MAURA MACKEY, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND HOME STAGER

Over the past year, more than 40% of employees in Ireland have been working from home and, as a result, people have become much more aware of their home and what it means to them.

Maura Mackey in Ballinhassig has been working in interior design for more than 20 years and started Maura Mackey Designs in November, 2019.

“I was out doing jobs for people, it was very hands on. Every new house I went into, I would wonder what is behind that door. I had projects booked when Covid hit and I tried to push them out and it was a case of either going under the duvet and feeling sorry for myself or see how I can make this work for me. Doing things online is not the same as being in the space, but it is the next best thing,” she said.

Using virtual consultations, Maura tours around a home or particular space, hones in on problem areas, gets an idea of what trends they like and brings product choices back to the customer.

“Covid gave people a new love for their homes. Before, people were at home in the mornings and in the evenings — now, they are looking at it constantly. They weren’t going on holidays and had more money to spend on their homes. People fell in love with their homes all over again,” Maura said.

Home staging is something that we often associate with the UK or America, but Maura said it is a growing trend here and can add between 8% and 11% of a price increase to your home when selling.

Maura was nominated for a home staging award last year – in the HSA ‘best transformation’ section.

Explaining what she does for clients, Maura said that, depending on budget and what people want to achieve, it can vary greatly. It can be anything from changing paint, adding throws, rugs, carpets or giving a place a whole new look. Interior design is there for everyone, regardless of budget,” she said.

Home Staging is definitely going to be the future new trend.