A tale of design
Elegance and timelessness go hand in hand with a low environmental impact in Catherine Byrne’s designer furniture, curtains and blinds business, Lore.
While Catherine Byrne’s sustainably focused furnishings business, Lore, was only launched about a year ago in August 2018, the dream of it had been percolating “for a long time”, says the mother of four.
With almost 25 years’ experience under her belt, including running her company Byrne Design, a full-service interior business, Lore was the result of Byrne’s increasing interest in sustainability. Its objectives are simple: give people a choice for their furnishings.
“I look at what I would want in my home environment and figure out how to produce that in a way that is sustainable, elegant and timeless,” says Byrne.
Two ways this has manifested is in the stunning ‘Recover’ range, using fabric that would have otherwise been destined for landfill. Existing pieces are recovered in superior-quality denim – good looks coupled with comfort and durability, just like your favourite pair of jeans, says Byrne. The ‘Knowledge’ range forms a bridge between traditional textiles and innovation, using fabric designed with 100 per cent plastic bottles and strong, eco-friendly New Zealand timber for frames.
Of course, consideration is given to what is relevant and on trend but Byrne’s philosophy is she wants her customers to love products for many years to come. “Personally, I am at ease with an older much-loved piece falling apart slowly and naturally. It’s okay for linen to look tired, for velvet or cotton to look and feel loved. At the end of product life, natural fibres will degrade back to the earth, sometimes in as little as six months,” she says.
Byrne counts family as a major inspiration for her life’s work, starting from childhood. “My father was a builder so I
grew up with a real appreciation of craftsmanship – as a child I was always watching, learning and helping choose interiors.” Some challenging years as a single mother of two boys helped shape her appreciation for the home environment we live in and how it “can really bring or deplete joy”.
“Family is everything and design helps give us space to be,” Byrne says. “Raising my two sons alone also made me ultra-organised,” she says. And now her sons and two step-daughters are older, she’s appreciating the creative and professional freedom she has to bring her business vision to life.
Her favourite personal pieces of interior or furniture tell a story, which is how Lore got its name, lore referring to stories passed down. “It’s the chair your grandad sat in,” she says, “reupholstered in something gorgeous. This is what gives a home its soul – generations of love.”
Byrne’s own home is light and fresh and a mix of good-quality, natural fibres, timber and imperfect pieces. “I love my Nana’s Don chairs but I also love my luxe Catherine Martin wallpapers.”
Making a positive difference to people’s lives through design is important to Byrne and she counts working with BUPA to design beautiful, soothing dementia wards and counselling rooms as a meaningful highlight of her career.
Now with Lore, the hope is to contribute to the future of our planet. “When it comes to both the environment and supporting local artisans, I believe every little change helps. If we all make small changes in our purchasing decisions, that is more valuable than anything. The Lore range offers people that choice – to make that small change.” g
“I look at what I would want in my home environment and figure out how to produce that in a way that is sustainable, elegant and timeless.” Catherine Byrne