From cabin chic to crafty ideas: Updates from the world of design

 

Seasonal cheer

Despite the super September sunshine, slashes of tinsel are creeping into our peripheral vision in the shopping aisles so the ultra-organised are thinking ahead to the seasonal present hunt. French beauty brand Yon-Ka’s 2024 Rituals Christmas Collection features four different gift sets, complete with full-sized “hero” products — like the Sleep Ritual, for rested skin which includes the iconic Lotion Yon-Ka PS, 200ml. It’s €167 but contains products to the value of €255, according to Yon-Ka.

https://yonka.ie

Rustic retreat

Who didn’t have a childhood dream of sleeping in a wood cabin? We associate these rustic retreats with all that’s snug — and even satisfyingly sinister depending on what makes us tick.

Cabins are, of course, also the settings for some of the most popular horror flicks and fearsome fairytales of all time. Because deep in the forest — no one can hear us scream!

All jokes aside, this season to bring that close-to-nature yet cosy aesthetic into our spaces, we can balance style and practicality with warm colours and cool furniture choices for the ultimate escape. The mid-century cabin trend from DFS combines rustic charm and natural materials with a sophisticated modern cocooning vibe; French Connection zinc plain large footstool in orange, €379, available exclusively at DFS; DFS Matias large rug, €349; DFS Lucca recliner swivel chair and stool in navy, €1,329; French Connection zinc sofa in green, €1,139, available exclusively at DFS; and Mariano side table, €259.

dfs.ie

Show time

Fergal O’Leary from Ballintemple in Cork, is pictured with one of his pieces which is part of the Cork Craft & Design exhibition titled ‘Past, Present — Future Perfect’ at the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) in Kilkenny. The free exhibition, which runs until October 28, is staged by Cork Craft & Design (CCD) and is part of the series of Made Local exhibitions. It showcases the talents of 51 Cork craftspeople and highlights traditional skills like woodturning, pottery, stone sculpture, and weaving. The exhibition also features contemporary skillsets. Shane O’Driscoll, Cork, has designed the window display for the exhibition. Shane was the Team Ireland Artist in Residence at the Paris Olympics. His work, created to celebrate Team Ireland’s centenary, featured across various elements for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Splash of colour

Give a nod to Dulux’s 2025 Colour of the Year True Joy True Joy™ with a splash of yellow in the smallest room in the house. The Sonas Kora bathroom unit, €795, features a minimalist design with ample storage, making it ideal for both compact spaces and larger bathrooms. Paired with neutral or bold accents, the yellow shade acts as a statement piece, perfect for homeowners looking to infuse personality and creativity into their bathroom design.

Sonasbathrooms.com

Recipe for success

When you’ve experienced homelessness, the pleasure of cooking and eating with loved ones tastes all the sweeter.

The men and women living at a house supported by Cork Simon Community are “over the moon” at the recent completion of a new kitchen there by Cash & Carry Kitchens, says resident Derek. “We’d give the old kitchen a two out of ten. We give this one twelve out of ten,” he says. Cash & Carry Kitchens deserve an honour for what they’ve done.

“It’s lifted the spirits of everyone here. It’s been a while now since I’ve seen so many happy faces. “We badly needed it. It’s the best thing that’s happened to the house in a long time. It’s bringing smiles to the faces of the entire household. We’re now able to have our cooking classes back. Everyone is using the kitchen now. It’s bringing everyone together, which was difficult to do before. It’s like heaven.”

Karen Songhurst, team leader, pictured above in the kitchen with Rebecca Hamilton, Simon Communities of Ireland, was also overwhelmed at the positive change to the household:

“It’s such a homely environment now and the lads feel free to cook their own meals, which is phenomenal. It’s something they didn’t normally do. And it’s lovely to have the freedom to be able to do that. It has given us real freedom and a better sense of community.

The lads love it.” The installation is part of Cork-based Cash & Carry Kitchens ‘Helping Homes’ initiative — a multi-year national partnership with the Simon Communities of Ireland. “We are delighted to partner with Simon Communities of Ireland to address the issue of homelessness in our communities. By combining our resources and expertise, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this pressing issue,” says Alan Morris, Cash & Carry Kitchens.