Well, we are all aware of just how difficult the housing situation is across Ireland today. But just because things are so expensive, does that mean we should not have our own cake and eat it too? I say no to that. And with apartment spaces fetching the craziest premiums ever in Irish history, Irish apartment dwellers are looking for any possible way to get as much comfort as possible without sacrificing style.
Let’s not forget – A great home is great for the mind!
So, it doesn’t matter if you live in Dublin or Letterkenny, I have created a list of encouraging apartment design ideas that are especially suited to Ireland’s housing, climate, and culture today.
I hope you find something useful in this list.
1. Embrace Natural Light, Even When It’s Rare
Ask any GP, and they will tell you that Vitamin D is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in Ireland. (And I’m ‘totally’ not saying this just because I was diagnosed with this recently).
With the very little sunshine we have here per year, it is very important for our health and mood that we take in as much natural sunlight as possible.
TIPS
- Keep those windows open as much as you can.
- Use large mirrors to reflect natural light across the room.
- Choose sheer or linen curtains instead of heavy drapes.
- Do not use dark colour to paint your walls. Go for light-coloured walls instead (off-white, warm greys, sage green etc) to brighten up darker areas.
2. Be Smart with Your Storage Space.
In my humble opinion, the above photo seems cluttered for my standards. But that’s only because by nature, I don’t accumulate things I don’t need. However, for a tiny space, I believe the designer did a really good job using the available space to fit everything in.
By design, affordable Irish homes and apartments are typically narrow and/or compact. I do not know the cultural reasons for this, but that is simply my observation after living in Ireland for 15+ years.
Because of this, I have learned to apply some very simple techniques over the years.
IDEAS
- Do not buy anything you do not NEED!
- If you own the apartment, go vertical – wall-mounted shelves, over-door organisers, and ceiling-high wardrobes.
- Buy dual-use furniture like ottomans with hidden storage or beds with drawers underneath.
- Use fold-out tables or nesting chairs to create flexibility in your living area.
Local tip – IKEA Dublin and JYSK Ireland offer excellent compact furniture options that don’t break the bank.
3. Prevent against Moisture and Damp.
Many readers would have experienced some mould issues at least once. If you haven’t, then that’s great! Keep it that way. With high humidity and frequent rain, Irish apartments are especially vulnerable to damp.
TIPS
- Just like the first point on this list, open your windows often!
- Use moisture-resistant paints in bathrooms especially, and kitchens.
- Avoid heavy textiles that retain moisture if possible—Avoid Heavy velvet curtains or thick woollen rugs that trap damp. Go for cotton-linen blends, and polyester curtains that dry quickly and are easy to wash.
- If wood is more your style, choose breathable furniture materials like rattan or treated wood for durability.
Don’t forget a good dehumidifier—especially in older buildings or ground-floor units.
4. Support Irish Craftsmanship
Ireland is rich in artistic talent—incorporating local art and furniture brings identity and warmth to your space.
WHERE TO LOOK
- Check out Designist and The Irish Design Shop.
- Hang prints by Irish artists or display locally made ceramics in open shelves.
I believe that your apartment becomes more personal while supporting the local creative economy.
5. Define or Separate Multifunctional Living Areas with Creative Design
With more Irish residents working from home (especially post-COVID), small apartments now serve many functions. If you have a large enough apartment, you can separate/define your living room working area with planters, partitions or unique dividers.
TIPS
- Create “areas/zones” with area rugs or open shelving—e.g., dining, working, relaxing.
- Use movable partitions or folding screens for privacy during Zoom calls.
- Add wall-mounted desks or floating shelves for compact office setups.
6. Energy-Efficient Fixtures for Rising Utility Costs
With ESB prices climbing and potential shortages to consider in the future, smart energy choices could prove vital.
IDEAS
- Invest in LED lighting and motion sensor switches.
- Add thermal curtains or double/triple glaze window insulation to retain heat.
- Use smart plugs or a power strip to switch off devices easily.
Bonus – Look into SEAI Home Improvement grants if you own the apartment and are making eco-friendly upgrades.
7. Plants & More Plants
In a country known for being green all year round, adding a few plants can boost your mood and indoor air quality.
Best indoor plants for Irish apartments:
- Snake plant (low light, low maintenance)
- English ivy (ideal for damp homes)
- Peace lily (loves humidity)
For tiny windowsills, try a mini herb garden—great for Irish stews!
Useful FAQS
1. WHAT IS THE 2/3 RULE IN INTERIOR DESIGN?
Also known as the golden rule of interior design, suggests that your furniture and accesories in any room should occupy 2/3 of the available space.
2. WHAT IS THE 60/40 RULE IN INTERIOR DESIGN?
A similar golden rule like the 2/3 rule, it suggests that nearly 60% of your room should be occupied by furniture, while 40% should remain clear.
3. WHAT IS THE 70/30 RULE IN INTERIOR DESIGN?
At this point, you can begin to see that interior design clearly remians a matter of very personal preference.
Conclusion
Designing a comfortable or stylish Irish apartment doesn’t mean spending a fortune or imitating every Tiktok or Instagram trend. Most trends are simply just that – trends. They come and they go.
However, personal taste is here to stay.
By combining natural light, smart storage and local arts and craftsmanship, you can create a space that truly feels like home—rain, wind, or shine.
