Inside Out: Five fab finds for our lives and our living spaces

Presenting these sofas, chairs and footstools in a Georgian country house meant the timeless pieces were showcased in “the perfect space”, says EZ Living Interiors creative manager Emma Murphy.

She adds Hugh, who fronts The Great House Revival on the small screen, was "the perfect fit" as an ambassador: "He personifies what Sofa Workshop is for the company; characterful, colourful, unique, timeless, with integrity and fun."

The essence of the collection is "based on classics from the past reinvented for today", adds RTÉ Home of the Year judge Hugh: "Brilliant materials, brilliant fabrics, textures and colours but also the perfect shapes for your home." 

• See ezliving-interiors.ie/sofa-workshop

Desk job

Some people shudder to see rack after rack of school uniforms blocking our view of swimsuits and shorts along the aisles as the summer holidays progress. But a friend and former colleague has always lived for August and its back-to-the-classroom vibe. She’s always used this month as an excuse to head off on a spending spree to splurge on cool stationery and desk kit.

Many years on and she’s now long since added pencil-case goodies for her kids to that seasonal shopping list — but still views the new school year in a glass (jar-of-highlighters) half-full way. 

So maybe it’s in that spirit we should all be reassessing our work environments for September. Meadows & Byrne offers plenty of inspiration via its functional and chic furniture that aims to transform any workspace into a "haven of productivity and comfort".  "Inject a bit of personality into your space with items that bring you joy," is the advice of Virginia Foley, Meadows & Byrne. 

We love the Kersley solid ashwood desk, €598, with Loona desk lamp, €119.

• See Meadowsandbyrne.com

Perches for pooches

Speaking of sprucing up our seating and dusting off our desk areas, what about revamping ravishing roosts for those fabulous four-legged family members? 

To spark ideas, we’ve been browsing online and IRL for doggie décor that will tempt busy barkers to take time out. 

At the bougie end of the market, this deluxe day bed mattress in velour by Charley Chau is softly upholstered with contrast colours to create the ideal chill zone for a curious pet to hang out and watch the world go by.

Charley Chau has been supplying canine comforts for 14 years so has form providing plush interiors for pampered pooches.

It’s constructed to stay soft over time, even after a spin in the washing machine.

One for the Santa Paws (sorry-not-sorry!) list at €100.88.

• See Charleychau

Paint and glow

Now the August train has left the station, we’re getting glimmers of the sunshine season we never really got to explore. Wouldn't you just know it? But funnily enough, that’s why Liquid Lights, Sculpted by Aimee’s collection of fluid highlighters, bronzers and blushers, is my boudoir-to-beach-bag pick this week. 

They're designed for “a dewy sun-kissed finish that’s perfect for summer” but every gorgeously glowy shade of the nine available also has a lit-from-within autumnal look.  highlighters, blushes and bronzers which give a ‘lit from within’ look.

Peachy Keen and Warm Bronze are my picks of the palette. 

Easy-to-blend, nicely pigmented and featuring skincare ingredients, Liquid Lights are priced at €21.

• See Sculptedbyaimee

Keep it lit

Who isn’t determined to squeeze as much al fresco fun as they can from what’s left of summer? Starting this bank holiday weekend. 

No matter what the weather gods decree, the barbecue’s going to be fired up, the picnic blanket will be rolled out — and nothing’s going to stand in our way when we set forth to nab every last bit of glorious razzle-dazzle for the garden, like this glam-tastic lantern from Homesense, €13.99.