Róisín Lafferty on Contemporary Interior Design & Material Innovation


Portrait of the interior designer, standing against a textured wall beside a modern staircase.

people • designers

Founded in 2010, Róisín Lafferty is a Dublin-based design house known for redefining what contemporary interior design means today—fusing narrative, form, and material innovation to craft immersive, detail-rich environments. With a bold approach to colour and a mastery of different textures, the studio creates interiors that feel both dynamic and timeless. Renowned for blending functionality with artistic vision, their portfolio includes high-end residential properties, boutique hotels, exclusive members’ clubs, immersive beauty experiences, bespoke workspaces, restaurants, and installations.

With a global reach, Róisín Lafferty has left her mark on projects across Nashville, Miami, New York, Dublin, wider Ireland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, and France. Each space reflects the studio’s signature use of vibrant hues, meticulous attention to detail, and deep-rooted respect for modernism in interior design—establishing her as a trailblazer in today’s design landscape.


 


Words:
designeers
JANUARY 2025

WEBSITE: roisinlafferty.com
INSTAGRAM: @roisinlaffertyofficial


designeers

What are three words that define your design philosophy?

roisin lafferty

Bold, innovative, timeless. 


designeers

Your work is celebrated for its bold colours and unique textures. What inspires your colour palettes and material choices, and how do you ensure balance in such daring designs?


roisin lafferty

My inspiration comes from nature, art, and travel—there’s something magical about blending seemingly contrasting elements into harmony. I focus on layering different textures, playing with light, and balancing vibrant hues with grounding tones to create spaces that feel dynamic yet liveable.

 
 
 
Contemporary kitchen with a green marble island, brass base, and deep green cabinetry, styled with vases and fresh flowers.

2:1 Residence

Open-plan living space featuring green marble flooring, mirrored walls, and custom-built shelving, blending bold textures and colours.

2:1 Residence

 
 
 

designeers

Dream project location—where would you love to bring your signature style to life?


roisin lafferty

I’d love to design a boutique hotel on the Amalfi Coast, where the architecture and views lend themselves to dramatic, immersive interiors.


designeers

Can you share a project that you feel best embodies your studio’s vision and creativity? What made it so special?


roisin lafferty

The 2:1 Residence is a standout project for me. It exemplifies our studio’s approach to pushing boundaries while ensuring every detail tells a story. The use of bold colours, custom-designed furniture, and curated textures created a home that feels both strikingly unique and deeply personal. It’s a true reflection of how thoughtful design can transform a space.

 
 
Dining area with a glossy red table, vintage chairs, and a sculptural paper light fixture, set against dark wood paneling.

2:1 Residence

Hallway with striking blue bookshelves, minimalist wooden paneling, and modern artwork, creating a bold colour contrast.

2:1 Residence

Curved green marble staircase with sculptural brass and white pendant lighting, showcasing bold material choices.

Infinity house

 
 

“I believe spaces have the power to alter how you feel, how you experience the world and how you act. That is powerful. Life is very serious, design can offer a sense of playfulness and fun that is much needed to many.”

roisin lafferty

 
 
 

designeers

Your designs always have a story. What’s currently inspiring you, and how does it influence your work?


roisin lafferty

Right now, I’m inspired by the intersection of modernity and heritage. I love reimagining traditional crafts through a contemporary lens—where modernism in interior design meets storytelling, bringing together heritage and bold expression. Interior architecture and playing with space is the central theme throughout all my projects, residential and commercial. I believe spaces have the power to alter how you feel, how you experience the world and how you act. That is powerful. Life is very serious, design can offer a sense of playfulness and fun that is much needed to many.


designeers

If you could reimagine an iconic historical space with your bold design touch, what would it be and why?


roisin lafferty

I’d love to reinterpret Versailles! Adding modern colours, textures, and unexpected elements while preserving its grandeur would be an exciting challenge. As well, layering my interiors within Casa Batlo by Gaudi would be simply magic.

designeers

Material you can’t live without—what’s your favourite go-to and why?


roisin lafferty

Stone. It’s such a timeless and versatile material—and central to my approach to material innovation. Whether it’s marble, limestone, or terrazzo, stone adds a tactile and luxurious quality to any design. Its natural variations make every piece unique, which I find endlessly inspiring. It also truly defines infinite pattern and colour.


designeers

Favourite design hotel in the world?


roisin lafferty

Ett Hem in Stockholm. It’s the perfect mix of coziness and high design, where every detail feels personal and intentional.

 
 
 
Luxury bathroom with mirrored walls, brushed brass fixtures, and a freestanding bathtub, creating a refined aesthetic.

2:1 Residence

Staircase with a soft green plaster wall, black metal railing, and a mid-century modern pendant light.

2:1 Residence

 
 

designeers

Design hero that inspires you?


roisin lafferty

Carlo Scarpa. His work is a masterclass in detail and materiality. I deeply admire how he seamlessly combined traditional craftsmanship with modernist principles, creating spaces that feel both grounded and poetic. Scarpa’s sensitivity to context and his innovative use of materials continue to influence my approach to design.

designeers

What advice would you give to someone looking to embrace colour, texture, and personality in their home?


roisin lafferty

Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always start with what you truly love. Layer colours and textures gradually, and let them tell a story that reflects your personality. And remember, balance is key—offset bold elements with quieter tones to create harmony.

 
 
Cosy lounge area with a deep blue velvet armchair, curved rug, and pixelated modern artwork on wooden paneling.

2:1 Residence

 

Photography Credits:
2:1 Residence: Ruth Maria Murphy Infinity house: Barbara Corsico

 
 
 

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