Inside Out: The sky's the limit when styling super summer living spaces

Eve Kelliher catches up with Cork designers and sources this week's top indoor-outdoor choices for our homes

From left, Monica Fergus, designer, and James McConville, managing director, Cork Craft & Design, the timber-effect tiles from Versatile, and below right, the Siemens Multi-Door refrigerator.

Fri, 17 May, 2024 - 17:25

Eve Kelliher

Choosing a cool ceramic creation or buying a bespoke bench? As demand for ethical, handcrafted goods continues to rise, Cork Craft & Design’s community of professional and semi-professional artisans is ticking every box.

The social enterprise and membership organisation represents over 110 specialist makers and artists living in the city and county and is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a record-breaking product line-up.

There’s a diverse range of over 3,000 handcrafted items, all of which can be viewed at corkcraftanddesign.com with a selection also available at the Makers’ Collective Shop in Douglas Woollen Mills.

The organisation is committed to promoting Cork’s “exceptional craft tradition”, says James McConville, managing director of Cork Craft & Design.

Monica Fergus, designer, and James McConville, managing director, Cork Craft & Design, pictured near Kinsale, Co Cork. Pictures: Michael O'Sullivan

Now that wedding, communion, and confirmation season is in full swing, Cork crafters are anticipating heightened interest in locally made, artisanal gifts, adds James.

“For 15 years, we’ve celebrated the rich tapestry of creativity woven by our makers, artists, and creators,” he says. “Our platform — online and instore — offers a captivating array of unique, locally made treasures. In the past five years, our membership has grown tremendously, showing the surge in makers taking up craft, as they see the support is there for them, and the interest is there too.”

James McConville, Cork Craft & Design, and Tony Scannell of Coppiceworks.

Consumers should “consider the value of locally crafted gifts when thinking of special occasions”, adds James.

“In a world of mass-produced goods, choosing a gift that’s made locally and handcrafted with care is a statement of ethical consumption.

“A handmade gift by the people in your community is something that will last. Plus, you are supporting Irish entrepreneurs and their stories.”

In keeping with its vision to position Cork as a hub for contemporary and traditional craft, Cork Craft & Design will also host the annual Cork Craft Month in August. Last year’s event, which attracted over 20,000 visitors, showcased the creativity and talent of Cork’s craft community through a series of over 80 exhibitions, studio trails, and “meet the maker” sessions.

See Corkcraftanddesign

LET'S CHILL

Fabulous fridges are always on our radar as soon as the sun appears. Because who doesn’t reach for ways to cool down the moment things heat up? Nobody said we weren’t a contrary crew.

We’re also a party pack and that’s why the Siemens Premium Multi-Door refrigerators captured out imagination. They boast a quick-ice system that can produce up to 5kg of ice each day — enough for up to 30 glasses (220ml) which is ideal for summer parties and get-togethers.

The sleek design also offers a statement look in any sophisticated kitchen.

See Siemens

FEET FIRST

Patios are posher draped with an outdoor rug. You saw it here first.

Yes, these are the superheroes of the textile world. Here’s why: Because they’re created from flatweave materials, outdoor rugs are highly resistant to moisture and quick drying compared to indoor compadres.

Leading Irish rug retailer Kukoon designs its ranges inhouse offering a variety of styles and shapes, from monochromatic, minimalist numbers like the Souci to the boho Morelle or the lush Lanark.

See Kukoonrugs

CLASSIC LOOK

We haven’t tired of the notion of bringing the outdoors in and vice versa so adore the look of Versatile’s wood-effect tiles.

Ideal for balconies/apartment living, the tiles (€57.85 per metre including VAT) can be used indoors or outdoors.

Wood-effect tiles are perfect for creating the look of classic wood flooring, says Versatile: “They have no limitations regarding damp areas and can be installed in any room from the bathroom to the hallway.”

See Versatile

EMBRACE THE DRAMA

In interior design, the focus often falls on walls, furnishings, and decor.

But paint pros are turning the spotlight on dramatic trims’ subtle yet transformative power.

Trims, such as skirting, door frames, and windowsills, have long been overlooked, quietly inhabiting the background of our spaces.

These humble accents are being recognised for their hidden potential to transform an ordinary space into something truly magnificent. According to Colourtrend Paints, the subtle application of deeper or contrasting hues on woodwork yields striking results.

Picture this: a room with walls bathed in the serene tones of Natterjack, a hue specifically selected from Colourtrend’s Weather Collection.

The range of colours is designed to harmonise with the Irish landscape, with Natterjack echoing the earthy pigments found in the deep green spots of our endangered native toad, says Colourtrend.

Trims are compelling because they inject personality into the space, turning average features into "focal points of intrigue", according to the paint pros: "Whether it’s the rich, velvety hue of Ben Bulben framing a doorway or the subtle contrast of Natterjack on the skirting, each colour choice adds its unique charm.

“They possess the ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, to infuse spaces with personality and warmth, and to create a canvas upon which design dreams can unfold."