All hail Roisin Quinn — the Queen of Maximalism and winner of Interior Design Masters Season 5 👑
Having spent the past few years working tirelessly to cement her reputation as a credible, fully-fledged interior designer, we caught up with Roisin to discuss her unconventional career path, an unmistakable obsession with more-is-more print and colour play, plus why aspiring designers need to put themselves out there — without the fear of rejection.
⚠️ Warning: Minimalists, you might need your sunglasses 😎
Summarise your approach to interior style in just three words.
Warm, layered, timeless and BOLD — sorry, it had to be 4!
Interior Design Masters 2024 catapulted you onto our screens. What was your experience as an interior designer prior to the show?
I didn’t come from a professional interior design background but I’ve always had an eye for it. Wherever I went, whether travelling, shopping, or dining out, I was always drawn first to the architecture and interiors.
Creativity has always been a part of me, I just didn’t know how to express it. I’d constantly experiment with my own space. At university, my friends thought I was a bit mad for how much effort I put into decorating my student room, while everyone else just stuck up a few freshers’ posters.
But it all clicked when I designed my parents' house back on the Isle of Man. That was the moment I realised, this isn’t just something I love. I could actually do this for a living.
These days, what’s a typical client project look like for you? Who is your customer and why do they engage you?
Every client I’ve worked with has been completely different, from family homes and bachelor pads to first-time buyers and couples without children. But the one thing they all have in common is a desire to create a home that feels bold and distinctive, yet still warm and timeless. It's about crafting a feeling the moment someone walks through the door.
No two days are ever the same for me. I might be sourcing pieces for a client, which could take a few hours or stretch into days, or brainstorming design concepts and building out moodboards.
It’s the perfect rhythm for my ever-curious, always-creative mind. Every project keeps things fresh and exciting.
You’ve just completed a transformation of your home living and dining room spaces. Tell us a little bit about the brief you set yourself, plus how you tackled it.
Ah yes, this was a mammoth challenge! It all began with the idea of splitting the space into two distinct zones. Originally, it was one large open-plan area with no direction, just me filling every inch with clutter because I didn’t know how to make it work.
The dining room design came to me straight away. I don’t use any design software, so it can be a bit tricky to explain my ideas to others, but I knew I wanted it to feel like a warm burst of sunshine, completely drenched in golden tones and comfort. The living room was more of a puzzle. There was a lot more happening in that space, and the colour of the built-in unit that I designed ended up guiding the entire design. I adapted as I went along, adding a large custom unit with banquette seating, and drenching all the walls including the ceiling in beautiful, floral wallpaper that instantly brought the space to life.
My goal was for both rooms to feel like Cottagecore dreams, but with a very Roisin twist: full of warmth, pattern, and character.
When it comes to hardware finishes, would it be fair for us to say you’re Team Brass? Explain your position on finishing touches and how they should be selected for a project.
Absolutely, I think I’ll always be Team Brass. There’s just something so effortlessly beautiful and timeless about it. It has this unique ability to elevate the most functional, everyday items, whether it's a tap, a light switch, or a handle, and turn them into design features in their own right. Almost like accessories for the home.
Brass brings instant warmth and character. It works just as well in classic,
traditional spaces as it does in more modern or eclectic interiors. It ages beautifully too, developing a patina over time that adds even more charm and depth. Lately, I’ve been loving the new paintable plates with brass detailing — they’re such a clever design twist. They allow you to blend in with the wall colour while still giving you that little hint of luxe with the brass. It’s subtle but impactful, and a brilliant way to bring in that “considered” look without going overboard.Brass is one of those materials I always come back to. No matter the project or style, it just works.
What’s one underrated design detail that you think makes a big impact but often gets overlooked — and how do you incorporate it?
I think my favourite design trick has to be embracing the fifth wall - the ceiling, and making it an intentional part of the design. So many people leave it white by default, which is such a missed opportunity. In fact, leaving it white can often make a space feel busier and unfinished.
I almost always go for colour drenching, painting the walls, woodwork, and ceiling all in the same shade. It’s especially effective in small spaces, but honestly, it works beautifully in any room. It creates a sense of cohesion, calm, and sophistication. If the walls are wallpapered, I’ll often carry that wallpaper onto the ceiling too, particularly in small areas like downstairs WCs. It instantly makes the space feel more considered and connected. And surprisingly, it can actually make the room feel larger and more balanced, not closed in. It’s one of those bold but simple moves that completely transforms a room.
Congratulations, you’ve won a prize: You can redesign one building, anywhere in the world, with an unlimited budget. Which is it, and why?
It’s hard to pick just one dream space, there are so many! But if I had to imagine something right now, I’d love to get my hands on a beautiful old Victorian building, full of original features and rich character, and transform it into a restaurant. I picture it layered with luxurious fabrics, one-of-a-kind furniture, and bold, playful lighting. Every corner would have a story, nothing overly polished or expected, just full of personality and charm. The kind of place that feels like a hidden gem... a true destination in itself.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers who are just starting to find their voice and want to build a practice that feels both creative and commercially strong?
It’s hard to say, because my journey into design hasn’t been a traditional one. In fact, I was even rejected from university. But that’s exactly why my biggest piece of advice is: don’t give up. If you’re passionate and determined, you can make it happen, no matter how unconventional your path is.Put yourself out there. Go to events, connect with people, and build a strong presence on social media. For me, Instagram has been everything, I’ve gained all of my clients through the platform, without even having a website. A website is definitely on my to-do list and a big goal for this year, but I’ve been lucky to grow a business and step into the design world through sheer passion, persistence, and the power of community.
Also, stay in your own lane, remember your worth and don’t compare yourself to other designers!
Who are three other designers, or resources, that you look to for inspiration?
Last one. What are your 3 top picks from our collection right now?
