How we use manifesting to create our dream lives and living spaces

But right now, the only magical thinking we’re interested in is how to manifest magical Christmas decor, sparkling seasonal soirees, and whatever else is up for grabs all year round for our lives and living spaces.

Like gymnast Simone Biles and singer Dua Lipa, Cork woman Orla Ó Regan lives by the practice of manifesting. This time last year, Orla told Home how manifesting led her to create her dream life.

So how does the North Cork artist feel this week? “I am over the moon to hear manifest was the word of the year but I was surprised it took that whole year for people to catch on to it!” says Orla.

“Since last year, manifesting has continued to play a regular part in my daily life which has resulted in so many lovely things this year, both in my artistic and home life. In my home life, we have very recently signed contracts for our new home, our first home, and we are due to receive the keys very shortly."

Manifesting is "a mindset", she adds. "It's being consistent with good thoughts and putting them out to the universe. It can only result in more positivity in our own lives, and therefore in the world," says Orla.

“I have my own mantras which I repeat daily, which are positive nudges to the universe to bring me all that I am deserving of, and more.”

The former construction programme manager says: “Just a few years ago, I went to work wearing a hard hat, steel-capped boots and a high-vis vest, to oversee construction sites. This is now a distant memory.”

After being diagnosed with postnatal depression when she had her firstborn, the mother-of-two turned her “entire world upside down and created a business out of my passion for art”.

Orla credits the power of manifesting with helping her change focus.

The artist’s pièce de résistance is a porcelain star fittingly called “Manifest”. “It is a positive piece to remind ourselves that we are capable of anything through manifesting,” says the artist.

Orla, who is now well-known for her “Words in Porcelain” pieces, believes she was manifesting even before the idea went mainstream. “Once you ‘get’ it, it’s just so easy to keep doing,” says the artist.

“I think I was manifesting my creative career for a long time without even knowing — and here I am now! But I can now see and understand how I was doing it — just magical!”

Orla enrolled in the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin as a mature student in 2010, studying part-time at night, while working on construction projects at Dublin Airport during the day. “I always envisioned that I would create a career in art for myself, and so the biggest turning point to date happened in 2015 after I had my little boy, Jonah,” says Orla. 

“For two years, when Jonah was very little, I focused my energies on my art, creating the life I was always leaning towards. I am so proud to say that through this darkness, came the light!”

Relocating back to Cork from Dublin in 2015, Orla set up a studio, Orla O Visual, in the hen house on the family farm. “I feel like I am living my dream,” she says. “My daily workday involves retreating to the farm, listening to birds singing, and getting to hang out with my parents. I love what I do.”

• ‘Words in Porcelain’ by Orla O Visual is available at OrlaOVisual or Corkcraftanddesign, or the Makers’ Collective Shop, St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas, Cork Craft & Design, Douglas Court Shopping Centre

Grace Cahill: 'I believe in the power of the universe'

When the universe tries to tell you something, you listen. That’s Grace Cahill’s belief — and it’s how she manifested her business and lately, design collab with her friend Amber Clery.

The Dublin native says: “I’m very superstitious and absolutely believe in the power of the universe, time and things coming to fruition when they are meant to be.”

Two years after leaving her career in journalism behind the former fashion editor still has deadlines to meet — this time for her bespoke design and interiors service. 

She now has a slew of glitzy celeb do’s under her glamorous belt — most memorably Cruz Beckham’s 18th birthday party. “The Cruz Beckham party is up there with my favourites. It was my first job after pivoting careers so it feels sentimental for that reason,” says Grace.

Our conversation takes place as she flits between Dublin and European winter hotpots, from Salzburg to Munich. It sounds like Grace is top of the list in every soigné party planner’s little black book.

She had Marks & Spencer Grafton Street store flagship event looking festive and fabulous and ensured the glamorous Tanqueray cocktail party at Wilde at The Westbury sparkled. 

She set up a super seasonal supper in Delahunt restaurant on the capital’s Camden Street before jetting off to create indoor winter wonderlands indoors in Austria and Germany.

Two years ago, Grace was just becoming accustomed to life outside the newsroom when she got that fateful email on a Friday evening that a VIP party would be in town and wanted the Guinness Storehouse styled for an 18th birthday party by Monday. This was weeks ahead of the official launch of her bespoke company, Styled with Grace. “The brief was ‘cool and slick’,” recalls Grace.

“Honestly, when I look back now, I think it was something to do with the universe telling me something — just the way it came in: It was a Friday evening. I didn’t know who it was initially and that was kind of lovely — just six guys — and I was thinking, I can definitely turn this around.”

This winter, in what is a real bucket-list move for many creative buddies, Grace has also just teamed up with her friend, interior designer Amber Clery. Amber owns an independent Irish online home and lifestyle store Amber + Willow and the duo have produced a seasonal collection Amber + Willow x Styled with Grace, a partnership which Amber says feels “like perfect synergy”.

Although her business also merges her passion for homewares and design, Grace’s passion for interiors started in earnest when she renovated her first house, in Dublin 8, seven years ago. 

She and her partner and their daughter upsized in 2020, relocating to their current home in Cellbridge, Co Kildare, which they share with their two dogs. Grace started tablescaping while on maternity leave. “I was so bored at home. I was going mad,” she says. “I started an interiors Instagram at home and redecorated and then I started tablescaping.”

She and Amber have been friends for over a decade. “We have always admired one another’s style as we navigated our career and motherhood,” says Grace. “When I began tablescaping her block-print tablecloth became synonymous with my aesthetic and it’s not surprising that I went on to launch my website with it!”

Meanwhile, Amber’s Carlow home is full of vintage pieces and with Grace, she has curated a collection featuring warm earthy tones on handpainted ceramics, stoneware and organic linens. “Grace and I shared a passion for creating tablescapes that are not only beautiful but immersive, comfortable and a special experience for everyone at the table,” says Amber.

• Instagram: gracie_cahill, styledwithgrace,  amberandwillow