Wish List: Seven savvy buys to spruce up your home

Mary Cate Smith picks perfect plants, sources a classic read, and perks up as she brews green caffeine potion

The Late Afternoon juicy basket.

Plant potluck

In the plant world, I have developed quite the reputation for failing and failing again. However, Beckett would have wanted me to fail better, and here I am, ready to take a new plant into my life and into my home. 

What better way to pledge my devotion than to display my little sweet pea in a gorgeous planter? 

Late Afternoon's woven pots, €125, are easy on the eyes, charming, and oh-so-cute. Shop the Juicy collection and more at Lateafternoon.co.uk.

A novel idea

Richard Gere recently read the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish's poem to a captive audience on social media. The piece is about our shared humanity, where words are powerful enough to shift perspectives on the complex issues we face. 

It's not so long ago Oscar Wilde wrote his poignant poem 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol' while incarcerated for "gross indecency"; a scathing reflection on the hypocrisy of an "equal" society that publicly condemns homosexuality. 

Peter Harrington Rare Books has a first illustrated edition with cover artwork by the incomparable Latimer Wilson for £150, which is approximately €173.27. For fans of Wilde, this is a thing of beauty — and a reminder that we are never too far from our past. Pick this up before it’s gone at Peterharrington.co.uk.

Mirror, mirror

Is it even a selfie if you’re not taking it in a wavy mirror? The homewares trend that has swept the internet adds an affordable element of playfulness and character to your bedroom or hallway. 

Reinventing the fluid forms of the 60s and 70s (my favourite design decades), this Estony mirror from Sklum, €30.95, in pink hazelnut is in my shopping cart and ready to go. Your only problem will be to pry yourself away from your glowing complexion. Call me Narcissus. Find this mirror and similar styles at Sklum.com.

Roots

Finally, I’ve found the one: the house plant that doesn’t need direct sunlight to thrive. I'm not saying I live in a lair, but there is a distinct lack of natural light in my Mayfield maison. How happy I was to find Fittonia, a nerve plant priced from just €4.70 at Verd in Cork. 

Native to Peru, this plant reduces carbon dioxide in the air, in turn, boosting the air quality. Put away the sage; this is your greener way to good vibes, and even better still, it is a well-known mood booster. Bring a little bit of the rainforest into your home with this beauty — just don't call her Audrey. Hoo-ha! Shop in-store or online at Verd.ie.

Green caffeine

Are you Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? If you say Belly, we can be friends. An equally polarising debate amongst the caffeinated: are you Camp Matcha or Camp Oat Flat White? Who knew powdered green tea would be the bougie beverage we can't get enough of this year? Not I, Brutus. 

With so many start-ups jumping on the bandwagon, knowing which brand of matcha to choose is a bit of a minefield. So, why not buy Irish? You can save yourself a fiver and shop Tae’s Complete matcha kit, €45, replete with whisk, spoon, holder, and of course a tin of matcha. Shop the full range at Taetea.ie.

Tartan tableware

Show me one other pattern that transcends generations and styles more than tartan (please don't come for me — I’ll wait. The Scottish fabric has come to represent both heritage and rebellion. While tartan has carved out a permanent space in the fashion sphere, it's certainly making its mark in the homewares circles. 

Cutlery is something we use every day, and yet we often serve our food alongside uninspired dishwasher-dull knives and forks. We love Petra Palumbo's jaunty tartan cutlery, €47.95 for a set of four. Dinner time just got interesting. Complete your tablescape with a knife or two at Petrapalumbo.com.

The need for tweed

Tweed carries with it the mark of historical significance and expert craftsmanship. The large mohair cushion, €350, from The Tweed Project is not just stitching and stuffing; it's a warm place to lay your head for those who appreciate detail and design. 

Filled with luxurious natural feathers, this mohair cushion reminds me of my favourite childhood blanket. It's still my go-to on a winter's night in my parents’ house. Made from wool woven by Molly & Sons in Donegal, this is a quiet luxury item worth investing in. Shop the collections at the Thetweedproject.com.