A grand panelled interior is counterbalanced by the natural light and delightful whimsy in this historic Dublin house …
Photographs by Ruth Maria Murphy
The mahogany panelling and marquetry floor are balanced by the lightness of the handpainted ceiling mural depicting Irish flora and fauna by Michael Dillon.
Limerick-born interior designer Suzie McAdam has long been captivated by the intersection of history and art. From her early years spent visiting historical houses and her memories of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, where she spent part of her childhood, McAdam’s fascination with blending eras took root. This early exposure to art collections and historical interiors laid the foundation for her design philosophy, exemplified in this redecoration of a Georgian house on one of Dublin’s prominent squares.
Interior designer Suzie McAdam
Once owned by an eminent Irish family who weren’t averse to putting their own stamp on their prestigious properties, it offers a completely atypical layout, says McAdam: “Most Georgian houses of the period are entered via a narrow hall – here, the righthand wall was removed entirely, probably in the late 18th century, to deliver a bigger view into the reception area. It was entirely panelled in mahogany and, most unusually for Dublin at that time, a marquetry floor was put down.” Initially, McAdam found the atmosphere created by this rather masculine intervention very overwhelming, but its beauty was undeniable. She decided to counterbalance its heaviness with lighter and prettier elements like the mystical ceiling mural depicting natural Irish flora and fauna, and the theatrical lighting pendant that cascades like a pearl necklace.
The Halti pendant light – “like a string of pearls” – is by Cameron Design House. The artwork over the fireplace is by Michael Cullen. The Climbing Vine rug is by Nordic Knots. The sofa, covered in Pierre Frey’s Opera Velours, is by Maison Dada; the armchair is custom from the Suzie McAdam Collection. The coffee table is by Tom Faulkner.
The bespoke joinery pieces for either side of the fireplace are custom from the Suzie McAdam Collection, as is the sofa, granite coffee table and kidneyshaped desk with back-painted glass. The dome table lamp is by Jonathan Adler, the floor lamp from Soho Home. The console table is by Tom Faulkner and the rug by Nordic Knots.
Though she had initially pursued a path in architecture, McAdam’s true calling emerged when she switched to interior design, graduating in 2010. A stint in California working with a prominent designer on high-end residential projects was the opportunity that introduced her to the world of luxury interior design, albeit of the contemporary-leaning variety. Here, she learned to balance luxurious aesthetics with a sense of comfort and lived-in elegance.
Bespoke armchairs are from the Suzie McAdam Collection.
The Tiglia table lamp is by Visual Comfort.
In 2013, McAdam returned to Dublin and established the Suzie McAdam Design studio. One private house commission led to more, thanks to positive word of mouth. Today, her work is recognised for its fusion of contemporary and classical design elements and its somewhat brave and un-clichéd approach to decorating. McAdam’s current design projects include the transformation of a five-star hotel on Stephen’s Green and the redesign of some of Ireland’s most iconic private homes.
In the dining room, the handpainted mural by Michael Dillon depicts pastoral scenes from parts of the country that hold meaning for the owner of the house. The Avalon dining table is by Tom Faulkner, and the rosewood dining chairs, sourced from 1stDibs, were reupholstered by Abbey Upholsterers. The sideboard is custom from the Suzie McAdam Collection.
The floor lamp is vintage, the armchair, upholstered in Velvet Lines by Pierre Frey, is custom from the Suzie McAdam Collection.
McAdam’s work is defined by her deep knowledge of design history and her passion for sourcing unique antiques, vintage furniture, and exquisite textiles. Her clients tend to be interested in art, and in investing in art and furniture. From period pieces to mid-century treasures, she creates interiors layered with unusual finishes, furniture and subtle sophistication. Her love for colour, texture, and carefully curated finds results in spaces that are not only visually compelling but also deeply personal and inviting.
The study walls are covered in Forest Hills wallpaper by Schumacher. The chairs and table are custom from the Suzie McAdam Collection. The Gem chandelier is by Giopato & Coombes.
Her designs eschew fleeting trends, focusing instead on spaces that blend history and character with blatant modernity. In this house, her signature style is evident: “My aim was to let the Georgian details sing through contemporary interjections. The brief was to allow the space have that duality.”
A bespoke oval dining table from the Suzie McAdam Collection was made by Studio Kinnard, and the leather-piped banquette made by Abbey Upholsterers. The ceiling pendant is by Beata Heuman.
In the kitchen, the sleek joinery is by David Crowley Furniture. The tiled floor is by Mosaic Assemblers. A mix of vases, bowls and objects are from Article, and the artwork is by William Crozier.
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