Wish List: Seven super ideas to enjoy our lives and living spaces

Home Editor Eve Kelliher checks out designs and experiences to add fun to our home and leisure time

Sat, 13 Jul, 2024 - 08:39

Eve Kelliher

Sitting pretty

The playful living trend gives an Alice in Wonderland vibe to just about any nook or cranny in the house — and good for us, no wriggling down rabbit holes is required.

Sophie Robinson, the renowned designer who has devised a vibrant collection for DFS, is all about banishing beige (that’s if you want to get away from neutrals, as she explained to me when she was in Dublin this year. And of course, if you love all things cream or taupe, then happy days! As Sophie herself says: "I'm not coming after you!").

But for those of us who want maximalism and technicolour experimentation in our living spaces — Sophie’s sofas, armchairs, footstools and cushions inject a dose of what she describes as “joyful but considered eccentricity”. The Pashley accent chair here is €1,429, and cushions are €55 each.

See DFS

Italian job

I think everyone has a fantasy idea of transforming our bathroom into the ultimate spa-throom. All right, maybe we don’t all get to wash the day away in a set-up like this one, pictured, but we can always dream, can’t we? The lovely luxe look is from Gessi, the Italian brand that’s revolutionised the world of private wellness.

Gessi has just partnered with leading Irish provider of luxury bathrooms and tiles Versatile. Located in Navan Co Meath, Versatile’s state-of-the art showroom is haven of the latest exclusive offerings of bathroom, wellness, sanitaryware and tiling solutions, including Gessi’s Inverso, Ventaglio, Venti20, Anello, Origini, Habito and Ingranaggio ranges.

Check out the Gessi range of sensor taps — designed to provide convenience and hygiene. These taps come with adjustable flow rates and automatic shut-off mechanisms, helping to reduce water consumption and minimise wastage, on average saving up to nine litres of water each time you wash your hands.

The items in the photograph here are from the Inverso collection, with prices starting from €495 plus VAT for a deck-mounted chrome tap.

See Versatile

Teatime treat

Want to make a mood board that's out of this world? Take a spin down to five-star Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Co Kerry, for the ultimate luxury afternoon tea in a setting that will inspire you.

Sheen Falls Lodge takes pride in its commitment to locally sourced ingredients, collaborating closely with suppliers such as Star Seafoods, St Tola Goat Cheese, Forest Farm Free Range Eggs, and Lorge Chocolatier to ensure quality fare. The afternoon tea service is available from 1.30pm-3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday, offering guests a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a memorable experience.

There's nothing quite like it as you feast while feasting your eyes on the scenery outside complete with the waterfall from which the venue takes its name. Prices start at €49 for traditional afternoon tea, with options to include a glass of prosecco or Duval Leroy Champagne for an elevated experience. For families, a new junior afternoon tea menu is also available.

See SheenFallsLodge

Throwing shapes

We adore this annual outdoor display that lets the imagination take a wander on the wild side. The garden sculpture exhibition in the Victorian Sunken Gardens at The Montenotte in Cork is held in association with The Kildare Gallery and runs until mid-August.

It features contemporary garden sculptures by leading Irish and international artists. This year’s theme is Take Your Imagination on a Journey of Wonder and the exhibition is open daily from 10am. Pink Scenic Route is the name of this piece by artist Ayelet Lalor and it’s €2,800.

See TheMontenotteHotel

Perfect plant

Don't judge us serial plant killers. While we try to do better, we’re eyeing this little faux number from Homesense. It’s zero-maintenance and priced at €12.99.

Garden to beach

It's a staple for our beach bag, garden bag, makeup bag, boudoir shelf and bathroom shelf — daily, year-round sun protection, that is. Image Skincare’s iconic suncare line was relaunched this year with advanced SPF.

The Daily Prevention Ultra Defense Moisturiser SPF 50, €63.50, is a silky hydrating sunscreen that seamlessly blends to an airweight finish on the skin. Its fast-absorbing, ultra-comfortable formula makes it perfect for daily wear, outdoor activities, and the demands of an active lifestyle.

See Imageskincare

Shell style

Inspired by the silhouettes of shells, Athena’s sculptural scallop-edged chandelier is handwoven from natural rattan.

Suspended from an antique brass chain, its warm honey-coloured shade comprises four large opal globe bulb covers for a softly diffused, upwards glow — perfect for hanging over a seating area, dining table or staircase. Neptune’s Athena Chandelier, priced at €595.