This week is back-to-school time so Esther N McCarthy has picked up a few bits— big and small —to cheer us all up.

WE all do it when we visit a friend’s house for the first time. Our eyes rapidly scan the space to get our bearings, but also to see how their style matches our impression of their personalities and the expectations of their home we developed before arriving.

1. My Shop... Granny likes it

Irish women designers continue to have an impact at home and abroad, writes Carol O’Callaghan

Each week, Esther N McCarthy scouts around for interesting bits for your home.