The last thing I saw and loved… I hope it’s not too cheeky to say my own linen homeware! It has been the greatest privilege for me to discover Irish linen and how beautiful it is, whether printed with my artwork or in plain colours with embroidery.
The book I keep coming back to… is Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers. I am a big reader, actually a listener as I listen to books all the time, but this was the first book that I read when I set up my own business, and I always come back to it. It is a simple-to-understand book but so effective.
I find inspiration in… nature; it is my biggest source of harmonious colour combinations for my artwork, products, and interior design.
My favourite film is… Bridesmaids always makes me laugh. It has to be my favourite!
My career highlight is… probably being on TV and talking about what I love the most – colour, launching my home collection, and having a solo art exhibition. I can’t choose just one as each of them was very special and significant to me.
The song I listen to to get in the zone is… “Not Afraid” by Eminem. I always listen to it when I am taking significant steps, such as during my first solo exhibition or when I launched my own home brand. It gives me a feeling of strength and empowerment. I remember sharing it with my friend, and she laughed and said, ‘Ah well, Lana, princesses can listen to Eminem too!’
The last book I recommended is… The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron.
I never leave the house without… it has to be my phone, I can’t be without my phone.
The piece of work I still think about is… lately, I’ve been captivated by the legend of the Children of Lir from Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore by W. B. Yeats. It has been lingering in my thoughts. I love infusing art and meaningful elements into my designs, and I’m currently inspired to create something that captures the essence of the Children of Lir legend.
My dream client would be… someone who appreciates meaningful design, storytelling, colour, and is open to new ideas and personalised design. I enjoy designing homes and products that tell a story or are meaningful, so I particularly enjoy connecting with clients who value this approach.
The best advice I’ve ever received is… Evolution, not revolution. As an artist, I can be quite impatient, and sometimes I want everything to happen yesterday. I remember someone very special mentioning to me that good things take time and are a process. So, I remind myself every now and then to trust the process, go with the flow, and learn from it.
The art that means the most to me is… I came across a stunning painting of water lilies by Claude Monet earlier this year, and it still captivates my thoughts. I adore water lilies.
The most challenging working in design is… one of the most challenging aspects of design is having a great idea but struggling to find a local company to bring it to life.
If I wasn’t an interior designer, I would… chase my dream of becoming a fashion designer. Fashion ignites my soul, and as I play with different styles, I often joke that I’ll be a fashion designer in my next life!
Lana Dullaghan is an interior designer and artist, who recently launched her own home collection. lanadullaghandesigns.com
