KA H&L FEATURE 27 JANUARY 2023

Interior design trends for 2023

WHAT’S IN AND WHAT’S OUT

We have all spent a lot more time than usual at home over the past few years, and we all need to look at our homes in a new light. Trends should be taken as inspiration and not written in stone. If the bouchée chair you’ve been dreaming about still sparks joy for you don’t let anyone tell you any different - buy it. The most memorable spaces, while they may be informed by trends, always convey a person’s unique style and that’s hard for any one trend to capture. Your home is your safe space and beauty is in the eye if the beholder.

Out: Bouclé

There was a boom in bouclé in 2021, but the creamy looped fabric is already a victim of its success.

“I love me some bouclé, but every single vendor is upholstering their furniture with the fabric,” - Joshua Smith, interior designer.

Bouclé is beautiful but can be very impractical especially if you have small children, teenagers or pets, so maybe limit it to a bedroom chair or even a headboard if, like me, you still love this fabric, but you may regret a full bouclé sofa.

In: Velvet

To be honest velvet has been “in” forever but it’s hard to match a good quality velvet sofa. My velvet sofas have survived so much and still look relatively good after so many years. It’s so cozy - and coziness is always in. Moody tones are big on trend and also make a velvet sofa even more practical.

Out: Scandi minimalism

Designers have noticed a departure from early IKEA days of pale wood and colourless interiors. Unless it’s implemented perfectly this trend can feel cold and a little bit too open, and if you don’t bring warmth and texture, it can fall flat, lack individuality, and feel sterile. We want to feel comfortable in our homes and the clutter of our daily lives sticks out like a sore thumb in these paired back spaces.

We all see articles call out trends for the coming year telling us what to buy and what to get rid of in our home, and when I read these a quote I came across years ago always comes to mind:

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be beautiful or believe to be useful”

- William Morris

BOUCLÉ

SCANDI MINIMALISM

BOHO

MOODY SPACES EARTH TONES

In: Sustainability

We have all become more concerned about the impact we have on the environment; our purchasing and our recycling and reusing. Some vintage or antique pieces in our homes are a great way of grounding the space but also gives the added knowledge that you are being kind to the environment. These can be mixed with newer furniture to give an eclectic look and are also great talking points. As Patsy Stone once said, “One should never be the oldest thing in one's house”. And if you are replacing big items think about selling or donating your old furniture, it may spark joy for someone else.

Out: Boho Styles

Take the macramé off the wall and put the plants on a side table. While Boho has been big for years now, it’s changing. In the past this style has been heavily influenced by YouTube and Instagram where there’s a younger audience, but now it’s growing up. We’ll see more curated spaces that still celebrate hand craftsmanship and artistry but with a less hippie vibe.

In: Moody spaces

We are loving deep moody tones and their ability to make spaces feel so intentional. Try painting a room all in the same colour including the ceiling and trim; AKA Farrow and Ball or adding wallpaper with the same colour as other textiles in the room. Chose colour with depth like a dark green or deep blue, this works really well with dark furniture and a mix of patterns and striped cushions and throws. Think a modern take on the traditional Manor House charm.

In: Earth tones

Brown is the new black, at least in interiors. Earthy hues are here to stay; they increased in popularity during the pandemic and still rule three years on. Colour psychology—or how different shades affect our emotional being—states that humans feel a sense of safety and security when surrounded by brown. Why? Its associations with the earth: the calming and resilient element that keeps us quite literally grounded. Another moody tone, mauve is set to take over from pink which has been very popular since millennium pink, later moving on to duster shades. What do the designer’s say, “Expect to see green everywhere”. ELLE Decor editors have seen grassy flooring crop up in homes from Paris to Woodstock, while leafy-hued furniture was on display at the most recent High Point Furniture Market. Studholme, of Farrow & Ball, points to the increasing popularity of the paint company’s deep moody greens, like Green Smoke.

In: Heavy vained counter tops

While a classic white stone is nothing to be sniffed at, it is striking veining, characteristically in black, running with wild abandon through the countertop, which can have a real show-stopping impact in a kitchen, and make the space truly sing. Dramatic veining, whether it’s on worktops, splashbacks or sinks, has been growing in popularity over the past few years. It’s nature at its most dramatic and this trend is here to stay for the foreseeable.

HEAVY VAINED COUNTER TOPS

TRENDS & STYLES FOR 2023 WITH

In 2022, we loved green décor, earthy textures, and curved furniture, as well as vibrant prints and all-around cosy vibes.

While we don’t think nature-inspired looks or snug, comfy setups will ever go out of style, there are some New Year furniture and décor trends we’re looking forward to seeing in 2023. The all-white kitchen is once more on-trend this year, offering a light and airy look for cooking and mealtimes.

SHADES OF SUNSET IN EVERY ROOM

The most popular colour palettes of 2022 featured shades of green, but for 2023 we’re looking at warmer tones that evoke the painted colours of a desert sunset.

THE ALL-WHITE KITCHEN IS BACK

The all-white kitchen is once more ontrend this year, offering a light and airy look for cooking and mealtimes.

PLACES INSPIRED SPACES

2023 will be a huge year for travel with most of us eager to get out and about. This will also seep into interior décor, with travel plans being used to inspire your New Year choices.

LARGE AND LAYERED LIGHTING

In 2023, it’s time to get lighting right. If a room in your home feels dark and uninviting, upgrade your lamps and light fixtures to illuminate your space.

Carpets keeping it cosy

Cosy carpets will be a big thing this year for creating the perfect cosy home. Shop the Soft Noble Stainfree Carpet range was €14.99/y2 now only €10.99/y2!

Grey is here to stay

Grey hues will continue this year with grey bedroom furniture such as the Gabrielle, being a huge hit. Get the Gabrielle package including 4'6 bed, two lockers, wardrobe, 6-drawer chest, dressing table, mirror with stool, and 2-over-3 chest for only €2599 (was €3199!)

Modular sofas become a movement

Modular suites like the Yoko 2C2 Corner are predicted to be the must-have furniture piece of 2023. Yoko Corner with Drinks Console was €3999 now €3499.

Heat up your home for less

Berry tones will be the colour of 2023

Whereas green was a big trend in 2022, Berry is the way to go for 2023. The Douglas, pictured above, comes in 3 Seater for €1299, 2 Seater for €999, and 1 Seater for €749 in the Corcorans' New Year's Sale

Keep your home warm and cosy with stoves starting from only €749

KEEP ITLIT WITH

This week we visited McElligotts EZ Living showroom in Killarney to view their range of stoves and heating solutions.

The experienced team of energy specialists will provide solutions for all of your energy needs. They will design, plan, and commission the perfect system for your home or business. They’ve plenty of high-quality products to ensure the highest level of comfort, reliability, and cost efficiency.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE STOVES THAT THEY OFFER:

1. MOURNE 400 INSET STOVE 5KW • €799

With all of the features of the Mourne free standing stove, the Mourne inset operates at a very high efficiency of 82.2%

The inset stove is ideal for replacing your old inefficient open fire and will install in your existing fire place opening.

2. GRAPHITE 5 • €680

With outstanding efficiency of 84.7% the Graphite stove is one of the most effective stoves you can buy.

Its unique conveyor warm air convection system will quickly distribute heat around your living space without burning additional fuel. Pre-heated tertiary air ensures the Graphite is extremely clean burning and better for the environment. It is DEBRA and ECO 22 approved.

The Graphite is also available in 8kw model for larger rooms.

A classic looking stove ideal for replacement of existing older stoves.

3. PELLET STOVES

If you are considering installing a pellet stove, there are many advantages to this form of heating.

Pellet stoves are very economical, ECO friendly, easy to use, temperature and timed controlled, very clean and above all have low running costs.

Pellet stoves are available in many designs and colours and don’t need a traditional chimney for installation.

The Alea pellet stove has a striking modern slim line look and is available in a range of colours. WiFi remote control is also an available option. It’s easy to operate and ideal for tight spaces.

4. THE AIDAN BOILER STOVE • €1,600

A true work horse…. The Aidan boiler stove will heat up to 12 radiators, generating 15kw to water and 6kw to your room. Ideal for larger homes and represents exceptional value for a stove of this size. No wonder the Aidan is one of Ireland's best-selling stoves.

Packed with features, including thermostatic control, overnight burn, clean burn technology and separate ash pan chamber for ease of use.

5. MOURNE 5KW FREE STANDING STOVE • €699

The Mourne stove is designed with the environment in mind.

High efficiency 78.7%, Tertiary air for cleaner burning and DEFRA and ECO 22 approved.

A modern stylish look with a large viewing window. This stove includes secondary air-wash to ensure the glass on your stove stays clear allowing you to enjoy the beautiful flame picture.

Clever design for easy maintenance and burns multi fuels.

The Mourne is also available in 8kw model ideal for larger rooms. PRICE €899

4 5

“An unconventional shade for an unconventional time"

The Pantone Color Institute was founded two decades after the colour company and has been championing ‘Colours of the Year’ since cerulean blue in 2000 (cue the iconic Devil Wears Prada monologue).

WHY THE COLOUR OF THE YEAR MATTERS

Pantone effectively makes a colour into an industry celebrity. Pantone's chosen colours of the year go on to influence product development and purchasing

VIVA MAGENTA 18-1750

decisions in all sorts of industries, including fashion, industrial design and product packaging.

WHAT IS VIVA MAGENTA?

Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigor.

It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.

This year’s Color of the Year is powerful

and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. PANTONE 181750 Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a colour that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all. In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of

the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known.

Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.

Leatrice EISEMAN Executive Director, PANTONE® COLOR INSTITUTE

colour of the year

WILD WONDER™

For the past 20 years, Dulux colour experts have been translating global insights into a Colour of the Year that matches the mood of the moment. The shade for 2023 is Wild Wonder™ – a positive, glowing tone, inspired by the natural world. Nature is the source of everything in our lives and we are re-evaluating our relationship with the

natural world. The name Wild Wonder lends itself to creative expression, the endless possibilities that designing a home and choosing colours presents the inner creative in all of us.

Wild Wonder is a positive natural tone that, by connecting us with the natural world, can help us feel better in our homes.

TOP TIPS &TRICKS

TO PAINT A ROOM QUICKLY

BY TONY GRIFFIN TRALEE MANAGER

A fresh coat of paint is one of the fastest ways to dramatically improve the appearance of a room - be it a hotel room for the next guest or ahead of that special family event.

One major misconception about painting is that it can take days to get your room back. However, I am here to tell you that with the right know-how and products, this is simply not true! Read on to discover how to paint your room in the morning and have it back in use by the afternoon!

• Choose Your Paint & Colour Wisely

If speed is your top priority, a high-quality paint will give you that perfect colour in fewer coats - saving you both time and money. It is also best to choose a similar colour, or go darker, as this will require minimal coats than if you go for a dramatic colour change from light to dark.

• Use A Low-VOC, Odour-Free Paint

By using low-VOC, odourless paint you can quickly return the room to regular use without the tell-tale “fresh paint smell” making it perfect for both business and home use. As a low-VOC paint, Ralston ExtraTex Matt is virtually odourless, has greater eco-credentials and is perfectly safe to use around young children and pets.

• Use A Quick-Drying Paint

You can save time by using paint that has been designed to have a short drying time. This will help to ensure that you are not sacrificing quality for speed. To achieve a flawless finish with minimal drying time, we recommend Ralston ExtraTex Matt. As a water-based premium paint, Ralston ExtraTex Matt boasts exceptional coverage coupled with a quick-drying time. It has been designed to achieve a professional finish and quick application with a smooth result.

• Gather All Your Tools at the Outset

Before starting, invest time in researching your project and gathering all the relevant supplies. Having everything you need to-hand at the outset of your project means that you can avoid any unplanned trips to the store.

What is equally as important is having the right tools – we always recommend using a quality roller and brush.

TIP: Using a good quality roller gives you the best coverage and overall finish. It can also be washed and reused for your next paint job.

• Tools for the Job

– Ralston ExtraTex Matt

– A good-quality 1 – 2” brush for cutting-in

– A high-quality 9” roller (we would recommend Corona or Wooster)

– Tray

– Masking tape such as Deltec Gold

– Dust sheets

All products mentioned in this piece are available on our online store www.mcdonnellpaints.ie with free delivery direct to your home or business on all orders. If you need help with a project, you can phone us or pop into our store in Tralee and speak with a member of the team.

HOUSE A HOME makeYOUR with

We hit the road last week to visit Cremur’s recently refurbished showrooms in Rock Street, Tralee. The store now stocks a large range of tiles, bathroom suites, and flooring along with a huge selection of stoves and fireplaces to choose from. It has been a busy couple of years for the team having opened their second store in Newcastle West, Limerick which also has a wide variety of stoves, electric fires, bathrooms and more.

On arrival we met Sales & Marketing Manager PJ O’Sullivan who was only too happy to show us some of the best deals this month. Here is what we found:

Modern Flames Redstone Redseries 30” was €1,399, NOW €699

Convert your worn wood burning fireplace into a lively, stunning statement piece the simple way with this easily insert installed electric fireplace. This Insert Mount Conventional Electric Fireplace comes with built-in touch controls, optional trims in black and a handheld remote. Choose between 10 difference flame and ember bed colours and even control the speed of the flame.

Geneva Free Standing Bath

was €1,749, NOW €999

With a sensual curved elegance, the Geneva is a welcome addition to both modern and traditional bathroom designs. The double ended design offers the versatility to share the tub with a loved one or enjoy more space to bath the children, both form and function combined.

Available in white, the Geneva is supplied with a white waste and overflow cover as well as a slimline bath trap for easy installation above floor level.

Electric Elcofire 1500 was €1,799, NOW €1,199

The Elcofire range have a reputation for having the cleanest built-in design as well as the tallest flames, complimented with ultra-realistic illuminated pulsating logs and fuel bed, that lets you enjoy a hyper-realistic electric fire that would rival any real fire. Cremur are down to their very last one of these and have slashed the price considerably. If you like what you see, get into the showroom quick because we are told it will be gone soon!

Vitae Cassette Stove 10% OFF

The Vitae Cassette Stoves have been designed to create a stunning focal point in any room. They incorporate the latest technology that ensures they burn fuel with superior efficiency. So, as well as the attractive contemporary design, your heat design cassette stove will mean lower fuel costs as more heat is delivered into your room. The model pictured here is the 9kW glass fronted stove and would look great in any room.

T&Cs apply. Valid for in store only (excludes online), limited offers, valid for selected lines.

SONAS

Bathroom Bundle

WAS €1,327 NOW €799

Are you thinking about renovating or updating your bathroom? Add finishing touches with Cremur’s Sonas Bathroom Bundle. Whether you are planning a complete overhaul or a subtle change, this bundle covers some of the essential accessories. Sonas are renowned for their modern designs in a variety of colour finishes so if you don’t like what you see here, you can check out the full range at the Cremur showroom in Tralee or Newcastle West.

BEST ADVICE FOR BUYING HOME INSURANCE

Here are some tips when buying home insurance, including some cost saving advice:

• BUILDINGS: Your property should be insured for its rebuild cost not the market value. Rebuilding costs have increased substantially over the past 12 to 18 months. There is a handy rebuilding calculator on www.scsi.ie where you can calculate your own property.

Underinsurance can have serious consequences in the event of a claim so it is advisable to review annually and get professional advice from an insurance expert.

• CONTENTS: Remember an item of contents is something that would go with you if you moved house. For example, a dining table is part of contents but a fitted kitchen is part of buildings. You should value your contents for replacement value.

• ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE COVER: This usually covers damage such as spills on carpets or knocking over a television. It can also include glass damage. You may find that you can delete this cover and save money on your renewal. As each insurer in the market would have different definitions and terms, it pays to ask an expert insurance broker such as Healy Insurances.

• REVIEW: Home insurance rates use many data streams so it is crucial to ensure that your details are correct when quoting, such as your Eircode, use of the property (owner occupied, let out etc), intruder and smoke alarms, year of construction and flat roof details, if applicable. At renewal time you should review with your insurance advisor.

• SHOPPING AROUND: When shopping around it is important to understand that direct insurers and banks will only sell their own products and may not be able to offer you choice or advise you on your options. It is also worth noting that you are free to move your home insurance from your mortgage provider, we do this on a regular basis and succeed in securing large savings for these customers.

• USE A BROKER: As experts in home insurance we understand the market conditions and can advise which insurer, or which product, is most suitable for your specific needs. Aside from understanding the discounts that can be achieved in each case, we also negotiate bulk discounts from insurers to get the best prices for our customers.

At Healy Insurances we can search the market for you, review your policy and save you money!

Your home is your most valuable asset so it is vitally important to protect it by insuring it correctly. As expert insurance brokers, we have been saving our customers money on their home insurance for over 40 years.