“Daring, romantic, mind-bending,” describes the super-contemporary work of Irish designer Róisín Lafferty, whose one-of-a-kind projects using natural marble, stone and timber create timeless, harmonious living spaces of exceptional quality. Dublin native Lafferty grew up with art, accompanying her gentlemanly grandfather to museums and galleries, creating school theater sets and gift paintings. After studying interior architecture and furniture, she earned a master’s degree in product design in London. Since launching in 2010, her namesake firm has created acclaimed projects around the world and recently introduced a furniture collection. With long blond hair and stiletto heels, Lafferty has earned acceptance from clients and contractors claiming, “they are increasingly recognizing female talents and contributions.”
What led you to interiors?
It was a clear path for me, creating art for people to live in, to interact with. It lasts. There are so many possibilities with it and ways to creatively express myself.
What do your designs achieve?
My aim is to create something unexpected, something beautiful that will last. I’m trying to make people feel something, to evoke emotion. I don’t want it to be surface level. I want more depth. Interiors are the environment we surround ourselves with. Good interior design should frame lives.
Why should the space encompass you?
It takes you to a different place. Walking into a well-designed space should transport you to another atmosphere, appeal to all your senses, not just your eyes.
What do you mean by playful architecture and rendering the unimaginable?
Creating the unexpected, thinking outside the box. Reminding people that just because you haven’t seen it before, doesn’t mean you can’t do it. You should push the boundaries. It takes trust, but when you’re open, it’s so much more creative and the result is so much better.
Why use natural materials?
I don’t like trends. For me, interiors should last longer than a fleeting trend. Nature does not date—it’s timeless, forever. There are so many options when you bring in natural materials— every stone slab and timber grain is unique. And they can connect the inside and outside really beautifully.
Why do you focus on detail before decoration?
I think of it as the bones of the space. I want everything to be flush, aligned, particularly the transitions between materials, so that what your eye sees is calm and perfectly executed. I want the integrity of the space to be perfect and well-conceived. Then you layer on the beautiful things.
The natural palette is neutral. How do you use color?
I love natural neutral, but I also love bold color. Sometimes I paint everything one color—the doors, ceiling, architraves. It immerses you overall and has more meaningful impact.
Why do you insist that your clients see and touch every single finish you’re proposing?
Eyes are only one of our senses. Tactility is very important. Floors can be beautiful. But when you walk on them barefoot, how does it feel? We want to ensure that we’re using materials they really truly like.
Why is construction knowledge essential to the final project?
It is the underlying foundation. The more tech knowledge I and my team have, the more we can push the creativity and be sure our ideas can be brought to life.
Your practice is in Dublin city. Why do you choose to live in a country cottage?
Nature has always been a way of grounding myself. It’s where I clear my head.
What is a building you’d like to design?
A boutique hotel. Hotel spaces are a bridge between commercial and home, and you get to be very playful. There’s so much scope to create something different that stands out.