Wendy Crawford’s home is an eclectic mix of charity shop and bespoke pieces tied together with an undeniable visual flair
Shop owner Wendy Crawford moved into her Dublin home in September 2012 armed with a love for second-hand and trawling through vintage shops. As a result her place is filled with antiques, bespoke and upcycled furniture along with a whole collection of charity shop ornaments. It’s clear that Bow, Wendy’s designer collective in Powerscourt Townhouse, has a direct impact on her personal style. “I loved retail and the idea of owning my own boutique was always in the background. For my part of the business I cherry pick vintage clothes and accessories abroad, mainly in Paris. My dream destination is Tokyo as I always see such beautiful pieces like all the Shibori style textiles. I'd like to open a shop in Dublin selling all of these pieces some day.” says Wendy.
Wendy is inspired by blogs such as Design*Sponge, The Selby and This is My Future House as well as books by Sibella Court, the interior stylist and shop owner based in Australia. Her books, Etcetera, Nomad and Bowerbird are Wendy’s go-tos for coveted interiors and ideas. ”I follow her on Instagram and am dying to visit her shop in New South Wales.” she says.
“New York and Paris are cities that inspire my home. I’d love an apartment in Paris to decorate and have when I’m visiting for work. It seems all Parisian apartments have my dream flooring – parquet. There are some amazing collectibles in hundreds of second-hand stores in Brooklyn and Harlem. I’m definitely organising shipping next time I visit as I still dream about the rugs and carpets I found for peanuts- so expensive here but they couldn’t fit in my luggage.”
Wendy’s design mind isn’t confined within her four walls however: “I can’t wait for my garden to be done. There's awful block work walls that can be seen through the kitchen and I hope to clad it in cedar wood and develop shade plants in that area to have somewhere to eat outside.”
Wendy’s dining table is from Table Lighting Chair in Dublin 8 with chairs from the pre-loved furniture resellers, Busybees based in Crumlin.
Wendy’s red floor lamp is from Made.com, a site that lets you buy straight from the designer, cutting out extra costs and marked up prices on the high street. The pendant lights over the dining room table are from Industry on Cow’s Lane in Dublin.
Wendy sourced her dresser on Donedeal and Niamh at Tonesofhome.com, upcycled it for her.
A friend of Wendy’s father, Bob Baird, designed the hand-painted shaker style kitchen: “It’s inspired by a style I had seen and loved but couldn’t afford.” Wendy says.
A friend of Wendy’s found the embroidered fire guard in a charity shop in Tullamore. “I think it cost about €10. Deer would be my animal of choice.” Wendy admits. All of the ornaments are from charity shops and places like Harold’s Cross Bazaar in Dublin. The Chesterfield sofa is from Fadó, the antique store in Phibsboro. The cushion covers in the sitting room are from Richie Rags charity shop on Bolton Street, Dublin and cost €1 each.
Wendy picked up a collection of Time magazines that date back to the 50s and 60s and used the travel pages to make a collaged feature wall behind her bed.
Words: Anna Shelswell-White/Photos: Paul Sherwood
