As we ease our way into autumn, these five key trends in the interiors world that will have your home ready for cosy nights in
This content was created in partnership with Kilkenny Shop
2019 has really been a time of prioritising quality over quantity, falling back in love with both nature and traditional skills, and really embracing the nurturing properties a well thought-out home can have.
At Kilkenny Shop, you can find lots of brands that capture the current mood. It will come as no surprise that interiors have taken a holistic approach. It’s not all about what looks good — though of course it has to look good. But the feel, scent and function of what we introduce into our homes is taking precedence now more than ever.
There is a focus on quality materials and provenance, in everything from food to clothing. And in interiors, the makers are rightfully championed.
Here, we look at the five key trends to introduce to your home interiors, and the brands that will get you there.
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Luxury fabrics
As we become more aware of the impacts of producing materials made from polyester and cotton, natural materials are enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
Foxford throws are available in 100% Merino lambswool or also as a blend of lambswool and cashmere for a beautiful soft finish. Using stylish neutral palettes as well as shades inspired by the Connemara landscape, all of their products are woven at the mill in Foxford in Mayo.
McNutt of Donegal throws are ideal for contemporary interiors, coming in stunning shades with pops of colour. The brand takes inspiration from the Wild Atlantic Way and the Northern Lights, as all their products are woven in their factory at the pier in Downings, Donegal.
Alpaca is a super soft yarn from Peru that is hypoallergenic, softer than goose down and warmer than wool. It’s also very durable so it won’t pill or ball up, so it’s ideal for a busy family home. Simple Things, stocked at Kilkenny Design Centre, creates 100% alpaca wool throws that are light and breathable, making them a comforting addition to any home interiors.
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Aroma diffusers
Scent has a powerful impact on the ambiance of your home. Create the mood you want with the essential oil of your choice for an uplifting effect. This is especially nice if you are trying to avoid the use of synthetic fragrances and chemicals in your home. The Jo Browne Bamboo Diffuser is easy to use and the natural bamboo wood design will blend in with any home interiors. Diffusers like this are functional too — they help to purify the air, reducing air-borne dust particles and have an ionising effect too. This means that negative ions are released into the air to combat harmful positive ions, which can affect breathing and the immune system. And of course they quickly disperse your chosen scent around the room, with a calming, mood-lifting effect.
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Ceramic art
In keeping with the renewed appreciation for traditional skills, decorative ceramic tiles are becoming a popular choice in wall art. Look for pieces with a contemporary flair. Ireland is home to an array of talented ceramic artists.
Alanna Plekkenpol’s eye-catching pieces make a wonderful feature piece. The tiles incorporate familiar Irish scenes, trendy motifs like cacti, flamingos and clever takes on familiar sayings.
Rebeka Kahn’s colourful creations are 100% handcrafted so no two pieces are the same. Using a Raku firing process, unique crackle markings are formed on each piece. We love this interpretation of the Irish coastline.
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Classic tableware
The growing appreciation for ceramics extends from decorative pieces into practical dinnerware too. Select beautiful ceramic dining sets with coordinating pieces for the centre of the table for a cohesive look. Kilkenny stocks a range of ceramics all handmade in Ireland.
Diem Pottery captures the Nordic aesthetic beautifully with white minimal pieces. Glossy white bodies are matched with a matt slip in a colourful shade or else a muted grey, drawing the focus to the smooth form of the pieces.
John Ryan Ceramics are minimal contemporary pieces that embrace the colours of the Wild Atlantic Way. John designs, hand crafts and fires each piece in his studio in Sligo.
Paul Maloney Pottery pieces are stylish and will really stand out. The cool white glazing with a matte grey slip has a gorgeous linear white surface treatment, making each piece wonderfully tactile.
Stemware is making a return as people embrace home entertaining more. Instagrammable table settings are the name of the game and more elegant pieces are replacing the dated laid back look of recent years. Waterford Crystal has a renewed focus on its barware range, embracing the thriving whiskey and gin trend. Wine tastings parties are also gaining in popularity, as people are keen to up their knowledge.
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Bring the outdoors in
The botanical craze that has dominated home interiors is going nowhere. As well as introducing gorgeous succulents and blooms to the home, incorporate nature-inspired art prints and coffee table books on the trend too.
Claudine O’Sullivan’s botanical range brings foliage to life in a unique way, with unexpected hues coming through.
