Dunnes Stores

***Note: this is a review of the Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic range***
Since its impressive launch onto the scene not two years ago, the ex-​Quin and Donnelly fashion designer’s range of homeware has remained true to form, and more. For lovers of a vintage sensibility, it’s a must, but what I love about this range is that it’s not easily categorised. It is what the name suggests, and numerous sensibilities combine with the designer’s personal stamp to create something unique yet entirely of a piece as an ensemble — from the smallest cake cutter or knife and fork set to the larger furniture pieces. And it comes with a distinctly modern twist.
The shabby chic look has become so omnipresent that it’s cliched, and I’m so glad this range doesn’t fall at its feet, rather takes those aspects that appeal in a more classic way and then shakes them up a bit.
Her Rosetta Dhurry rug is a great example of this I think; at first glimpse, you might think, seen that before. But in fact you quickly realise you haven’t, as its almost pixelated design gives it something quite different.
What comes across throughout is a great deal of thoughtfulness and a real love of comfort, eclecticism, ethnic design and vintage chic combined, from the smallest paperweight at around a fiver, to a velvet-​covered blanket box/​head board or bedside lockers. For lovers of any of the key design aspects, I find you’ll find this this range interesting.
Another vote in its favour is the keen pricing. Some of the furniture isn’t particularly cheap, but there is certainly great value to be had at the lower scale. It’s now my first stop when buying gifts for friends, from the very pretty tea light holders to the beautiful keepsake boxes which you’re happy to form part of a room décor, to the range of kitchenware which suits a mix n match approach to décor perfectly.
I really hope that Dunnes know what they have here and how to market it (there’s no doubt they could be making a lot more of it on social media), because I think that it, teamed with the Paul Costello range which is more traditional, classic, male-​oriented and higher priced, they have created something special. Plus these ranges are available on their online site now, which seems to be coming together even if it’s not yet of the standard we’ve come to expect from the bigger UK chains and more long-​standing online retailers. For instance, I can’t find the furniture on this range featured here, but perhaps they don’t sell that online. In the store itself, on George’s Street — the showcase one for the range — you’ll walk on the rug but you won’t see that it’s actually for sale; you have to enquire to find that out.
A browse here will walk you through the range; a visit in store will let you get a proper feel for it:
Really something special as the new range shows — the only serious problem is how to choose!