Experts beckon home owners to participate in design fair

The Beacon South Quarter Design Fair is turning into something of a diary staple for home improvement enthusiasts. What started life as a local initiative by retailers to generate a business buzz at the interiors hub in Dublin’s Sandyford, has grown to become a source of valuable advice for people looking for design solutions on a budget.

Next weekend’s fair (Saturday, September 14th) will see a host of speakers and experts provide free advice to attendees on eco-friendly living and energy efficiency in the home. Architect and environmentalist Duncan Stewart, who has blazed a trail in this space, will provide the keynote speech offering tips on how to save money by reducing energy consumption costs.

Denise O'Connor (architect, and Sort It columnist on these pages) and Catherine Crowe, presenters of the new series, Design Doctors, starting tonight on RTÉ1, will also be there to discuss common design challenges for homeowners.

Architect Declan O’Donnell of ODKM Archtects will give advice on extensions while interior designer Philippa Buckley of Studio 44 will highlight current trends in her field.

Attendees are invited to bring along plans or photos of their own home and book one-to-one consultations with the experts . Design Hub will showcase products and services from some of Ireland’s top homewares suppliers.

The fair’s location at Beacon South Quarter means visitors can draw inspiration from displays at the interior stores on site including Bo Concept, Kube and Roche Bobois (pictured). See beaconsouthquarter.ie.