Belgian company Marie's Corner has recently started to sell through Brown Thomas. It specialises in seating - sofas, armchairs and poufs - with a range of tables introduced more recently.
Its expertise in upholstery is evident in pieces such as a fantastically well-made long armchair. It's pricey at €3,800 but, as with all the furniture in this range, it is made by hand in France and each item can be altered to your taste, ie an armrest can be made higher or seat deeper. The styles are classic but more chic than traditional. It is available at Brown Thomas Dublin, Limerick and Cork. See the whole range at www.mariescorner.com.
Light relief
New pieces from French company Roche Bobois include a standard lamp with gold leaf shade, which is also available in silver leaf. It costs €1,500. Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Tel: 01-6531650; www.roche-bobois.com.
Don't worry, be happy
New to Duff Tisdall's new Goatstown showroom is this Happy chair. Made in Sweden, it's one of the most comfortable open-style chairs ever. We like it in lime green but there are many other fabrics available. It costs €1,700 but is built to last. While at the shop, ask about their new range of lush fabric wall coverings. Duff Tisdall, Taney Road, Goatstown, Co Dublin. Tel: 01-2051119
Bling sideboards
Jimmie Martin is the anagram of London-based designers Jimmie Karlsson and Martin Nihlmar. In Ireland, their fun, wacky furniture can be bought through interior designer Philippa Buckley. A graffiti sideboard is typical of the style: not for the fainthearted. It costs €2,750 but because each piece is a one-off, prices vary depending on size and finish. Clients include Kelly Osborne and Kylie Minogue. See www.studio44.ie for more.
Clock it to me
Bob & Kate's in Clane, Co Kildare sells furniture but also a large selection of inexpensive smaller items, such as a 1950s-style wooden starburst wall clock for €100. Bob & Kate's, Abbeyland's Shopping Centre, Clane, Co Kildare.
Out and about
Think of the garden and deck in the same way you would an indoor
room and choose "proper" furniture, rather than the ubiquitous
rattan look. Roda's outdoor furniture was a star attraction at
Minima's stand for the recent Interior Design 2008 show.
A sofa with cushioned seat costs €6,630. That's a lot of money, but it's a beautifully made and designed piece of furniture with extra wide sides and back that frame the sofa. It is made from teak for outdoor use but can also be ordered in oiled oak for indoor use. Minima, 8 Herbert Place, Dublin 2, tel: 01-6627894, www.minima.ie.