Eileen Kelly opened The Blue Door in Naas last autumn with the idea of bringing something new to the area. This sounds like the kind of neat PR line that anyone who has opened a shop would have you believe, but in this case it happens to be true. Almost all the goods in the shop are from Sweden and have a of fresh colour and simple design, often based around stripes or geometric pattern.
It is unusual stuff as it appeals equally to those who like simple modern design as much as the die-hard traditionalist. "I like to say we focus on the 'soft' end of the market. That means cushions, throws, blankets, fabrics, bedspreads and so on," says Kelly.
A long-time traveller to Sweden, Kelly thought that bringing back a few of that country's better-known brands would be a good strategy for the shop. Stock is grouped by shades of colours (amazing greens, blues and pinks), and there are some witty patterns (cute dog outlines on a blanket), natural fabrics, and middle-of-the-road prices (bedcovers €120, fabrics €21 per metre, cushion covers €20).
"Personally, I think this look suits our climate. The Swedes love lightness of colour because their weather is so dark."
We may be slowly coming into summer, but Irish homes could do with a little of this lightness any time of the year. "You can buy something here as a standalone item, but it's easy to put together a look if you wish. A bedspread and a few cushions could change the look of a bedroom, for example, with not too much expense. A lot of people come here to decorate a second home or a holiday home. It's got that casual, outdoorsy feel."
Fabrics co-ordinate, if not always match - the colours gel together no matter what the shade. Particular reasons to visit now might be to decorate a summer table with striped placemats and napkins or garden furniture with narrow cushions.
Kelly also stocks a few pieces of Norrgavel furniture, another Swedish company. Solid wood, painted with natural matt finish paints, or left bare, these pieces look basic at first, but are fantastically well finished. A very large cupboard-style unit with deep shelves costs €1,669.
The Blue Door, 21 Poplar Avenue, Naas Town Centre, Naas, Co Kildare (045-901573)