Interior designer Sarah Louise Dunne has built a reputation for seamlessly blending beauty with functionality, creating spaces that are both elegant and livable. The Dublin-based designer recently shared insights into her own Mount Merrion family home, revealing how renovating her personal residence ultimately led her to pursue her dream career in interior design.
One of Dunne's most cherished pieces in her home is a vintage armchair that came with the property when she and her family moved in 17 years ago. "I reupholstered it in a soft, sage green velvet. It's beautiful with curved wooden arms and just the right amount of character," she explains. This piece exemplifies her approach to design – taking existing elements and transforming them into something extraordinary.
Dunne's journey to interior design wasn't conventional. She originally studied psychology at University College Dublin and trained as a primary school teacher with plans to pursue education psychology. However, everything changed when she began renovating her own home. "I had three children at this time and decided to make the career change which I am so happy I did," she tells the publication. This pivotal moment during her home renovation revealed her true passion for interior design.
Today, Dunne has established both a design studio for consultations and a full retail store in Dundrum Town Centre. Her design philosophy centers on creating "fluid spaces with a classical lived-in vibe using tones that deliver elegance, ease and flow." Many of the pieces in her projects are custom-made for clients to achieve "the feeling of equilibrium and balance in space."
Living with her husband Cormac and their four children aged 14, 11, 10, and 7, Dunne faces the unique challenge of designing for a diverse household with varying needs and preferences. She approaches this by selecting "high-quality materials that feel luxurious yet are durable and easy to maintain." Her thoughtful space-planning ensures every element serves a purpose, successfully blending elegance with everyday usability.
Color plays a crucial role in Dunne's design approach, both practically and emotionally. She uses strategic color placement to enhance functionality, explaining that "darker shades can ground a space while lighter tones open up and brighten areas, making them feel more spacious and livable." Beyond functionality, she believes color has transformative emotional power: "Soft, muted tones bring a sense of calm and clarity, while rich, bold colors can energize and inspire us."
The living room in Dunne's own home serves as a perfect example of her balanced approach. She describes using "a warm, muted palette – soft taupe walls with deep navy accents and natural textures like wood and linen – to create a space that feels both refined and relaxed." This combination not only creates a serene atmosphere but also withstands the demands of daily family life, proving that luxury and livability can coexist.
Dunne will be sharing her expertise at the upcoming Ideal Home Show, running from October 17-19, where she'll appear alongside interior designer Carla Benedetti and color consultant Jane Witter at the Dulux Heritage Interior Design Hub. She's also scheduled to speak at the DFS Interiors Theatre on Saturday, October 18. "What I look forward to is meeting fellow designers, suppliers, and homeowners – sharing ideas and hearing different perspectives," she says about the event.
At the show, Dunne will discuss the current trend toward warm and organic elements in design. Jane Witter, Dulux color consultant, notes there's "a definite move towards well-rooted colors that evoke feelings of calm and balance – this can be seen globally too." Carla Benedetti will also create a contrasting room display, showcasing her signature style that balances old and new elements with "layers of different natural finishes, new and re-purposed pieces."
Despite having designed her family home, Dunne admits there's always more work to be done, possibly including another renovation. "As an interior designer, it never stops, I am always planning the next project," she reflects. Her top advice for homeowners is to "incorporate items that reflect your personality or story – unique décor, meaningful artwork, or colors you love – to make the space feel truly yours."
Dunne's philosophy can be summarized in her belief that "less is more, a space should feel considered and lived in, not staged or overly designed – that's a good design result." This approach has clearly served her well, both in her professional work and in creating a home that functions beautifully for her family of six while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic she's known for in her design practice.
