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CAROL-ANNE LEYDEN IS the founder and CEO of CA Design – a design consultancy and interiors store specialising in contemporary pieces and those with a Mid-Century aesthetic. Having previously been located in Dublin’s Portobello, Carol-Anne has just opened a new showroom on the Long Mile Road in Dublin stocking brands including Ethnicraft, Polspotten, 366 Concept, Hübsch, Umage and Bolia.
What inspired you to start your business?
I grew up surrounded by creativity and was lucky enough to travel a lot which gave me an appreciation for how spaces can feel and function. That evolved into a passion for furniture and for curated, timeless design. That’s what led to CA Design – it started small but grew quickly. I think that’s because our style resonated with people – design-led but also accessible.
What prompted your passion for Mid-Century and contemporary design?
Mid-century design has always resonated with me. There’s something about its simplicity and functionality – the clean lines and thoughtful craftsmanship. I love pairing that with more contemporary, statement pieces. Mixing the two brings warmth and personality to a space.
What have you learned so far in business?
Running your own business is incredibly rewarding but not always easy. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, to surround myself with great people, and to stay as flexible as possible. You have to wear a lot of hats and to be both creative and strategic but it keeps things interesting. The biggest lesson is probably to stay true to your vision, even when trends shift or challenges arise.
You’ve just moved into a new space – tell us all about it.
We’ve moved from our small but beloved showroom in Portobello to a much larger space on the Long Mile Road in Dublin next to our new warehouse. The extra room means we can finally showcase larger statement pieces like our marble dining tables and show more of our Mid-Century pieces as well as more pieces from the brands we love.
We are really excited about opening seven days a week and can now welcome customers every weekend. Being next to the warehouse means people can select an item and bring it home on the same day. It’s something I’ve dreamed of for years and we’re so proud to see it come together.
What has been the most challenging time for you as a business owner?
Navigating the logistical side of things during the post-COVID period and Brexit was really tough. There were supply chain delays, cost increases and a lot of unpredictability. In a strange way, though, those challenges made us stronger – we had to get creative and find new ways of working.
What sets your products apart from others in the market?
Every piece we create or stock has been chosen with real intention. We like to blend Mid-Century warmth with a contemporary edge and to mix our own pieces with pieces from the other brands that we stock. From exclusive European brands to custom CA-designed pieces, our collections are tightly edited to offer pieces of quality that are a little bit different.
Customers in Ireland are obsessed with interiors – would you agree?
One hundred percent! And more than ever. We’ve seen a shift in how people invest in their spaces. The home has become a personal sanctuary and people want it to reflect who they are. It’s not just about following trends – it’s about creating a space that feels personal and good to be in.
Do you think people have become more discerning or knowledgeable about furniture and interiors since you established CA Design?
Absolutely. People are much more design-savvy now. When we first started, Mid-Century design was still a bit niche but now customers are asking about specific designers or referencing pieces they’ve seen in international magazines. There’s a greater appreciation for craftsmanship and it’s really exciting to see that shift.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Travel is a huge source of inspiration for me. We love visiting our partner brands like Ethnicraft and Pols Potten and we always attend design fairs such as Maison & Objet in Paris. I also find huge inspiration in the everyday – a well-designed hotel, gallery space or the home of a customer. I’m also constantly inspired by the designers we work with and the amazing homes we get to furnish.
Describe a typical working day.
No two days are ever the same. It could be a morning spent sourcing new pieces with the team or working from home, followed by meetings with suppliers or people we’re collaborating with. There’s always something going on.
How important is collaboration to what you do?
Collaboration is everything to us. Whether it’s working with architects, interior designers or creatives in adjacent industries it’s where the magic happens. Some of our favourite projects have come out of these collaborations – like the Griffith Avenue home we furnished with Courtney McDonnell. This beautiful home made the IDI shortlist last year and is really something special. We have also collaborated with RTE’s Room to Improve, Cairn Homes and many more.
If you weren’t running CA Design what would you be doing?
That’s a hard one! I’m really passionate about interiors so I think it would still be something creative – maybe in design or styling – or something travel-related. Honestly though, CA Design feels like such a natural extension of who I am that it’s hard to imagine doing anything else.
What’s next for you and CA Design?
We’re always looking forward. The big focus right now is making the new showroom a real destination for interior lovers. We’re also continuing to grow our consultancy work, expand our exclusive collections and to work on some really exciting showhouses and commercial projects. We love what we do and we’re just getting started.
To find out more about CA Design and to browse their current collection visit cadesign.ie or see @cadesign.ie on Instagram for all the latest news.
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