Wish List: Why kitten cushions are catnip and the best conversations happen over coffee
Is it possible to harbour an innate distrust of cats? I'll hold my hands up and say I was one of those people until I met two cats who carved permanent residency in my heart. That's why I was drawn to this luxurious cat pillow, from €32.77, made by Flum Manufactur. While most of the products are made for dogs, I’m reminded of those sweet kitties who loved playing and purring. How nice would it be to invest in their comfort? If your cat likes the ultimate luxury, opt for the larger style, approximately €226.05 or design your own with the bespoke option. Shop Flum-manufaktur.de.
Conversations happen over coffee: in fact, some of the best chats are fuelled by caffeine. Whether it’s catch-ups, laughs or more serious issues, there’s something about sipping a stimulating drink that sparks debate. It’s no secret that women’s health has long been underfunded and under-researched. While these discussions are happening on a granular level, they need to be discussed on a much larger scale. In an effort to open up the topic, my favourite coffee brand 3fe (available in Filter on George’s Quay and Paradise Place), has recently launched a coffee bag where proceeds go towards funding women’s health research at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street. Beautifully illustrated by Lily Nager, it’s just €10 and 100% of the proceeds go to the NMH. Available at 3fe stockists and 3fe.com.
I’m beginning to develop a resentment against my plain magnolia walls. If leopard print can be a neutral, so can sage green. Farrow & Ball’s Ball Green No 75 estate emulsion is almost fully matte, and its low-level sheen and chalky finish lend themselves perfectly to period properties.
By candlelight, this nuanced colour transforms into a come-hither silver. Under the flicker of firelight, it’s time to channel your inner Cathy Earnshaw, don’t you think? Who knew a lick of paint could add such intrigue? Pat McDonnell Paints, probably — one of the stockists of this characterful water-based emulsion. Available in store or online at Mcdonnellpaints.ie.
When I was young, there were three fruits: apples, oranges and bananas. Bananas were for soggy sandwiches on the beach, apples were for your dad to cut you slices, and oranges were for when you needed to feel like Mariposa in a Mediterranean grove instead of Dymphna in Dunnes with your trolley. Abask’s hand-painted porcelain orange box by Augarten, €280, takes trompe-l’oeil to a whole new level. Store keys, jewellery or bits and bobs in this unique vessel. Just make sure when your dad calls over, he has his glasses on. Every detail on this is hyper-realistic. Yum! Shop at Abask.com.
Last night, a notebook saved my life — true story. Journalling and making to-do lists have been transformative for me. I write down two or three goals I want to achieve for the day, and the payoff is disproportionally high when I put my pen to paper and tick it off.
Adelle Hickey’s hand-bound linen notebooks stitched from traditional Irish needlework look like a joy to write on. With all the details you’d attach to a luxury brand, this comes at a very reasonable price of €20 plus postage and packaging. Visit Adellehickey.com to purchase this Irish designer’s products.
Mealtimes can be a messy affair with smallies in tow, so a parent’s prerogative is to have a chair that’s comfortable, wipeable, and adjustable. The Baby Elegance Mash High Chair Bundle, €179.99, transforms from a newborn’s seat to a toddler up to three.
In addition to its longevity, its sleek design means it won't stand out like a sore thumb in your otherwise adult-decorated home. I love the sage green colour, available at Babyelegance.com. Easy-peasy clean-up, safety first, and airplanes galore? Yes, please.
If your interiors gag reflex can’t quite handle the 80s/90s throwbacks, turn to the 70s for interior design with real staying power. The decade of women’s marches, The Battle of the Sexes tennis match and the Farrah Fawcett flick will always be my inspiration for both fashion and interior decor.
Swedish brand Desenio has capitalised on this trend with its new Spicy Revival collection is where earthen tones of terracotta, deep browns and rustic reds reign supreme. Create a gallery wall with reasonably priced prints or warm up a nook with just one framed piece. My pick is Modern Manhattan print €13 at Desenio.ie.
I recently stumbled across the art of scentscaping — and when I say stumble, I mean spilt — an entire bottle of perfume over the carpet in my bedroom. While I still mourn the loss of that bottle, the smell when I walk into the room makes me stop to breathe in the beautiful aroma of that sweet, floral fragrance that perfectly sums up the aura of the room. Fragrance zoning defines different spaces by scent, and a perfect way to do this is with wax melts and diffusers.
Louise from Flourish Emporium in Midleton has this art down to a tee. A gorgeous gift idea is the Scent With Love subscription delivered to your doorstep for three or six months. An inner sanctum of zen or an invigorating, fresh scent — its eau so personal. Subscribe at Flourishemporium.ie.
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