Paints on show and the mattress that makes you feel like you're floating
Hints on tints
Colortrend, the Irish paint company, has opened a new showroom in Mullingar. If buying paint has ever seemed confusing, it's worth visiting this shop. First there's the staff, then, there's the vast amount of choice (including some lovely soft heritage shades) and then there's the place itself. Paint samples are large, so it's easy to imagine what a shade will look like on your wall. They also sell home accessories such as picture frames, cushions and candles. Colortrend, 25 Lough Sheever Corporate Park, Robinstown, Mullingar, Co.Westmeath; 044-9395955; www.colortrend.ie
Sweet dreams
A good mattress can have life-changing properties and there have been great innovations in recent years. Kayfoam Woolfson, based in Dublin, has come up with a new type of mattress called Numuru. It has layers of small "nests" of memory foam and each "nest" responds to the shape of your body. Those who've bought them say it makes for a terrific night's sleep: lying on one is like floating they say. The Numuru range is at House of Fraser in Dundrum; prices start from €3,000. Also pictured is a leather armchair from Flanagan's Co Dublin; an Art Deco uplighter from Niall Mullen Antiques and chandelier from Clancy Chandeliers. The furry throw is from Bottom Drawer at Brown Thomas and the bed linen is from No 6 Castle Market.
Discount deals
Mobilia, the affordable contemporary furniture shop on Dublin's Stephen's Street, is selling off odds and ends over the next few weeks, including stock that has been on the shop floor or cancelled orders. It's a good opportunity to pick up furniture with a discount. The nature of the sale means, however, that there are limited numbers of any particular style. For example, there are eight white "Harmony" chairs with a chrome base inspired by an Eames design for €108 each; curving wall shelves for €90; and an aluminium dining table for €544. They also have some simple 50x50cm mirrors for €99. The best selection is in dining chairs that cost about €90 each - mix and match muted colours if there is not enough of any one shade. www.mobilia.ie
Style statement
Dublin has a new landmark hotel, the SAS Radisson on Golden Lane, just off South Great George's Street. It was designed by Dublin firm Anthony Reddy & Associates Architects, with interior design by Scottish company Graven Images. The reception and main bar is one flowing space with some great low-key contemporary furniture, a silvery mosaic staircase, and large dome-style lighting hung low. One of the most unique features is a sparkling Waterford Crystal Vintage Room, which shows off designs old and new. www.royal.dublin.radissonsas.com