SUPERMARKET CHIC
Good news for your wallet as big retailers move in on territory of posh stores
Tesco is probably not the place you’d first go to for the latest in interior design trends. Pop in for pint of milk and leave with the season’s hottest print on a cushion.
But lately supermarkets have really ramped up the style stakes with swish designer-looking homewares gracing their aisles alongside cereal and washing powder.
From funky bed-linen and bathroom accessories to colourful bakeware and crockery – and all for a smidgen of the cost of ‘posher’ department stores.
Interiors snobs may turn up their noses but when it comes to the war on democratic design, these retail giants offer stylish yet cheap, good-quality collections that are not to be sniffed at.
‘Our customers love being able to surprise friends with pieces they have picked up that are great quality but with a price tag that their friends will never guess,’ says Tesco Ireland homeware buyer Sarah Lawlor.
Its Tesco Extra home range features bang on-trend paint splash dining sets, quirky retro espresso cups and bold geometric patterned textiles.
Another haven for pocketfriendly surprise finds is Danish brand Tiger Stores.
Offering simple Ikea-style colourful products with a Danish touch, Tiger came to Ireland in 2011 and now has 15 shops nationwide.
The stores are like playgrounds. New stock arrives twice a month, and you never know what bargains you’ll find, from fun pillows in the shape of sharks, to stylish sea-grass woven baskets. And if there’s not one near you there soon will be. ‘The welcome Tiger has received in Ireland has been phenomenal and our customers have reacted so warmly to the concept of the store,’ says Gillian Maxwell of Tiger Stores. ‘We plan to expand further.’
Come May, inspired by the sea, sailors and fish, Tiger’s creative team will bring a host of nautical themed products to the market.
‘Summer holidays may still be away off, but there are picnic baskets and blankets, fishing rods and sun hats – for practising,’ adds Gillian. Of course, Dunnes Stores has been leading the way in affordable designer homewares for some time. Its hit collaborations with Paul Costelloe, Carolyn Donnelly and, more recently, Helen James have brought beautifully designed furniture and accessories at value for money.
And let’s not forget Irish stalwart Penneys. It, too, has a decent homeware collection. From pretty French-style wall hangings (€2), handy paper ball LED lights (€6 )and cute puppy dog cushions for €6, there’s plenty to woo young home owners.
For those looking to save on house repairs, discount retailer Dealz has a new DIY range that includes a three-piece professional paint brush set, 7.5m tape measure and a 60cm spirit level, as well as paint rollers and trays, masking tape, filler, screwdrivers and everything else. All items are priced at €1.49.