Interior decorator Helen Brudenell's house in Co Wexford has been furnished with a careful mix of antiques, salvage materials, and modern pieces, giving it a comfortable, timeless feel. Brudenell replaced existing fireplaces with antique limestone ones she bought in a salvage yard in the UK.

Fireplace specialist Livingstone in Dún Laoghaire (01-280 1266) has similar fireplaces in traditional designs. Try the Victoria classic, which fits a standard sized opening, made from Turkish limestone. It costs €1,550 plus VAT, including insert and hearth in slate or granite. The price also includes fitting.

Further up the price scale is the range of the Portuguese limestone fireplaces made by Chesney. The Burlington model is hand cut, with simple detailing, and costs €4,300.

Brudenell did much of her antiquing in the south of France - particularly in l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a town with dozens of antiques shops and regular markets, about a 30-minute drive from Avignon in Provence.