THE GOTHIC-style wraparound conservatory that hugs two sides of Killiskey Lodge in Ashford (see page 3) adds style and space to the already impressive country house and improves the flow throughout the ground floor, linking to all the reception rooms and to the kitchen.
The timber-frame model was designed and fitted by Irish Conservatories (01-294 0887). Expect to pay in excess of €60,000 for something similar.
Inside it is furnished with a mix of rattan furniture with warm apricot walls laying the textural groundwork that makes this room feel like an integral part of the house. Johnstown Garden Centre (045 879 138) has a great selection of MGM rattan suites, with some styles in stock.
THE PERFECT Georgian proportions of the diningroom of Ravenswood (see page 1) allows for a dramatic wallcovering, in this case a bold Wedgwood blue patterned wallpaper that's a perfect foil for the owners' collection of antique furniture.
Try Cole & Son's Elizabethan, from a selection of archived papers with a modern twist, from Brian S Nolan (01-280 0564) for €99.93 a roll. Farrow & Ball's Silvergate is another option. A Georgian-style dining table similar to the one in Ravenswood could be picked up at auction. Generally they are sold for between €2,000 and €4,000, according to James O'Halloran of the James Adam's salesroom in Dublin (01-676 0251). The set of 10 Regency chairs would be between €3,000 and €5,000. Both appear regularly at auction.
THE SHAKER-STYLE kitchen in 10 Glenabbey Road (see page 2) has several slick ideas for open-plan home-owners to steal. This solid oak kitchen was designed and fitted by Laval Furniture from Kilcolgin (091-635 836/086 829 4277) and it makes excellent use of space. Two floor-to-ceiling presses flank the open doorway into the sunroom. The glazed doors come with internal lighting and the owner uses these to hold her crockery, glassware and other incidentals - such as mixer and microwave - all within reaching distance of the dining table.
In addition, there is a smart island on wheels so it can slide into the open space between the kitchen and the livingroom. This acts as a room divider when not in use. Expect to pay about €1,800 for something similar.
The main body of the kitchen is a simple L-shape. Expect to pay upwards of €8,500 for it.
The dining table is hinged and can double in size. It was bought in Habitat. Lomi Design (01-839 7001) has something similar in shape. The Twice table has solid oak legs and an oak veneer top, and costs €4,270.
