Interiors:The latest in design stores and showrooms
An art apart
Rug specialist Peter Linden shuttered up his premises in Blackrock last year, but he's still very much open for business - the back of the original shop is now home to a smaller showroom, reached through a side entrance. "The idea is to focus on antique rugs of the highest quality and a small number of top quality new pieces," says Linden. What you'll see at his shop, then, is a selection of the best Persian and Oriental rugs available, in the best possible condition, chosen by someone whose expert eye guarantees that they will appreciate in value. "These pieces are really works of art - the people who made them 100 years ago would never have walked on them, they were artists who chose their own colours and patterns. Most rugs made today are made by factory workers who are told what to do." Linden's shop is also home to other wonderful things - my favourite is a heavily embroidered Suzani bedspread for €775. If you already have an antique rug, it's worth noting that Linden offers a cleaning and restoration service.
[ www.peterlinden.comOpens in new window ]
Design hunters
Hunter Dunn in Mullingar was opened a couple of months ago by interior decorators Sarah Jane Murphy and Sarah Smith and must be one of the plushest interior shops in the midlands. They previously worked for Minnie Peters and Kitchen Haus. The style of the shop will appeal to traditionalists who like their furniture to have a flavour of the past (perhaps a sofa shape or arm rest detail) but with a modern slant (covered with a cool fabric or painted a glossy finish). You'll find major pieces for a living or diningroom, but also pick-up-and-buy items such as lamps. Not everything is shiny and new - antiques are mixed in too, for example a mahogony bow-fronted Victorian chest of drawers is €2,000. They will have furniture made to your requirements: a craftsman is on hand who upholsters and makes furniture. There's also all the usual Cole & Son wallpapers and Zoffany fabrics. With their backgrounds, it's not surprising that they'll also help you decorate your whole house. Hunter Dunn, 21-23 Dominick Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath; 044-9330370