BARGAIN HUNTER: Happy birthday Formica! The 100-year-old brand has enjoyed a long life imitating wood grain and stone. It's "a no-nonsense, absolutely reliable kind of material," Abbott Miller, who has designed four patterns to celebrate the centenary, told the New York Times.

Formica, has also launched a magnetic range and an innovative outdoor cladding collection called Vivix that comes in more than 60 colour options. It can be customised to any design, as seen in the smart tabletops at the Mexican cantina 777 on South Great George’s Street in Dublin. The laminated chair pictured is another way to work in its crazy colours.

For stockists call 01-872 4322. For inspiring ideas see formica.com.