Interview with Interior Designer Gary Dobbin, The Vision Behind the Water’s Edge Show Apartment

Tucked along the shoreline of Belfast Lough, Water’s Edge is a new development from Hagan Homes that’s already turning heads, not just for its stunning location, but for the elegance of its interiors. We caught up with interior designer Gary Dobbin to talk about the inspiration behind the show apartment, the importance of designing with the homeowner in mind, and how nature shaped every design choice.

Q: What was your starting point when designing the Water’s Edge show apartment? Were there any themes or ideas you wanted to bring to life from the outset?

From the outset, I always start by looking at the architecture and thinking about the potential homeowner. With Water’s Edge, we knew the development would appeal to people looking to downsize, or those wanting low-maintenance, easy living, but in a location that felt truly special. The aim was to create a calm, elegant space that celebrates those spectacular views.

Q: The development overlooks Belfast Lough. How did the natural surroundings influence your design approach?

The setting is always my first inspiration. I try to bring the outside in, taking the tones, colours, and mood from the natural surroundings and using those as a base for the interiors. It creates a sense of harmony, and in this case, the views are so beautiful that it made perfect sense to reflect them inside.

Q: Tell us a bit about the colour palette, furniture, and materials you used. What kind of atmosphere were you trying to create for potential buyers?

The colour palette is all about the sea, sand, and sky, soft linens, faded blues, natural stone, and washed woods. It’s inspired by places like Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. I wanted it to feel informal but refined. We mixed in antique furniture and large artworks to add character and give a sense of understated elegance. It’s a curated look, a mix of old and new that shows how these styles can sit beautifully together.

Q: In your view, what sets the interiors at Water’s Edge apart from other new-build show homes?

Everything here was designed with the end homeowner in mind. We’ve included higher ceilings and cornicing as standard, which gives the rooms great proportions and makes it easier for people to imagine bringing in their own treasured pieces. The communal areas, with panelling and chandelier lighting, set the tone from the moment you walk through the front door. It’s a new-build, but it feels like a home with a story.

Q: If you had to pick one standout feature or design detail in the apartment, what would it be and why?

The view. That was always going to be the star. I made sure that the kitchen, living, and dining spaces were all arranged to put the sea at the centre. When you walk into that open-plan room and look out across the Lough, it’s breathtaking. You get that ease and elegance of a beautifully finished apartment, but you’re also completely connected to the landscape outside.

From thoughtful layouts to timeless details, the Water’s Edge show apartment is a celebration of considered design, one that balances modern living with a deep appreciation of place.