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SOCIAL MEDIA HAS become the starting point for many homeowners seeking interior inspiration. With just a few clicks, we can step inside the ultra-polished homes of some of the world’s savviest curators and influencers. But while inspiration is always a good idea, there is a danger with social media-driven trends that what’s hot today is gone tomorrow. Instead of letting a hashtag inspire you, here are some interesting interior trends happening right now that you won’t find on socials.
1. Country-core
You might remember cottage-core, the trend that took over social media last year (think Cotswolds bolthole, wicker baskets and lace doilies). This summer, Irish interior designers are leaning into country-core, a trend that embraces traditional Irish home finishes with a contemporary twist. Those pine kitchens every Irish home has? You can keep the cabinets but switch out the handles for aged brass or antique bronze for a modern update. Other features found in country-core include bespoke radiator covers, panelling, wooden furniture, linen soft furnishings and soft colour palettes (think anything found in the Irish countryside – soft greens, pale blues and subtle yellows). It’s a cosy, nostalgic trend that avoids being twee.
2. Second-hand – no longer second best
Another antidote to homogenised high street interiors comes via pre-loved and vintage pieces (see this week’s interview with Killian McNulty). Sideboards, wooden dressers, kitchen display cabinets and chaise longues are all back in vogue. Buying second-hand allows you to add character, history and personality to your home plus, it’s cost-effective and eco-friendly too. Check out online pre-loved platforms like Adverts, DoneDeal, Facebook Marketplace, Vinted and GAFF Shop. If you prefer to see pieces in person then check out The Vintage Hub, Wilde Vintage Dublin, Mac’s Warehouse, Oxfam Home on Francis Street in Dublin and NCBI’s furniture warehouse in Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10.
3. Biophilic design
There’s nothing better than a trend that boosts mood, happiness and productivity. Put simply, biophilic design brings the natural environment indoors. Incorporating natural colours, textures and elements into our homes has been proven to reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, improve cognitive performance and enhance mood. The best part about this trend is that it’s accessible to everyone. It can be as simple as bringing plant life into your space to help purify the air, or using naturally occurring colours like greens, oranges and neutral tones to boost concentration and feel more grounded. Of course, you could go all out and bring in nature-themed bedding, wallpaper and decor into your space if you really want to embrace the trend.
4. Boojie bedding
While everyone is talking kitchen trends online, authentic interior insiders know that the bedroom is the current home hotspot. Perhaps it’s a response to our increasingly busy lives, but many designers are placing even more emphasis on investing in high-quality, sumptuous bedding. Given that we spend approximately one-third of our lives in bed, it’s a space that deserves significantly more consideration than it receives. Luxurious bedding is key, and that starts with natural, breathable fibres. Look to materials like linen and brushed or organic cotton which will wash well, help regulate body temperature and won’t shed microplastics. Conscious Convert’s decadent white linen sets, Amurelle’s brushed cotton items and Foxford’s fresh cotton bedding are great investments as are the beautiful linen sets by the Secret Linen Store which are bursting with personality.
5. Interior Design Consultations
We all need help when it comes to reimagining our spaces, and thankfully, recruiting a professional is easier and more affordable than ever. Savvy interior lovers call in the professionals for big jobs and small by booking online consultations. For instance, Dulux offers a 30-minute online colour consultation free of charge to help you pick a perfect palette. As for interior designers, companies such as Optimise Home and Ashen and Cloud all offer consultations online. The takeaway from this trend is to tap into the experts who can save you time and energy while helping you create a cohesive decor strategy that will also potentially help save money in the long run.
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