A renovation should feel exciting, not scary. In 2026 there will be many builds, busy trades, and long lead times. Good planning keeps things calm. This renovation planning guide shows you how to plan a renovation step by step. You will learn who you need on your team, why interior design plans should be 90% complete before building starts, and how renovation budget planning helps you avoid costly changes on site. We will also cover pre-construction planning, lead times, timelines, site meetings, and simple ways to control scope and costs.

The goal is simple: a smart plan, a smooth build, and a home you love. Click here to read more.

A living room is where life happens. We sit. We talk. We rest. When a room feels fresh and calm, the whole day feels better. This guide shows a simple living room makeover from start to finish. It follows a step-by-step living room styling process you can copy at home. You will learn how to style a living room, how to plan a living room furniture arrangement, where to hang art and mirrors, how to use plants, and how to add those small finishing touches that make a big change.

Everything here uses plain, clear steps. It is easy to read and easy to do. The aim is a space that feels fresh, functional, and uniquely yours. Click here to read more.

Summer is a time to gather. We sit outside. We share food. We talk and laugh. A good outdoor table setting helps these moments feel easy and warm. This guide shows you how to style a summer table in two simple ways. The first look is a casual brunch table setting for a barbecue or breakfast. The second look is an elegant outdoor dining set-up for a calm evening on the terrace or patio. Both looks are simple. Both looks feel chic. Both are made with small steps you can copy at home.

We will use ideas that work in any home. We will use layered place settings, soft colour, and mixed textures. We will add shape and glow with vases and candles. We will use glass hurricane centrepieces to bring height and light. Above all, we will keep each table tidy, tonal, and relaxed. These summer table-scape ideas are easy to follow and easy to love. Click here to read more.

A mantel is a small stage in your home. It sits there, calm and steady. It frames your fire. It holds your things. It sets the tone for the whole room. When it looks right, the space feels right. When it feels right, you relax. This guide shows how to style a mantel in a clear, gentle way. It works for a plain, plaster mantel. It works for a modern, architectural surround. It works for a cosy living room or a bright open-plan space.

We will use three simple rules. We will style in odd numbers. We will vary the heights like a skyline. We will choose objects that relate like a family. These are the core mantel decor rules. They help you create a balanced mantel display without stress. They make modern mantel decor feel easy and natural. By the end, you will have a calm, elegant look. You will have a mantel that tells your story.

Shelves do more than hold things. They tell a story about you. With a few smart moves, any bookcase, dresser, or open shelving unit can look calm, chic, and personal. This guide shares the same simple principles used in my Saturday Style Session so you can style your own shelves at home with ease.

We will keep it clear and practical. We will use easy rules that work every time: arrange in odd numbers, vary the heights, and build a “family” of objects that relate to each other without being matchy-matchy. These shelf styling ideas are simple to copy, budget-friendly, and look refined in any room.

A tidy home feels calm. A calm home feels kind. When things have a place, you can breathe. You can think. You can enjoy the room you are in. This guide shares chic home storage ideas that also look good. Each idea is simple. Each idea is easy to try. The goal is stylish home organisation that helps you live better, every day.

We will use what you already have. We will think outside the box. We will turn small tasks into small joys. You will find creative storage ideas for small items and bigger things. You will learn how to label, how to stack, and how to make order look beautiful. These are stylish storage solutions that make your space feel calm and personal.

As conversations about sustainable living become more mainstream, many homeowners are asking the same question: is solar power actually worth it in Ireland & The UK?

The short answer? Yes, and more than ever.

While Ireland & The UK might not be famous for endless sunshine, today’s photovoltaic (PV) systems are designed to work on daylight, not just sunlight. Even on overcast days, they quietly generate energy, helping you power your home efficiently and sustainably, all while reducing long-term costs.

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt calm, comfortable, and at ease, even if you couldn’t explain why? That's a design working quietly in the background.

Beautiful interiors don’t happen by accident. They’re guided by a set of timeless design principles that balance creativity with structure, helping every element feel intentional and harmonious.

Here are the key principles I consider when designing any room, the invisible framework that brings beauty and balance to life.

A beautifully styled console table is one of those design moments that can completely transform a space. Whether it’s in your entryway, living room, or dining room, a console is often the first thing guests see,  it sets the tone for the rest of your home.

When styled thoughtfully, it creates a sense of balance, personality, and polish that feels both effortless and elevated. Read more.

Have you ever dreamed of transforming your home but didn’t know where to start?

Whether you’re refreshing a single room or thinking about a full home makeover, you can take the lead and begin the journey like a professional interior designer.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through a simple, five-phase process I use with my clients, so you can apply it to your own home, no matter your style or budget.

Let’s begin.

Transforming your home is a creative and collaborative journey. Here’s how we typically work together, from our first conversation to the moment you step into your beautifully finished space.

There’s a particular kind of magic that summer brings into our homes. It’s in the lengthening days, the golden evening light, the soft breeze that filters through an open window. And it’s in the subtle shift in how we want to live, slower, lighter, more connected to nature.

But embracing that summer feeling at home doesn’t require a full renovation. It’s not about big, dramatic changes. It’s about intention.

As the light changes and summer subtly unfolds, it’s the perfect moment to reimagine your home, not with bold new statements, but with quiet shifts in texture, flow, and mood.

This is the art of the summer reset, a curated, seasonal edit that allows your interiors to feel aligned, elevated, and effortlessly relaxed.

Here’s how to create a soft summer transition at home, the high-end way.

As we step into spring, there’s an undeniable urge to refresh our homes, to open the windows, let in the light, and embrace a sense of renewal. While new cushions, fresh flowers, or a coat of paint can work wonders, one of the simplest yet most transformative ways to breathe new life into your space is through scent. Fragrance has the power to transport, to evoke memories, and to create a mood in a way that no other design element can.

Luxury interior design goes beyond beautiful furnishings and high-end materials, it is about curating a space that is a sophisticated, timeless extension of your personal style. It’s about creating an environment that not only looks stunning but feels effortlessly refined and functional.

Luxury should never come at the cost of comfort. A well-designed home is not just a visual masterpiece, it’s a space that enhances your daily life, where every detail serves both form and function.

At Mairead Collier Interiors, we pride ourselves in creating interiors that seamlessly blend sophistication with practicality. Whether it’s a family home, a city apartment, or a holiday retreat, our approach ensures that luxury meets liveability.

Transform your Irish house into a warm, inviting home with these 10 simple yet impactful ideas. From showcasing family heirlooms to creating cosy corners and incorporating personal touches, learn how to design a space that reflects your personality and feels uniquely yours.

Discover what defines true luxury in interior design and why it’s worth investing in. Learn how thoughtful design elevates everyday living with timeless beauty and comfort.