* In partnership with Domkapa.
Sourcing furniture and finishing touches to your interior project is undoubtedly my favourite part of interior design. Choosing the right materials, colours, and accessories is incredibly satisfying, but also quite complex. It’s not just about appearance. You need to understand the characteristics of each material, colour, and finish, and how they behave and interact together.
Luckily Domkapa has come up with a must-have sample box every interior designer should have in their arsenal. And I am not just talking about your ‘average’ sample box here. This is the ultimate sample box; filled with an impeccable selection of indoor and outdoor fabrics, solid woods, wood veneers, lacquers, metals, mirrors, and glasses. Oh, and did I mention it is literally the size of my head?
This vast, yet compact, sample box showcases all the high-quality materials used for Domkapa’s hand-crafted pieces. You really need to see and feel the quality of the samples to understand what Domkapa is all about. The sample box of course comes with Domkapa’s 2022 and 2023 catalogues to give you all the inspiration you’ll need for your next project. A word of warning though, you won’t want to put it down once you start browsing through the samples.. although perhaps that’s not such a bad thing.
Let’s take a closer look..
FABRICS
I love how all the different textures are present in this sample box. From luxurious velvets to cosy bouclé; the sample box is filled with timeless, high-quality indoor and outdoor fabrics that will last for years. It’s no secret that bouclé has stolen my heart (you can read about my bouclé armchair of dreams here) and I love that Domkapa has so many wonderful colour options for this nubby material. I was also positively surprised by how many natural materials are available in Domkapa’s collection. There is a huge trend towards natural interiors at the moment and cotton, wool, linen, natural wood and stone are all gaining in popularity. Choosing an organic fabric has lots of benefits but it’s also important to ensure you have a good list of treatment options available. Domkapa’s water-repellant and pet-proof fabrics are perfect for those busy families with children or fur babies who want stylish and durable furniture.
METALS
I am a huge fan of mixing metals. Sticking to one type of finish is a thing of the past. I like to pick one primary metal finish and then at least two complementary ones for an interesting, layered look. Domkapa couldn’t have made picking the right metal accents any easier. The sample box has 10 different metal finishes to ensure all your interior design needs are met; from contemporary stainless steel to black textured finishes, they’ve got it covered. I’m also seeing a trend toward much warmer metals now, which I find refreshing. Personally, I seem to gravitate towards bronze and more antiqued metals at the moment. It’s probably to do with the fact that they complement our 1920s house incredibly well. I also find that darker metals age slightly better as they show hardly any wear and tear over time.
WOODS & LACQUERS
Bringing nature indoors is not only good for the soul but for the aesthetics too. Mixing different wood tones is one of my favourite ways to add depth and character to any space. It can be a little daunting though unless you’re a pro. Forget about trying to match things. It’s all about complementing colours and undertones. Domkapa’s sample box will help you pick the best type of wood for your project in no time. Natural ash and walnut-stained ash from the solid wood range are absolutely stunning. But as much as I love real wood, sometimes wood veneers work better. You will be spoiled for choice from 6 different solid wood options and 5 veneers. And the lacquered finishes will give you an extra level of protection whilst enhancing the beauty of wood grains. The stain on the wood is so beautiful but also very hard-wearing. I know I wouldn’t be able to pick just one. I’d love to use every one of these finishes to see how they can bring a design alive.
MIRRORED & GLASS FINISHES
Glass is having a major moment right now. Especially anything with a vintage vibe. And what’s better than pairing your 1970s vintage light or vase with the perfect glass top furniture to match? Domkapa’s glass and mirrored selection are the most versatile I’ve seen. I’m a big fan of the darker shades, such as smoked glass and bronzed mirror which are perfect for creating that eclectic cosy vibe I am going for at the moment.
Well done Domkapa for creating the ultimate sample box that will help you make more informed and quicker interior decorating decisions when designing your clients, or your own home. After all, we all need inspiration and guidance and with so many unique materials, colours, and textures out there a sample box such as this is a welcomed addition. Having all your materials and ideas in one place will allow your creativity to flow more freely and pitch your ideas to a client in a creative, fun way.
