After completing an honours degree in French & History of Art at Trinity College, Dublin in 1986, she very much wanted to begin a career in interior design but found that prospects were poor due to the economic climate at that time.
Instead she chose to work in the fashion industry and, over the years, gained experience in sales, management & buying, both in Ireland & overseas.
From 1998 - 2001 Bobby managed Irish fashion designer Louise Kennedy's flagship fashion and lifestyle outlet in Merrion Square, Dublin, before finally making the move into interior design.
In 2003 she received her Diploma in Interior design with Distinction, from the Dublin Institute of Design.

Recent projects include the supervising of construction and interior design of a number of projects in both Limerick and Dublin…
2006 - Complete refurbishment of kitchens/baths, and fitout of 2-bed apartment in Dublin 4.
- Schedule of finishes and fitout of showhouse for a development of 48 semi-detached and terraced houses at Mungret Woods, Limerick.

2005 - Specification and installation of furniture, lighting and accessories to the reception area and sitting room of a corporate headquarters in a Georgian Dublin building.
- Interior fit-outs to semi-detached, terraced & duplex show houses on a number of 'starter-home' developments in Limerick.
- Complete fitout of a number of three-storey, five bedroom student townhouses.

2004 - Schedule of materials/finishes, and extensive fitout of €1.2m showhouse for an exclusive development of 9 detached homes at Castleconnell, Limerick in conjunction with fashion designer Louise Kennedy

When designing a property for showhouse viewing Bobby feels that….
The profile of the prospective buyer is the designer's ultimate guideline. A poor quality or incorrectly judged fitout can put buyers off the property.
A well-presented fitout should make the buyer feel that they could live comfortably in the space, as well as stimulating their imagination with new ways to use / decorate a space.

Bobby is a big fan of…
Wallpaper in its latest incarnation - textured plains, metallic finishes, oversized / retro patterns…Used on just one wall wallpaper adds depth, texture & instant glamour to even the most ordinary domestic spaces
Mirrors - A much under used and underestimated tool that, framed or unframed, will double the light in a room and add depth to any space. Whether applied to an entire wall or used for example barcode style - mirrors will expand your space & add drama.
Other current trends that Bobby has embraced are......
Painted feature walls - A feature colour used on part of a wall will help define an area (of shelving storage for example), or used on a whole wall will give a dramatic backdrop to furnishings, artwork and mirrors
Good Lighting - An essential! Many interiors are let down by the appearance and quality of light fittings, as well as the level of light they give out. I always include a feature pendant fitting, a stunning floor or table lamp, or a just good 'wash' of light from ceiling down lighters - and usually a combination of all these to create a variety of 'moods' in my interiors.

When it comes to colour .........
My current favourite is this year's palette of yellow-based greens - so versatile!
Fresh & vibrant, green shades are the perfect foil to darker browns / greys. Green perfectly offsets pinks & reds, as well as richer shades of teal and burnt orange. But remember, as with any colour, balance is the key.

In her property featured in Showhouse .......
Bobby has styled the apartment to suit age profile of potential buyers - 25 - 35yrs, to create a glamorous city centre living space where they can work, rest & play.
- Fitout is design conscious - following fabric/furniture trends that are both current and that will have lasting appeal.
- Using latest colour trends
- Use of wallpaper to feature walls & mirrors to increase light / space
- Good lighting throughout
- Texture in fabrics and materials
- STORAGE - an essential in apartment living
- Interesting artwork

Current design trends Bobby is a little tired of are......
Poor imitations of the Kelly Hoppen 'Zen' style, which can end up looking bland!
Mimimalism - There is a fine line between 'less is more', and an interior that just looks bare!

Bobby would sum up her design style as
"Classic, contemporary, quality!".

Her ideal dream project would be .........
To really challenge myself and my interior style, and work on a very luxurious, mature hotel interior - none of you quirky 'boutique' hotel style! Olga Polizzi's refurbishment of Browns Hotel in London for the Forte Group is my current favourite. Using a rich, muted colour palette, with limited pattern but lots of texture in materials of the highest quality, she has created an interior of understated luxury and style.

If you would like to contact Bobby you can do so on:

email: bobby@raglanlane.com
Office: 01 660 7575 (9am - 5pm)
Web: www.raglanlane.com