In Profile:
By Della Interiors ltd

Name: Antonia Sandulescu

Company: Della Interiors ltd

Position within company: Co-Founder and Creative Director

Website: www.dellainteriors.ie

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I originally started out in fashion, which gave me a real eye for detail, texture, and how to balance form and function. After moving to Ireland in 2008, I pursued a qualification in interior design at The Interior Design Academy of Ireland, and things naturally evolved from there. My husband and I co-founded Della Interiors nearly ten years ago. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to work on a wide range of projects—mostly residential, but also commercial—with a particular focus on full-scale renovations and bespoke interiors that feel warm, curated, and considered.

How would you describe your personal design style?

I’ve always had a deep love for Art Deco—its geometry, glamour, and sense of structure—and often subtle nods to it would be persistent in my work. At the same time, I’m drawn to timeless elegance, using natural materials, rich textures, and a soft, contemporary touch to bring warmth and balance. My style is definitely eclectic; I enjoy combining different influences—sometimes from completely opposite ends of the spectrum—and blending them in a way that feels effortless and harmonious. I love mixing contemporary pieces with more timeless elements to create spaces that feel lived-in but still elevated. It’s less about following trends and more about designing spaces that feel calm, beautiful, and very personal to the people who live in them. When done well, that contrast can be incredibly powerful.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

A bit of everything, really – travel, architecture, fashion, nature. I’ve always had a strong visual memory, so I’m constantly pulling ideas from places I’ve visited, materials I’ve touched, trade fairs I visited. There’s something very grounding about drawing inspiration from the natural world.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I think we’re seeing a real shift towards thoughtful, sustainable design—spaces that are less about showing off and more about creating a sense of calm and connection. People are moving away from quick fixes and impulse buys. They want pieces with meaning and spaces that support wellbeing, whether that’s through clever lighting, natural materials, or good spatial flow.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

One of the more challenging projects we worked on was a residential one where the client found it incredibly difficult to make decisions. She had quite a restricted budget, but her preferences leaned towards very high-end finishes and designer pieces, which made it tricky to balance expectations with reality.

What added to the challenge was the constant back-and-forth—every decision involved input from multiple family members, and approvals were often delayed for days. There were quite a few changes to the initial concept, and we ended up doing far more site visits and revisions than usual. While she was generally happy with our suggestions once we guided her through them, the overall process became drawn out and stressful for the team.

It was a good reminder that clear communication and aligned expectations from the start are absolutely key to keeping a project on track—for everyone’s sanity!

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

We’re looking to grow the team and strengthen our presence in both the high-end residential and boutique commercial sectors. A big focus for us is taking on more full renovation projects and collaborating with developers—we’ve built a strong network of skilled professionals and reliable suppliers, so we’re well positioned to deliver larger, more complex jobs with confidence.

We’d also love to expand our current showroom or even open a second one. The goal would be to create a much larger space where we can showcase a wider selection of curated, beautifully crafted furniture and design pieces—something that truly reflects the depth of our aesthetic and the quality we stand for.

Your most treasured possession?

Della Interiors – our family-run business that we built from the ground up with nothing but passion, determination, and a lot of hard work. It means the world to us. We started with very little investment but poured in everything we had creatively and professionally, and to see how far it’s come is something we’re incredibly proud of. The name itself is a tribute to our children—’D’ for Daniel and ‘Ella’ from Gabriella. It’s more than just a company; it’s a legacy we hope to pass on for generations to come.

Your favourite holiday destination?

Italy, always and forever. The food, the beaches, the culture – it all feels so familiar and close to our hearts. There’s something about the vibrant colours, the sunsets, the wine… it’s pure magic. Every time we go, we discover something new, yet it always feels like home. We can never get enough!

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Hotel: Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Touring Club Milan
Restaurant: The Ivy, Dublin

Your favourite food and drink?

Food: Fresh pasta with truffle & seafood
Drink: Red wine

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

With family. No deadlines, no calls – just a bit of breathing space. Our days are usually hectic, and the schedule rarely slows down, so whenever we get the chance to wind down, it’s always with the people who matter most. Whether it’s a walk, a meal, or just being together at home, that time is truly precious.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

Probably something creative still – maybe fashion design, or running a little boutique shop; couldn’t imagine doing anything that doesn’t involve storytelling through beauty.