Survey highlights key concerns for Ireland’s interiors industry

​Sustainability, Brexit and increased public appreciation for design are key issues impacting on Ireland’s interiors industry, according to survey findings released today (28.03.19) to coincide with the launch of house 2019.  The survey was completed by members of the Interiors Association, a support network for the interior architecture and design communities.  

Cheap imports, fast fashion and our “throwaway” culture were identified by survey respondents as the most negative trends impacting on the design industry.  On a more positive note, respondents predicted sustainability will play a key role in purchasing decisions in the coming years, pointing to increased demand for responsible design, biophilic design, and locally-sourced and handcrafted products. 
 
A growth in public appreciation for quality design was also highlighted as a positive, with respondents citing the continued popularity of interiors-focused media programmes, outlets and events – and their impact on public perceptions of design.
 
Backlash against throwaway culture
Commenting today, Róisín Lafferty, interior architect and ambassador for house, said: “In recent decades, the rise of fast fashion was mirrored in the interiors industry.  Rather than investing in furniture and design to last a lifetime, consumers became used to low prices, rapid turnaround times, and the ability to constantly update and change the style of their homes. 
 
“Now, with growing awareness about climate change, we are seeing a backlash against cheap imports and this sort of throwaway culture.  Homeowners are more likely to carefully weigh up the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, and invest in quality items that will last for years.  We’re also seeing continued growth in reclaiming, reusing, recycling and upcycling. 
 
“Trend predictions for the coming years very much reflect this focus on sustainability.  People are favouring artisan Irish manufacturers and designers over cheap global imports; and we’re seeing increased demand for biophilic design, which brings elements of the natural world into the built environment.”
 
house 2019
2019 marks the fourth year that house – Ireland’s premier interior design event – will take place at Dublin’s RDS.  The event runs from 24th to 26th May, with a line-up featuring Dermot Bannon, Suzie McAdam, Hugh Wallace and Amanda Hilton Sawyer, alongside Róisín Lafferty. 
 
There will also be 160 hand-picked exhibitors and sponsors; and various stages, including the Inspiration Stage, the Trend Talks stage, and an Upcycling Area, where attendees can gain insights and advice from high-profile speakers.  Members of the Interiors Association will deliver Design Clinics at the event, where attendees can receive one-to-one advice from professional interior designers.
 
Brexit and the business outlook
house is organised by Independent News & Media (INM), publisher of Ireland’s largest newspaper titles and digital channels.
 
Commenting today, Cliona Carroll, Sponsorship and Events Manager at INM, said: “The trends highlighted in our industry survey are reflected in the programme for house 2019.  We’ll have a dedicated upcycling space and a focus on sustainability across all stages, and – as usual – our exhibitors will include the best Irish designers, manufacturers and retail brands. 
 
“A new feature at house 2019 will be Made For You, a dedicated area for craftworkers and designer-makers to exhibit artistic products.  Visitors will find everything from the functional to the strictly decorative, such as lamps, candles, mirrors, furniture, glassware, decorative arts and much more.
 
“In addition to highlighting current trends and consumer tastes, our survey gives an indication of the business outlook for Ireland’s interiors industry.  While Brexit is – unsurprisingly – a major concern, we were pleased to see that a majority of respondents are predicting growth for their interiors business in the coming years.”
 
Key findings from the survey include:
 

• The majority of respondents – almost 73% – have been in business for five years or more.
• Over 86% of respondents expect their business to grow in the next five years.  Almost half of those expect growth of between 10% and 25%, while almost a third expect growth of more than 25%.
• Brexit is viewed as a threat by 81% of the survey respondents.  In particular, respondents highlighted their dependence on UK manufacturers, suppliers and imports; the likely growth in costs as a result of Brexit; and current political uncertainty leading to consumer reluctance to spend.

 
Event information
Tickets for house are on sale now.  An adult one-day ticket costs €12.  Children under 12 years of age are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased online via: https://www.house-event.ie/buy-tickets.html
 
ENDS
 
For further information, contact: Niamh Breathnach / Elaine Parsons, Alice PR & Events. Tel: 01-5582151 / 085-1461231 / 086-1610785. Email: media@alicepr.com
 
Notes to Editors
Follow house online:
 

• Facebook: @houseeventirl
• Instagram: @thehouseevent
• Twitter: @thehousevent
• www.house-event.ie
• #house2019

 
About the house 2019 survey

• The survey was conducted during March 2019, using the online SurveyMonkey tool.
• Members of the Interiors Association were approached directly by email, and invited to participate.