There is a real curiosity and connection.”
Artist in Residence will take place at EZ Living Interiors, Sandyford, and Gulliver's Retail Park, Santry, Dublin, during regular store opening hours until Spring 2026.