Even though it’s still the middle of summer, details of autumn-winter 2019 homeware collections are beginning to filter out. Over the next few weeks I’m going to share some of my favourites – not because I think anyone should rush out and buy loads of new products (far from it!), but because they always provide plenty of décor and styling inspiration. And, you never know, one of them might include the perfect finishing touch for a particular room, or that elusive piece which you’ve been searching for for years!
I’m starting with a brand that I haven’t featured on These Four Walls before: Zara Home. To be honest, I’ve always found their products a little twee (lots of fake mother-of-pearl and mercurised glass), but their latest offering couldn’t be more different. Styled and photographed in a beautiful Copenhagen apartment by Colin King and Rosie Seabrook, it’s called ‘A Life of Simplicity’ and has a wonderful Scandinavian-meets-Mediterranean air to it.
The setting itself is stunning, with lime-washed walls and gnarled beams that contrast with the sleek, contemporary kitchen and clean-lined staircase. The muted beige colour scheme works perfectly with the soft natural light, and the whole place looks incredibly relaxed and inviting.
As for the collection, it’s understated and elegant, with lots of rustic textures and warm, earthy shades. It also encompasses Zara’s first-ever kitchenware range, which was developed in conjunction with renowned names such as appliance maker Smeg, cookware brand Berghoff and knife manufacturer Arcos. There are dishes, cast-iron pots, wooden utensils, glass jars, small appliances, linen aprons and tea towels… even a selection of cookbooks from lifestyle publisher Phaidon.
My favourite pieces are the grooved amber-coloured glassware, the washed-linen bedding and cushions, and the textured earthenware vases and bottles. I also love the super-soft wool and cotton blankets, many decorated with subtle stripes. They’re all timeless and versatile, and designed to slot seamlessly into existing schemes – as shown by the fact that they’re displayed alongside products from other brands in these photographs. I’ve often talked about how we can reduce waste by choosing pieces that are designed to last rather than trend-led items that we’ll want to discard within a year or two, and it’s an ethos that I think should be applied to everything we buy, whether it’s high-end or high-street.
I was also intrigued to learn that some of the collection is made from 100% recycled materials, including glass vases and tumblers with beautifully imperfect, organic shapes. It’s an interesting development as Zara hasn’t exactly been known for its sustainability in recent years, but it’s encouraging to see mainstream brands making an effort and I can only hope it’s part of a wider move towards more environmentally friendly production.
The new collection is available online and in stores now.
Photography by Frederik Vercruysse for Zara Home; styling by Colin King and Rosie Seabrook
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