Must haves

IN THE BAG

As anyone who is weary of knocking over stacks of flowerpots will tell you, using a bag for planting is a genius idea. This Large Plant Bag (€45 from harveynorman.ie) comes in retro colours with more than a nod to Orla Kiely in the 1970s style print.

AT THE RACES

Retired greyhounds make excellent pets. They make lovely designs too. Hound-owners will jump at this elegant printed doormat from Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic, which costs €20 from dunnesstores.com. Remember to wipe your paws.

MARSUPIAL MAGIC

Abigail Ahern has done it again with a new batch of flock-covered animal lamps for Debenhams. Love them or hate them, you have to hand it to her for consistent design madness. This koala lamp in teal costs €143 from debenhams.ie.

RAVE ON

How about a piece of art that you can sit on? Based on an abstract fluid painting by Louise Mead, this cushion comes in three different sizes (from 11 to 21 inches) and prices start at €22 from louisemead.co.uk. One of them is probably enough.

PATH TO FREEDOM

These atmospheric landscape paintings by artist Sorca O’Farrell will fit in anywhere. You’ll find them in Sligo’s Hamilton Gallery until September 30. Prices range from €900 for large framed pieces to €180 for small wooden panels (hamiltongallery.ie).