8 I MOVING IN
Irish Independent I Thursday 21 January 2016
A SPLASH When the months of winter have finally let go of their grip, it’s time to take heed of the season that embraces revival. Whether you’re moving into your new home or simply redecorating, Roisin Lafferty of Kingston Lafferty Design shares with us six of spring’s hottest interior design trends for you to take inspiration from
OF
LIFE! WE ALL NEED A HIDEAWAY SOMETIMES AND ESPECIALLY IN OUR OWN HOMES. IF YOU CRAVE THAT ONE SPOT TO CURL UP WITH A KINDLE AND A CUPPA THEN A NOOK IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED.
Polished concrete floor by ODKM architects
Custom wall graphics in the DFS Showhouse at the Ideal Homes 2015 by Kingston Lafferty Design. Photo by Donal Murphy. Supplier Wallart.ie
Roisin Lafferty, Director of Kingston Lafferty Design
1. ALLURING LIGHTING
Cluster of mismatched pendants from Hillside Residence by Kingston Lafferty Design. Photo by Donal Murphy
“Lighting is one of the key elements of a good interior design,” says award-winning designer, Roisin. “It can control and enhance atmospheres, and can be a very powerful tool within any space. When used creatively, it can be a unique and desirable feature. “Lighting is more than being just about the placement and the illumination. It’s about power of diversity and the scale of the fittings and lamps themselves. We love playing with lights and using lighting as an inevitable part of each interior. You can have a simple light fitting but in combination with others, you can be innovative and add dramatic touches to the space. “Each project is individual and has its unique style and therefore the choice of correct light fitting is an inevitable part of the design process. Using lights in unexpected places, looking at their versatility and creating unique light fittings out of unusual materials is the trend for 2016.”
TOP TIPS
✜ Create lighting clusters and feature chandeliers by grouping light fittings together ✜ Experiment with scale – there is no such thing as too big! ✜ Use unusual materials to create your own fittings
2. WALL CANDY
Roisin feels that walls are the foundation of a room and their potential is generally overlooked. “Hold off on grabbing a fan deck to choose a paint colour and embrace your walls as your canvases with creative alternatives,” she says. “There is so much versatility with walls. Through progressive approaches, walls can bring in a wondrous wow factor. “Escape into your ideal atmosphere with graphic murals. We recently used cloud imagery to elicit both a fun and an ethereal ambiance. We also use 3-D panels, which truly transforms rooms into extraordinary spaces. Texture and pattern spectacularly invigorates
environments through impressive structuring.”
TOP TIPS
✜ Go all out and cover all four walls with patterns or just choose one wall to add a trendy touch to ✜ Showcase your originality with customisable graphic murals ✜ Continuously bring visions to life and foster creativity by using blackboard paint and chalk
3. PLAYFUL PLANTING
“Over the last few years bringing your interior out to your garden to create an additional ‘exterior room’ has been a big trend,” says Roisin. “This year the trend is being flipped on its head. Why not bring the natural element of planting into your home? “The fresh and vibrant feel planting brings to interiors not only brightens up the place during those dark, dull months but also has a positive impact on your mood and productivity. “If like many of us you are not
MOVING IN I 9
Thursday 21 January 2016 I Irish Independent The Lignet Roset ottoman in teal, from Roisin Lafferty’s home, is one of Roisin’s personal favourites. Photo by Donal Murphy
Reading nook in Ballsbridge Residence by Kingston Lafferty Design. Photo by Donal Murphy
TOP TIPS
✜ In joinery, build a nook bench into
in their interiors,” explains Roisin. “But there is more to concrete than drab grey buildings. Concrete is a versatile, adaptable and, most importantly, inexpensive material that can add so much to your interior if used correctly. “Concrete interiors create an airy, spacious and museum-like atmosphere. It is the perfect backdrop for showcasing your furniture and artwork. Although it’s a hard material, it can be polished to have a soft, chalky finish. If concrete walls and floors are too much for you, consider smaller items such as sinks, table tops or even light fittings. It can be poured to form most shapes and structures so the options are endless.”
If you crave that one spot to curl up with a Kindle and a cuppa then a nook is exactly what you need. We love to incorporate these sweet spots into our design work – it gives spaces that extra dimension and function, making what may otherwise be a blank window or wall really work for your space.
“Nooks are also an excellent way of introducing new surfaces and textures into your room, breaking monotony by adding a splash of colour, or warming crisp surfaces with a hint of wood. We see the return of the nook as an absolute uptrend and a must-have for your spaces, new and old.”
a wall of storage. These work fantastically in a child’s room as a way of creating small spaces for your little one to curl up in, while also incorporating an essential storage ✜ Everyone loves that whimsical feel of cosying up in a corner and watching the world go by. So if you have a bay window in your home or are considering adding a feature to your new build, a window seat nook is a definite must have ✜ Create a cosy surround with your headboard by adding ‘wings’ to either side of the bed. Expect to feel extra snug in your bed cocoon with quilted upholstery and soft fabrics Roisin recommends Mullan Lighting, Atelier Areti lighting and Flavour Paper wall coverings. For more information on Kingston Lafferty Design, visit www. kingstonlaffertydesign.com
TOP TIPS
✜ Consider a polished concrete floor in your open plan area or in your garden to maximise the feeling of space ✜ Use concrete for sinks and countertops for a seamless and contemporary look ✜ Use timber cast concrete on fireplace walls to add texture and depth ✜ Choose a white concrete for a lighter, less industrial look blessed with ‘green fingers’, don’t worry! There is an amazing selection of artificial plants on the market. Layering these with some real plants will give the authentic feel you are looking for without all the hard work required. “We love using an eclectic mix of different plants such as cacti, succulents, ferns and bamboo to add depth and texture to planting. The rich mix of greens with pops of colour adds drama to a space, creating a focal point in the room. The organic shapes lend themselves to a new form of art work for your home.”
5. THE SOFT FEEL
TOP TIPS
TOP TIPS
more interesting ✜ Think outside the box when choosing planters
armchairs and loungers with more rigid chairs and sofas to achieve an original and eclectic result ✜ Be brave with bold colours to add vibrancy and fun
✜ Layer different types of plants ✜ Play with scale to make planting
4. THE HARD LOOK
“After water, concrete is the most used substance on earth, yet many homeowners shy away from using it
“The new soft is less about frills and fuss and more about comfort, strong sculptural-shaped seating, and brave, bold patterns and textures,” says Roisin. “Strong-shaped armchairs and sofas complement the concrete surfaces beautifully, and add interest and fun to your home. “I am not one for matching suites and curtains. I feel it is better to mix key pieces for a more individual space. However, comfort will always be on the top of a client’s wish list. The new soft combines indulgent comfort with strong design, so it really is a win-win!”
✜ Mix slouchy, comfy feature
6. HIDEAWAY
“We all need a hideaway sometimes and especially in our own homes.
Antique cabinet full of succulents and cacti in Roisin’s Ranelagh Residence home. Photo by Donal Murphy