Interior Must-Haves For 2021

We asked leading brands, independent interior retailers and interior designers throughout Ireland to recommend their interior product for the year ahead.

Here’s what they’ve selected as their must-haves…

1. Roche Bobois

‘My product of choice is the Spoutnik lounge chair,’ says Jo Ann Wall, Showroom Manager, Roche Bobois, Dublin. ‘Everyone has been working from home this year and focused on setting up a workspace. However, it’s very important to remember that home is your haven, it’s your comfort zone and where you go to relax and get away from the world. This chair is ideal for relaxing in while reading a book or watching TV. The soft marshmallow fabric is cosy and tactile and the neat design is stylish and will not date. It’s just what we need for our homes at this time.’ roche-bobois.com

2. Jackie Carton – President of the Irish Interior Design Association

‘A top trend I shall embrace in 2021 is greenery in all its forms. Whilst seeking a respite from the stressful year just gone, I found myself drawn to the spaces containing leaves and foliage. House plants not only help clear the air, they also lift the mood as an instant connection with nature. When used as wall paint colours, the lighter calming tones of green help us feel more grounded. The adventurous amongst us can embrace the richer, darker, more saturated shades.  Greens pair beautifully with all metallics and when offset with white the result is a crisp yet calming space to soothe and revitalise.’

3. Atelier Design

Victor Branco, Interior Designer and Creative Director at Atelier has highlighted beautiful handcrafted TV mirrors from Overmantels. ‘Now that most of us are spending more time at home, this innovative new product is definitely a must-have interior product for 2021. With the press of a button these stunning mirrors transform into High Definition TVs and back again just as quickly, providing discreet TV viewing for the 21st Century. For those who dislike having a modern TV totally exposed in their homes, our Overmantels TV Mirrors are the perfect solution making them a must-have interior product. atelier-design.co.uk

4. Neptune

Meaghan Hunter, stylist at leading interior design house Neptune, calls for versatility as a must-have this year. Neptune’s Ardingly cabinet is designed to adapt to whatever function is needed of it. Ardingly may be a drinks cabinet on the surface (inspired by early 20th century designs), but it’s capable of being so much more. A TV cupboard, a larder, a dressing table, a desk, this is a cabinet that’s all about giving you options and flexibility, so it can continue to adapt as you and your home change. Built from natural materials – painted tulipwood, darkened oak and Carrara marble – with details like black-bronze hardware and subtle, dimmable lighting, Ardingly is a tactile and visual joy to use. neptune.com

5. LOMI Design

‘As a busy mum my absolute must-have for 2021 is a plush new sofa,’ comments Lorraine Stevens from LOMI Design. ‘There is nothing better than being able to relax after a busy working day and where better than on a cosy sofa with a good book or a movie. I love this Lars sofa from our Italian brand Bonaldo. It comes with removable covers as standard for all those spilled drinks and kids yogurts that need washing out. There are lots of sizes with both low and high arm options along with modules to create that cosy corner sofa if you have the space.’ lomi.ie

6. CA Design

‘The Eames Style Lounger & Ottoman is our must have interiors piece for 2021,’ comments Hannah Murphy from CA Design. ‘It is the perfect chair to lounge in, read a book and take a snooze in. It is available in neutral leather shades including tan and black which makes it very versatile and means it will slot in with lots of interior styles and existing schemes. Warm it up with a wool or cashmere throw and you’ve got the perfect statement chair that is both stylish and practical.’

7. DFS

DFS believes the trend for adaptable living is a key one for 2021. ‘This year we’ve spent more time in our homes than ever before and living rooms are now the designated space for relaxing, exercising, working and so much more, comments, Rob Ellis, Head of Design at DFS. ‘With our homes having to multitask, that adaptability needs to extend to our sofas as well. Our Sofables modular range gives people the option to expand or update their sofa shape as their needs change. With an exciting choice of fabrics and colours to play with, the Sofables range also invites you to get creative, and build a sofa that is finely tuned to your style and way of life, for the long-term.’ The new Sofables range is made up of modular individual seat units, arm/back units, back pillows and optional extra scatter cushions. Each piece can easily be moved and rearranged into different configurations to create a whole host of different sizes and shapes. From separate armchairs for working and relaxing, to a spacious corner sofa for the whole family to cuddle up and enjoy film night, the uniqueness is the product’s adaptability – adding new sectionals to the range as your needs change or family grows couldn’t be easier. dfs.co.uk/dfs.ie

8. Lost Weekend

As Emily Maher from Lost Weekend explains, ‘A beautiful rug pulls an interior design scheme together. It’s a piece of art on the floor, a great way to express your individuality through your interior design. Shown here, Stroke is part of the Gesture collection from Italian design company cc-tapis. This collection is made up of five new projects which explore gesture as the root of artistic expression and were designed during lockdown. Stroke and many more pieces will be exhibited in our showroom, from the first week in December until the end of January. lostweekend.ie

9. Optimise Design

Denise O’Connor believes that, ‘After the turbulence of 2020 and the changes we’ve all had to adapt to, our homes have become places of refuge where we want to feel calm, comfortable and happy. When it comes to buying things for our home, there has been a move away from disposable items and impulse purchases. We are taking a much more considered approach to the way we acquire the things we surround ourselves with. We want to invest in things we will have for a long time and that we can pass on to future generations. We want things that look beautiful, that serve a purpose, and that make us happy. I’ve chosen this stunning ‘Black Meander Candleholder’ by Superfolk for a couple of reasons. It’s made in Ireland and it’s really important we continue to seek out and support local businesses. The design is based on the meanderings of the Owenmore river in north County Mayo and evokes the gentle beauty of nature. During the last few months, we’ve also developed a new appreciation for nature and the natural environment. Superfolk creates pieces that are intended to bring the beauty of nature into the home. I also love that the river symbolises something that no matter what obstacle it encounters, it will find a way around it. And finally, I love the fact that this simple little accessory has a dual purpose. Not only is it a stunning table setting or stand-alone candle holder, but it can also be hung on the wall like a piece of sculpture or art. optimise-design.com

10.Maven

We’re spending more time than ever at home at the moment and it has become increasingly important that our homes serve as our sanctuary,’ comments Patricia McGinnis. ‘One aspect that will have a huge impact on how comfortable (or not) you feel in your home is lighting. A simple lighting solution is a chargeable light, which solves the problem of not having a plug where you most need it. One of my favourites is the Carrie Lamp by Menu. It comes in a range of muted colours. The joy of this is that it can be moved around your home, giving you light wherever you need it. Maybe you have a dark hallway that needs a welcoming glow, or want to have a soft light by your bath side? It has a few different settings to make it as functional as you need it to be. You can also hang it up! It really is the perfect little light.’ wearemaven.co.uk

11. Ventura Design

According to Arlene McIntyre, Creative Director of Ventura Design, ‘Scatter cushions really are a simple yet effective way to transform a room. As people are at home more now, we find clients are looking to make subtle changes and play around with patterns and colours a little more. At Ventura our premium unique scatter cushions are available to purchase in sizes small, medium, large and envelope. Made bespoke in our Irish workshops, the scatter cushions come in a colour scheme collection that will combine beautifully in any home, in tons of blue, rust, grey, taupe, gold, sand, greens and sea greens. A selection of fabrics will be available to choose from as well as braids and trims in a range of styles. In other words, there is a style to suit every home!’ ventura.ie

12. J A Shannon

As Ian Shannon tells us, ‘The Anya hall bench is a loving homage to a piece of furniture from bygone times: the telephone bench. With its muted, subtle colours and fine materials, it blends in perfectly with the ambience. The Anya bench is not only a comfortable seat, it also offers space for tasteful stowage of objects. It is not only suitable for making calls in the hallway, but also for interesting conversations.’

13. Foxford Woollen Mills

2020 was the year we retreated back home. It was the year of uncertainty and fear, so we made the space we call home, a safe and secure cocoon. This cocooning and need for calm has definitely continued into 2021. Priorities have changed and the need for external materialism has shifted to simple pleasures within the home – we have first-hand experience of this with our Foxford throws and baby blankets. The element of familiarity with our throws being woven in Co. Mayo since 1892 and our unique contemporary style fo design from Helen McAlinden creates a beautiful piece in your home that evokes nostalgia, comfort and pride. The touch of comfort and style is not the only important element in choosing, colour is key, greens and blues such as olive and marine are calming and helps create the most serene space. They are uncomplicated colours that feel familiar and nostalgic in a time when nothing is certain. foxfordwoollenmills.com

14. Hedgeroe Home

As Rebecca Roe from Hedgeroe Home tells us, ‘For Hedgeroe’s New 2021 Collection I have brought the timeless natural curved shape of a scallop into our collections. I adore it in interiors as well as fashion. As well as offering new linen scalloped edged lampshades, we have this striking new console table with tonal inlay detail. Its beautiful pierced scalloped detailing is very elegant for behind a sofa or a narrow entrance hall and would be the perfect addition in any home.

15. Kris Turnbull Studios

Having now lived through a time when welcoming people into our homes has been forbidden, it’s nice to know that we can do so via our decorative choices! The Visitor is the most wonderful handmade sculpture, by the amazingly talented Belgian artist Guido Deleu, coming out of his studio in “Cores da Terra” in Brazil. The Visitor embodies a kind and friendly figure, one that you would love to welcome into your very own home. This piece would make a statement in any home, you can have as many as you like and they are available in more than 40 colours and four different sizes – Mini (H18cm), Small (H25cm), Plus (H48cm) and Large (H75cm). kristurnbull.com