The move towards all things ethnic is a big interiors trend at the moment. Kilim rugs, tribal patterns and bazaar-inspired home accessories are perfect for adding some Eastern promise to your interior.
If you are more of a minimalist at heart, though, take your inspiration from the simple interiors of Japan. Japanese interiors are defined by their simplicity of design, clean lines and natural materials. Consider creating a Zen-like environment at home through your choice of window dressing. Luxaflex Ireland has recently added the Japanese Design Collection to their range, and it comes in three styles - roller blinds, panel track and vertical panels. The wood-trimmed panels are made from a unique material called washi (meaning Japanese paper), which comes in a range of natural colours and which diffuses natural light beautifully.For Luxaflex dealers, tel. 1850-304051, or see www.luxaflex.ie.
Organic fabrics
Ecó Creations is a new Irish textile design and production company, creating organic fabrics suitable for a variety of interior design projects, including upholstery. Emmanuelle Marion runs the Dublin-based company and she cites the most important aspects of her new business as "high-quality fabrics, excellence in design, organic fabrics, eco-friendly printing and fair trade." The strong, contemporary fabric designs take their inspiration from the flora of the Irish countryside, with each design based on plants gathered from around the country. All the fabrics are organic and are sourced from suppliers dedicated to environmentalism. The whole production is also strictly monitored in terms of working conditions for all the workers. Tel: 01-260 8907, or see www.ecocreations.ie.
Put pen to paper with Cole & Son
If you are a fan of the gorgeous high-end wallpapers made by Cole & Son, but perhaps don't have the space, the courage or the budget to have a different one of their daring designs in every room, then you might be interested in their latest creation - in conjunction with Quadrille Publishing - a beautiful line of Cole & Son stationery, featuring the patterns of some of their most popular wallpapers. These notebooks, address books and note cards would make a lovely stocking filler. Prices start at approximately €9. For stockists, tel. 01-2720020.