The colour scheme of 41 Grove Park, the home of Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, is mostly sedate creams and understated off-whites. Apart, that is, from the screaming red Aga which demands centre stage in the kitchen.

The vibrant red oven gives the room a definite focal point and means the owners can't be accused of playing it entirely safe. The Aga shop in Dún Laoghaire (01 6636166/www.aga.ie) says that most people tend to go for safer colours like pewter, black, cream, classic Racing Green and more daring signature colours: Pillar Box Red, Pistachio and Wedgewood are the preserve of those who want to make a bold statement.

Three-oven oil Agas start at €11,455, the gas ones start at €11,195 and electric are from €12,700. Agas in signature colours come at a premium of €950 and the Aga shop says aubergine is currently the most popular in that range, with pistachio being the least.