The brand will host a meet and greet with potential landlords in the Red Cow Moran Hotel, 22 Naas Road, Dublin 22, on Monday, 16^th September, 2019, from 9am. Landlords from across the country are invited to come along, meet with the JYSK team and present their available properties on the day.

Irish customers have embraced JYSK since it opened its first store in Naas in April 2019. In its opening month, the Naas store performed second best out of 1,200 stores across the JYSK Nordic division of the JYSK Group. With four new stores due to open in the next five months in Sligo, Waterford, Cork and Limerick, JYSK Ireland wants to reach and exceed the initial, ‘15 store openings in two years’, business plan it set when it arrived in Ireland. However, Poul Erik Larsen, Expansion Director at JYSK, has highlighted a number of issues that could hinder the company’s growth here, saying:

Adding to this, Roni Tuominen, Head of Retail at JYSK Ireland, said: “The appetite for JYSK’s offering is there amongst Irish consumers, and we have seen this in our revision of forecasted figures for 2019, which have been increased by almost 50%. Unlike some other large retail brands, we want new JYSK locations in towns and cities all over Ireland, so we can contribute to the local economy, especially in smaller communities where our job creation will be extremely valuable.”

Founded in Denmark in 1979 by Lars Larsen, JYSK’s Scandinavian design ethic and stylish approach to interiors has made the brand known and loved across the world. Over the past four decades, JYSK has expanded to 52 countries, with more than 2,800 stores worldwide employing 23,000 people.

The interiors range at JYSK includes of-the-moment trends, and Nordic design pieces such as end tables and dining tables in wild oak. JYSK also enjoys a worldwide reputation for expertise and knowledge in sleeping culture, and offers everything from mattresses to frames and bases.

Do you have a property or location that would be suitable for a JYSK store? Register to attend the “meet the landlord” day in the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin on Monday, 16^th September, from 9am, by contacting Jenny Johnston at jjoh@jysk.com.

Are you an experienced Development Manager who can help JYSK with its expansion plans by finding new properties and negotiating lease contracts? JYSK is hiring. Applications will open on Monday, 2^nd September at https://careers.jysk.ie/.

Via: https://jysk.ie/

What is Hamptons Style Design? 

Hamptons style design finds its roots in the picturesque Long Island, known for its stunning coastal beauty and luxurious vacation homes. This style intertwines traditional and coastal elements, resulting in a harmonious blend that captures the essence of relaxed sophistication. With an emphasis on natural textures, such as timber and rattan, the Hamptons aesthetic creates an atmosphere that feels light, airy, and effortlessly chic. 

Essential Elements of Hamptons Style: 

To create the perfect Hamptons styled home, it is important to incorporate key elements that define this timeless aesthetic. Natural textures, like timber and rattan, add warmth and character to the space, while a light colour palette of whites, creams, and soft blues enhances the breezy coastal vibe. By combining these elements, you can transform your home into a Hamptons style haven, exuding a sense of refined elegance. 

Designing the Interior with a Coastal Palette: 

Designing your Hamptons-style home calls for a coastal-inspired colour scheme. Picture the serene ambiance of a beach house with soft blues, sandy beiges, and creamy whites evoking the calmness of the ocean and pristine sand. This harmonious palette brings lightness and sophistication, embodying timeless Hamptons elegance. Your home, adorned with these coastal-inspired colours, becomes a sanctuary of relaxation, transporting you to tranquil shores. Embrace the Hamptons palette, and let the colours guide you to a breezy and elegant retreat, capturing coastal living’s essence with timeless flair. 

Integrating Design Elements in Every Room: 

For a cohesive Hamptons look throughout your home, it’s essential to integrate design elements in every room. Choose furniture that complements this aesthetic, such as pieces made with timber and natural textures. Embrace clean lines, classic silhouettes, and elegant detailing to maintain the timeless appeal of Hamptons style. Upholstery in soft, natural fabrics, like linen, further enhances the aesthetic while providing a cosy and inviting atmosphere. 

Coastal Inspirations: Infusing the Modern Hamptons Style: 

To infuse a modern twist into the traditional Hamptons style, embrace elements of traditional Hamptons style with a contemporary touch. Incorporate modern accents, such as metallic finishes or geometric patterns, while still utilising traditional materials and timeless colour palettes. This fusion of classic and modern elements creates a design that is both sophisticated and fresh, bringing the Hamptons style into the present. 

Creating a Timeless and Elegant Hamptons Style House: 

One of the defining qualities of the Hamptons style is its timeless appeal. The lifestyle and ambiance that it embodies, known as ‘coastal living’, transcends trends and fads, offering a sense of luxury and comfort that stands the test of time. With its refined aesthetics and soothing atmosphere, a Hamptons style house creates a sanctuary where you can relax and enjoy the timeless elegance that this design represents. 

Adopting the Australian Lifestyle in Hamptons Interior Design: 

Adapting the Hamptons style to Australian homes involves embracing outdoor living that epitomizes the Australian lifestyle. Incorporate timber furnishings and accessories that combine indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a cohesive flow throughout your home. Transform your outdoor areas into extensions of your living spaces by adding timber decking, comfortable outdoor seating, and lush greenery, evoking the relaxed coastal ambiance of the Hamptons. 

Creating the perfect Hamptons home allows you to curate a space that effortlessly blends traditional charm with coastal influences. Originating from Long Island, this timeless style embraces natural textures, light colour palettes, and a serene coastal aesthetic. By integrating these essential elements and carefully selecting furniture pieces that complement the Hamptons styling, you can create a home that embodies refined elegance while offering a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you choose to infuse modern touches or adapt the style to the Australian lifestyle, the Hamptons design will always exude its timeless appeal. Begin your journey to creating the perfect Hamptons home today and transform your living spaces into a coastal haven that stands the test of time.

Via: https://www.mocka.com.au/

Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.

I have just returned after four months in Europe. In that time, I studied patisserie at Gastronomicom, a culinary school in southern France to learn the art of patisserie (pastry). I’m in the midst of recipe developing never before seen concepts involving cheese – watch this space! Before food, there was fashion and I’ve also had the pleasure of working closely with Jardan’s interior designers and architects as a consultant on their design projects. Creativity comes in many forms and to approach food with these design foundations is satisfyingly delicious! I also founded Fine Grazing which serves up elevated (literally) cheese cakes and styled grazings for high impact events across Melbourne. 

What made you create Fine Grazing?

What ultimately led me to cheese was a ‘cheese and wine’ event my husband and I would host at our home each year, just before the holidays. It was my creative outlet – the imagination would run wild with the styling of the tablescape. There was always a sense of fun putting an event together from concept to creation. It not only became a much-anticipated event with friends and family but it soon led me to being asked to create grazing tables for other peoples’ events. I love themes and here I was given the chance to interpret their brief and create. This was the foundation that evolved into the collection of cheese pillars (elevated cheese cakes) and lavosh I offer today.  

What are your signature items?

‘The Blue’ featured in Jardan’s Summer campaign is the original design I created. It was during lockdowns when events had ceased and it got me thinking of a ‘grazing type’ experience at home. But also, something different to what was well known and populating the market already. Sculpting cheese into a cake form offered a sense of occasion for cheese lovers. ‘The Blue’ still remains a signature product of ours today. 

Tell us a little bit about the recipes you’ve created for our holiday table? 

What Jardan does so seamlessly is consideration and aesthetic of each piece of furniture and homewares and how it contributes to the overall visual appeal of the space. I really wanted the recipes to share that same value: to evoke the feelings of warmth, comfort, and elegance to celebrate the holiday season. Our menu consists of sharing plates of cheese, lavosh, bread, appetisers, followed by a heartier tart and salad with colours sitting harmoniously and popping with the season. Following the formula: Creamy + Sweet + Tart + Salty & Crunch.

How do you create and develop your holiday dining table and spread?

Setting the scene. Yes, the food is important but what else is setting the vibe?  I always love the saying “you eat with your eyes first, your nose, then your stomach.”  Summer is full of seasonal fruits and vegetables in bold colours and juicy bursts of flavour, so embracing those ingredients is key. Flowers also really dress a table, so I like to pick something that either complements or contrasts with the food colours. There’s also some really creative candles out there, especially those that mimic the ingredients used in the food displayed on the table like the Nonna’s grocers candles. Candle lighting really sets the mood – day or night! And what better occasion than the holiday season, to bring out that special linen, platter and servers you adore. I’ve acquired some special pieces from France that I’ll be using this year and I can’t wait to share these pieces with clients too! 

How do you celebrate throughout the holidays?

It’s very relaxed and intimate with close family. My mother-in-law, Marcia, is a beautiful cook and used to be a caterer herself – she always has a grazing spread and the use of beautiful homewares, vintage and new. Everything is dressed with consideration, whether it’s a salad she’s cultivated from the garden or the olives, herbs and oil she uses to dress a simple hummus dip. Attention to detail is never lost and perhaps this is what has led me to grazing tables myself.  Sharing plates is very much appreciated in our family. It caters pace and preference whilst also looking good! This will most certainly be a tradition that will carry on for many more years to come. 

What is the most exciting thing about working with food/in the kitchen?

For me, it’s learning. At the beginning of Fine Grazing, I had concepts in my mind but there wasn’t a recipe for exactly what I envisioned, that’s where my recipe developing began. I remember making a sangria jam, but that wasn’t enough, it needed to be in the shape of a sphere, have the right consistency to spread on cheese and be firm enough to stay in shape without the use of gelatine. Knowledge is power and since my studies, I now think about this same sphere and how I can improve it and make it better. I believe that same principle goes for many in the kitchen – it’s art, science and patience. When you see something work for you on the other end and it’s delicious, that’s the most rewarding thing.

What inspires you when creating recipes?

Currently it’s from my recent travels. Living in France temporarily, I had the great honour of immersing myself in their culture. There’s a lot of things to inspire you in France and food is just one of them! What gave me a lot of joy was the sheer size of French markets! Many delicious and new things to see and eat. They never shy away from colour or taste. Visually appealing food is important to me but of course it needs to be delicious and everything needs to make sense harmoniously when you take a bite. A formula I tend to follow when putting on a spread or designing a cheese pillar (cake) with lavosh is ‘Creamy + Sweet + Tart + Salty & Crunch – you always need texture visually and whilst eating.

Tell us about your favourite culinary experience. 

My time earlier this year studying patisserie (pastry) in the south of France was memorable. I went to the epicentre of fine food to hone my skills in the kitchen.  In-between my days in the kitchen, I would go to my chef’s recommended boulangeries and pâtisseries to compare what I’d made in class. This helped develop my taste memory so now when I’m recipe developing back here in Melbourne, I have a reference on the level it needs to be at. This experience really opened my mind and taste buds to high level pastry and how to incorporate this into what I do next with Fine Grazing.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’ve had time to enjoy and reflect while travelling. For me I’m so excited to be home and to start this next chapter. I often think about this quote “you’ve always got to have something to look forward to.” For me, I’m most looking forward to developing new creations and taking in what I’ve recently learnt, seen and eaten as inspiration and creating. I always want to be creating and sharing that creativity with others. 

Via: https://www.jardan.com.au/

Conshohocken, PA – January 17, 2024 – Today, alongside the release of the 2023 Annual Summary, IKEA U.S. announced that four Plan & order point with Pick-up locations will open across the country in 2024. The Annual Summary shares strides the company made in affordability, sustainable practices, automation, and equity and inclusion; and these strategic expansions showcase how IKEA remains committed to making the brand more accessible, convenient and affordable for the many. 

“As we look back at the past year, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in reducing our environmental impact and keeping affordability and accessibility at the forefront for all our customers,” said Javier Quiñones, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA U.S. “Looking ahead, we are excited about our plans for new locations and services bringing the joy of IKEA to more hearts and homes. Creating a home you love is about to get even simpler for everyone!”

Javier Quiñones, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA U.S.

Expanding our reach

In 2024, IKEA U.S. is excited to welcome customers at new Plan & order points with Pick-up in Austin, Texas, the Atlanta Metropolitan area, two locations in the greater Los Angeles market and more to come. The Austin Plan & Order point with Pick-up will be the second IKEA location in the Austin area and is slated to open in the summer of 2024 in the Domain Shopping Center at 3306 Esperanza Crossing. With the addition of the IKEA Pick-up point, customers will be able to collect their purchases when and where it’s convenient for them.

These new format stores across the U.S. will increase accessibility for customers without compromising on quality or design, and customers can receive support from IKEA experts to plan and order home furnishing solutions such as kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. More details will be shared about each location throughout 2024. 

In addition to new locations announced today, IKEA U.S. will open Plan & order points with Pick-up in Annapolis and Gaithersburg, Maryland, Katy, Texas and more.

IKEA is also sharing details about the past year in its FY23 Annual Summary, highlighting one of the most successful years to date for IKEA U.S. in advancing sustainability goals, building co-worker support and furthering product affordability. Highlights include:

IKEA U.S. had a record year, achieving over $6.3 billion in total sales of goods and services while continuing to keep affordability and accessibility at the core of its business. 

• Achieved a 6.6% growth compared to the previous year despite the prevailing economic challenges.
• Re-introduced New Lower Price, a dedication to meaningful affordability through reduced prices on hundreds of favorite IKEA products across the entire range in all U.S. Stores and IKEA.com.
• Lowered prices on many products during the summer months along with seasonal deals and discounts throughout the year.

IKEA U.S. made strides towards its mission to become climate-positive by 2030 and worked with social justice partners to create meaningful change.

• Launched As-is online, a new service that allows IKEA Family members to shop gently used products from the comfort of their homes and expanded the Buy Back & Resell service to more stores. 
• Opened ultra-fast public EV chargers at several stores and will install a total of 500 public fast chargers and more than 300 fleet chargers in the coming years.
• Contributed over $2.5 million in retail value of in-kind and financial donations to 280 different nonprofits.
• Advocated for legislation that aligns with IKEA values and mission including the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act in California, Respect for Marriage Act, Equality Act and the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act.

Putting people first is at the heart of the IKEA values-driven approach, and that starts with ensuring the health and happiness of IKEA co-workers.

• Dispersed a total of $54.5 million to two thirds of U.S. co-workers as part of “One IKEA Bonus”, a performance-based payout, in addition to an extra contribution to eligible co-workers’ retirement plan through the Tack! Program. 
• Enhanced benefits for IKEA U.S. co-workers including adding new gender-affirming covered medical procedures to the medical plan.
• Built ED&I into everyday operations through a new governance structure and continued the IKEA U.S. ED&I journey by sharing demographic data for leadership and U.S. co-workers.

View the full IKEA U.S. FY23 Annual Summary here for more details on how IKEA is creating a better everyday life for the many.

Via: https://www.ikea.com/

The old part of town is still funky, fun and fabulous. As you are leaving the more historic area and drive out towards the airport, you can see that there is a lot of construction going on. So many new high-rise condominiums.

In 2015 we stayed in condominium, located on the hillside above the beach in the old part of Puerto Vallarta. Everything was made of concrete, even the beds. They were definitely not movable. The construction had a hand hued feel to it. It was charming.

This time, we went to look at a model home which was going to be part of three unit high-rise condominium complex near to where the cruise ships come in, just on the outskirts of downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Construction wasn’t even going to start until next year, so there was a free standing condo model that prospective buyer were able to tour. They even have drone images of what you would see from the different floors, 16 altogether. 

It was surprisingly European in feel. The finishes were very crisp and modern, as were the furnishings and lighting. It was gratifying to see how much attention had been paid to the light fixtures, both architectural and decorative.

Even though it was daytime when we did the walk-through the lighting read well. I think that it helped it that it was an overcast day. The recessed LED fixtures were not overused which is often the case in the US condo market, They were using the warm-dim technology, so that the color temperature could go from 4000° Kelvin to 2200° Kelvin.

We also noticed that there was a reveal in the ceiling above the sliding glass doors that led from the balcony to the living room/dining room. This is space made for the shades, which also housed a linear LED that could wash the window coverings with light at night. A very thoughtful detail.

The kitchen was well-designed with pendant fixtures over the island, some recessed lighting and linear lighting below the upper cabinets. There was also lighting inside the cabinetry, which was also a really appreciated feature.

The primary bathroom had two sinks with individual lighting, using backlit mirrors. These two also had the warm-dim technology. This is great for when you are putting together an outfit or putting on make-up for day or night.

There was a large scale, single mirror in the second bedroom bath. Pay no attention to my hand and the reflection. 

It really made the room feel larger. I always liked having even illumination on my face at the mirror. I was also pleased to see that there was not a recess down over the sinks. All this does is cause hard shadows on people’s faces, which ages them visually. This is no way to start off your day.

It was interesting to see the pendant fixtures over the side tables in the primary bedroom. This gave the smallish side tables more room for other items. This room also had the ceiling reveal to house the shade material and linear lighting.

They did make use of floor lamps and table lamps throughout, which I feel is an important part of a successful lighting design. It’s so much better than just a room filled with recessed downlights. Its all about light layering, combining task, accent, ambient and decorative lighting to create a welcoming and cohesive design.

A few suggestions I made were to offer potential buyers the choice of putting in recessed adjustable fixtures instead of fixed downlights, so that they could be directed towards art and table tops. The other suggestion I made was to install some toe-kick lighting below the floating sink consoles, activated by a motion sensor, so that in the middle of the night people could navigate the bathroom without having to turn on an overabundance of illumination. 

Via: https://www.furniturelightingdecor.com/

2024 HFA Retailer of the Year Winners

• HFA Retailer of the Year with 50 or more employees: Raymour & Flanagan Furniture, headed by Seth Goldberg
• HFA Retailer of the Year for fewer than 50 employees: Mueller Furniture & Mattress, headed by Mark Mueller
• HFA Manufacturer of the Year: Ashley Furniture Industries
• HFA Partner of the Year: J.B. Hunt Transportation
• HFA Trailblazer: Jeff Child, President of RC Willey Furniture
• HFA Emerging Star: Shane Pohlman, Director of Furniture, NFM

“Our Retailers of the Year all reflect a high level of excellence in their work. The judges felt this group exemplifies innovation, determination and unwavering strength in the face of industry challenges for all retailers. I can’t wait to celebrate with them at their stores in the coming weeks”

says Mark Schumacher, Home Furnishings Association CEO.

For more information about HFA’s Retailer of the Year awards and the 2024 winners, please visit www.myhfa.org/roty or contact

About the Home Furnishings Association

The Home Furnishings Association (HFA), with roots dating back to 1920, is North America’s largest non-profit trade organization devoted specifically to the needs and interests of home furnishings retailers, with more than 1,500 members representing more than 10,000 storefronts across all 50 states and several countries. HFA provides members with programs, resources, services, and a unified voice in government relations by collaborating with home furnishings industry suppliers, vendors, affiliates, and other organizations. For more information on the HFA, visit www.myhfa.org.

Source: Home Furnishings Association

Here are some tips for creating a restful bedroom so you can enjoy pleasant dreams and wake up refreshed.

Choose the Right Color Scheme

Neutrals are always a good choice for your bedroom. Consider using white, beige or a light gray for a serene environment. If you prefer to go with color, soft shades of blue and green can infuse your bedroom with a calming effect. In colder climates, earth tones like muted brown or terracotta can warm up the room.

Find your Style

When it comes to finding the right furniture style for your bedroom, you have a lot of options. Bedroom furniture comes in a range of styles from low-key casual to over the top extravagant, and everything in between. You might love contemporary furniture or classics that can stand the test of time. If you live near the seashore-or if you wish you did-try a breezy coastal style.

Include Enough Storage

Once you select your bedroom set with a bed, a coordinated dresser and a nightstand, it’s time to assess your needs and add occasional pieces for storage. You can choose matching furniture like chests, or you can add style to your bedroom with a decorative armoire with hidden shelves that can also hide a TV.

Add Accents

Give your bedroom that “wow factor” with accent furniture and decorative items. Look for narrow lingerie and jewellery chests, vanities and stylish chaise longues. Fluffy oversized decorative pillows and soft throw blankets add an inviting look.

Pay Attention to the Mattress

While choosing a style and decorating your bedroom can be fun, don’t forget that the main purpose of your bedroom is to get a good night’s sleep. Spend enough time choosing the right mattress for your bed. Know your bed size, whether it’s a narrow twin, a roomy queen or an oversized king size. Then decide on the material and the firmness of the mattress. You might also consider an adjustable bed frame.

It is a good idea to shop at a furniture store where knowledgeable salespeople can guide you to find the right bedroom furniture and the right mattress. Home Living Furniture in Howell and Eatontown, New Jersey can offer the help you need for a dreamy bedroom.

For further information, visit homelivingfurniture.com.