Inside Out: Check out the fab four ideas for your home this week

Eve Kelliher takes a look at the latest happenings in the world of design

Tue, 21 Jan, 2025 - 11:45

Home Editor Eve Kelliher

Italian job

The theme “the art of living” is the inspiration behind seating as sleek as it is super-plush.

We love the Rafael (€2699) from the collection by EZ Living Interiors, pictured, an L-shaped sofa offering multiple ways to relax — including recliner capabilities. A low back lends it a pared-back aesthetic and enhances visual flow.

EZ Living Interiors commissioned Irish-Filipino illustrator Czacarri to create artwork inspired by the Studio Italia Collection.

Studio Italia is the latest in a series of collaborations for the retailer, which launched Sofa Workshop x Hugh Wallace last year.

Dexter shadow fabric power reclining corner sofa with chaise, €1499.

The company gave Czacarri “creative licence to respond to the concept of the art of living”, says Laura O’Keeffe, EZ Living Interiors.

The artist devised a whimsical yet practical interpretation of a living room.

Czacarri, a third-year student at the National College of Art & Design, says: “It was super-cool to be invited to do this. My brief was to explore the art of living, with narratives which I hope will make people feel calm, cosy, fuzzy, poetic, warm and sleepy.”

The collection was launched at EZ Living Interiors' new Gulliver's Retail Park store in Santry in Dublin. “The finished artwork is a beautiful, meaningful interpretation which formed the focus of a Paint & Prosecco evening," adds Laura. "Guests had fun interpreting what home means to them, surrounded by the Studio Italia Collection and Czacarri’s artwork for inspiration.”

Ezliving-interiors

Time to bloom

The snow had not yet melted outside our kitchen window when the talk inside was of who’d spotted the first daffodils. It’s fair to say we’ve all now tired of the novelty of skiing and snowboarding ops in Ireland — so the notion that spring has also sprung at Meadows & Byrne is very welcome.

This curated selection promises to “breathe new life into our living spaces”, says Virginia Foley of the store.

The spring collection at Meadows and Byrne.

There’s everything from a rattan wreath, €29.95, to embroidered napkins, €4.95, the Listra set of three oval dip dishes, €14.95, a leaf platter I gold, €39.95, rattan garland, 124cm, €25, cushions, 50x50cm, €45, Listra, mugs, yellow or pink, set of four, €35.80, lemon cotton napkin set of six, €29.70, mother of pearl napkin rings, set of four, €22, and the Lexi vase in gold, €49.95. Check them out instore or online.

Meadowsandbyrne

Designer magic

We’ve fallen out of love with making New Year’s resolutions — instead, we’re opting to set “goals”. It’s a subtle but significant distinction — but if it makes positive change seem more attainable, bring it on.

A journal by Muckross Book Bindery, Killarney, one of the exhibitors at Showcase.

And what better way than to commit even micro-goals to paper, old-school style? We spotted these luxe notebooks at Muckross Bookbinders, in Killarney, Co Kerry.

They’d look good on a shelf or mantelpiece and the team that crafts them will be among Munster exhibitors, including Kerry Woollen Mills, Killarney, and Cork’s Badly Made Books, Lee River Leather Goods and Hanna’s Bees at Showcase — Ireland’s Creative Expo where 3,500 buyers from over 20 countries expected over three days.

Some 400 exhibitors will participate in this creative expo which opened at the RDS Dublin on Sunday and runs until today, Tuesday, January 21. The event is expected to generate over €20m in sales.

This year is the 50th anniversary of Showcase, one of Ireland’s largest international trade shows. “We continue to provide a dynamic platform for the creative talent that drives Ireland’s success on the world stage,” says Mary Palmer, chair of Showcase Ireland.

Dragons’ Den panellist and entrepreneur Sara Davies and consumer behaviouralist Ken Hughes gave keynote speeches on Sunday at the trade-attendance-only event.

Showcaseireland

Ikea Gokvällå serving stand with two tiers, €25.

Golden moments

For picking at goodies during a Netflix fix, or sharing party treats, this two-tier gold stand from Ikea, €25, is ideal.

It’s from the Gokvällå range, inspired by the festival of Ramadan and created by Ikea designers Luna Gil and Lisa Hilland.

The tableware, textiles and decorations take their cue from a month-long time for reflection and celebration. The collection will be instore and online from February 1.