The Ideal Home Show, which starts today, doesn't just have tons of exhibitors but also has elements to inspire visitors. These include DIY workshops to show you how to tackle household tasks by yourself, should times be too tight to hire a builder. There will also be a series of rooms created by interior designers to show what can be done. The designers will be on hand to answer queries.

To address our eco-concerns the show house will be environmentally- friendly. With an interior designed by Sinead Kelly, it contains sisal and bamboo wall coverings, recycled glass carpets, stone and bamboo floors, organic cottons and wood from sustainable sources.

The Ideal Homes website promises that eco-friendliness won't mean you have to light your home with candles and share baths. While we've heard of reducing carbon emissions, this website talks of "reducing carbon admissions": is that where you sit in a bath with someone admitting to all of your environmentally damaging sins?

The Top Ideal Home Show runs from today until Monday (Oct 27th) at the RDS Simmonscourt. There are free tickets for Thursday and Friday, and two-for-one offers on other days, which are available on the website (tel: 01-4055543 and www.idealhome.ie).