Interiors: Edel Morganshows how it's done

Alas, not many of us have homes with the vast proportions, 16ft ceilings and elaborate cornicing required to set off a pair of matching low-hanging chandeliers like the drawingroom of the French Embassy residence at Number 53 Ailesbury Road (see page 1) .

This fabulous pair are - you've guessed it - French, dating from around the late-19th century. Comparable antique chandeliers would cost upwards of €7,000 each according to Drums of Malahide (01-845 2819).

In most modern homes, a low hanging chandelier would be a health hazard (developers take note) but for anyone who's had it with minimalism and hankers after a touch of old world grandeur, www.renaissanceantique.com has a collection of old and reproduction chandeliers to suit any home, priced from €200 to €13,000.

The proportions of number 53 Ailesbury Road make it easier to mix patterns and colours successfully. In most homes the combination of embroidered late 19th century fauteuils (a similar pair will set you back €3,000-€5,000), the busy rug, the green three-seater wingback sofa and statement yellow curtains - not to mention the bold red and blue sofa and chairs at the far end of the room - would require shades to be worn at all times.

Not that you can't mix furniture styles and patterns in a smaller house; it can be a refreshing change to the traditional matching sofa and armchairs - just keep it to a few well-chosen pieces.

The drawingroom at number 53 is an antique-lover's dream with a French mid- 19th century mahogany tallboy beside the fireplace (worth in the region of €3,000-€5,000).

The candle sconces either side of the fireplace match the chandeliers and cost around €3,000-€4,000 per pair.

For a similar look try www.renaissanceantique.com