Black House, Bold Design: David O'Brien's Creative Journey
David O'Brien isn't just an interior designer - he's a storyteller who happens to use homes as his canvas. In this vibrant episode, David pulls back the curtain on his creative world, sharing how he transformed a blank plot of land into the now-famous Black House, a design that caught national attention and challenged traditional Irish home aesthetics.Growing up in a creative family with a carpenter dad and design-savvy mom, David was always destined to think outside the box. From binge-watching Grand Designs to collecting vintage treasures since childhood, he's turned his passion into a profession that's all about creating spaces that feel deeply personal.The episode is a delightful journey through David's design philosophy: mix old with new, never be afraid of bold choices, and always let your home tell your story. Whether he's talking about rescuing a 19th-century grand piano to use as a kitchen island or sharing his impressive collection of 120 house plants, David proves that great design is about joy, memories, and a bit of creative courage.Listeners will walk away inspired, with practical tips on sourcing unique pieces, understanding lighting, and creating spaces that make you smile the moment you walk in.In this episode, David delves into:Design Philosophy: Telling your life story through carefully curated, meaningful spaces.Vintage Hunting: The thrill of finding treasure in unexpected places, from auctions to Facebook MarketplaceCreative Roots: How family, travel, and passion shape a designer's unique vision.Lighting Magic: Creating atmosphere through strategic, mood-enhancing illumination.Design Wisdom: Breaking rules, embracing personality, and making your home a joyful reflection of you.Black House: A bold architectural rebellion against traditional Irish home design.GUEST DETAILSDavid O'Brien is a Cork-based interior designer known for his warm, character-filled approach to creating modern living spaces. He follows a philosophy of “sentimental interior design,” where vintage finds, family heirlooms, and meaningful objects are carefully woven into the fabric of a home to evoke memory, comfort, and personal history. His own home, the "Black House" in Ballygarvan, was a finalist on RTÉ’s Home of the Year in 2021, famously featuring a grand piano repurposed as a kitchen island. This bold design choice reflects David’s unique blend of functionality, storytelling, and sustainability.David believes homes should feel familiar and safe—places that reflect the people who live in them and their life experiences. As the creative force behind RJ O’Brien Building Contractors, he brings this ethos into renovations and design projects across Cork and Dublin, seamlessly blending antique charm with contemporary practicality.MORE INFORMATIONFind EZ Living Interiors online at www.ezliving-interiors.ieQUOTESThere isn’t really a typical day - that’s what I love about the job. You could be picking the perfect hue of white for a dining room one morning and then checking in on building works the next. - David O'BrienI grew up in a very creative household… My dad was a carpenter, my mom was always evolving the house. She spent a lot of time trying to create a lovely, cozy space for us. - David O'BrienFrom a really early age, I was watching those TV shows—Sarah Beeny’s Property Ladder, Grand Designs. I loved the idea that you could change homes up to suit who was living there, not just what they were designed for. - David O'BrienWe try and plan way ahead of the project… changes when things have started are expensive. My role is to negotiate between the client and the builders and to create something with a really natural plan going forward. - David O'BrienOur big light is purely for effect, it’s never on. It never gives good lighting. You want lamp lights. In general, I do think it’s a little bit more relaxed in planning, you need sockets in the right places. - David O'BrienDon’t go into a store and be like, ‘that’ll do for now.’ You won’t get something nicer later—you’ll just live with what you bought, and it won’t bring you any joy. - David O'BrienWhen you step inside the door, your worries just start to fade away. I wanted to come into a bright, airy space filled with plants and treasures that I’ve collected over many years—something that brings a smile to my face every single day. - David O'Brien
Ireland