Wood-effect tiles
This parquet effect flooring is made of porcelain not wood and works really well when used with underfloor heating. It is available from the Italian Tile and Stone Studio (01-492 4891 tiles.ie), 56 Terenure Road North, Terenure, Dublin 6W and the design interlocks to fit the pattern pictured.
Normally €120 per sq m, it is reduced by 15 per cent, making the Moorish style, Adamant (pictured above) €102. Irish Times readers who present today’s column can get a further 5 per cent off and any other wood-effect tiles. Prices start from €25psm. Offer ends November 30th.
Secure that view
Fairco Windows and Doors (01-8165080 fairco.ie), has introduced a new uPVC design into its window collection that the company says is burglar-proof. They can withstand double the physical force required to break them open and have hinges that are 10 times stronger than standard issue. There are more than 100 styles to choose from in 17 finishes. Pictured is a Georgian-style in a white wood grain look, 120cm by 160cm that normally retails for €1,445. Fairco is offering it and all its new high-security windows less 35 per cent, making this one €940. This offer ends December 31st.
Cosy up to some basket cases
Nothing says cosy quite like an open fire or a stove. And what's nicer than a set of two wicker baskets for logs. When in use you can put one of these baskets from Dublin-based online shop Quickcrop (01-5240884 quickcrop.ie) beside the fire and keep the other in a dry place within the home reducing the number of times you have to venture out for fuel. The set, large 46cm by 53cm and small 40cm square, normally cost €98.50. Readers who key in the code ITBH14 when buying can have them for €88.65, a saving of 10 per cent. Delivery nationwide is €3.95. Offer ends November 13th.
The perfect fit
A rug will amp up the cosy factor in homes with boards or tiles. This hand-tufted wool one comes in two sizes; 170 cm by 240cm, normally €1,218, and 200cm by 300cm, normally €1,722. It is in the Gan range at Lomi (01-8397001 lomi.ie), Baldoyle Industrial Estate, D13. Present today's column to buy for €1,035 or €1,464, or any other design in the Gan collection less 15 per cent. Offer ends November 30th.
Trending . . . box of Daz anyone?
Artist Damien Hirst's latest work is a cabinet of curiosities, a collaboration with Deyrolle, the house of taxidermy and natural science in Paris whose previous artistic associations include Salvador Dali. From household cleaning products to skulls and butterflies poised mid-flight, the objects reference Hirst's own body of work and items from Deyrolle's extensive menagerie. Each of the 50 lots was sold through online auction house Paddle8 (paddle8.com).
Prices were eye-watering. A mounted pack of Daz, which sells on Tesco.ie for €3.75 cost €5,500 when it comes with Hirst's signature. But as an idea it should inspire you to have fun creating your own cabinet with items meaningful to you and your household.
Three of the best . . . moustache musts
The moustache is a central theme of Movember's (movember.ie) awareness fundraising campaign for prostate and testicular cancers. Here are three visual aids to remind you to donate to this very good cause. This powder-coated decorative light, 61cm long, could be the love child of Tom Selleck and Ron Burgundy. Made by Australian label Two Girls and a Container (http://iti.ms/1t1SoaT) it costs about €243, ex delivery. Anonymous (087-0963350) of 72 Francis Street, Dublin 8, can custom make something similar.
This moustache-shaped cork board features a luxuriant handlebar style that is ample enough to take all kinds of messages, reminders, shopping and to-do lists, bills, tickets, mementos and photographs. It makes for an eye-catching feature on any wall, door or appliance and comes with a sticky strip attached for easy application to any clean surface. This one costs about €15.50 from UK-based The Gift Oasis (0044-845463 9981 thegiftoasis.com).
Cooks who like to make home-made preserves, relishes, jams and pickles will love these manly moustache chalk board sticker labels, about €5.10, for a pack of 12 from UK-based Ginger Ray (0044-8456802975 gingerray.co.uk). You could also used them as name tags on books or folders, party bag labels, envelope seals, place cards and even glasses at a party.
