Wish List: The best buys for your home

Faith Ryan warms up to autumn’s mellow tones with her choice of gorgeous buys for the home.

IKEA’s Skogsta collection of solid acacia wood kitchen and dining elements launches today. Inspired by the modern country kitchen there are tables, crates, butcher blocks, platters and more. Skogsta Designer Marcus Arvonen promises the same experience as the purchase of some really good shoes — made for a lifetime. Quite a promise Marcus.

Such a small but brilliant little object, Buckle, a humble tube squeezer is designed by Lorenza Bozzoli and Gabriele Chiave and part of the Objets-Bijoux collection for Alessi.

Use it to press your point in the bathroom or kitchen, €18.

Whirlpool has launched a new line in built-in appliances, including this sleek oven with black glass, aluminium body and attractive white LED surrounding the read out and dials.

The conventional oven has a Ready2Cook setting for energy saving of up to 20%. The microwave element features a ‘select and cook’ where 6th Sense technology sets the cooking time and power level to ensure expert and outstanding results. €799.99 each, Whirlpool.ie

These beautiful hand dyed yarns from the studio of Caroline and Jonny Niland in Macroom are wash-fast and carry names that speak of their honest, rustic inspiration, for example Tin Shed, Farm Gate and Turf.

Keep watch for new colours and collections on their lively Facebook page. €20.95 per skein, lifeinthelonggrass.com.

A clever little concrete shelf suspended on leather, this look could be recreated with a genuine house slate (the more mottled the better) and a very careful job with a hand drill.

Use this riven beauty to pose a plant, or small ornament, and group for even greater impact. This one is €43.44 plus a hefty P&P. Kelly Connor Design at notonthehighstreet.com.

A high, free standing, pierced screen placed in front of a low window will rake light and provide privacy.

Look out for lofty screens at auctions and second hand shops. A simple spray job with a matt, self-priming enamel paint will coat without clogging detail. Bedding by Matthew Williamson €90, cushions from €35, Debenhams.

Author, David Mitchell was on hand to open Etain Hickey’s 10th anniversary exhibition at her shop in Clonakilty, Cork.

The Cloud Atlas author is holding an Automata art piece, one of a number of creations by local artists on display at the exhibition, which runs until August 20. Pic: Gavin Browne Photography