The Interiors Podcast

In this episode of The Interiors Podcast, Tanya Neufeld Flanagan speaks with interior designer Geri O’Toole of Geri Designs about what makes her signature “classic contemporary” style so compelling, and why the best homes are designed for feeling as much as for appearance.
Geri shares the story behind her design instincts: growing up surrounded by creativity, antiques, craftsmanship, and old homes, and how those early influences shaped the way she approaches interiors today.
Together, Tanya and Geri explore the shift away from copy-and-paste interiors toward more personal, tactile, and characterful spaces that reflect the people who live in them.
They dig into:
What “classic contemporary” really means in an Irish context
Why natural materials create warmth, depth, and longevity
How to use colour intentionally without overwhelming a space
The importance of joinery, lighting, and ceiling details
Why planning early can save money, stress, and regrets
How to design a home around real life, not a Pinterest fantasy
Design for how you want to feel, not just how you want to look.
Invest early in the bones: layout, joinery, lighting, floors, and finishes.
Natural materials add grounding, warmth, and authenticity.
Colour works best when it has a clear reference or emotional purpose.
Good interiors are personal, functional, and layered over time.

The conversation closes with practical advice for anyone renovating, building, or refreshing a home: start with how you want the space to feel, invest in the bones of the house, and don’t be afraid to bring personality into your interiors.

In this episode, interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan interviews John Dobbin, Dublin-based managing director of Dobbins + Company Architects.
With his extensive experience in high-value residential and commercial, John shares insights into how architects and interior designers can best collaborate to deliver cohesive, efficient, and personalised building projects, and the other professionals that will save you money and stress along the way.
The discussion emphasises early involvement, strategic decision-making, and the importance of clear communication to avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Takeaways
The evolving relationship between architecture and interior design and their intertwined roles
The importance of early collaboration between architects and interior designers
Key considerations for managing budgets, timelines, and decision-making in residential construction
How to leverage professionals like quantity surveyors effectively
Strategies for managing client expectations and scope creep in renovation projects
The value of comprehensive planning and preemptive decision-making
The significance of understanding building contracts, change management, and the impact of small decisions
Interior design influences architectural decisions, especially with high-value residential and hotel projects, fostering more integrated and functional interiors.
Early engagement with interior designers helps align visions, optimize budgets, and enhance the overall quality of space.
Managing a building project involves not just design, but also careful planning around costs, timings, and change control.
Regular, detailed communication among clients, architects, interior designers, engineers, and quantity surveyors prevents costly redesigns and delays.
Clear scope definitions, fixed budgets, and minimizing mid-project changes are essential to successful outcomes.
Architects often serve as project managers, but involving specialized professionals early can streamline processes (e.g., QS, structural engineers).
The importance of understanding and navigating building contracts, claims, and delays to keep projects on track and within budget.
Collaborative, transparent negotiation between clients, architects, and interior designers leads to better, more cohesive results.
Connect with John Dobbin, Dobbin + Company Architects
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter

Join host and Dublin-based interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan to discover how the team behind Farrow & Ball moved on to creating Fermoie, an artisan-centric fabric house out of Wiltshire in the UK.
Fermoie blends artistry, heritage, and sustainability to redefine British fabric design. Learn what pattern, colour, and texture add to your home when it feels like something is missing.
In this episode, Jamie Shawcross, Managing Director, shares insights into the brand's passionate approach, from color mastery to eco-conscious manufacturing, making elegance accessible for all.

Takeaways
The philosophy behind Fermoie's understated textiles and how subtlety influences design
The unique craftsmanship process: hand-drawn motifs, rotary screen printing, and texture
The importance of color storytelling rooted in heritage and natural pigments
Sustainability commitments: B Corp certification, eco-friendly supply chain, and recycled outdoor fabrics
The role of interior design in choosing and layering fabrics for a lived-in, authentic look
How Fermoie’s collections facilitate both professional designers and DIY homeowners
The expanding range: wallpapers, wall coverings, and accessories like lampshades and cushions
Practical tips for mixing patterns and creating cohesive spaces with subtle, stylish fabrics

Resources
Explore how Fermoie’s understated textures and rich history can elevate your interior style, whether layering textiles or choosing statement wallpapers.
Visit their showroom or browse online for inspiring ideas and bespoke options.
Fermoie - Official Website
B Corp Certification
Fermoie Wallpaper Collection
Fermoie on Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter

LIVE AT DESIGN SOURCE AT THE RDS, MARCH 6 2026
This is a series of behind-the-scenes industry interviews aimed at designers, architects, craftspeople and trades.
Discover the ins and outs of decorative plaster finishes with Anna Bougharbel from Maison Anna B, delving into microcement, lime finishes, and their best applications.
This episode offers expert insights into choosing the right material for your space, application tips, and sustainability considerations.

LIVE AT DESIGN SOURCE AT THE RDS, MARCH 6 2026
This is a series of behind-the-scenes industry interviews aimed at designers, architects, craftspeople and trades.
In this live interview, architect Courtney McDonnell shares her expertise on project collaboration, team roles, managing challenges, and building successful client relationships in residential architecture. Discover practical tips for working with specialists, avoiding common pitfalls, and enhancing project outcomes.