In these uncertain times, comfort core is key. Think luxe linens, shibori greens, blues, and beiges that are tranquil rather than boring. It’s about creating restful spaces that never feel flat.
Recalibrate the home with a select new colour palette, reduce visual clutter and add lots of tactile textures that you will want to surround yourself with.
Declutter the kitchen
In open-plan kitchens, traditional overhead extractor canopies can interrupt sightlines, complicate lighting plans and restrict island placement.
“In today’s homes, that compromise is no longer necessary,” says Sara Cosgrove, who points to the growing popularity of vented hobs, which combine induction cooking with integrated extraction in one streamlined unit.
She’s a fan of Neff’s range, a brand she works with.
Prices start from €2,399 for an 80 cm flush-mounted model at Stapleton’s Electrical.
Here it sits atop beige-coloured cabinetry, offset with calacatta marble splashback and a floating shelf with lime-wash effect wall paint in a mink colour.
Dim down the dining room
Life is busy and noisy, so there is a certain pleasure in enjoying a meal in relative quiet.
That means no pot walloping or cutlery cacophony during dinner. Set the table mood with these soft grey Duo dining chairs that are inspired by the work of Afro and Tobia Scarpa.
Upholstered in a faux leather finish, this sophisticated shape also provides back and arm support, so no elbows on the table either. With a grey oak frame, the chair costs €269 from branches of EZ Living Interiors.
Au natural between the sheets
Simple and versatile, this linen bedspread, 240 cm by 260 cm in size, offers a natural look to finish the bed.
The design is backed in a fluffy polyester for a soft, inviting touch, which should provide enough cover in the warmer months.
It costs €179 from Meadows & Byrne.
Layer up a look with colour accents
Add texture and colour to bedrooms or sofas with simple square cushions.
Layer up the relaxed look with these polyester and linen mix 45 cm squares featuring gingko floral patterns in earthy washes.
They cost €12 each from Dunnes Stores.
Sunset hue
A rose-coloured linen look fabric clads this Nomad couch by HK Living.
It’s the kind of thing you might stretch out on after a day at the beach somewhere along the Côte d’Azur. Extending to 244 cm long, its sunset shade will fit with any aesthetic.
It costs about €3,025 to order from S Alternative Furniture.
Step onto soft shades
Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, the Nordic Shape Arch is a flatweave rug handcrafted from 100 per cent jute.
The washed-out shades of the geometric design have just enough colour to add interest underfoot, without commanding all the attention.
The rug comes in a range of sizes, starting with a welcome mat size, 60 cm by 90 cm, €75, to a large floor filler, 250 cm by 300 cm, €1,025, excluding delivery and underlay, from Rugs.ie.
