Wish List: Danish design, castle contents and super seating
While Howth Castle has its origins in medieval times, its house contents have been accumulated over many centuries. Unsurprisingly, given the high calibre of the property, those items include some special pieces. We love this one.
It’s a 19th-century chinoiserie, with a gold lacquered screen. Having had its time at the castle, and doubtless witnessed much that is interesting, it’s now looking for a new — maybe forever — home. It’s €8,500 from The Store Yard.
Back in 1968, described designer Bernard Govin’s UFO furniture as "a new way of living".
Perhaps it’s because it was so avant-garde for its time that for a long period, it was only to be seen in the collections of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
That’s changing now, with Govin’s Asmara making its big comeback for the 160th anniversary of Ligne Roset. And it’s coming back better than before, with its comfort improved by Roset’s R&D team. Asmara defines itself as a modular settee in a stretch fabric, the concave shapes of which voluptuously hug the contours of the body in an aesthetically human design.
We call it beautiful and bold. The starting price for the nine-piece composition is €9,587. From Arena Kitchens & Interiors and from Ligne Roset.
There’s something pleasing about the sight of a pair of well-polished, gleaming, knee-high leather boots.
Maybe it’s because we equate the shine with an enthusiastic stint of meticulous hand brushing and polishing.
Whatever, it’s a sight we routinely see in porches and hallways, by coat racks hung with hats and outerwear. So far so commonplace.
That’s what makes this piece so different. It looks like a pair of leather boots. It’s shaped like a pair of leather boots. It’s made from leather.
But it is in fact an umbrella stand, albeit one cleverly disguised as a random pair of admittedly decidedly handsome shiny leather boots; €120 from Mylestone Interiors.
This Newton bathtub is a statement piece by Maison Valentina. Featuring a curved-lip style that delivers maximum comfort, it’s made from gold-painted cast iron and shaped to showcase the golden interior.
Pair with an oval Brabbu Shield mirror for a winning combination, one that’s fabulously flamboyant and utterly unforgettable. The Brabbu mirror costs €7,010 and the Newton bathtub is €13,710; from Brabbu Design Forces.
Because the colour green is associated with nature, it can, depending on the shade, have a calming impact. One that’s conducive to sleep.
This makes it an ideal colour to introduce into the bedroom. This bedspread ticks several slumber-inducing boxes.
It’s sage green and it’s made with quality fabrics. The velvet front is 100% cotton and features a beautiful textured design. The reverse is 87% cotton, with the balance being linen. While we’re told it's designed to add opulence and luxury to any bedroom, we think it’s also designed to be slumber-inducing.
A sumptuous parcel of sage-hued textured velvet, it's carefully padded to provide depth and softness and we’re pretty sure it would bring rest to any insomniac. It’s €575 from Willow & Green.
Comfort and good looks are not a combination we often find in dining furniture. But frankly, these Franky chairs by Danish design house Dutchbone have both those attributes in spades.
Created in a contemporary style, the chair’s cushioned seat is soft and comfortable, with the velvet fabric enhancing the feeling of opulence. While this velvet seat is available in several colours, PU leather is the fabric in black and brown versions. Matching office chairs and bar stools can also be ordered; €269 at April and The Bear.
Babies and tots have skin that’s soft and delicate. That’s why their bedding material matters a lot. While silk is a natural and lightweight fabric, it’s also a natural insulator, with moisture-wicking properties that can help to keep little ones cool in summer and warm in winter.
Because silk is also antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, it’s kind on delicate, sensitive skin, and on those who have asthma or eczema.
We love this pure silk sheet and pillowcase set because it’s all that, and Irish-made as well; €100 from Wilde by Design.
Sometimes what’s wanted is a piece of furniture that blends easily and splendidly into a light-coloured space. White Label Living is a Dutch brand that delivers Scandinavian style with minimalist designs.
This Amaya cabinet will fit perfectly into any contemporary home. Made with natural rattan and MDF lacquered wood, its pale, neutral hue delivers a welcome brightness that’s both elegant and uplifting. The cabinet’s sturdy legs are made from a powder-coated iron.
Better again, the piece is part of a storage collection that features a wine cabinet and a matching sideboard; €650 from Interiosity.
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