Re-creating some modern design classics
Ciara Dowdall turns her retro passions into a going concern
It began with an unhealthy obsession with chairs. An obsession we can thank for an exciting new online furniture store, Cult Interiors, specialising in mid-20th century style pieces.
Founded by Ciara Dowdall, a former graphic designer, it was the Dubliner’s love affair with chairs from this era and the constraints of a young family that led her to rethink careers.
‘I had this obsession with architecture and furniture and I wanted to do something with that, something I could do while the kids were at school and still be a parent.’
Having two children very close together in age (Rose is six, Sadbh, seven), she struck a deal with her husband over child-care.
‘I said, “look if I am going to do the stay-at-home parent thing then I am going back to college”.
So, initially to satisfy her own interests, she studied interior architecture part-time at Dublin’s Griffith College.
What followed (once her kids were of school age) was a brief stint attempting to buy original mid-century pieces by her favourite design masters such Eileen Gray and Charles Eames, with the intention to sell them on.
However, she admits such was their rarity in this country that once she eventually found originals, she couldn’t bring herself to part with them.
Instead she began scouting for replica 1930s to 1970s style furniture but it soon became apparent that, with her expertise, it made sense to work with manufacturers on producing them herself.
‘I was looking for very specific pieces like an Eileen Gray table or chair and you just couldn’t get them anywhere… anywhere near Ireland,’ she explains. ‘ So I thought, why not have them made myself?’
Born from her in-depth research with manufacturers and sampling with material suppliers, Cult Interior’s range includes a clas- sic Charles Eames-style lounger, a replica of Arne Jacobsen’s 1950s iconic Ant Chair and a version of celebrated Irish designer Eileen Gray’s E 1027 table.
Pieces in the style of famed Italian designer Noguchi and Danish designer George Nelson also make the cut in her carefully curated collection.
As a launching platform to establish Cult Interiors, a website store was an obvious low-cost option for Ciara. But she understands that having access to view the pieces in real life is crucial for her customers. These can be anything from trendsetting 30-year-olds with an appreciation for design aesthetics, to interior designers on the search for Mad Men-esque pieces.
‘People aren’t really willing to spend that much money on a chair without looking at it first, I completely understand that.’
At present, the collection can be viewed by appointment at her showroom in The Ward, north Co. Dublin. ‘My plan is to have a pop up shop in the city centre before Christmas and then look at something more permanent,’ she says.
Yet while she doesn’t have the luxury of a real-life store Ciara has fully embraced the powers of social media to connect with her customers. She has successfully established a voice for her brand and a relationship with her target market, on social networks such as Facebook and Instagram where she finds herself naturally engaging by offering daily interior advice, trends and inspiration.
‘I’m shocked at how social media has helped my business, it blew me away. I was allergic to Facebook and Twitter before I started Cult Interiors,’ she admits. ‘Now I can nearly trace 80% of my sales back to social media.’
With her store well stocked with statement furniture pieces, Ciara is currently looking at collaborating with some Irish designers on a range of accessories, inspired by the retro era of course.
And with her background in interiors architecture there may very well be an iconic ‘Dowdall’ bespoke piece in the making.
‘Eventually I want to go down the route of designing my own line, that’s the goal in the next few years anyhow,’ she says. To be the next Eileen Gray? ‘I wish,’ she laughs. Watch this space, we say.