‘Use colour in your wardrobe as you would in your home.’ Interiors influencer Joanne Mooney on the art of adding colour to your closet
Mooney is an interior design influencer and an advocate for DIY crafting. She lives in Swords, County Dublin with her husband, two daughters, and her Shih Tzu, Rocky. Her shopping style is “impulsive”, she says. “I’m very confident in my style, and I know what I like.”
I have always loved wearing colour. I express myself through my style both in fashion and interiors, and I have never wanted to blend in. As a teenager I was a punk, so I always liked to stand out in a crowd.
Art and creativity are in my veins. I studied fine art and art education, and then went to au pair in New Jersey on a green card. When I came home to Ireland in the 1990s I was unsure of my next direction, so I did a secretarial course and landed a job in a dental practice. One day, the dental nurse rang in sick. I filled in for her, and loved it. And so I qualified as a dental nurse and worked in the HSE for fifteen years.
My creative juices bubbled to the surface when I had my first daughter. I started painting pictures. I made personalised artwork for newborns with their birth details in each picture. This was my side hustle while working as a dental nurse, and I also sold my wares at craft fairs and markets. In 2005, after I had built up a good customer base I decided to resign from my job and to set up an online shop.
Interiors are my true love. I started an Instagram page in 2018, sharing DIY jobs I was doing in my own home. The idea behind the page was to inspire others to get creative and to use more colour in their homes. Today I collaborate with interiors brands on my Instagram page, which makes me feel very lucky.
Creativity is my therapy. It’s so important for mental health. My goal is to inspire creativity in others. We live in such a fast-paced world, so we need to stop and make something with our hands and our hearts.
When clothes shopping, I 100 per cent go with my gut. I don’t research and I don’t follow trends. I’m a very impulsive shopper. If I see something I like I buy it. I’m very confident in my style I know what I like.
‘Step away from the grey’ is one of my favourite phrases. I think people play it safe both in their personal and interior style.
I feel happy when I’m wearing bright colours. My creativity is expressed through my colour choices. When making textile art I only use bright and bold coloured wool. I love making portraits of inspirational, colourful women like Frida Kahlo and Iris Apfel.
Colour has no age limit. My mam, a former seamstress, is 83 years old and the most stylist, colourful person I know.
As children, my siblings and I wore handmade dresses and knitwear. It taught me the value of clothing that is well made and designed to last. Buying good quality pieces is important to me, and always worth the investment. At Kildare Village I am a particular fan of Kate Spade, French Connection, American Vintage and LK Bennett. Just walking in those boutique doors makes me smile.
Style is entirely about confidence, and for me confidence came with age. As you get older you just don’t worry about what other people’s perceptions of you are. I believe everyone has their own personal style and they should just go with it.
Our homes should reflect our personalities. If you are unsure about decorating your home, look into your wardrobe. If you have a minimalist wardrobe you’ll probably have a minimalist home. My wardrobe is a burst of colour, and so is my home. They definitely go hand in hand.
To add colour to your home or wardrobe, start small. Accessorise. Add some colourful cushions, funky blinds or printed curtains, and use the same approach with fashion. Choose brightly coloured earrings or a bold, statement necklace. Try a pair of neon runners, or a brightly coloured handbag for that dopamine hit. You will instantly feel happy, I promise.
Joanne Mooney discovered the thrill of the new at Kildare Village, which is home to more than 100 boutiques of the world’s most exciting designers. Discover luxury shopping, exquisite eateries, and five star guest services including hands-free shopping, virtual shopping, and reserved parking.
Now is the perfect time to embrace colour at Kildare Village. With the Perfect Palette experience at Kildare Village you can enjoy a 45 minute consultation with a Kildare Village Style Expert, and discover the colours you should wear to take your style to the next level. Consultations are priced at €100 per person; to arrange your appointment phone 01 453 4930 or simply email PersonalShopping@KildareVillage.com
See www.thebicestercollection.com to explore the latest offers from iconic designer brands at Kildare Village and to plan your visit: fashion, food, and five star services, all less than an hour from Dublin.
Kildare Village, Nurney Road, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Eircode: R51 R265
