Eau de Nil on the walls with a white ceiling above the dado rail contrasts well with the modern, neon pink, Joseph sofas from Habitat (01-677 1433). The velvet down-filled cushions create a luxe lounge atmosphere that works well with the room's other elements.

Sadly, the neon pink colourway has been discontinued. On offer instead is an oily blue, poster red or cool grey alternatives that will also work well in both contemporary and period settings. The couch comes in two sizes, a compact one-and-a-half seater, at ¤1,800, or the three-seater pictured, at ¤2,400. It is also available in a selection of linen coverings.

The walls are decorated with an art collection that spans different eras and styles. The owners' mix works really well. It includes a portrait of the owner by now deceased local hero, Derek Hill. The Glebe Gallery showcases the artist's collection (074 91 37071). Entry is ¤2.90.

The Rococo Revival gilt over-mantle mirror was bought in a flea market in Brighton. Foyle Antiques (048-71-267626) in Derry city has some Regency-style pieces, from about ¤500 upwards. Elsewhere in the house the owners enlisted the talents of US-based fresco artist Larry Coulter, who is a some time resident of Ramelton. He created a trompe d'oeuil on the staircase and can be contacted through the Ramelton's Ross Fine Art Gallery on the Mall (074 91 52554).

Indeed the gallery also has a couple of Derek Hill pieces for sale. These include a portrait of a gentleman, quite a big piece, for ¤14,500 but owner Janet Ross says she's open to offers.

The pair of small landscapes, form the centrepiece of her current exhibition. Price ¤17,500 for both. The kitchen has a bold colour combination of cadmium yellow walls with Kelly green accents in the chairs and pots and pans. Try Dulux's Delhi Bazaar tones for a similar strength of shade.

A dresser-style set of shelving, built into the corner of the kitchen brings an additional, traditional touch. It's a unique, country chic idea that should be easy to steal, as long as you employ the right carpenter. James Hanrahan is a skilled craftsman who created interior elements for both Avoca and Fallon and Byrne (086 886 6299). Something similar will cost from ¤500.

The Sligo home of artist Nick Miller (see page 4) was a blank canvas when the owners bought it. Their mix of salvage chic finds has given the property a new lease of life. In the old-fashioned sun room the deal roof has been hand-limed by the artist to keep it from yellowing. The dining table was found by the artist in the rain, outside a now defunct second-hand shop in Sligo. Try Louis Doherty Antiques (071-91-69494) who have a selection of oak kitchen-style dining tables. Prices start from ¤2,285.

The property also acts as a gallery for some of his work with the chalet showcasing some of his oil paintings, which can be bought through the Rubicon Gallery (01-670 8055). A utilitarian-style rocking chair is a family heirloom. They're difficult to come by and the best place to start your search is on eBay.

The red chenille armchair was purchased from Keith Taylor Furniture (071-91- 65690). Similar styles start from ¤199. A splash of Dulux's Delft blue maintains the kitchen's country look.

The exterior of the Bunker (see page 8) is a mix of concrete and cedar cladding. A splash of redbrick-coloured paint helps soften the overall effect of the design and was one of the many user-friendly suggestions made by architect Ian Black (041-980-1853). The cladding pictured is set in a horizontal rather than the more traditional vertical fashion and this helps add to the property's strong style lines.

Despite its name, this is a bright house, except for the wine room, a bunker-like space built under the stairs. It's a real sign of the times and offers oneophiles the opportunity to house up to 1,500 bottles in a suitable environment. The diningroom features a swish dining table, made from solid sheesham, an Indian hardwood, which was purchased from Diamond Living (01-450 8443) for ¤1,020.

The interior of the new detached houses at The Forge (see page 8) in Athgarvan, Co Kildare features a welcome departure from the very linear showhouse designs that are on view in most new housing developments.

Designed by Elaine Mackenzie-Smith of La Touche furnishings in Kilcullen (045-482619), the diningroom is a wealth of soft furnishings. The walls and curtains are both by Zoffany. The Crivelli wallpaper costs ¤91 a roll while the green-gold velvet in the curtains is ¤118 per metre.

The centrepiece is the reproduction Marina mahogany round table, ¤2,125, which has a glass top. The matching dining chairs cost ¤225 each. Also worth a mention is the refectory-style solid-walnut table in the breakfastroom. It costs ¤1,462 and seats six people. It comes with matching benches, at ¤715 each.

In the master bedroom a mahogany sleigh bed sets a classic scene. It costs ¤1,800 while the three-seater sofas in the lounge cost ¤3,095 each.