In Profile:
Collette Ward Interiors

Where does your design inspiration come from?:

My design inspiration begins with the client – their personality, lifestyle and how they live within their homes. The choices they make in their home are deeply personal and I definitely allow, and also encourage, their individuality to shine through in our interior designer / client relationship while I am creating their unique world.

Ultimately I am guided by the character of the architecture too, drawing from the proportions, period and heritage of each property to create interiors that feel respectful and cohesive. Nature and the surrounding environment inform my use of colour, texture and materiality, bringing warmth, balance and longevity to the space. Inspiration ultimately comes through careful listening and observation when talking to our clients, resulting in interiors that are layered, refined and quietly luxurious – honouring heritage while celebrating individuals and families in their daily contemporary living.

It must be said that, when it comes to design, I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of the entire team. This business is not about one person or, if it is, that person in the client. As a team, we bring soul, integrity and collaboration to each project. We are guided by instinct as well as our design training and experience. We take the time to step away from screens and spreadsheets and immerse ourselves in the materials, which are also inspirational. Our studio is an Aladdin’s cave of possibilities, ideas and samples – clients always enjoy coming to visit us in the studio as it’s an experiential and informative insight into how their new home will look and feel.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?:
I believe design is moving towards greater authenticity and expression, and that’s a good thing. There is a growing emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, material honesty and spaces that feel personal rather than performative. Longevity, sustainability and emotional connection are becoming central, with design shifting away from trend-led statements towards thoughtful, human centred interiors that prioritise comfort, quality and timelessness.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. :
1. Creating homes, not just interiors.
2. Inspirational fabrics and colours.
3. Calm, comfort and a sense of joy.
4. Thoughtful sustainability without compromise.
5. Designing for now but built to last.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?:
Listen first, trust your instinct and remember that the most successful spaces are the ones that feel good to live in, not just good to look at.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?:
The world is changing very quickly now and, sadly, the personal and human touch is becoming a thing of the past. I started my business in an analogue era, and I still trust the processes of hand sketching, for example, and reliance on my own psyche and internal resources rather than defaulting immediately to digital imagery. Over the next 12 months I will continue to work in this beautiful ‘analogue’ way. My aim is to constantly drive my curiosity and passion for what my team and I do: creating homes that feel personal, uplifting and easy to live in. I want to protect the collaborative spirit and shared energy that fuels my work and I want to continue to design with warmth and integrity, supporting the people I work with and for.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?:
A perfect afternoon would include a long walk in the Wicklow mountains, time spent on my horses riding around green fields on our farm, walking my dogs and a social glass of wine with friends.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would your alternative profession be?:
I’ve always been fascinated by psychology and anthropology – it’s all about humans and their happiness. I’m a great believer that, in this career, it’s 8 parts psychology, 2 parts design. I can read people well, and that’s vital in this business. My interest in humans drives everything – we know that no two people are the same and I believe that no two homes should be the same.

Anything else interesting? :

I am extremely lucky – I live in Co. Wicklow, which is aptly called ‘The Garden of Ireland’ as it’s so lush and green. I share my home with my family and many other animals. Beyond work, my passion is horses, and I compete in dressage competitions. Having horses that depend on me creates the perfect work / life balance as they pull me away from the office. There are many overlaps between interior design and dressage as they both require the same extreme dedication in the obsessive pursuit of elegance and perfection – this extends right through to how I dress for competitions and how colour coordinated I am with my horse truck and my horses’ gear!

I absolutely love my work, who I work with and where I live – I have to say that nothing beats having to chase baby lambs and horses out of the paddock so my clients can land their helicopter when they’re arriving for a studio visit!