Design anniversaries of note …

Minima Turns 30

This year, Minima celebrates three decades since founder Helen Kilmartin first introduced her vision for contemporary living to the Irish market. What began in 1996 with a showroom on St Stephen’s Green Dublin has evolved into a destination for international design, and as a vital collaborator with Ireland’s architects and interior designers.

Timeless collections from Maxalto, B&B Italia, Cassina, Arflex, Edra, Premomoria, Henge, Gallotti & Radice and Flexform, lighting from Giopato & Coombes and Davide Groppi, bespoke rugs from Cogolin and Thibault Van Renne are just some of the collections stocked at Minima. Architectural systems by Rimadesio and Lualdi, glass doors, partition systems, furniture and accessories by Glas Italia, bespoke cabinetry by Molteni&C and sculptural timber by Emmemobili, are all represented by Minima in Ireland.

At the heart of Minima’s success is its team of highly knowledgeable designers. More than just consultants, they act as essential technical partners to architects and designers and private clients alike. From their dual hubs – the architecturally striking One Ballsbridge and the recently renovated Hanover Quay – this expert team manages the complex integration of Minima’s portfolio.

As Minima enters its fourth decade, it continues its high-profile collaborations, including furnishing the grand foyer at 2 Grand Canal Quay (2GCQ) with De Blacam & Meagher architects, due to be completed in early summer, and collaborating with Haroldo Oliveira of JCA Architects on the prestigious Convent Kinsale project. “Reaching 30 years is a testament to the enduring power of good design and the expertise of the people behind it,” says Helen Kilmartin. “From our beginnings on St Stephen’s Green to the scale of projects like 2GCQ and the Convent Kinsale, our team is the ultimate resource for those who truly value design.” Minima will celebrate with a series of exclusive events throughout 2026. @minima_home

Studio Sofield

For three decades, New York Studio Sofield has brought excitement to design and architecture, creating spaces that reshape the boundaries between art and craft, reality and fantasy, history and the present moment with elegance and wit.

Led by Willliam Sofield and Irish architect Emma O’Neill, the Studio’s projects, which range from homes, retail experiences and hospitality to multi-storey apartment towers, the seating in their lobbies and the hardware on their doors, are exceptional.

Designer Tom Ford, whose 30-year friendship with the pair includes collaboration on more than 500 stores (as well a on a dozen of his own homes), writes the foreword. If you buy one book on design this year, make it this one. @studiosofield