Design Solutions: Taking the refurbishment of an old house out of the ordinary often calls for dreaming up clever ideas. And Elayne Brennan, a graphic designer who specialises in directing lifestyle photography, has original ideas in her blood. She worked for eight years with The Conran Group in London and her own clients have included Waterford Crystal and Easons.

Her home in Donnybrook has many unusual features, but it's a subtle house and much of what is new looks as if it evolved gradually. This is the case with a doorway that opens from her livingroom to a newly-built diningroom. "When we built the extension, I wanted to be able to see right through to the garden," says Elayne. The way to do this seemed to be to turn the existing window into a doorway to the new room, incorporating glass in some way.

"We had a big door made to fit the space. I got the idea from houses in the south of France and Advanced Joinery off Henrietta Street in Dublin made it." The door is in the same style as the original window and works equally well from both sides, fitting with the traditional livingroom or the modern dining area. "I love minimal but the door keeps the character of the house," says Elayne. The original shutters can be closed over the door, completely separating the two rooms if desired.

Elayne Brennan, Creative Direction, tel 01 4971639; Advanced Joinery, tel 01 8722026