Wish List: Eight top buys to dial up the sunshine this winter
Was Homer a real person? Possibly. Scholars aren’t sure. Even though he has been credited as being the author of both The Iliad and The Odyssey. Was it he who first described olive oil as ‘liquid honey?’ Short of time travel being invented, we’ll likely never know.
Either way, we do know that olive oil was used by both the Phoenicians and ancient Egyptians and we can assume that they appreciated it as much as we do today.
Because it’s so precious and so pure, it’s nice to contain it in beautiful vessels. Colourful, deftly designed ones in particular. Like these ceramic olive oil pourers, with a metal pouring spout to prevent drips; €23.05 from The Blue Door.
Love and support are part and parcel of everyday life in most homes. So too is the mother’s instinct to help heal her young in their time of need or vulnerability.
Through his work, the artist Salvatore of Lucan explores home, identity and relationships. In this limited-edition print of just 30, the Zurich Portrait Prize-winning artist captures his mother’s love, when she, a practitioner of sound and Reiki healing, works to heal him.
The enchanting piece is something that could only enhance any space. Salvatore of Lucan, Me Ma Healing Me, by Salvatore of Lucan, €200, from the National Gallery of Ireland.
For the times when we want a cupboard that’s not only functional but — wow! — this one from Ethnicraft’s Anders collection ticks all the boxes.
The solid black frame on a tempered, grey glass surface, creates a striking twist on traditional cabinetry.
The three roomy shelves provide ample space for storage and display purposes. Available in two sizes, the cupboard can be matched with other items from the Anders collection. From €1,719 from Pod Furniture Ireland and JellyBean, Cork.
As one of the earliest forms of time-keeping devices, sundials are fascinating things. In our fast-paced lives, it isn’t often we pause to notice the position of the shadow of something lit by the sun. But maybe we should and maybe you will. To get started, you might position a sundial in your garden. This cast iron one’s great, and will do an enhanced job if it’s fixed to the top of a stone pedestal. It’s €24.99 from The Garden Shop.
With winter’s arrival, garden flowers are growing scarce in the ground. It’s wonderful then to display a handcrafted wreath on your door — its garlands brimming with nature’s breathtaking beauty. This one, which is moss-based rather than floral, is a firm favourite. Its delightful scents of orange, cinnamon, eucalyptus and pine, a fragrant band of understated elegance. From €50 at Daisy Chain, Kinsale, Co Cork.
There’s something about the feeling of a pure wool carpet that signifies the warmth and comfort of home. There’s also the reassurance that its natural properties will bring comfort and snugness without the addition of iffy chemical substances. This Kelp runner is extra special, having been handcrafted with wool by master craftspeople. The quality is in the detail and in the end product. A work of art, which has been created to last. From €1,500 per square metre at Connemara Carpets.
The history of horses in Ireland dates back to the Irish Iron Age. Right now, it’s estimated that there are approximately 180,000 of these wondrous animals in Ireland.
For horse lovers everywhere, this Monti horse statue will be a delight to behold. Sculpted from bronze and standing 60cm in height and close to the same in width, it showcases the grace and power of these formidable creatures. It’s priced at €915 from Sutherland Interiors.
Everywhere we look there’s smartness these days. Smart tech is our cultural norm. It’s ensconced in this multimedia mirrored cabinet. This one can be controlled by your smartphone, or via its own sleek remote control, to play your favourite streaming platforms at the touch of a button.
While it’s smart, it’s not yet smart enough to tell us what’s inside the cupboard. But it will play your music through its wireless speaker and because it supports Google Assistant you can control the device with voice commands to learn your day’s appointments, the traffic, weather or whatever. LED illuminated L55 Sarah mirror cabinet. It’s €945 from from Artforma.
