IS IT surprising that someone who enjoyed inventing things as a child should end up designing, or in some cases reinventing, everyday household objects?

DESIGN trends are as fickle as fashion, so if you have everything that’s currently in-vogue and looking absolutely fabulous, it will date badly like an ’80s outfit.

WHAT little girl doesn’t love to play shop? For me it was a favourite game after Christmas to set up my store with empty chocolate boxes and biscuit tins, and left over wrapping paper.

THE design exhibition Fresh Talent is taking place at the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, bringing together recent graduates from third-level design colleges with designers who have been working for a few years.

The furniture and fittings on display at London Design Festival are so exquisite that it’s best to not bring too much money, unless you plan a specific purchase. Oh, and wear comfortable shoes.