Eoin Lyons on ways to keep kids- and hence their parents - happy in their bedrooms
HANG IT ALL
Padded hangers are the latest offering from Triple Star, the children's clothing and accessories company set up a few years ago by Paula Flynn (former vice-president of Baby Gap) and Sheila Rasmussen (interior and textile designer). As with everything the pair produce, inspiration for the prints came from playful vintage graphics of the 1930s to 1950s. They have a nice, handcrafted look and cost €19.95 for three, from Jane Carroll's shop at 62a Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin (open 10.30am-5pm, Wed- Sat) and at Avoca, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2. Order online at www.triplestar.com.
MICKEY, PHONE HOME
Catherine Butler found a plastic Mickey Mouse phone (she has Snoopy, too) in Los Angeles while on a buying trip for her vintage jewellery shop, Rhinestones. So there they sit, somewhat incongruously, above 1930s necklaces and 1960s Lucite bangles, waiting for a home. Made in 1976, they need to be modified before they can work in Ireland, and would probably benefit from a bit of TLC too. They've got a price tag of €350 each, but I think they're so worth it. Rhinestones, 18 Andrews Street, Dublin 2, 01-6790759.
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
Cushions from a new mail order company called Childhood cost about €30 each (the price drops if you order more than three). The website suggests you use them in front of regular pillows on your child's bed to spell out his or her name. The bed linen on offer from Childhood is geared towards the style-conscious parent, but seems equally attractive to kids. Bed sets with silhouettes of helicopters and planes in army colours for boys, and lines of ballet dancers for girls are popular choices. Also see the colourful stripy rugs and cool height charts. www.childhoodinteriors.co.uk