25-04-2025
Wish List: Eight cool home buys to rock the colour purple
Mug shot
From lilac to lavender, the colour purple conjures ideas of nobility, abundance, and magic. Care to disagree? What about Donatello, the gentle, smart teenage turtle? Or Tinky Winky, the 10-foot-tall icon who may or may not have inspired the 'man bag' movement?
Pantone purple, however, hits different, and the Copenhagen Design handmade china mug from Croghan lifestyle store in Wexford is my next guilt-free payday purchase.
Nothing excites me more than a really good cup of tea: is it an art, a science, a bit of both? Who cares? It's time for my next cup of Barry's. Find your favourite colour at Croghan.
Dopamine draping
While Dutch couple Woes and Pia Weinberg were grieving the tragic loss of their twin daughter, they channelled their energies into a passion project that became Maison Deux.
Its mission was simple: to create environmentally friendly, well-made textiles that would spark joy. The cosy Chill Pill throw, €165, a lush lilac jacquard woven rug made from 100% New Zealand wool, is the proof and the pudding.
Do I want to envelope myself in an inky cloak while drowning in my own melancholia? Sometimes — but I am not the Prince of Denmark. This biodegradable blanket, certified with the Woolmark and Oeko-Tex label, brightens up my mood just by looking at it — perhaps I've stumbled upon a natural mood-booster? Shop this and other colourways and styles on Maisondeux.
Garden glow-up
Entering Søstrene Grene is at your own risk. Affordable prices for bits you never knew you needed? The shop is quite simply a crafter's dream.
Dare I say it — it's finally warm enough to dine outside. Never underestimate the power of an eye-catching tablescape — it can detract from even the limpest cucumber sandwich. We're pairing these candles, €5.98, in-store at Sostrene Grene with daisies, whimsical glassware, and pitchers in a palette of lilac, white and lemon.
Insider's tip: The Roughty Foodie in the English Market sells the most exquisite floral bouquets at affordable prices.
Fine print
Ruffled, crimped or shaggy — am I talking about my hair in the 90s or the details of my new favourite flower? You decide. The petals of the purple poppy are delightful — wait — is this what old age looks like?
Apparently, I care about the bees now, too. No gallery wall is complete without a floral print, and Madelen Möllard's Purple Poppies fine art giclée print, created exclusively for The Poster Club, brings an instant injection of pep to any space. Shop at the Theposterclub.
It bottle
For those of us who like the idea of the Stanley bottle but get the ick when it comes to the reusable straw, there's Lund London's Skittle bottle. It could quite easily masquerade as a sculpture on your office desk, but it's not just a pretty face. I can't tell you how many times I have bought cheaper water bottles only for them to leak in my gym bag.
This vibrant vessel is leakproof with an airtight screw-on seal and insulated to keep your drink cool for 24 hours or warm for 12 hours.
I still don't know what BPAs or phthalates are, but I also don't know what a tracker mortgage is, and I know I don't want any of those things. Lucky, then, this stylish bottle has none of the above. You can buy yours at Stock Design shop or online at Stockdesign.
Sweet seat
Marshmallows transport me back to the summer of my J1, listening to a floppy-fringed Iowan named Chad playing Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls or munching on the burnt pink and white fluffy sweets, watching 'Midsomer Murders' with my mam and dad.
Rose & Grey's lilac marshmallow side table, approximately €153.83, is a dreamy way to bring to life those memories. Style an artistic vignette by perching your most pretentious coffee table book atop, accompanied by a dreamy scent — my favourite is The Doyle Collection's signature Donegal turf candle, €55, at Order your table at
Cool cup
More and more reports are emerging about the exorbitantly high percentage of microplastics in baby products from select retailers — and not just the cheaper ones. So, isn't it more important than ever to ensure our smallies are consuming from products that are free from the nasty stuff? From pacifiers to feeding and bathcare, Mushie's products are eco-conscious and non-toxic. The silicone snack cup, €14.99, is ideal for bringing to the park or the seaside and is available from independent Meath business
Extended cover
Oozing with coquettish charm, the countrycore aesthetic of Laura Ashley has enduring appeal. Years after the Welsh designer built her fashion/lifestyle empire, her influence has attracted collaborations with cutting-edge fashion brands like Batsheva, Rag & Bone and Barbour.
Often thought of as the supporting actor to the suite of furniture, a statement rug can really tie a room together. The Laura Ashley Wendling hand-tufted floral rug, €699, in heather purple from Rugs is no wilting wallflower; this is the main event.
