Inside Out: Eight top picks to add zest to summer spaces

Eve Kelliher checks out all the latest news and looks from the world of interior design

Fri, 12 Jul, 2024 - 16:20

Eve Kelliher

Colour code

We're already sold on the name: Fleetwood describes its shade Dropped Stitch, pictured, as "a soft and warm mid-grey shade enhanced with an unusual blend of lilac and taupe".

Its undertones give it a "shifting personality" that changes with the light, according to the company's inhouse designers — ideal for a living room, home office or kitchen.

It's from the 10th edition of Fleetwood’s colour card, a mix of 144 trends and timeless classics, with each colour available in a variety of finishes, from flat matte to high-gloss.

The palette includes 14 new colours and inspiration for home DIY projects, making it easier than ever to bring a vision to life. The card can be ordered on www.fleetwood.ie for free or picked up at any local Fleetwood stockist.

Tester pots are available in all colours (hand-mixed in stores).

See Fleetwood

Loom to room

It’s the latest buzzword — bloomcore celebrates florals and nature in a whimsical way. Think minimalist with florals or maximalist with bold brights. Botanical designs can bring the outside in, and Kukoon’s rugs are worth considering if you're keen to refresh your space.

We love the leafy prints and vibrant colours — it’s luxury straight from loom to room. To make any corner pop try Kukoon’s Secret Garden rug from its exclusive Jacqueline Rooney range and compliment it with flowers of a similar shade.

Visit Kukoonrugs

Recipe for success

Look at this for a set-up from Calligaris dining tables from Kube Interiors. The Cameo 169cm extendable table is priced from €5953. A sharply defined oval silhouette, it offers space beneath so it's super-hardworking as well as sleek.

Made from coated metal, the central column supports the various types of tops; a metal/wood combination is invariably refined. The mixture of metal and ceramic with a marble effect creates a playful contrast between cold and warm materials and is edgily modern.

See Kubeinteriors

Summer nights

Playful and plush — that's why the new bedlinen from Foxford is fabulous. We love it because it's not just designed to add luxury to the bedroom, but the collection is designed to bring fun to the entire home. As Jen Murray of the Foxford team says: "Our pieces can be seen adorning washing lines, being used playfully for those all-important forts, adding a touch of elegance to garden settings, and enhancing the cosiness of your sofa."

The nine new styles — each of which can be mixed with existing pieces from the range — are inspired by summer and add "stealth luxe" to the bedroom and appeal to all tastes. Five new throws in vibrant midsummer shades have also been introduced. "We do to design in isolation," says fashion and interior designer Helen McAlinden who creates each collection. "Our ethos is that you shop for your bed throughout the years and invest in prints that can be mixed and matched."

Three of the new styles — Cornflower, Romantic Blossom and Nacre Weave — are available in a 180-thread count, from €49, with the other six styles in a 300-thread count, from €80. All Foxford throws are hand-woven at the mill in Foxford.

See Foxford

Art for all

Cork artist Carol Healy’s watercolour Pink Swim was auctioned to raise funds for Marymount Hospice, Cork, on July 6.

The painter, a member of the Nua Collective of artists, created Pink Swim during a time when she cared full-time for her father who was suffering from a chronic illness, she says. "Whenever I could carve out some time for myself, I’d head to the sea, to swim in all weathers, the freezing months of winter to the glorious heat of summer," says Carol.

"These swims sustained me through the toughest times seeing my beautiful father going through his final stage of life. Pink Swim is about the importance of taking care of yourself, having fun, resting, laughing with friends, and bringing some colour into your life! So that you can return with your cup overflowing and ready to give again."

Marymount Hospice provides palliative care services and relies on fundraising to maintain its operations. Proceeds from the auction will be split, with 51% benefiting the hospice and 49% supporting the artist.

See Nuacollective

Get crafty

When buying Irish craft and Irish-made products the top factors that influence decision-making is the quality and design (64%) followed closely by the drive to support the local economy (61%) Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) launched its annual Made Local campaign for Summer 2024 at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI).

This year, as well as reminding buyers of the wealth of Irish-made products available, DCCI is issuing a call to action encouraging retailers to join the Made Local initiative. Currently, 361 retailers across the country are supporting the Irish design and craft industry by stocking locally-made products. Pictured here model Rhayza wears a dress by Laoise Carey, with jewellery by Melissa Curry, a basket by Saille Baskets, a scarf by Cushendale Woollen Mills, a linen scarf by Stable of Ireland, and a scarf by Molloy and Sons.

For a full list of Irish craft and design makers and retailers participating in Made Local 2024, visit Madelocal

Deluxe design

Interior design team Della Interiors launched its showrooms this summer. The Dublin-based design and construction firm
transforms residential and commercial spaces and the grand opening was hosted by journalist and TV presenter Maura Derrane. The showroom itself features a stone kitchen island, crafted by Cosentino, on the ground floor, while upstairs there’s bespoke furniture by ByKepi, demonstrating the firm's approach to 'creating spaces that blend sophistication with everyday comfort'.