THE LIVINGROOM of 35 Mulgrave Street is an exercise in restrained Bohemian chic. It features a few well-chosen eclectic pieces that sit against a backdrop of mostly plain brilliant-white walls.

Like the ornate gilt reproduction mirror, the plum velvet scroll-armed three-seater from Habitat lends a touch of opulence. It can be ordered through habitat.co.uk for €1,599 (€1,720) plus shipping.

One half of the couple who own the property, Sive O’Brien, the fashion editor of Image magazine, bought the silky grey cushions in Dunnes Stores for €12 each.

The 1960s rosewood and smoked glass coffee table was bought on eBay for around €300 and shipped to Ireland for €100.

The leather chair is also vintage and the owner says lovers of funky 1950s-1970s furniture can find good value at Two Columbia Road in East London, between Brick Lane and Hackney Road (+44 20 7729 9933) and other vintage shops around that area.

Dublin’s Wildchild Originals (087 238 6143) currently has a selection of vintage leather swivel chairs which cost around €495 each.

The photograph on the far wall is of Connemara scenery and was taken by Fergus Burke and was bought in the Peppercannister Gallery (01-661 1279).