The Steeples show home, Midleton, by Aoife Maria Interiors.
There is no single stage at which every developer needs to appoint an interior designer.
Unlike working on a private home, where we may be involved in the interior architecture from the very beginning, the role of an interior designer on a residential development can vary considerably.
For some developers, we are brought in early to look at the interior architecture, furniture layouts, lighting, joinery and specification before these decisions are fixed.
For others, the property itself is already complete and the priority is much simpler: create and deliver a fully furnished show home, sometimes within a matter of weeks.
Both are ways we work.
Does an interior designer need to be involved from the start of a development?
No. If a developer wants interior design input into the properties themselves, earlier involvement gives us greater scope to review furniture layouts, lighting, joinery, kitchens, bathrooms and the overall interior specification.
Early space planning and layout review by Aoife Maria Interiors.
This can be particularly useful when there is still flexibility to make adjustments to elements such as internal walls, lighting plans, joinery or kitchen layouts, where small changes can improve how the finished homes function and feel.
However, not every development requires that level of involvement.
What does a show home interior design service include?
For many developments, the main requirement is to take a completed or nearly completed property and turn it into a furnished show home ready for the market.
In these cases, we can work to a much shorter programme, developing the design around the target buyer and the property itself before sourcing the furniture, lighting, artwork, rugs, window treatments and accessories needed to complete it.
We have worked with developers where the programme has been a matter of weeks or a few months, as well as developments where we have been involved from the very beginning.
Lighting concept development by Aoife Maria Interiors.
When should the interior specification be developed?
Ideally, key items should be specified and ordered before first fix begins.
Sanitaryware, showers, some electrical fittings, and even window treatments often need to be confirmed early so plumbers and electricians are not held up on site. Where possible, we like to be ordering key items around two months before first fix.
That said, the level of involvement varies from one development to another. Sometimes we are brought in early and can source the most appropriate products from the outset. Other times, the developer may already have a shortlist or preferred suppliers and ask us to select from those options.
Our role can adapt to both, depending on the programme, the stage of the project and the level of design input required.
3D design development showing the relationship between joinery, furniture and lighting.
Can an interior designer manage furniture procurement for a show home?
Yes. Furniture procurement is an important part of our work with developers.
Depending on the project, we can manage the sourcing and procurement of furniture, decorative lighting, artwork, rugs, textiles and accessories, along with supplier coordination, deliveries, installation and final styling.
This takes much of the coordination away from the developer while ensuring the finished show home is carefully put together for the target buyer.
Completed show home interiors at The Steeples, Midleton.
What can Aoife Maria Interiors provide for a residential development?
Our involvement depends on the development, the programme and the level of design support required.
For some projects, we join early and work alongside the architect and development team on interior architecture, layouts, lighting and specification. For others, we come into a completed or nearly completed property and take responsibility for the show home design, furniture procurement, installation and styling.
Aoife Maria Interiors works with developers across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK, adapting our involvement to suit each project.
From the team at Aoife Maria Interiors