Name: Grania Murray
Company: Studio Grania Murray
Position within company: Principal
Website: https://graniamurray.com/
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I was influenced by mother Teresa’s affinity for design at a very young age. I often returned from school to hear the sewing machine running and as a result I was making my own clothes from ten years of age. From my mid-teens I was set designing for school plays. I attribute this era to have been the birth of my interest in interiors. Then the chance compliment of an esteemed Magazine Editor encouraged me to work in interiors. Over twenty years later, I’m lucky to be an award-winning designer who continues to work extensively on both sides of the Atlantic.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
In every project, I source unique and exclusive pieces from around the globe to execute my vision. The quest to create a timeless space is at the core of what I do. Always with a nod to classic design, my work is never without a contemporary twist and an unwavering eye for detail.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
- The location of each project
- Travel
- Art galleries
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
- Acquisition of product based on the history or story of an item.
- Less definitely meaning more.
- A greater appreciation of handmade and limited production and embracing flaws
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
- Aging in place – Designing for an aging population
- Green design – Sustainability and taking up as small an energy footprint as possible
- Safety – Security in the home
- Automation – Easy living
- Up cycling- buying Vintage
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
That they inspire emotion and feel like a sanctuary to the owner.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Being recognized by one’s peers is the ultimate accolade and it also is a wonderful reaffirmation of one’s body of work to potential clients
What projects are you currently working on?
- The Mountain Community Hospital in Lake Arrowhead, Southern California
- A residential home set on a private lake
- A residential home for a client located in the San Bernadino mountains, Southern California
- A yoga retreat in Ireland
- A new style of Irish bar and restaurant for the US market inspired by my work on The Cellar Bar for which I’ve been shortlisted
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
- To be constantly challenged and inspired by every new client’s vision
- To do additional work that benefits the community
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My Irish Siamese cat, George Michael
Your favourite holiday destination?
Italy
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
The Cellar Bar & Restaurant at The Merrion Hotel in Dublin
Your favourite book, film & song?
The Art of Racing in the Rain – Rocketman – Home by Zero 7
Your favourite food and drink?
Italian food and wine
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Walking around the lake at my home
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A lawyer
Anything else interesting?
My Tattoos