Cork Homes

Measure up

Cut down on food waste (and keep your calorie count in check!) with a handy spaghetti measure by Joseph Joseph, €8.99, Instore.ie.

Naturally brilliant

Lilly's Eco Clean products not only smell delicious and clean safely, they've also been proven effective against all bacteria test strains (E. coli, S. aureus, E. Faecium and P. aeruginosa) at both 100% and 10% concentrations in Bioscience Research Institute tests. We love the Lemongrass Degreaser and the Orange Oil Floor Cleaner, available from SuperValu and the Quay Co-Op.

Sofa, so good

The Casa Mila Cuddler Sofa’s shape is inspired by Gaudi’s elegant architectural wonders in Barcelona. This stylish sofa is €1249 from DFS, City Gate, Mahon Point.

Neat ideas

Ever wonder how some people can cook an entire meal and still end up with a spotless kitchen? Clever cooks clean as they go. Here's how;

Keep your sink filled with warm, soapy water. Every time you finish using something, simply dunk it, dry it and put it on a clean tea towel to dry.

Wipe up every spill, splash and crumb as it happens to avoid having to clean one huge mess when...

Wrap your home in comforting colour

According to the colour experts at Dulux Ireland, the colour of the year for 2013 is Indigo Night, a deep blue associated with wisdom and honesty.

Like the dreamy Irish coastal landscapes, this colour gives us a sense of tranquility and stability, which is very restful. According to Louise Smith, Dulux Colour Consultant, “Indigo Night is far from about ‘the blues’....

Learn how to create a patio salad garden

Learn how to create a window box or patio salad garden on Tuesday, March 5th when Kitty Scully hosts her talk 'Spring Into Action' at the South Parish Community Centre. The event is organised by Cork Grow it Yourself. Admission is free and new members are welcome.

Blooming gorgeous

The evenings are getting longer, and here at Cork Homes HQ, we're eager to embrace spring in all its colourful glory. Plant early bloomers like hyacinth, tulips or marigolds in these Katherine flower pots, €29.95, Boulevard Interiors, Donnybrook Hill, Douglas. Call 021 4898268 for details.

Fresh fabrics

Team your greens with a gorgeous new season print for a show-stopping effect. We love the Linden range of fabrics, from €18 per metre at The Drapery Shop, No. 2 Emmet Place, Cork. Call 021 4271877 for more information.

Verdant scents

VOYA’s brand new Oh So Scented Reed Organic Lime and French Basil Diffuser fills the room with a refreshing citrus aroma. Zesty notes of organic lime, mandarin and lemon blended with crisp herbal French basil and warm, spicy cloves and patchouli create the ultimate feel-good scent, making your living room smell like a luxury spa. VOYA Oh So Scented Reed Diffuser is €40 from Healthy...

Branch out

Leaf through the pages of this beautifully-illustrated book to experience the leafy dens created by professional architects and unknown craftsmen alike - all built to effortlessly meld breathtaking design and childhood fantasy.

Tree Houses: Fairytale Castles In The Air by Philip Jodidio, Patrick Hruby is available from Taschen.com.

Green shoots

Colour forecasters Pantone have announced emerald green as their Colour of the Year for 2013. Rock the trend at home for a fresh take on spring style

1 - Lucky Charms Wallpaper in Georgian Green, Barnaby Gates, €98 per roll at Garrendennylane.com

2 - AGA Oven, The Aga Shop, Lapps Quay, Cork, 021 493 73 20

3 - Carolyn Donnelly eclectic Bird Wall Hook, €10, Dunnes...

Flipping brilliant

Pancake Tuesday is on February 12th, make sure you're prepared with our pick of the best accessories...

1 Jamie Oliver 24cm 'Lemon Squeezy' frying pan, now €21 (was €42), Debenhams

2 Cotton Gingham Apron, €12.50, Debenhams

3 Lekue Citrus Spray top, €16, Brown Thomas

Gourmet combinations

Nutella and banana, add...

Subtle sophistication at The Drapery Shop

The new Prestigious Textile 2013 collections have landed at The Drapery Shop. Clover is a complete concept in upholstery-weight weaves comprising seven designs which are as at home in coordinated groups as they are when used as standalone statement-makers. Colour stories are subtle yet sophisticated across twill stripes and chevrons, stylised damasks and embroideries. Fabric from €18 per...

Three of the best: vases