Like the look of this week's houses? Fiona Tyrell shows how it's done.
If you're thinking of redecorating your holiday home, why not take some inspiration from the stylish fit-out at the Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. A predominantly stone and beige interior was given a lift with a chic turquoise L-shaped couch.
The couch is from ID Design Xinaris in Cyprus (00357 25731122) and its costs €1,880. For something similar a little closer to home, try Living in Dublin 2 (01 6751898) or Bray (01 2828905).
Called the Berlin chaise unit, it is available in many colours, including a striking turquoise. Price €1,295.
L-shaped couches or chaise units from Living give the same amount as seating as two sofas but use much less space. They can also be used to define different zones in a room.
Fire regulations prevented the owners of Fortfield Terrace from placing a fireplace along a long wall, so they had to opt for a small wood-burning stove in a tight corner.
This extremely tidy stove called The Squirrel came to the rescue. Made by a long-established Danish company, Moroso, the small but perfectly formed stove measures just 546mm by 388mm. It costs €1,082 at Fenton Fires in Greystones (01 2874310). You will pay €1,217 for a clean heat model which has a clever mechanism that reduces the level of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
One of the most popular cast-iron stoves made by the Scandinavian company, it has an output of 4.6 kilowatts and gives off enough heat to keep the livingroom and adjoining kitchen toasty warm, according to the current owner.
Designed along the core principles of feng shui using organic paint, the home office in Taliesin in Portlaoise features four alcoves in different colours representing the elements.
Green represents the east and the energy of a seed germinating. Blue represents the north and symbolises water. Red Is the south and represents fire and midday. The west Is symbolised by white and gold and Is linked to autumn.
Organic paint from German manufacture Auro was purchased from Klee Paper on North Circular Road, Dublin 7 (01 8383544).
The breathable paints made from natural ingredients and plant mineral pigments are designed with allergy sufferers in mind. The ingredient list includes beeswax, essential oils and chalk. A 10l tin of emulsion wall paint costs €77; expect to pay around €12 for a 0.25l tin of pigment.
