New shops in Naas and Navan are bringing two very different styles to these fast-growing towns, writes Eoin Lyons
You can't help but be won over by Maeve Ward. The soft-spoken owner of Maison, a shop cum interior design practice in Navan, has the classic taste and top-notch goods, but she is also a listener, practical and professional. She is a godsend to those confused by decorating.
"When someone comes in I say, 'It's all about you.' I try to find out what pleases them and make it work." Maison may not be the best place to go to if you are looking for hard-edged modernity, but Ward describes her style as "a timeless look. It's about being comfortable, relaxed and at ease, making your home feel like a home."
When you walk in, the vibe is light and colourful. On the one hand, Maison is a shop, selling bed linen, throws, blankets, lighting, towels and mirrors, from about €20 up to several hundred. But upstairs there are sample books and other paraphernalia that make up the interior design side of the business.
The brands she stocks in fabrics through to candles are a mix of Mulberry, Manuel Canovas, Osborne & Little, Nina Campbell and Zoffany, with Farrow & Ball paints arriving next week. She also works with furniture designer John Doolin to make contemporary headboards and console tables, some of which are on display.
Ward explains her reason for opening in Navan: "It's the fastest-growing town in the country, but Meath and the surrounding counties didn't really have this level of product before we opened. People who wanted it were going to Dublin."
If there is a philosophy to Maison, it is that a place like this should be friendly, not intimidating. "I hate shops where I'm made to feel that if I don't buy something, I can't go back. I want people to come here and take their time. Some don't want too much help and that's fine. But if you do, we offer a tailor-made service, whether it's just me calling out to help you pick a paint colour or doing a whole house, down to light switches and picture frames."
Ward's passion for the business is evident. As she talks, she gets excited about the feel of a fabric or the clarity of a paint colour. The enthusiasm carries you along. You would trust this woman with your home.
Maison, 46 Watergate Street, Navan, Co Meath (046-9066226)