Inside Houston Homewares & Interior Design

Since opening in 2017, Houston Homewares has grown from a small homewares store into a leading interiors hub. Following a major refurbishment earlier this year, the newly relaunched showroom now showcases an expanded range of stylish products, a curated online collection, 

and full interior design services that are inspiring customers across Ireland.

Can you tell us a little about the history of Houston Homewares and how it has evolved?

Houston Homewares first opened its doors in November 2017 with a modest but carefully selected product offering that immediately resonated with customers. As demand grew, we gradually expanded our range and began taking on small interior design projects alongside the retail side of the business.

What began as a boutique homewares store has since evolved into a thriving interior design destination. By early this year, it was clear our original shop no longer reflected the brand we had become. In February, we closed for a full renovation and expansion, creating a space that truly showcases the unique and stylish products we are now known for.

Since our relaunch in July, the response has been phenomenal. Customers old and new have loved the refreshed look and feel of HH, and it has been so rewarding to welcome so many familiar faces back through the doors.

What kind of experience do you want customers to have when they step inside your showroom?

In today’s increasingly digital world, we are passionate about preserving the joy of real-world shopping. When you step into our showroom, we want you to feel relaxed, welcome and inspired, whether you are simply browsing or looking for guidance.

We do not believe in pushy sales tactics. Instead, we take pride in offering an environment where you can take your time, explore, and ask for advice if and when you need it. We are passionate about helping customers find the right pieces for their home and love offering tips and ideas along the way. Our product selection speaks for itself. We believe beautiful, quality pieces do not need a hard sell.

How do you go about choosing the products and collections that make it into the showroom?

Over the years, we have built fantastic relationships with trusted suppliers and reps, which means we are often invited to view new collections before they launch. We also regularly attend trade shows to stay ahead of industry trends, discover new suppliers, and get inspired by innovative styling and displays.

The most important rule when selecting products is simple: I have to like it. That does not mean everything is my personal style, but if I do not connect with a piece, I would not feel confident selling it. Our buying process is incredibly customer focused. We often have specific customers in mind when choosing items. It is this personal connection and deep understanding of our clientele that makes our store feel so curated and special.

In addition to the showroom, you now offer a curated online collection. How has that helped you connect with customers further afield?

While the shop and interior design service are our main focus, our online presence has allowed us to connect with a wider audience. Because many of our in-store items are limited in quantity and ever-changing, our website features a more curated selection, so popping into the shop is still the best way to get the full Houston Homewares experience.

That said, our own-label interior fragrance collection has been a standout online success. We currently offer four core scents with a seasonal fragrance also available from October to December. The range includes candles, diffusers, room sprays and wax melts. What started as a local favourite has grown to attract online customers from across the UK and Ireland. It has been especially lovely to meet people who first discovered us through our fragrance collection and followed us on Instagram, then made special trips just to visit.

As well as homewares, you also offer full interior design services. How do you approach working with clients to create spaces that reflect their personality and lifestyle?

The retail and interior design sides of the business really go hand in hand. The shop often acts as a real-life mood board, helping clients envision how our pieces can work in their own homes.

Our design process begins with a discovery call, an informal chat to see if the project is the right fit for both parties. From there, we schedule an on-site consultation to walk through the space, understand the client’s vision, and discuss practicalities like budget and timelines.

We have been fortunate to work with some wonderful clients over the years, and it is through a combination of listening closely and gently pushing them beyond their comfort zone that we create spaces they genuinely love. Every home is unique, and our goal is always to enhance the way our clients live within their space.

Lighting, textiles and wall décor can transform a space. Do you have any go-to tips for people wanting to refresh their home without a full redesign?

Absolutely. Updating your home does not always require a complete overhaul. A few well-chosen pieces can make a huge difference. Lighting, in particular, can dramatically change the mood of a room, while textiles like cushions, throws and rugs can add warmth and personality.

I always recommend investing in one or two standout pieces to act as focal points, then build around them with more subtle, supporting elements. Not everything should compete for attention. It is about finding that balance between statement and subtle.

We are also very excited to be developing a bespoke design studio upstairs in the shop, which will cater to smaller-scale projects that do not require our full interior design service. This private space will be available for appointments from early 2026, offering a more tailored design experience in an inspiring setting.

Interior design is personal. What is the most rewarding part of helping clients bring their vision to life?

Designing a home is a journey, and it is often the small, emotional moments that are the most rewarding. While there is a lot of work behind the scenes, those big client-facing milestones are incredibly special.

From the initial consultation to design presentations and final installations, we are there to take the pressure off and make the process enjoyable. Clients trust us with their biggest asset, their home, and we honour that by listening closely and guiding the project with care and creativity.

The magic really happens in the final stages, when the space is styled and the client walks in for the first time. Seeing their reaction, the joy, the surprise, the emotion, that is the highlight of every project and a reminder of why we love what we do.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting to think about redesigning their home but does not know where to begin?

First, decide whether your budget allows for professional help or whether you are planning to tackle it yourself. If you are going the DIY route, take your time and do not rush into anything. Forget trends. They come and go. Focus instead on what you truly love and how you want the space to feel.

Start with the basics of the room: wall colour, lighting, flooring and window treatments. Establish a colour palette and begin building a collection of items that complement one another. Things do not need to match perfectly. In fact, too much coordination can feel flat and dated. Instead, aim for tonal variation and layering, which adds depth and a more curated feel.

Ultimately, creating a home that feels like you takes time, but when done with care, it will always feel timeless and inviting.