RTÉ guide interiors spring 2017

Home ome cooking?

What’s

Cool & clever ways to revamp the heart of the house

& INTERIORS

Going

In

SHOPPING

New season new stuff!

STORAGE

Decluttering your life

life’s What your paint choice says about your personality

Declan O’DONNELL Untitled-8 1

What’s

in-store

Carolyn

DONNELLY 2/15/2017 4:28:57 PM

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Home

& INTERIORS

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Each season, the homeware departments fill with beautiful, quirky and novel items crying out to grace our homes. Carolyn Donnelly, who is on her tenth Eclectic collection at Dunnes Stores, talks about how she designs her objects of desire

t this time of the year, many of us notice shabby or tired corners in our homes.

Maybe even a whole room needs a facelift: something that inevitably leads to headaches when we go shopping for ideas. To help, we’ve taken a look around some of our favourite homeware departments to see what they have for spring and summer 2017…there’s a lot of green!

But how do those desirable objects – and we found a wonderful selection of throws for this issue – find their way into the shops? Carolyn Donnelly, the creative director at Dunnes Stores, tells us how she decides what will grace the shelf space.

The kitchen can make or break a home as a functional space, so how can we be sure we’re doing the best with what we have? Declan O’Donnell, architect and judge on Home of the Year, which returns to TV on Thursday, March 2, has a few tips for making our kitchens the heart of the home.

CAROLYN DONNELLY

DECLAN O’DONNELL As Home of the Year returns to TV, the judge architect talks about his inspirations and has some tips for getting the most out of your kitchen

Stephen Meyler

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WHAT’S IN STORE Take a trawl around our favourite department stores to see what they’re tempting us with for spring and summer 2017

16

THROWING SHAPES

The quickest way to change the look of a living room, bedroom or hall is a throw rug – whether it’s low-cost washable cotton or a hand-woven treasure from one of the country’s family-owned mills

20

KEEP, DONATE OR STORE?

Refreshing our homes usually starts with a big clear-out, but can we make this painful job any easier? Yes! says Jude O’Meara from Elephant Storage Solutions

16

22 Managing editor: Catherine Lee Editor: Stephen Meyler Designer: Luisa Kenny Pre-press: David Mahon Advertising sales: Karen Foster (contact 01-208 2880) Oliver Hayes (contact 01-208 4717) Published by RTÉ Commercial Enterprises 2017 Cover image: Harvey Norman Interiors Spring Summer 2017

COLOURING IN YOUR HOME The first step of a new paint job is to gather colour charts and sample pots, but what sort of feeling is your choice of colours going to create?

Home & Interiors

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cooking

What’s

As the new season of Home of the Year kicks off on RTÉ One this week, architect-judge Declan O’Donnell talks to us about trends in interior design and what we can expect from the show

W

the difference good design can make.

They build small houses, 4m wide over four stories, on unused parcels of land, on a slope – but it works. They fill in gaps.

They work with the density of big cities, but they do it in a clever and responsive way. They are open to the possibilities of design and to different ideas of what a house can be. I think we still have a residue of the three-bed semi built in a field as the answer to a whole myriad of housing issues, and as a

hat trends

you can get a handle on all the different

are you

aspects of a project, then the better

seeing

your design will be. Most projects are

for 2017?

complex and involve a whole myriad of

Trends in

issues that need to be managed: budget,

the interiors

lifestyle, planning, statutory requirements,

world last for four, five or more years.

building control, light, environment, future-

It’s not like the fashion industry which

proofing, function, aesthetics, budget

changes annually, so there is a continual

(again), personalities, finance – the list

overlap of trends every year which give

goes on – so my approach is to get a

lovely layers to work with at any given

grasp on the context of a project as soon

time. That said, the main trend I’m seeing

as possible, as this will dictate everything

for the coming year is based on balance.

that follows.

result that’s what most people think of when it comes to new homes. If I could bring one thing in from another country, it would be an openminded ingenuity when looking at this issue.

It’s about contrast: striking colours against muted lighter shades. I love it

Are Irish people becoming more

as it gives a timeless familiarity. I’m also

adventurous in their living spaces?

seeing some luxury materials coming

Without a doubt. Doing Home of the

to the fore again. Faux fur is everywhere,

Year has really shown me the bravery

and I think marble is making a serious

and passion for design that is now

comeback, but then again, was it ever

countrywide, and I am constantly

really gone? I also think there is the start

surprised by what I see. People are

of a backlash in terms of tech in the living

becoming more comfortable with colour,

room as we are going more low-fi and

style and self-expression in their homes,

suddenly realising that unplugging the TV

making them, a true reflection of their

and the phone and talking to someone

own personality – it’s great to see! In

is one of life’s real pleasures – and I’m all

terms of building, we are becoming

for that! Formal dining rooms are also

extremely innovative and recycling

on the rise, as are mis-matched kitchen

forgotten buildings with great skill and

cabinet finishes – so 2017 looks to be an

respect for our heritage. In the series, we

interesting year.

see old railway cottages, schoolhouses, barn conversions and contemporary city-

How do you approach a new project?

Any project starts with lots of questions.

As an architect, I am usually designing for a client, so I really have to understand them and what they are looking to achieve. This doesn’t change if it is a small house extension, an apartment block or a public building like a library – it’s all about context, and the sooner

4

centre houses built on impossible sites – so the variety and passion for all sorts of different homes is really encouraging to see.

What features of building projects in other countries do you think we should have more of in Ireland?

I have a mini obsession with Japanese houses in urban settings. They represent

Home & Interiors

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e have an enduring, never-ending love affair with food in our homes,

and we need to create the right kind of spaces to make our meal times enjoyable and comfortable. We need to make sure we have well-designed spots in our homes that can fit Christmas dinner for 12, as well as the guilty takeaway on the sofa on a Friday night.

There is a worry that far too many of us regularly have dinner watching television, or even eat in separate rooms, quickly and at different times. For me, the kitchen is the heart and soul of any home, where people gather and conversation happens.

Memories are made at kitchen tables, and there is something intrinsically primal about gathering around a table to eat with the people closest to you.

Orientation

At the heart of the modern Irish home is the kitchen, but many of us fret about getting the design and arrangement of the essentials like cookers, fridges and sinks just right. Declan O’Donnell has some tips to make it work

Cooking

G

rowing up, we had a

a cliché, the kitchen really is the heart of the home. The kitchen is so often the main area for redesign in any project. We are a nation obsessed with our kitchens, whether they’re large and showy for the exhibitionist chef, or small and a little

small table right inside

cramped in an apartment. They can be

the kitchen, so we

separate rooms or part of an open-plan

were always on top

arrangement with the dining room or

of one another. It was mayhem when my

mum was cooking, but it was all about the food and the chat. To this day, when I go home to my parents, I go straight

the main living room. When it comes to designing or redesigning a kitchen, start by asking yourself some questions: How do you like to cook? Do you cook at all?

Do you like to talk to others while cooking

for the fridge, pull out some food, sit at

or do you like to be semi-hidden away

the table and start talking. It’s such a

in case you burn the spuds? Maybe you

comforting thing; I feel secure, safe and

love to cook outside, so you could think

at home and that’s why, although it is

about a space for that too.

K

itchens are best placed near as much natural light as you can get — this is because we demand so much more from our kitchens today and spend

so much more time in them. Eastfacing spaces are great for capturing the morning sunlight. If they connect to a south- or west-facing dining space then, in the evening, you will still have the last remnants of sunshine coming into the room, so we I would always orientate these spaces in this way where possible. If you want a warm and welcoming social space but and currently find these spaces located to the north, then you may want to consider moving your kitchen entirely to a sunnier part of the house, or opening through to a room to borrow some sunlight. You can also get more light by having taller windows or. You may even be able to introduce a roof light to capture east— or west-facing light, so you can pull light into a north-facing back kitchen area.

Layout

T

he auld triangle - not the song, but the tried and tested optimum working arrangement in any kitchen.

This is rooted in pure function and usability, and

by with the sink, the fridge and the cooker, enabling ease of unobstructed access to each. Of course, it is not always possible given room layouts and constraints, but as long as you keep this function in mind, then you can alter it a little to make it work with what you’ve got. I don’t prescribe to the

has stood the test of time. Ilt is one of

formal named layouts as pure design,

those rules that shouldn’t be broken

but they’re a good starting point to give

(if you can help it). Ilt means creating

you an idea of what layout is going to

a triangular, space that is marked

work best.

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Galley

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alley kitchens are long and linear, and usually used in tight spaces as they are a very efficient use of space. Try and

go for more generous worktop depth (75cm instead of the usual 60cm), as this will fit appliances more easily, and also gives you that extra worktop depth that is so useful in a tight spot. Try to incorporate a galley kitchen where you have space at either end for an island

U-shape

or a small table, where people can

Typically, in an L-shaped layout, units

keep you company as you cook. Even if

run along perpendicular walls to give

This provides the most amount

the best working ergonomics. I like to

of storage and worktop area,

do this with a run of wall units along

but they can be a bit restrictive

one length and then have the other

and clunky and can dominate

‘arm’ work a bit like an island, jutting

a room. Of course, there will be

into the room if the space allows.

times when it is necessary, so

This can work well, opening onto an

take heed of its size and visual

informal small dining space or in

weight in a space and try to

way all the time.

conjunction with a full island.

keep it to a minimum.

Small spaces

Open shelving:

you don’t have the space for a seated area to eat, a well-positioned window seat or bench or stool means can give that feeling that someone else can chill in the kitchen while you cook and not have them feeling like they are in the

S

ome of the best and busiest restaurants operate out of tiny kitchens with customers squeezed into even smaller spaces. They are

a great example of how size doesn’t matter when it comes to eating and prove it is possible to make small kitchens work to your advantage.

People often complain that they never have enough room in the kitchen, so here are some tips to help you deal with the most common issue I get asked about - lack of space. Extra storage can go a long way if there isn’t a separate utility room, when the kitchen must house the washing machine and the dryer. A combined washer/dryer is a handy way to reclaim storage space in a small kitchen.

Space-saving is about utilising what you have, and keeping the worktops as free from clutter as you can. This means utilising the walls and the storage available under units.

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L-shape

In small spaces, keep shelving open and easy to access. This will make the space seem bigger and easier to use. There is no need to spend a lot of money either - simple open shelves with pots and pans everywhere can look great and function brilliantly. I always recommend open storage at upper levels in smaller kitchens as closed storage will feel as if it is on top of you.

Quirky storage:

From magnet strips, to clip-on items on exposed rails, there are many ways to keep knives and utensils easily available but not taking up valuable worktop space. Use these for other everyday items, such as salt, pepper, olive oil and spices, so everything is at hand, no opening and closing doors. Get clever with open storage to make a small kitchen function better and therefore seem bigger.

Instead, hang utensils and kitchen kit on the wall and even from the ceiling. Make sure to invest in a few nice pots and get a good mix of stuff all close to hand this is practical and looks great.

Fridges:

These are often the biggest item in any kitchen, so an undercounter fridge is a great way to save space and free up worktop space. It also forces you to stay more on top of its contents and less likely to forget about best before dates.

Limited space:

With limited space, storage is obviously critical, but if you use wall-mounted units things can get a little on top of you.

Excerpt from Rooms

by Declan O’Donnell (Hachette) €28

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14/02/2017 09:58

Home & Interiors

The difference is…

she’s Irish!

In an ever-more competitive market, retailers must react to changing tastes or risk losing customers.

The country’s biggest retailer, Dunnes Stores has been making long-term improvements to its homewares, led for almost a decade by creative director, Carolyn Donnelly. Here, she talks about how she creates her Eclectic collections

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e’re now into the tenth season of Eclectic at Dunnes Stores (two

per season for the past five years) and I think we’re going from strength to strength – it’s a bit alarming how fast the years have been whipping by!

For each season, we have two strong themes with two colour palettes. But the nature of the collections is that they should sit with what we might have had last year. It’s not going to be so trend-driven that it’s not going to work for our customers – it has to be practical and useful in your home.

So, we don’t really do trends as such,

8

look to your home. We set up mood

velvet, but it comes in so many guises

boards to plan the looks for the season.

now – it’s from India and all dyed to our

I’m really proud that everything is

colour choices – we’ll pipe them and

designed in-house – all of the rugs, all

embroider them, so we just keep them

of the textiles and kitchen and bedroom

moving on all the time, from season

accessories – we create all of the prints.

to season. They’ve become a sort of

I have influences for each season so for example, next winter we’re looking for very Art Deco styles, continuing what we have begun for this summer.

There are particular prints and styles that I love and I keep going back to. For example, floral prints and later in the summer we will have unusual things like a flamingo pink tea set, which is truly eclectic! One of the biggest sellers in the collections are wool rugs, which are all hand-woven in India, but we create all of the patterns. I tend to be happy to work with the colours I love, so I’m never going to have yellow or purple because they’re suddenly on-trend, because I wouldn’t want them in my home. If I see something which I immediately feel

handwriting for us. We’ve gone a lot into faux flowers this season, with a lot of faux cacti with beautiful ceramic plant pots from Portugal. That reflects a whole move back to plants in the home – that look is very strong this year. The Pantone colour for 2017 is ‘Greenery’, which suits me just fine, as green is my favourite colour, particularly a vintage jadegreen, rather than anything too brash.

But to be frank, I’m not too influenced by what Pantone or whoever is saying about colour trends in a particular year.

If I love it, I hope the customer will as well, which luckily, has been the case.

When I started ten years ago, the norm in Ireland was to have a living room that was all beige, everything co-ordinating

because Eclectic is such a mix of styles.

will work in my home, then it’s good for

Essentially, the whole collection is about

the range. The fabulous thing is that

individual pieces that people can buy

since I started working with Dunnes,

to put together with what they already

the things I like personally seem to be

have, so for example, you could buy one

what the customers like as well. We’ve

and are not into that look. Also, they

of my vases and sit it in a room with

got a very loyal following now – just

don’t have as much money, so they’re

some vintage mid-century furniture.

take a look at Dunnes Instagram and

more inventive with what they do –

The same applies to the cushions or

you’ll see people who’ve made things

they’ll go find a vintage rug and throw it

mirrors or rugs – it’s about creating

from the Eclectic range part of their

over the old sofa with some cushions to

that eclectic mix that gives a unique

own unique home. We do a lot of cotton

brighten it up.

in that neutral kind of fashion. Now, there’s a whole generation of young people who want an individual home

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Home & Interiors

it on their travels around the world or online, there’s much less of this idea of the must-have pieces.

People’s idea of Dunnes Stores is changing too. When I went in five years ago, Paul Costelloe was the only designer with homewares in there.

I’ve brought in more designers and

People are much more into creating

we’ve got collections in 66 stores now

something unique – they want their

— changes that Margaret Heffernan

homes to be cool and interesting,

[CEO] was totally up for. She’s an

so they can share their looks on

exciting individual to work for and she

social media. There’s also a return to homespun, craft elements: just look at how popular knitting has become again, for instance. People are more selective and considered about what they’re buying, so they don’t just go out and buy

is also excited about all the changes and revamps that are happening in Dunnes Stores. I think the quality and the price points are just fantastic and I still think not enough people know this. It’s difficult to change perceptions,

five things that they saw in a magazine

but all we can do is keep offering nice

– they buy it because it’s going to mean

products and hope people come in to

something to them. Whether they found

buy them!

As

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2/15/2017 3:09:04 PM

Home & Interiors

What’s in store

this spring

Each year sees new trends in interior décor, as well as a new spin on old favourites.

Here, we take a look at what you’re likely to find in some of the big stores if you’re planning to refresh your home this spring

And the winner is…

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ach year, the colour matching company Pantone nominates its shade for the year, and for 2017, it’s called ‘GREENERY’, which the company descibes as “a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade

Debenhams Ben de Lisi Flat-weave fabric ‘Marco’ loveseat €740

that evokes the first days of spring”. ‘GREENERY’ reminds us to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate. Debenhams have definitely dived in, with plenty of homewares to breathe fresh life

into your home this season, from rugs and mugs to cushions and cactus this year’s freshest colour is easily introduced with Debenhams. debenhams.ie

Debenhams Greenery Egyptian cotton towels €4.50-€36

Debenhams Ombre vase €10.50

Debenhams Green wool Liberty rug €345 Debenhams Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Mustard cushion €42

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Debenhams Throw €150

Debenhams cactus light €187.50

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hen asked about what Argos has

Pure

and simple

in store for us, the head of trends at Argos, Alexei Cowan, said: “We

want homewares that are stylish and trendled but that can withstand the demands of daily family life. My personal favourite this spring is the Purity trend, evolved from the popular Scandinavian-inspired styles last year, but also referencing Japanese design principles. This means keeping it simple, subtle, calm and natural. We’d like people to eliminate clutter and introduce a balanced energy to their homes.”

The Purity collection is defined by functional and adaptable design, organic materials and intricate detailing. Tactile finishes and natural textures create a de-cluttered, tranquil space and tones are soothing blues with highlight motifs of coral-tinted red tones that combine with a base of soft greys to create harmony. We particularly love the new print designed by Argos: ‘Honesty’ is an inky blue floral design, available across bedding, cushions, lighting and curtains. Or how about the simple in form Oakington Table with four chairs (€599.99)? argos.ie

Honesty bed linen Argos Textured Storage Canisters €26.99

Argos Purity 12-piece dinner set in blue €36.99

Heart of House Kasbah elephant cushion €15.99

Heart of House Bracken & Fern leaf cushion €16.99

0 Heart of House Origami cushion €15.99

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Home & Interiors HOME

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he Scandinavian giant that is IKEA never disappoints when it comes to ideas for refreshing your home. This year’s spring-summer

collection is all about stepping outside the norms and welcoming spontaneity.

The bohemian-styled Mastholmen series has furniture made from rattan, a 100% renewable raw material, and the affordable Saltholmen table and chairs

Northern

exposure

will fit the smallest of balconies or look good next to a window. They’re also foldable so can be stored away easily.

Generally, IKEA has four trends for 2017: Nostalgic Floral continue to be popular, signifying that spring has arrived – a more traditional style makes an appearance on textiles, crockery and decorations; Encounter has a juicy palette of layered colours in natural materials. This trend incorporates core IKEA products and the limited edition Jassa and Silkeborg collections; Fine Geometric focuses on a minimalist aesthetic compared to the original bold ’70s inspiration, with metal outlines and lattice effects; Digital Wave references the bold and abstract graphics

Flarra mini chest €9.50

Tulpansträd cushion €15

of the 1990s, with patterns and prints influenced by early videogame graphics, as seen in the PS 2017 collection. ikea.ie

Mastholmen armchair and cushion €110

Kvistbro storage table €35

Mastholmen 2-seat sofa and cushions €200 Stocksund armchair €360

Sältholmen foldable chair €17.50 12

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Sältholmen foldable table €30

Sommar 2017 Tray €4

PS 2014 pendant lamp €130 Solrosfrö plant stand €12

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Home & Interiors

forward!

Fast

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t their 50 shops around the country, Heatons have gone all out to give you what you need to refresh your home

as the days grow longer. The collection of accessories inspired by Botanical Gardens and Oriental Spring combine neutral shades with delicate pastels, to allow the creation of an easy affordable calm haven. The Oriental Spring theme is present in the bathroom offering too, with everything from toothbrush holders, soap dishes and bath sheets reflecting the trend. Crockery takes a turn to the blue this season, with an elegant and eclectic look that is perferctly complemented by vibrant coloured glass and mango wood serving boards. In the kitchen, Heatons is recommending a minty makeover, with cream and green enamel storage canisters and tidy boxes

touches for a retro look. heatonsstores.com

Finishing

A

rnotts has long been the go-to destination for luxurious homewares

ARNOTTS Royal Doulton dining set €81.95

that complete a room or home renovation or refresh. Spring-summer

2017 is no exception, with plenty in store now to inspire and make us fall in love with our homes all over again. We’re loving the ABS splatter ware in cream and blue, a dramatic but timeless collection. From Royal Doulton, there’s a grey 12-piece dinnerware set, as well as bowls, cups and mugs, that are perfect for a contemporary look. arnotts.ie Amalfi candle flora rosa - €24.95

Prices starting from €11.95

€130

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Home & Interiors

‘Dorado’ Cushion €20

‘Coast’ Diamond Grey Rug €850

Borneo green watercolour cushion €30

Let the

F

light in !

Glass tea light holder €5

or spring-summer, Harvey Norman is waving

Hammered Gold Vase €90

goodbye to the dark days of winter and embracing outdoor living, bright evenings and summer colours. The retailer has a number of themes going on: Raw Beauty, with strong ’70s retro associations using materials like cane and

rattan; Indigo Dream, a chance to bring some moody hues

Feather print from €90

to your home, combined with rust or yellow for a modern twist; Natural Attraction, a botanical-inspired trend that uses the Pantone colour of the year ‘Greenery’; Gold Standard, a Scandinavian influence which combines simple pieces with interesting textures; French Manicure, a palette of delicate blush and rose tones, perfect for accenting a luxurious velvet

Giant Task Lamp €190

Erika Lamp Table €279

armchair. The Harvey Norman Spring-Summer 2017 Lifestyle & Interiors catalogue is available in all stores and online from February 20, harveynorman.ie

Crackled amber tea light holder €10

Embroidered green trees cushion €35 Casablanca Rectangular Mirror €200

Large Pink Vase €30 14

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Marrakesh Round Mirror €150

Large Hurricane Rope Candle Holder €65

Large Silver Hammered Vase €100

Patterned Mercury Glass Table Lamp €170

Geometric foilprint cushion €35

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Home & Interiors

Shiny!

W

e asked the head of design for Marks & Spencer, Vanessa Anderson,

what styles she predicts will be popular in interiors this year: “One of the biggest trends for this season is all about sophisticated opulence. Use bold geometrics in sumptuous fabrics to introduce a touch of luxury into the home, while statement accessories with gold accents add glamour.

“Polished brass seems to be the metal of the moment, seen on everything from lighting to drinks ware and cocktail trolleys.

It looks particularly lustrous when teamed with the rich jewel tones of velvet which are also key in upholstery.”

Barclay Drinks Trolley €399

Barclay Console €809

ury €170

Dante Chair in Exquisite Velvet Teal €1749

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Home & Interiors

Studio Donegal Undulating Twill Throw in Carrot €92 and €179

shapes

Throwing Changing your living space doesn’t necessarily have to involve major surgery – invest in a throw rug to

The damp of an Irish winter (or summer) makes wool pretty

instantly introduce new colour and

machine-made wool blends to second mortgage price levels

perfect for our climate. Prices range from reasonable for

texture to a sofa, chair or bed and

for some hand-dyed, handwoven or hand-knotted examples.

if chosen carefully, it will enhance

wear and tear and always follow cleaning instructions –

your existing décor. Here’s a selection of what’s available, with a look at some of the country’s great traditional weavers

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Wool

Looser weaves will perform badly if they’re exposed to heavy lambswool and cashmere hate hot water! If you do this however, a wool throw can last a lifetime. And remember, wool comes from animals other than sheep – luxurious fabrics made from cashmere, angora, mohair and alpaca.

Acrylic & polyester

Cotton

Style gurus may turn their noses up at artificial fibres but

A breathable cotton option is a practical and relatively

unlimited in scope. Acrylic can be formed into soft, lightweight

inexpensive choice. With so many colours and print

and warm fabric, which closely resembles the characteristics

possibilities, a cotton throw will also deliver in the style

of wool. It is also moth-resistant, important if these pests

stakes. They’re also easy to clean, although domestic washing

are a problem in your home. Polyester is often blended with

machines can’t handle large ones, so might need a trip to a

other materials, both natural and artificial, to create a range of

dry cleaner that specialises in rugs. Note that some brightly

textures, including the popular ‘shaggy’ style. Polyester is also

coloured ethnic-style cotton rugs may not be colour-fast.

easily washed.

throws made from these have their place in the modern home.

For one, they are far cheaper than wool or even cotton and can be made in a variety of styles from smooth to shaggy and chenille, matte to shiny, and patterns are pretty much

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Home & Interiors

Best

Irish of

Debenhams home collection blue space throw €62 acrylic polyester mix

Avoca pioneer lambswool throw €59.95, €99.95, €139.95

John Hanly & Co Since 1893, four generations of the Hanlys have been using a water mill to weave scarves, throws and fabrics in wool, cashmere, lambswool and mohair at Ballyartella Woollen Mills, about 5km outside Nenagh. The company is very proud that despite all its modern machinery, the water wheel provides 30% of the mill’s electricity requirements and now the rest is supplied from a hydroelectricity plant, so all their energy is from renewable sources.

Dunnes Paul Costelloe Living arabesque throw €75 51% cotton

Foxford Woollen Mills

Dunnes Paul Costelloe Living cashmere throw €100 wool-cashmere mix

johnhanly.com Pictured John Hanly & Co Lambswool, €94.67

Best

Irish of

Established in 1892 on the banks of the River Moy in Co Mayo by the Irish Sisters of Charity, this Irish-owned mill has always the finest woollen products.

Starting with woollen blankets, they have diversified into rugs, scarves, fashion accessories and throws in lambswool, merino, mohair and cashmere, going from strength to strength since the mill was saved from the wrecker’s ball in 1987. foxfordwoollenmills.com Pictured, Grey & White Spot lambswool throw €105

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Home & Interiors

Best

Irish HOME of

Studio Donegal Studio Donegal Woollen Mill is based in Kilcar, Co Donegal, where the tradition of hand weaving dates back to the 1700s and earlier. Local farmers supplemented their income by handweaving tweed from the yarn spun from blackface sheep. The first mill at Kilcar was built in the 1930s, but after weaving ceased in the 1970s, the mill was reborn as Connemara Fabrics. Today, Kevin Donaghy and his family run Studio Donegal at the mill, creating handwoven Irish tweed and even better, you can visit the mill to see the fabrics made. studiodonegal.ie

Cushendale Woollen Mills

Best

Irish of

Set on the millrace of the river Duiske in Graiguenamanagh in Co Kilkenny, Cushendale Woollen Mills has been run

by Philip Cushen’s family since 1880.

Philip describes why Cushendale’s products are so unique: “We dye, card and spin all our own yarn, so our colours are unique to us.” Cushendale’s range of throws are available in lambswool, wool, bouclé and brushed mohair. cushendale.ie Pictured, the Snow lambswool throw, €55 and €99.50.

Wild Cocoon Drawing on her love of ‘making’ and Ireland’s craft heritage, Deirdre

Best

Irish HOME of

Duffy has developed a range of handwoven treasures that she hopes evoke happy memories of being cocooned in a woollen blanket. All of Deirdre’s products are handwoven on a footpowered loom, ensuring no two pieces are ever the same. Made from 100% lambswool or cotton, they are deep and subtle works to be treasured. wildcocoon.ie Pictured, Ombre Double in Chrome in lambswool, €325

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Home & Interiors

Best

Irish HOME of

Avoca Possibly the most famous traditional handweavers in Ireland, there have been weavers beside the Avoca river in Co Wicklow since at least 1723, but since the 20th Century, Avoca has grown into a cottage industry, with shops and cafés across the country.

Avoca exports its famous throws and blankets, as well as clothing, perfumes, glassware and ceramics around the world. avoca.com Pictured Avoca Mahon lambswool throw, €59.95

Penneys pink paisley throw €20

Best

Irish

Foxford - Lambswool Throw - €95

HOME of

Penneys purple faux fur throw €35

Foxford - Lambswool Throw - €95

Kerry Woollen Mills This 17th-Century mill is situated on the river Gweestin on the Ring of Kerry, where they’ve been weaving beautiful fabrics and

Penneys blue-striped throw €16

yarn for over 300 years. Now, the fourth generation of the Eadie family, who bought the mill in 1904, use modern technology and tradition to create contemporary styles that also reflect the company’s heritage. kerrywoollenmills.ie Pictured: Killarney Barcheck throw Red

John Hanly & co red merino cashmere €116.63

Penneys wine throw €16

Shale €74.35

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Home & Interiors

Put the spring into spring

cleaning!

At this time of year, many of us are getting around to that big clear-out we’ve been threatening all winter. To get you in the mood for decluttering, Jude O’Meara of Elephant Self Storage has these top ten tips

1

Focus on one space at a time and set aside a specific time for it Decluttering can become a mammoth task if you take on more than you can handle. The best and most efficient way to clear out your home is to start small. Choose just one space in your home to declutter and focus on this area until it has been completed. Scheduling a set amount of time to tackle the space will also keep you focused and ensure you don’t allow the decluttering to take over.

2

Be ruthless

Decluttering can be an emotional and tiring experience and many of us are not aware of just how difficult this can be.

While some items can clearly be discarded, other items can be harder to part with. It is important when decluttering to mentally prepare yourself and to take a ruthless approach. If you allow your emotions to rule your decisions, you will find that very little progress is made. Think logically about each item and if it’s not being used regularly, it is time to discard.

3

Identify what you really don’t need This is the simplest step in the decluttering process and can feel very rewarding. Discarding items that you know you no longer want or need can be a great motivator and give a real sense of accomplishment, spurring you on to continue through the rest of the task.

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6

Home & Interiors

7

Complete the task in its entirety When decluttering and dividing items into keep, donate

4

or storage, it is important to follow through and remove these bags/boxes, bringing them to the correct location.

Divide items into keep, donate, storage

After you’ve removed the items you want to discard (and then discarded them!) divide what’s left into three piles: Keep, Donate and Store. The best way to approach this is to have three large bags or cardboard boxes and as you work your way through the space, decide where each item belongs.

When storing items, use good quality boxes as they are easier to stack than plastic bags. Number the boxes and make an inventory of the contents by taking pictures or making

Otherwise, you’ll just be cluttering up another part of your home. While it may be hard to part with certain items, it is

8

important to let go and move on.

Repeat one month later

Commit to half an hour 30 days later to go through the space you have decluttered once more. Look at the items you have kept and those that you have moved into storage and assess how much use or how much happiness these items have brought you over the last month. Can you remember all the items that you have held onto? Prepare yourself to discard or donate a few more

a list. Save this information on your mobile or PC. Elephant

items and help declutter the space even more.

Self Storage also have a number of helpful tutorial videos

9

(elephant.ie) showing the best techniques to wrap up your items carefully when preparing for storage.

5

Would you replace it if you lost it?

While decluttering may sound like an easy task, the reality is often not the case! So many of the things we own have been collected over the years and have sentimental value, making things harder to part with. Many of the items we hold onto have no real purpose and are taking up space in our homes. An important question to ask yourself is ‘Would I replace it if I lost it?’ The answer to this question will clearly indicate your true feelings toward this item and if the answer is no, then it’s best to remove it from your home.

6

Six-month rule Another benchmark to help you decide is the six-month rule. Take into consideration the last time you have used a particular item. Has this been within the last six months or has it been longer? Many of us hold onto items that we think we use regularly, but in reality, are hardly ever used.

If something has been gathering dust on a shelf or lurking at the back of the wardrobe without being used for over six

Be conscious of the habits that got you into this situation

The build-up of clutter is a reflection of our habits and lifestyle. Becoming more conscious of when and why we hold onto unnecessary items can be key to maintaining a lesscluttered home.

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Storage options

Many of us have items that we don’t want to part with as they hold particular sentimental value, e.g. baby clothes, children’s artwork, old furniture, photographs of family and friends, seasonal goods (e.g. surfboard, cycling gear, Christmas decorations, skis). These items aren’t usually needed on a regular basis, yet they take up much needed space in our homes.

For these types of items, self-storage can be an ideal solution, from €10 per week, freeing up space in our homes while also holding onto items such as family heirlooms or children’s items for years to come.

Elephant Self Storage is an Irish-owned, Dublin-based storage facility, who provide just such a service and will collect your boxes free of charge. For more details see elephant.ie, @ elephantselfstorage or Twitter @elephantstorage

months, it is time to pass it on!

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Home & Interiors

psychology The

of

colour

Repainting is an easy and low-cost way to refresh your home, but choosing colours can be an issue – the room can quickly fill up with sample pots and colour charts. The choice reflects your personality, but what else is it saying?

T

hink about how much we use colour to express our feelings: we see red when we’re angry, are green with envy, in the pink, have golden moments, sometimes have the blues. We react to the colours of the natural world all the time. Imagine a fly in the house: if it’s black or navy, it’s a minor irritation, but if it’s got yellow stripes our reaction is very different - most of us will recoil or even run away! But what about colour in the home – how does it work and how do individual shades make us feel?

Red

Red arouses stronger emotions than any other colour. It is inherently exciting and its strength commands attention. Use red as an accent shade to immediately focus awareness onto a particular element in a room.

When we want to increase our enthusiasm and boost our confidence, red should be our go-to colour. Red shows you are

Yellow

a person of warmth, ambition, intensity and joviality.

Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment and happiness.

Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Use yellow for mental stimulation, to activate memory and encourage communication. It’s great for creating feelings of joy, energy, confidence, imagination and optimism.

It’s often the first choice for a child’s room as it sings of playfulness, spontaneity, light, laughter and communication.

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Home & Interiors

Blue When asked, most people will say blue is their favourite colour. The colour of the sky and the ocean, blue is a constant in our lives and is most often used to represent the spirit. It’s inherently calming, but not always; think how you react to electric or brilliant blues – they can be exhilarating!

Blue is also a ‘clean’ colour and of peace, honesty and virtue. Use it as a feature wall in your bedroom to create feelings of space, calm and peace. In the bathroom, blue creates cleanliness and order, and an atmosphere of serenity for bath time!

Purple The ‘royal’ colour, made by blending red and blue, has a long history of luxury. Purple creates a sense of mystique and regal associations, but it is often the favourite colour of creative or quirky people and has long been a firm favourite with teenage girls!

Use purple to uplift the soul while encouraging your creative side. Use it as a feature wall or to paint alcoves in a sitting room to create a feeling of sophistication, richness and luxury for everyday living.

Orange Between red and yellow on the spectrum, but with characteristics that create controversy, orange is definitely the ‘love it’ or ‘hate it’ colour. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy, but it also seamlessly softens to tones like peaches and terracotta which have been popular for decades. Orange stimulates our appetites and our desire to be active. Use it to suggest charisma, encouragement, motivation, excitement, health and fitness. Why not try it as an accent colour in a teenager’s room to inspire ambition while also maintaining a feeling of warmth and security?

Green

Green fills the natural world around us and so represents it in our homes. However, because we are used to seeing to seeing it so much, green is also the ideal background for interiors.

Natural greens such as forest shades and limes are tranquil and refreshing with a balance of cool and warm tones. Use green to soothe and relax. It helps alleviate anxiety and creates a sense of self control and harmony.

If you want to set aside a room or even part of a room for reading or as a study, then green is the correct colour to create a warm, calm feeling, or try it in a conservatory to link the space to the outside world.

Colourtrend has everything you need to bring some colour into your home, with their Contemporary and Historic Colour Collections.

See colourtrend.ie

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For more than half a century, Colourtrend paint has been inspired by the Irish landscape.

From a finch’s wing to a trout, from a gorse bush to a peat basket, much of the beauty of Ireland’s natural world is captured in the Colourtrend palette.

So if you’re looking for your perfect colour, look for Colourtrend.

f rench w hite

p ent hous e l iv ing

orla’s bl ue

b l u e ac re

www.colourtrend.ie