5 ways to give a caffeine jolt to tired interiors with warm woods, tactile textures and cream-coloured accents
Classy repurpose Pic credit: Felix Speller TBC
London-based Thiss Studio's work for communications company Salt is clever and features repurposed existing furniture and second-hand pieces to create a look that feels deceptively fresh.
Led by an idea around minimising the carbon output of the project by reusing and recycling salvaged elements, the company worked with Salt to source reclaimed steel table frames, which were adapted for use – their tops now feature salvaged offcuts of cork and timber from other projects.
The existing kitchen was repurposed and distributed around the space, and a patchwork linen curtain by Georgia Bosson, designed to break up the space was sourced for the curtain from dead stock and end-of-roll textile.
The Artemide lighting, Arper chairs, Hay armchairs and Ikea stools were all purchased secondhand. All told, the firm says the job saved 700kg of carbon compared to a conventional fit-out.
Picture: Miki Barlok
Wood with a warm heart
The Art Deco design movement is 100 years old this year, making it officially an antique.
It’s a style that made much use of burl wood in its furniture. Meadows & Byrne stocks a stylish model that riffs on this idea but in a modern way.
The 90cm in diameter circular Truman coffee table with pedestal leg features this wood in a fashionable, high gloss finish. Price €598, ex delivery.
Sumptuous softness underfoot
Craft and materiality are hallmarks of architects and interior designers Ed Ng and Terence Ngan of AB Concept for upmarket carpet and rug company Tai Ping.
Their Ami collection is a reflection of scenery and heritage, incorporating natural wool and traditional knitting patterns inspired by Ed’s grandmother.
In Japanese, Ami means "weave, derived” from the term Amimono, embodying the essence of creation through patience and passion.
The concept was born when they designed a plush cable-knit rug in flawless beige-cream for their country home deep in the Karuizawa forest, an hour by train from Tokyo.
The mountains there are very cold in winter, and Ed and Terence wanted to create a sumptuous rug that would balance the dramatic surrounding landscape.
With comfort in mind, they began to experiment with re-interpreting a classic cable-knit pattern as a 4.0 by 5.5 metre rug. Prices start from about €1,253 per square metre.
On the side
At just a neat 108cm long, HK Living’s Space dresser sideboard is an espresso shade of chocolate.
Its glossy exterior and slim profile make it stylishly suitable for use in alcoves and smaller spaces.
It has interior shelving and a shallow depth of 37cm and costs €1,395, from Bluebell-based S. Alternative Furniture in Dublin 12.
Sumptuous soft lines
Boucle is a textured fabric that features a distinctive curled yarn.
Soft to the touch, it is a lovely upholstery option. This dove white boucle upholstered seating is the perfect way to refresh a living room.
It comes in an armchair, €879, a two-seat sofa, €1,079 and a three-seat option, €1,099, all of which are currently reduced to respectively €749; €979 and €999, at EZ Living.
