AS THE DAYS darken and the evenings draw in it’s time to embrace all things comfortable and cosy and introducing a variety of natural textures to your home decor is one of the easiest ways to do it. Interiors stylist and author Pippa Jameson was recently in Dublin with DFS for the permanent tsb Ideal Home Show. Her new book The Sensory Home (Instagram: @thesensoryhome) is an inspiring guide to mindful decorating and to introducing colour and texture to the home.
Jameson believes that natural textures in the home can positively impact, not only the aesthetics of our homes, but also our wellbeing. “Introduce texture into your home with natural materials like stone, wood and plants; and layer in soft textiles such as throws and rugs to dampen noise,” she says. “These elements not only add visual interest but also purify the air and evoke a sense of tranquillity and harmony – grounding your environment.”
When it comes to texture, the striking bouclé chairs in the window of Dublin store April and the Bear are a fun place to start. Owner Siobhan Lam believes that adding texture to your home is a particularly good idea in the colder, darker months of the year when we crave comfort and cosy spaces.
“Adding texture through soft furnishings like velvet cushions, deep-pile rugs and bouclé armchairs is going to make an instant difference to your space,” she says. “Add tactility with layers of texture for an evocative and stimulating interior. It’s not just a trend – it makes sense that we want our homes to be cosy and snug and there’s no better way to do this than to introduce sumptuous textures into our homes.”
For Lamb’s take on the theme look out for her mid-modern RM58 armchair or Stefan lounge chair which can both be customised (prices start at €990) or her more affordable ‘Rustic Brown’ and ‘Vineyard’ cushions (prices start at €60).
One of the most impactful ways to add visual interest and texture to a room is with the addition of a well chosen rug. Neptune currently has two gorgeous plush rugs, the Laith (from €775) and the Munro (from €1,25), made in Indian from New Zealand wool. They come in calm, neutral shades that work well in any colour scheme and have a tactile bobbled texture that work perfectly for bedrooms or snug areas. For busier rooms Neptune recommends a flatter weave which is easier to clean in high traffic areas.
Another great source for tactile rugs is Rugs.ie where you’ll find their Nordic Touch rugs in a range of neutral tones (from €65), sisal rugs with cotton borders (from €129), the Bubbles rugs and runners in a range of neutral colours (from €80) and a Jute Loop rug (from €215).
Of course it’s not always affordable or practical to change large items such as furniture or flooring based on seasonality or whatever happens to be trending. It is however possible to inject warmth and interest into certain areas of your home with the addition of accessories. Adding pieces in wood, rattan or wool can personalise and ground a space making it feel more comfortable and inviting.
“I am a huge fan of what I like to call ‘cosy nooks’,” says Pippa Jameson. “Carve out dedicated areas in your home where you can retreat, recharge and rejuvenate. Whether it’s a reading corner filled with natural light or a serene meditation space brimming with cushions, throws and aromatic candles – prioritise spots that encourage quiet reflection and self-care. Personalise these nooks with soft textiles, meaningful decor pieces, and soothing scents like bergamot – known for their calming effects.”
Of course craftspeople and businesses here in Ireland, known for their penchant for natural materials, are well placed to tap into our desire to create a more tactile rich home environment. Why not treat yourself to a lambswool, merino or mohair throw by Foxford (from €89) or a tactile mug by two of my personal favourites – Helen Faulkner or Christien Van Bussel? Irish Design Shop is a great place to start for Irish-made throws and ceramics.
High street brands such as M&S and Meadows & Byrne are also tapping into our need for comfort as the leaves fall. With a nod to mid-century interiors, M&S has introduced soft furnishings in bouclé, embroidery and chunky knits as well as lamps with wooden bases, tactile ceramic vases and crackle glaze jugs. At Meadows & Byrne, the addition of a throw or cushion has the ability to change the mood of a room and to add a note of comfort for the season ahead.
Meanwhile F&F at Tesco has just launched a homeware line for the first time. Key pieces include ribbed glassware (from €1), texturd white bedlinen (from €22) and cream fluted dinnerware (from €3.50). Even Aldi’s getting in on the act with a range of candles in clay and ceramic (€5.99), faux fur blankets and cushions (from €8.99) and even a candle scented with bergamot (€12.99) – now wouldn’t Pippa Jameson be pleased?
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