Wishlist: Deko cushion

In a sweltering week, Esther N McCarthy braved the perils of air-conditioned shops and a scorching laptop to pick the best of best things for wilting wishers.

* Get decked out with this striped Deko cushion, 40x60cm, €60 from S.O.U.L Lifestyle @ Beacon Sth Quarter, Dublin.

* Nothing like fresh new bedding to give your bedroom a lift. I like this Asilah bedding, a double duvet and pillow cases will set you back €81 from Debenhams.

* The yummy lavender bubble bath from the Handmade Soap Company has soothing essential oils and aromas of lavender, rosemary, thyme and mint and, better still, it’s handmade in Ireland. I like the retro stoppered bottle. Hide it from the kids, it would be wasted on them. Available in Carraig Donn stores and online www.carraigdonn.com for €9.95.

* Don’t bother wasting time worrying about which clock to pick, just pick up this distressed little number. I think it would look good in a hallway, don’t you? €19 from Next.

* Check out these bamboo-lacquered salad bowls, made from hand-coiled strips of bamboo, hand-shaped and then finished with a natural food-safe lacquer derived from the cashew nut tree. Not only do the bowls look beautiful they are also very practical as the natural lacquer creates a durable waterproof finish making them suitable for both hot and cold foods. Although not dishwasher safe, they wash easily in warm soapy water. €36 from www.fairwindonline.com

* This lamp from hunkydory home is handmade in a fun blue and white star design and fitted to a hand-crafted solid oak lamp base making quite a stylish lamp. The base measures 35cm tall with a 20cm tall lampshade. The lampshade has a 30cm diameter and the lampshade and base may be purchased separately. €92 from www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk

* Enjoy some collective passion this summer — colours from Dulux are all about fun, fizz and frolics. www.dulux.ie €53.99 for 5 litres of coloured matt emulsion.