eye for antiques, which came in to sharp focus during the years she spent scouring flea markets. (Today, she's fond of 1stdibs, too.) She earned her celebrity designer creds during a stint on Bravo TV’s “Million Dollar Decorators.”
But it’s her affability, openness and humor that leave people longing for more. Following her keynote during The Merchandise Mart’s Design Chicago, Oct. 12, attendees praised her design as well as her demeanor. “She’d be a great friend to have.” “I’d love to vacation with her.” “She’d be a great dinner party guest.” In short, “she’s cool.”
Ireland shared her tips for decorating with antiques in a purposefully un-programmed presentation that was as easy-going as her interiors are inviting. She describes her interiors as “eclectic, unassuming and comfortable.” Her approach: “I’m basically there to help [clients] from making mistakes.”
Her tips:
“I start with color and textiles, unless there’s a painting or cherished object the client wants to work with. I’m a big believer in red, even if it’s just a lampshade or trim in a pillow.”
“I like to bring in a little bit of life from everywhere. I love giving old things new life. There always have to be antiques in a room.”
“One of the things that brings a room to life is including things that mean something to you. You can’t have great taste all the time, you need to make mistakes.”
“I love mixing periods. If they’re good genuine pieces, you can mix them. I have to remind my clients, however, that the thing that cost the most doesn’t have to be in the most important spot in the house.”
Ireland’s presentation wrapped with imagery from her home near Toulouse, France. She has spent the past 20 years refurbishing the fixer-up farmhouse—she documents the transformation in “Summers in France,” a chronicle that's as welcoming as Ireland herself.
