One road back from the canal, St Kevin’s Road is in the heart of Portobello, a quiet road lined with terraces of Victorian redbrick houses. The owner of number 33, Tim Mudie, bought over 20 years ago when he was working in advertising – the house was a short stroll to his office and it was the location and the proportions of the bright rooms with their high ceilings and period features that first appealed.

Mudie is now a full-time artist, and his colourful, striking work hangs on most walls in the two-bedroom house. It’s not usually like this, he says, a little sheepishly: a friend who helped get the house ready for sale suggested it, and the effect of so many vivid pieces is to help create a warm, stylish home. There are two reception rooms, and two double bedrooms, the larger runs the width of the house to the front and has its original marble fireplace.

Skill and vision

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A major selling point – apart from the location – is the cool, modern rear extension designed by award-winning architects ODOS. It’s a perfect example of the skill and vision an architect can bring to a relatively small job and make a massive difference to a house.

In 2007 Mudie commissioned the firm to rework the kitchen in the small two-storey return to the rear. ODOS completely reimagined the return – upstairs creating a new bathroom with a floor to ceiling frameless window glazed with orange glass – an inspired choice that gives privacy to the space but also makes it look like a warm, glowing lightbox at night.

Downstairs the return was extended to create a good sized dining area and kitchen fitted with sleek custom built units. Two floor-to-ceiling frameless windows add to the minimalist feel of this perfectly modern space. The small patio garden – with pedestrian access to the rear – could be improved with some greenery. The front door – topped with a fanlight – opens directly on to the street. Parking is on-street.

33 St Kevin’s Road is for sale through Felicity Fox seeking €705,000.