Frequently Asked Questions
Most common interior design questions Mairead receives in consultations.
Who is Mairéad Collier?
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Mairéad Collier is a Cork-based interior designer and the founder of Mairéad Collier Interiors. She trained at the KLC School of Design in London and has spent years living between Cork, London and the United States, which shapes the way she designs. Her work honours the bones of a home while weaving in the personality of the people who live there, and she has been designing for private clients since 2019.
Where should I start with a home renovation?
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Start with how you want to live in the home, then set a budget you will protect and build your team early. Mairéad's renovation guide also recommends finalising the interior design plans before the build begins and ordering long-lead items early. If the order of it all feels overwhelming, a Design Discovery Consultation is a good first step.
Should I hire an interior designer before the builder starts?
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Ideally, yes. Decisions about layout, lighting, joinery and finishes shape what happens on site, so they are far easier to settle before the build begins than halfway through it. This is why Mairéad's Full Interior Design Service suits new build homeowners working with architects, and anyone taking on a whole-home renovation.
What mistakes should I avoid when renovating a home in Ireland?
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The ones that cost the most are starting the build before the design is settled, not protecting the budget, pulling the team together too late and leaving long-lead items until the last minute. Mairéad's renovation guide walks through how to avoid each one, including how to stay involved in the build without micromanaging it.
Can I book a short call before committing to anything?
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Yes. Mairéad offers a free 30-minute discovery call to talk through your project and the best way to work together. If you would like more time and direction, you can book a Design Discovery Consultation instead.
What happens in a Design Discovery Consultation?
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A Design Discovery Consultation is a focused 90-minute session for homeowners who want clear, expert direction before making big decisions. You complete a short questionnaire first. During the session, Mairéad reviews the layout and furniture placement, suggests colour palettes suited to Irish light, advises on fabrics and flooring and assesses the lighting. You then receive a written action plan. Technical drawings, procurement and project management are not included.
What does an interior designer do?
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An interior designer plans how a home will work and feel, then makes sure the plan is carried out well. For Mairéad that means space planning, mood boards and material palettes, furniture and lighting selection and, on full projects, coordinating the trades, managing procurement and overseeing the work on site so the finished home matches the design.
What is the difference between an interior designer, an interior decorator and an architect?
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An architect designs the building itself, including its structure, layout and planning. A decorator focuses on how a room looks, such as colour, furnishings and styling. An interior designer works across both: planning how spaces function, specifying finishes, joinery and lighting, and working alongside architects and builders. Mairéad does both the planning and the finishing touches, so a home works as well as it looks.
How does the Full Interior Design Service work, step by step?
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The Full Interior Design Service follows seven stages. It begins with Getting to Know You, an in-depth consultation on scope, timeline and budget, followed by a tailored proposal. Stages two to four cover design, concept and tender: the design scheme, mood boards, material palettes, furniture selections, floor plans and lighting layouts. Stage five is construction and supply, with orders sequenced around lead times and the build programme. Stages six and seven cover snagging, handover and a care pack with maintenance guidance, warranties and guarantees.
What is the difference between the Full Interior Design Service and the Signature Service?
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The Full Interior Design Service is completely hands-off: Mairéad designs, coordinates and oversees the project from the first conversation to handover. The Signature Service gives you a detailed design plan, including spatial planning, mood boards, material palettes, 3D visuals and furniture sourcing, for you to implement yourself. It suits anyone managing their own renovation timeline, or designing one room or a few at a time.
Can I design my own home with some professional guidance?
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Yes. Many people want to make the decisions themselves and simply need a clear plan to follow. Mairéad's Signature Service provides that plan, and her guide, How to Be Your Own Interior Designer, sets out a five-phase approach for homeowners starting from scratch.
Can Mairéad help with just one room?
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Yes. You do not need to renovate everything at once. Through the Signature Service, Mairéad works on individual spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms, with the same attention to detail as a whole-house project.
Can an interior designer help with flooring, paint and lighting choices?
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Yes. Finishes are part of every service. The Full Interior Design and Signature services include material palettes and finishes, with lighting design on full projects, and the Design Discovery Consultation covers colour palettes, fabric and flooring recommendations and a lighting assessment.
Can I use my own architect, builder and tradespeople?
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Yes. Mairéad can recommend trusted professionals, but you are welcome to use your own architect, contractors and suppliers on any of her services.
Does Mairéad offer online or remote design services?
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No. Mairéad works in person only, visiting clients' homes across Ireland and in London, so she does not offer online or remote consultations.
How much does an interior designer cost in Ireland?
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It depends on the size and scope of the project, so Mairéad provides a tailored proposal for each one rather than a flat rate. For the Full Interior Design and Signature services, a €650 deposit is paid before the initial design consultation and a bespoke proposal follows. A 90-minute Design Discovery Consultation costs €650 plus a travel fee that starts at €50 for homes more than 20km from Cork and rises with distance.
Where does Mairéad work?
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Mairéad is based in Co. Cork and works in person across Ireland and in London. Her projects include homes in Cork city and county, West Cork, Cobh, Macroom and Kerry, as well as London in the UK. From countryside retreats to city homes, each design is shaped around its setting and the people who live there.
How do I find a good interior designer in Cork?
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Look at completed projects in homes similar to yours, ask how fees and stages work before you commit, and meet for a first conversation to see whether you click. Mairéad shows her completed projects across Cork, West Cork and Kerry in her portfolio, sets out each stage of her process on her website and offers a free 30-minute discovery call.
Does Mairéad work outside Cork?
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Yes. Mairéad travels to clients across Ireland, including Kerry and West Cork, and works in London too. A tiered travel fee, from €50, is added to the Design Discovery Consultation fee for homes more than 20km from Cork.
Can Mairéad help if I am moving to Ireland from the US or London?
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Mairéad knows that move from the inside. She has lived between Cork, London and the United States, decorating homes in a range of architectural styles along the way, so she understands both the practical side of settling in and the wish to make a new place feel like home. She has designed a family home for clients with ties to both West Cork and the US East Coast. Because she works in person, the best time to get in touch is once you have a property to see.