Wishlist: Melamine long spoons

From painting the shed in soft hues to a homemade hanger for the hall, this week’s list of wishes from Esther N McCarthy is all about making the house beautiful.

* Carmel at Cosyhome Art got in touch to share her latest project, a cute coat hanger painted in Annie Sloane chalk paint, Paris Grey (fabulous colour) complete with chunky letters and heart. Carmel is based in Co Wexford and specialises in handmade country cottage style pieces. Check her out on Facebook.

* Whether it’s a mojito or a milkshake, add some colour to your drinks this summer with these Melamine long spoons in assorted star colours. It comes in a six-piece set, €9.50 from the Pavilion Garden Centre, Ballygarvan, Co Cork. www.thepavilion.ie.

* Flex your interior savvy with the Flex low lounger. These multifunctional and elegant velvet daybeds are the perfect accessory for living spaces, as well as TV rooms, kids’ rooms, and dorms. You can customise it to fit any interior style.The daybed provides comfortable lounge seating and is made of three connected cushions (75cm x 75cm) to create a multi-functional low lounger. €403 from www.thevelvetlab.com. Check online for delivery charges.

* Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has launched a kitchen collection, Sage, taking kitchen gadgetry to a whole new level, as one would expect for the culinary conjurer. This is his tea maker. Whether you’re having black, chai, herbal or green tea, this appliance has pre-set temperature to brew your chosen leaf to the exact temperature. €249.99, available from Harvey Norman stores nationwide and online at harveynorman.ie.

* After a few seasons of safe colour palettes, we are just about ready to have some fun. Of course, these colours aren’t for everyone, but for those who like a bit of eye candy, try the Paperdee kitchen roll holder. Roots Living source some solid Scandinavian design that’s worth checking out, like Neon Living from Denmark, www. rootsliving.co.uk.

* The outdoor woodcare experts at Cuprinol have brought out 39 shades for summer 2013. Create an outdoor room with old wooden fences becoming feature walls, that well-used wood dining table becoming a focal point of the garden, drab corners become colourful with painted planters. Think Cuprinol’s Purple Pansy, Pale Thistle or Sandy Shell. www.cuprinol.ie. €27.99 for 2.5 litres.

* This beautifully hand-carved Besp-Oak teak stool combines both the beauty of design and nature with its naturally exposed wood and soft carved curves. Besp-Oak’s collection of recycled teak root and handicraft furniture is made in conjunction with Trees4Trees™ which is a non-profit foundation established in Indonesia by responsible furniture manufacturers and their customers worldwide. Available in selected stores or online from www.countrylife.ie for 74.99.