AUTUMN glory
Our homes are made to get the best out of this season – and there are a host of great new trends sweeping stores
Autumn’s new collections look way more promising then the dismal summer that’s just passed. And let’s face it, our homes are made for autumn/winter – we Irish can embrace cosy, moody and industrial far better than we can rock neon pineapples and flamingo motifs.
So it’s always exciting to see what the homeware departments have in store for us come September.
The latest home collections just unveiled are quite a mix; there’s no overarching trend stealing the limelight.
All the major retailers are pushing all sorts of ways to decorate the home, offering different takes on this season’s looks, so there’s definitely plenty of choice on the market.
Here are four looks to get you inspired.
SOFT AND FEMININE
Pastel shades that dominated collections last season are more prominent than ever, with soft dusty pinks, chalky greys and nudes being flavour of the moment, particularly at Argos and Harvey Norman.
Pretty laced bedding, delicate floral prints, classic button detailing and intricate embroideries on furnishings make for a really feminine look, which Argos terms the ‘Floral Escape’ trend.
Meanwhile, at Harvey Norman, industrial-style lighting has been softened, pictured against light rose quartz backdrops and teamed with fresh linens in subdued pastels.
The love affair for all things metallic continues and you’ll find plenty of rose, gold, copper and pewter pieces that suit this look beautifully.
DARK DECADENCE
One of Mark & Spencer’s most dramatic trends this autumn emulates the faded grandeur of the gothic manor with a dusky glamorous vibe.
Key pieces include printed cushions inspired by the dark romantic florals of William Morris, opulent velvet curtains in sultry purple, and ornate chandeliers that have a really theatrical feel.
Similarly Debenhams’s Star collection by Julien Macdonald is an unashamedly decadent affair with lots of gold-trimmed glassware, black marbled vases and decoinspired patterns, embellishment, mirror and lace detailing across textiles and accessories.
Next, too, has unveiled its dark romantic side this season with a new range of sateen floral print beddings in deep navy and purple.
RATTAN REVIVAL
A woven rattan trend exploded this year with the rise of retro, Scandinavian and global artisan-inspired homewares setting the platform for the revival. Latest twists of the craft show it’s no longer just for chairs, with this intricate weave inspiring everything from lighting and baskets to rugs.
Next’s new collection is full of ‘rattan weave’ look-alike pieces including a grey knitted pod, as well as woven geo cushions and a rattan hanging pendant lamp.
Meanwhile, at Ikea, traditional Vietnamese handcraft and modern Scandinavian style come together for the launch of the beautiful Grönadal rocking chair produced in a rattan factory in Nha Trang.
There’s even a surge in brightly