I first introduced homeware brand Murmur here on the blog with a simple, autumnal table display that you might remember from October (here). When they invited me to a lunch at Spring restaurant in Somerset House last week to preview their Spring Summer 2018 collection, and revealed their beautiful, new campaign images, I knew I had to share them with you. It might be a little early to think about lighter, warmer times while we’re all getting into the festive spirit, but I think Murmur’s embrace of the idea of slow living transcends trends and seasons.
Launched in 2015, Murmur produce and source a range of subtle, honest and considered homewares from their studio in Northern Ireland. The Spring Summer 2018 collection expands on Murmur’s back to basics approach, with a series of muted patterns and soft colours, using tactile, natural materials such as cotton, wool, stoneware and linen that appeal to the senses.
Each pattern has been designed and hand-painted by Murmur’s team in Ireland, and is complemented by hand-crafted products sourced from makers across the world. You can see influences from Scandinavia, Morocco and Japan, with the use of organic, fluid shapes, jewel-like, geometric patterns and clean, simple lines. Beds are effortlessly layered with pinstripe duvets and chunky knit throws for a relaxed, lived-in look, while home accessories use a simple colour palette of eucalyptus green, dove grey, charcoal and soft washed indigo blue.
Straight onto my wishlist is Murmur’s new range of baskets. There’s banana grass and seagrass structures as well as black wire structures (seen above) that look like vintage finds that have been given a contemporary twist. Perfect for storing towels in the bathroom, displaying magazines in a bedroom, or even for herbs in the kitchen.
In the bathroom, we have soft, stonewashed waffle towels and robes, as well as a new range of natural fragrances. Blended and hand-poured in the UK, the candles are made from natural soy wax and come in minimal, frosted glass containers. I’m drawn to ‘Rare Earth’ that combines vetiver, grapefruit and cedarwood and ‘Dahlia Noire’ with its pink pepper notes and spice. There’s also Sakura Blossom, which has fruity notes of raspberry and rhubarb.
Meanwhile, Murmur’s dining collection ranges from simple stoneware and glassware, through serving trays and basket ware, to linen tablecloths and aprons. Designed to be used and enjoyed everyday, they’re honest pieces that can be mixed and matched together depending on your style and what you have at home already. No two pieces of stoneware are the same, each is subtly different and organically shaped – in my eyes, they’re perfectly imperfect.
I’m so pleased to see Murmur expanding their collection – aren’t these images just a feast for the senses with their soft textures and relaxed style? They capture the idea behind slow living – a reminder to take the time to slow down and appreciate the little moments in life, whether it’s enjoying a cosy feast with friends around the dinner table or the luxurious layers of a warm, well-made bed.
All images courtesy Murmur
