Carrerra marble is the material of the moment for countertops and splashbacks. SieMatic uses it in its BeauxArts kitchens (right), which can be seen at Houseworks in Dublin.
This classic marble with a grey vein is bright and fresh, throwing light into a kitchen rather soaking it up, as dark granites do. It looks good against units in any shade of grey or blue-green, and is stunning used as a ceiling-high splashback. The BeauxArts kitchens at Houseworks are magnificent, but start at €50,000. However, if you're getting a joiner to build you a kitchen, or you're buying from another manufacturer, using Carerra will bring something special to it. Mount Leinster Stone in Tullow, Co Carlow can supply countertops beautifully finished with soft rounded edges. The cost for a large kitchen, including island and a low splashback, is about €4,000. Carrerra technically shouldn't be used as a countertop as it is prone to staining, but it can be protected and sealed. Nevertheless, some staining will occur - you've got to think of this as adding character, and not be too precious. Houseworks (11-15 Upper Erne Street, Dublin 2, 01-6769511; www.houseworks.ie); Mount Leinster Stone (Tullow Industrial Estate, Bunclody Road, Tullow, Co Carlow, 059-9180585; www.mountleinsterstone.ie). Other sources include Artefaction (Ballymount Road Upper, Dublin 24, 01-4089702; www.artefaction.ie) and Alan Ward (087-6308078).
This decadent bath, designed by Paolo Chipiron and manufactured by Aquamass, is sheathed in iridescent glass mosaic tiles from Italy. It is available to order from Shires stockists nationwide, and costs €8,000 . . . But we love the colour, and wonder is there a way to get this effect for hundreds rather than thousands of euro?