Siobhan Lam: Transforming Dublin Homes with Fun and Eclectic Interiors

Siobhan Lam embodies the spirit of home renovation with a dash of whimsy. Her philosophy that “fun interiors for a happy home” drives her to create spaces that reflect her passion for design and her love for vibrant, pink hues. This ethos inspired her to establish April and the Bear, a furniture and lifestyle studio that merges industrial aesthetics with creative touches.

Reviving a Period Property

Siobhan’s journey began with the renovation of her own period property in Dublin’s Portobello. Originally in disarray, the house was split into three modest living spaces when she and her husband, Jamie, moved in. Over the years, they transformed the space, reuniting the disjointed rooms into a cohesive, charming home. This experience sparked Siobhan’s fascination with interior design and motivated her to start her business.

“The house was in three fairly horrendous bedsits, and we spent the first few years pulling them apart and bringing the house together again, essentially making it a cohesive home,” Siobhan recalls.

April and the Bear: A Unique Store Concept

Siobhan’s personal experience with the struggle to find unique, budget-friendly homewares for her home birthed April and the Bear. The store, distinguished by its signature flamingo-hued exterior, offers a selection of eclectic yet beautiful items that cater to the everyday homeowner who seeks style without breaking the bank.

“As we renovated our first home, I found it increasingly difficult to find the kind of off-kilter homewares and non-generic furniture we wanted to fill it with, which was frustrating because I knew it was out there. This gap in the market inspired me to create a store that offered eclectic but beautiful homewares at affordable prices. And so, April and the Bear was born,” elaborates Siobhan.

A ‘Home of the Year’ Judge: Behind the Scenes

Siobhan’s love for interior design extends beyond her store. She is also one of the judges on RTÉ One’s hit home design competition, ‘Home of the Year’. The series, which returns on Tuesday, features Siobhan and fellow judges Amanda Bone and Hugh Wallace exploring Ireland’s most stylish and creative living spaces.

Siobhan’s role involves immersing herself in the lives of Ireland’s homeowners, evaluating their spaces for creativity and personality. Her insights into the walls and nooks of these homes reveal the stories behind them and shed light on the creativity and dedication of the homeowners.

“It’s surprising how quickly you get used to having a camera on you! But what I was most surprised about, though, was how attached and passionate I felt about certain homes — a home is a reflection of its owner, so you really do get to know them from exploring their home,” shares Siobhan.

Siobhan’s Home: A Personal Showcase of Style

Siobhan’s own abode reflects her design philosophies and personal aesthetic. Her spacious bedroom, with its panoramic views of the Grand Canal, employs an array of soft greys, pinks, and greens, creating a serene and tranquil space.

“Definitely my bedroom. It’s a large space with tall windows that overlook the Grand Canal, so, especially in summer, we feel surrounded by trees and foliage even though we’re in the city. The bedroom has a calm and soothing palette — soft greys, pinks and green,” Siobhan explains.

Designing Interiors in Ireland

Ireland’s passion for interiors is evident in the overwhelming response to shows like ‘Home of the Year’. The enthusiasm for creativity and self-expression through home design is strong and vibrant. Siobhan believes this passion stems from Ireland’s innate creativity and desire to make homes personal and special.

“Interiors are about creativity, passion, and how people transform their homes to reflect their personalities and lifestyles,” Siobhan notes.

Advice from the Expert

Siobhan’s expertise extends to offering advice for those considering redecorating or building an identity for their homes. Her key advice is to follow your heart and choose what you love. Design is personal and the best spaces are those that truly reflect the homeowner’s personality and preferences.

“Follow your gut, embrace what you love, and you’ll create a home that you love to live in. Design in your home is for you, forget everyone else,” advises Siobhan.

• ‘Home of the Year’ airs on RTÉ One from Tuesday, February 18, at 8:30pm and on RTÉ Player

Conclusion

Siobhan Lam’s journey from designing her own home to becoming a renowned interior designer showcases the powerful impact of passion and creativity in design. Her work and philosophy inspire many to embrace unique and colorful touches in their homes, creating spaces that reflect their individuality and happiness.

Join Siobhan on ‘Home of the Year’ as she discovers Ireland’s most beautiful homes, or visit April and the Bear for a glimpse into her eclectic world of interior design.

We invite you to share your thoughts on what makes your home a happy place or to leave a comment about your favorite design trends. Don’t forget to follow us for more inspiring stories and updates on design and creativity.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest in home design and renovation tips.

Don’t miss out on the chance to see Siobhan’s design magic in action by watching ‘Home of the Year’ on RTÉ One or streaming it on RTÉ Player.