Cutting-edge in Cork

Shop AroundLarge geometrically challenged wall mirrors in hot pink and sapphire blue are just some of the funky designs available exclusively at a new contemporary furniture shop to open in Cork next month.

Funky Italian mirrors, smart Spanish stools and edgy German beds - over 100 international design brands will be on offer from the new showroom of contemporary design company Skketch when it opens this February.

Catering for the middle to high end of the interiors market, Skketch imports cutting-edge contemporary furniture, lighting and accessory brands from Italy, Germany, Spain and France, including Alessi, E 15, Karetll, Flos, Tobias Grau and Baleri Italia. It holds exclusive dealership with many leading European suppliers, including Linfa, Montis and Tom Dixon.

The company has already carved out a name for smart style from its consultancy projects, such as the refurbishment of Suas Bar in Cork and Luigi Malone's restaurants in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. It also has a dedicated following from its internet shop - www.skketch.com.

Skketch is opening a 280sq m (3,00sq ft) showroom on John Street, across the quays from the Cork Opera House. Lighting company Wink will also trade from the premises.

Young people are looking for quirky items and a mix of the contemporary and old, but quality is the overriding consideration, according to owner Sarah Rolf, who has a background in industrial design.

Dark woods and paler soft furnishings are the trends at the moment, she says.

Big sellers include Flos' simple Fucisa conical glass pendant light with sandblasted edge, which is available in several configurations. Prices start at €145 for a single pendant.

The super smart Tecno table from Linfa - available for €1,468 in walnut, oak and cherry - is popular for modern dining areas.

Check out Philippe Starck's chic bubble chair. Priced at €399 and available in a range of colours, it will certainly add an edge to your sittingroom.

We like Skketh's eclectic range of home accessories that brighten up any home - chrome prisoner figurines which double as corkscrews, maple salt, pepper and herb mills in the form of bowling pins, and pretty mobiles and magic bunny tootpick holders.