Meet the celebrity home interior design collaboration dream teams

When creative minds get together, the result can be cool collaborations on the high street and online

Carolyn Donnelly's Eclectic collection for Dunnes Stores has dining textiles in a mix of warm neutrals and cosy muted colour for autumn.

It seems celebrities are every bit as consumed by interior collections as we are.

Blake Lively announced on Instagram this year that she does interior design for her friends, and Reese Witherspoon is collaborating with US retailer Crate & Barrel on a table textile collection.

While we might think we’re buying a bit of our favourite celebrity, collaborations sometimes lack authenticity, with celebrity participation being more of an endorsement while actual designers are at the drawing board.

Where you feel you’re getting authenticity without the designer price tag is when a retailer teams up with a well-known interior designer or interior influencer.

Black and white tablewares and accessories have a sculptural aesthetic in the Kelly Hoppen x M&S collection.

On the high street and online, in time for seasonal changes, there are a few fitting the bill, including M&S x Kelly Hoppen, which is a 75-piece edit including bed linens, throws and cushions with the designer’s signature panelled detailing and geometrics. “As one of the most well-known interior designers in the UK and with a global reach, we knew from our very first conversations that Kelly Hoppen would be the perfect fit for M&S Home,” says Karen Thomas, head of M&S Home Design

“From day one, Kelly had a clear vision of how she would bring her signature style to M&S, translating her luxurious aesthetic into an accessible collection for the high street.” It’s all quite neutral, with interest from contrasting textures and oversized pieces with a sculptural aesthetic. 

Monochrome and geometrics are a theme in the Kelly Hoppen x M&S collection.

For minimalists who like a moody look, this might appeal when main trends have us awash with colour. 

• Prices range from €7 for a ceramic candleholder to rugs, €429, Marksandspencer.com

Dunnes Stores has been outsourcing for inspiration for quite some time. The best all-cotton fitted sheet I’ve ever owned was designed by hotelier Francis Brennan for the retailer.

The Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic collection bed linens at Dunnes Stores in soft blue with tactile velvet cushions are a relaxing and inviting combination for winter hibernation.

Just in time for autumn and winter home projects, Carolyn Donnelly’s Eclectic range has cosy vintage floral themes and delicate wildlife in tablewares, textiles and accessories. “Designer collaborations are wonderful for many reasons,” says Carolyn. 

“Primarily, they bring well-designed, original and exclusive pieces to a broader customer base at an affordable price. They also elevate the existing offer in the store and make the shopping experience so much more exciting and enriched for the customer.” 

• The collection ranges from printed napkins, €3, to double duvet sets, from €60; Dunnesstores.com

Clare Walsh, creative director of Kukoon Rugs, approached interiors social media influencer Caoimhe McGinley from the Big Hill House to create the Caoimhe x Kukoon collection. “Caoimhe was buying rugs from us for years while she was building [her home], so we knew the idea she would naturally be drawn to; traditional styles that are transitional; more muted colours but not neutral," says Clare. 

Colour and pattern are blended in the Caoimhe x Kukoon collection of family-friendly rugs.

"Colour was actually the main thing she wanted, and something washable, no fringing. 

"She has a great eye for design and colour.” Caoimhe’s choice of the medallion motif, synonymous with Persian rugs, is influenced by time spent in the Middle East in a design interpretation for modern living, whether it’s a period property or new build. As the mother of four young children, she has ensured this is a collection of washable, stain-resistant rugs to make them family-friendly.

• Rugs are priced from €185-€495; runners, €185, Kukoonrugs.com

 Specialist rug retailer Rugs.ie has been flourishing under the guidance of managing director Phoebe Holland and attracts not only the public but also interior designers. One is Geri O’Toole of Geri Designs, who has designed lush interiors for the likes of Vogue Williams and a clientele nationwide and in the US. “We have worked with Geri for many years, and have sourced rugs for many of Geri’s design projects,” says Phoebe. “Throughout our time working together, we discovered it was difficult for designers to source versatile, durable rugs that can be used cohesively in multiple spaces. 

Light pattern and muted colours characterise the designs of the Rugs.ie x Geri Designs collection.

"The collection is a continuation of Geri’s love of natural materials, reflecting the colour palette she has in her own recently renovated home in Limerick.” 

The Rugs.ie x Geri Designs collection has a subtle colour palette of warm whites, olive green, grey and blue, with discreet pattern in runners for halls and the kitchen (for softness underfoot). Rugs are are reversible to extend their lifespan.

It’s a limited edition collection, handwoven from responsibly sourced wool and recycled cotton giving it an air of exclusivity if you want something less likely to be found in someone else’s home.

• Runners are priced from €219; rugs from €1,759 for a 300x400cm, Rugs.ie