EVERYONE’S GONE home-made home crazy, thanks in part to the recession. Lissadonna (see page 7) is a traditional Irish long house that oozes cheap chic charm. The kitchen’s painted units started off life as Georgian shutters bought by the owners at auction from John Dunphy of Sixmilebridge (061 369533). They cost €360 to buy.
The owners had a carpenter from McArthur and Associates in Birr, Co Offaly (087 298 7350) build them into kitchen units. These they topped with slick grey Corian.
The island was built to match. Any good kitchen company can do similar. What makes this one stand out from the crowd is the old pine countertop that was supplied by their carpenter.
The chair with the barley sugar arms and legs is another antique. So too is the French sideboard. Try Minnie Peters (01 293 3919) who can source pieces similar in style.
Mixing old and new really adds texture and personality to a room. The secret is to start trawling auction houses and second-hand stores for pieces that have potential and finding somewhere to keep them until you need them.
