Creating personal interiors with Leo + Cici

Leo + Cici

interview by Karolina Barnes, photography by Kyle Cheldon Barnett, Elaine Verdon

Always on a look out for a great talent to be discovered, I came across Elaine Verdon a while ago and immediately was drawn to her "bold eclectic" interiors style. Elaine is the founder of Leo + Cici, a Dublin based interior design and styling studio. She has a great eye for colour which she layers with interesting textures and patterns using lots of art. This comes through not only when working with her clients but also in her own home.

Here we talk to her about what makes her happy, style, comfort, decorating challenges and personality in interiors.

1. How would you describe your interiors style?

My interiors style could be described as ‘bold eclectic’, I like to make a statement that packs a visual punch with a mix of old and new pieces. I’m obsessed with colour, and love to experiment with it to see what impact it can have on the mood of a room. Then, layering in lots of different textures, prints and styles. It’s really important that you love the space you’re surrounded by and the things within it make you happy, don’t just follow the trend herd! Great design doesn’t need to cost the earth, invest in the right pieces and have some fun with the rest.

2. What is your favourite room and why?

Probably our sitting room. When I first bought the house I invested in some key pieces of furniture and they’ve really stood the test of time. Over the years, to update the space I’ve changed the soft furnishings and paint to give the room a new lease of life.

The room is painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball including the doors, skirts and architraves with pops of pink and gold accessories throughout. During the day its bright and then at night time its very dramatic and cosy with candles everywhere. Comfort is very important to me so I tend to overindulge in soft furnishings, if you were to ask my partner he would say there are way too many cushions and throws for two people!

The art in this room brings me a lot of joy, it’s a mix of sentimental pieces from friends, pieces we’ve picked up at auctions or on our travels. Last year I purchased an original screen print by Dublin artists Jill & Gill who created a series of Iris Apfel inspired work. The colours are incredible and it has so much detail, Iris’ glasses are painted with black glitter and shimmer in the light. The custom gold frame finishes it off beautifully and Iris is the first thing you see when you come through the front door.

“Comfort is important to me so I tend to overindulge in soft furnishings.”

3. What do you find most challenging when it comes to small makeovers or redesigns?

Managing budgets and in turn, expectations! Making the budget stretch to quality products that aren’t just flatpack.

When it’s not a full design it can be hard to make an impact. That’s why it’s really important for me to get immersed in my clients' style and taste. Understanding what matters to them, what existing pieces of art or furniture they already have that I can build on effectively.

4. How important is having a home decorated to your personality?

I think it’s really important. Your home should be a reflection of you, that you want to live and spend time in. Don’t conform and end up with a space that feels wrong for you, your home should look and feel the way you want it to. If you like something and it makes you happy then do it!

For more interior ideas, please follow Elaine's Instagram: @LEOANDCICI