What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to have a “KLD Dublin Design, Inspration Weekend”. It was a great way to relax and unwind before the start of a new week!

This weekend I got to explore some of the design delights going on in Dublin at the moment with the lovely Becky. We ventured down Dame Lane to check out the stunning April and the Bear pop up shop. It delivered everything we hoped for, bursting with character and charm. It was great to get to meet the lovely Siobhan Lam, owner and creator of the shop.

It was also great to get to see the products in the flesh, we are particularly in love with the jewellery and the illustrations and prints… couldn’t quite resist buying a few!

We particularly like that there is so much Irish talent showcased from jewellery designers, artists and furniture makers.

A major bonus was getting to see the talented furniture and product designer, Jenny Walsh, in action.

Jenny was in store creating some of her striking cardboard, organic light fittings and chatting with customers. It was really interesting to see how the pieces are made. We were particularly interested to hear that all the waste material from the manufacture is re-used to make the packaging itself (which is also very cool.)

After the retail therapy, we ventured into Industry to check out the new deli and try some tasty sweet potatoe wedges. It was packed to the rafters, and bursting with interior treats from tiling, to panelling, not to mention the beautifully styled accessories and vintage finds. Industry is always a shop worth visiting and now with the tasty food options, we will most certainly be visiting again!

To top off the day, I picked up a copy of the new issue of Image Interiors & Living and was delighted to see the ‘Ask the Expert’ section back again featuring me as the Interiors Expert, The Interior DIYeradvising on your DIY adventures, John Kelly talking Architecture and Paeder Doyle talking construction facts.  This month I am giving advice on how to future proof your home for a growing family. Make sure to pick up a copy!