Darren Kennedy: Balance cosy with chic for a home with style and comfort

Discover the simple edits that will brings your home the ‘refined comfort’ you dream of for a polished, calm interior space

"Refined comfort is all about the senses, using cosy fabrics, beautiful fragrances and clutter-free spaces." 'Rio Ipanema' solid-wood table, €11,380; 'Yel' chairs, €1,490 each, rochebobois.com

Washed-linen duvet cover, €69.99-€119, Zara Home, zarahome.com/ie

Kalik candleholder set, £150, Soho Home, sohohome.com. Note: Items from the UK may incur extra charges for Republic of Ireland customers

Mariposa lamp in caramel, €2,050, rochebobois.com

"Refined comfort is all about the senses, using cosy fabrics, beautiful fragrances and clutter-free spaces." 'Rio Ipanema' solid-wood table, €11,380; 'Yel' chairs, €1,490 each, rochebobois.com

Female form diffuser, €8, Penneys

Washed-linen duvet cover, €69.99-€119, Zara Home, zarahome.com/ie

Kalik candleholder set, £150, Soho Home, sohohome.com. Note: Items from the UK may incur extra charges for Republic of Ireland customers

Mariposa lamp in caramel, €2,050, rochebobois.com

"Refined comfort is all about the senses, using cosy fabrics, beautiful fragrances and clutter-free spaces." 'Rio Ipanema' solid-wood table, €11,380; 'Yel' chairs, €1,490 each, rochebobois.com

Darren Kennedy

March 04 2023 04:00 PM

Did anyone else spot Sarah Jessica Parker on Instagram wearing what appeared to be Gucci Birkenstocks (the jury is still out as to whether it is an offical collab)? It’s not just fashionistas who are looking for the sweet spot between style and comfort. ‘Refined comfort’ is one of four major trends identified by an annual survey of interior designers by American furniture store CB2 .

The essence of good interior design is that nexus of style and comfort — where relaxation meets style without any concession on elegance.

Let’s be honest, nobody wants to live in a home that’s beautiful but uncomfortable. But nobody wants to live in the interiors equivalent of a slouchy tracksuit, either.

Mariposa lamp in caramel, €2,050, rochebobois.com

We’ve all gotten used to spending more time at home since 2020, and we want our living spaces to be as comfortable as possible. But we also want them to be chic — relaxed but polished. So how do you strike the balance?

Female form diffuser, €8, Penneys

Refined comfort is not just about furnishings, though. It’s about the overall ambience of your home, so you need to factor in the look and smell too.

Washed-linen duvet cover, €69.99-€119, Zara Home, zarahome.com/ie

Home fragrance makes such a difference to the experience of being in your home. Add a reed diffuser with a sophisticated scent — Molton Brown’s Gingerlily, or Diptyque’s Baies room spray will demarcate the transition from the stressful world to your relaxing home.

Kalik candleholder set, £150, Soho Home, sohohome.com. Note: Items from the UK may incur extra charges for Republic of Ireland customers

Restrict your colour palette to warm neutrals. For this vibe, calming shades of white, linen and beige will work best.

Bedding can look messy but this is easily addressed — arrange pillows and pull the duvet corners sharply into place. Add cushions and a throw, and your bed will look dressed and inviting for a good night’s sleep.

Fill your home with beautiful objects but choose wisely. There is a fine line between decor and clutter, so make sure everything has a place.

Rigorous organisation will keep the whole effect looking sleek. Make sure books are neatly stacked, ornaments artfully arranged, and ideally no mess to be seen. Refined comfort means you get to be slouchy, but not your home.