Interiors trendsetters show how to work the season's looks
The Peppo chair, €1,059, and footstool, €665, are available at Objekt Design Space, Newcastle West.
Interior looks for the coming season are already reflecting grown-up sophisticated vibes and a fair amount of retrospection without quite replicating past trends — reminds me of how the 70s bell-bottomed jeans were reinvented from the late 1990s as the “neo” bootleg.
Katharine Deas, owner of Dublin-based interiors emporium Oriana B, is seeing the return of glossy finishes but not quite as we knew them.
This isn’t the glossy modern minimalism of the early 2000s, says. Katharine: “It’s decorative shapes finished in shiny lacquers, usually in unexpected shades of colour. The key to this trend is layering."
This is very much about accents with a warmer neutral backdrop, she says. “Think dark sideboards, richly hued lampshades, earthy velvet chairs and sofas, and accessories that work really well with shaded tonal backgrounds and create a deep rich look.”
A trend we might think of as new is dopamine décor and definitely, the name is one that has not come before, but there are aspects of it drawing on values of past times, with bright, almost deafening colours, often clashing with the cosy-centric end of the colour spectrum.
“Filling your home with pieces that bring you joy has always been a pillar of the Oriana B philosophy, “so naturally we have taken to this trend with aplomb," she says.
"For us, dopamine décor is definitely about leaning into the pieces you love and which might spark a conversation.”
Dopamine décor also brings about a renaissance of brightly coloured furniture as we see items like bright blue side tables and red chairs, according to Katharine.
It’s the design eye of Caroline White, co-owner of EZ Living Interiors that we see informing creative room sets and vignettes at the retailer’s showrooms where, for autumn-winter, warm neutrals and tactility in materials are trending, paired with Scandinavian-inspired shapes in blond oak, smoky toned timber and black-painted woods with brass accents.
“In comparison to last year, we can see the move towards the warmer-toned fabrics, paint colours and finishes being more evident,” Caroline says. “Over the past 12 months, green has become the new blue and cream has become the new grey.
"Despite that, the grey and blue tones are still some of our firm favourites, so we have made the move to update our room sets to incorporate these warmer tones into sets with cooler tones.”
Add a green armchair into a setting with a grey sofa to give it a more organic feel, she says.
Often missing out on introducing a trend in any substantial way are home renters, especially if it involves an element of longevity that would not go down well with a landlord. Caroline suggests the way around it is to spend on accessories and smaller furniture pieces.
“Rugs are a great way to soften a rental home,” she says. “They can add colour, and warmth and act as a way to create different zones throughout the space. The added bonus is they can be easily moved so you can invest in a rug you love, and rest assured it can be a treasured item that can move with you.”
Among her easy-to-use ideas are cushions and throws to reflect a coveted trend.
They’re the perfect colour pop to add to a room that is lacking accent tones,” says Caroline. “You can tie the soft furnishings and lighting, together with the colour of the lampshade and by adding in some decorative pieces like vases and figurines.”
As the evenings close in, Caroline looks particularly at lighting to vary the atmosphere in different spaces. “Floor lamps can be used in living and dining rooms to help create a cosy feeling in autumn evenings,” she says.
“We opt for warm white bulbs in our showrooms and studios and always aim for the same type of bulbs in each space so your light temperature is even and cohesive.”
If you have a dark area without a plug, LED battery lamps are the perfect way to add some light to a forgotten corner, and enhance the feeling of comfort in your space, according to Caroline.
Aoife Hayes, interior architect and owner of Objekt Design Space in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, sees formality trending, and it’s hardly surprising as we move away from the casual, comfortable “elasticated waist” approach to interiors of recent years.
“We’re craving some luxury and sophistication, continuing with the monochromatic paint trend,” she says. “White trims and ceilings are out; it’s all about the bold colours that envelope the space.”
Layer textures and textiles in a variety of the same colour, Aoife says.
At the same time, she maintains when decorating for a season you don’t need to go heavy on a theme, which is perfect if you think you might grow tired of it in a few months after investing time and money.
“It’s easy to keep up with trends in simple ways,” she explains. “Use colour to transition from season to season. Some colours, like green, are wonderful for autumn and winter.
"Add the new earthy tones in pillows, throws and rugs. Think spicy, add preserved botanicals and dried branches and flowers to your door décor and tabletop displays. Wave goodbye to fast fashion. Buy things that are made to last and reupholster them to keep them in trend.”
Rearrange your furniture, Aoife says. “For autumn, gather your furniture closer to create a more cosy and intimate space for when visitors call. Think conversations and cocktails.”
For the renter having to live with someone else’s style, Aoife sees an opportunity to express your own style and personality.
“Mix and match,” she says. “Bring together all the bits you have collected over the years. Textiles go a long way to making your home warm and inviting.
"A throw is a very affordable way to visually and literally cosy up your home. Layer a rug with a sheepskin or floor cushion.”
Restyle and refresh “With every season comes the need to refresh,” she says. “Restyle your bookshelves, coffee table and freestanding furniture. Swap out different books, and photographs and move sculptural pieces.”
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