THE DINING area of 69 Orwell Park (see page 6) showcases a very smart idea that’s easy to implement and was a favourite of early 20th century café society. It’s a wall of bevelled (and joined) mirrored panels that adds drama as well as light. This was executed by Gallery 23 in Coolmine (01-823 6876). Expect to pay about €900 for something of a similar size and design. Installation costs €170.
The interior overhaul was overseen by designer Liz La Cumber. The walnut modernist-style sideboard cost around €1,200, while the wenge, extendible oval dining table and cream upholstered chairs are about €1,600. She also designed and commissioned the overstuffed blood-red velvet seating in the drawingroom. The love seat costs €1,300 and the matching three-seater sofa is €2,400.
One of the bedrooms is a perfect example of DIY design. Originally, the room housed a walnut-framed wardrobe and matching bed from Cawley’s Furniture in Cherry Orchard (01 626 8182/626 8474).
La Cumber admired the style but not the finish and in the spirit of these hard times made them over rather than replaced them. The bed and wardrobe were painted with black satinwood paint. La Cumber then created soft vanilla silk curtains edged in black velvet to help knit the room together. These cost €1,600. The gilt sofa is from Artisan in Dublin 15 (01-864 9149) and costs €930.
Liz La Cumber charges €100 an hour for consultations. Tel 086-794 0364.
