MICHELLE BURNETT

Interiors, Antiques & Houses with History

I've been fascinated by old houses and the things that fill them for as long as I can remember.

My career in interiors began in the late 1990s, followed by almost two decades working in senior positions within established design practices. I founded Cush Interiors in 2017, bringing together my experience in residential design with a longstanding interest in antiques, art and historic properties.

Today, my work is increasingly focused on period houses — particularly the furnishing and sourcing of the pieces that give them character.

I believe a beautiful old house should be respected rather than recreated. The most successful interiors aren't necessarily those where every object belongs to the same period. They are rooms where antiques, contemporary pieces, art, textiles and everyday objects have been brought together thoughtfully, allowing the architecture to remain part of the story.

Alongside interior design, I work as an art and antiques agent, sourcing furniture, art and decorative objects through a network of trusted dealers, auction houses, artists and specialist suppliers.

As well as a diploma in interior design, I also hold a 1st Class Hons Degree in Communications (DCU), and a Masters in Creative Writing (UCD). I've spent 7 years lecturing on the BA Interior Architecture in Griffith College, and on the Interior Design Diploma programme in Portobello Institute. My work has been featured on TV and in top publications. My background in communications and creative writing has also shaped the way I work. I have always been interested not only in how a room looks, but in the stories behind houses, objects and the people who live with them.

What I do

I work with private clients on the furnishing and decoration of period properties, from individual rooms to entire houses.

My work can include:

Furnishing & decorative consultancy
Advice on how to approach a property, what to retain, what to change and what to look for.

Antiques & furniture sourcing
Finding the right pieces through dealers, auctions and private sources.

Art & decorative objects
Sourcing paintings, sculpture, mirrors, lighting and objects that bring depth and personality to an interior.

Complete furnishing
Developing and implementing a considered furnishing scheme for a property, including bespoke upholstery, curtains, furniture and specialist craftsmanship.

For larger renovation projects, I can work alongside architects and other professionals where appropriate, but my particular passion lies in what happens when the building itself begins to become a home.

Respect the house. Live in the present.

That is the principle behind my work.