Wish List: Eight cool finds to boost our lives and living spaces

Eve Kelliher seeks out pooch-pleasing seating, thinks pink with paint, and opens a new chapter thanks to a banker-turned-bard

Fri, 21 Feb, 2025 - 15:50

Eve Kelliher

Since our pint-sized pom burst through our doors and into our lives, she’s stolen our hearts — and a sizeable slice of the sofa. She may be the tiniest family member, but this diva is determined never to be a lapdog so insists on claiming more than her fair share of all available relaxation territory.

A consultation this week with EZ Living Interiors (on, appropriately, national Love Your Pet Day) demonstrates that space-hogging by hounds is also now key consideration for design pros. Many of EZ Living team have four-legged friends and gave the floor to canine catwalk stars to show off the company’s Orson range, above, the ultimate pet-friendly sofa collection that’s as chic as it is practical.

The wide selection will please even the pickiest pooch, as it includes a two- and three-seater sofa as well as a corner option, swivel chair and footstool. The resilient wipe-clean fabric is also ideal for dirty paws and playtime. See EZ Living Interiors. See www.ezlivinginteriors.com.

Mellow yellow

Buzzing bees and bright mornings are the inspiration behind homeware design house Neptune’s spring-summer collection — with a lookbook pulled together by a hero paint shade, Polenta, named after the traditional Italian dish of ground corn.

This creamy, pale-yellow hue complements the saffron highlights in the new season’s accessories and is reflected throughout the tableware and textiles like the Fife tablecloth, above, priced from €180.

The mood is all very old-world — the natural oak regency-inspired Frome collection headlines the range, which launches in stores and online on March 6.

Keeping up with the Joneses

Think again if you associate buying a new diary with the start of the year. Since the ‘Mad About the Boy’ movie release, Bridget Jones-themed homeware and fashion ideas are everywhere.

Channel your inner Bridget and keep up with the Joneses by journalling your adventures in a stylish new volume like this one from Homesense, RRP €15.99 but yours for €8.99. Who knows, your musings could become a bestseller.

Rev up for a bargain

Drumroll, please, for our bargain of the week: If you’re revving up to source a lawnmower that is hassle-free to use check out the Flymo SimpliStore 300 cordless variety. It is designed for small to medium-sized gardens — with no cord holding you back.

It has three different cutting heights and a large 30-litre, easy-to-empty grass box, ensuring your lawn looks pristine for the longer days ahead. We spotted it online for only €169 (save €80.99) with Woodie’s — until February 26; take a look instore or online at Woodies.

Pink power

Curate your colours to transform a space. I love a pop of pink in all its forms. But did you know you also can use the shade to spell sophistication — and that it doesn’t have to be reserved for the boudoir? That’s according to the experts at Colourtrend.

Behold the paint company’s Baggot Street. No, it’s not pink — this is a deep rich tone that exudes luxury, especially used as a statement wall in a living room. Pair this with furnishings in complementary tones, such as a plush pink armchair or cushions, alongside a neutral feature wall, painted in Batch Loaf, as in this sleek set-up.

Love the idea of including actives in your skincare but aren’t ready to plunge in at the deep end? Pioneering Australian cosmeceutical skincare brand Ultraceuticals now offers a ‘mild’ version of its Ultra Brightening Serum.

The formula delivers a blend of five active ingredients and also promises brighter skin in 30 days while rejuvenating and reducing discolouration and age spots. Ultra Brightening Serum Mild is priced €115.50 for 30ml and is available at Ultraceuticals, and in Ultraceuticals salons and clinics.

Banker turned bard

A banker who became a bard is about to release a mesmerising new book of poetry and images that showcase Kerry. Born in Collooney, Co Sligo, in 1967, Paul Byrne moved to Listowel with his family when he was just a year old. After graduating from UCD, Paul’s career in financial services kept him in Dublin but after 25 years in senior banking, and a decade in other sales roles, he moved to Killarney in 2022 with his partner Bridget.

His new surroundings have inspired Paul’s creativity and this hardback book features 36 original poems with some stunning accompanying images captured by Paul on his outdoor adventures and driven by his love of literature. Paul is especially fascinated by Killarney National Park — which is very close to his home on Loreto Road. "I have always enjoyed writing and the magic of the written word. What I put down on paper is all about respect for the place we live in and the people we live alongside," he says.

Available in hardback, For The Love of Kerry, €15, will be officially launched by the mayor of Killarney, Cllr Maura Healy-Rae, at a reception in Killarney House at 8pm on Thursday, March 6, with Paul available for book signings from 7.30pm.

Cabinet appointment

Founded by Dublin-based Londoner Katharine Deas and Dublin interior designer Alannah Monks, Irish furniture and design brand Oriana B creates and supplies thoughtfully designed furniture and homewares. The duo describe their signature look as "distinctive yet discerning, curated but never contrived".

We love this cabinet, €850, which has been exclusively designed by Oriana B in Dublin and made by skilled artisans in India. This eye-catching piece is 90cm in width, giving it pitch-perfect dimensions for so many spots in your home. See Orianab.