The livingroom at 57 Wellington Road has a profusion of understated greys and off-whites with a few touches of high drama.

The walls are in a muted but stately Colortrend Mogul Mauve.

All three armchairs came from Design Associates (01-453 7767) which has its own upholstery workshop and sources furniture and accessories from all over the world. The button back arm chair (which costs around €1,600) is covered in a cotton and wool quilted fabric.

The other two antique chairs, upholstered in French linen, cost over €1,100 each.

Drama is provided by the 1930s painting of a Russian ballerina and the silk dupion vertical striped curtains made from Manhattan fabric from Design Associates at €58 a metre.

Interior designer Patricia Downey went for vertical stripes which, she says, makes the room look taller.

The oval Regency style gilt reproduction mirror, bought in England, gives warmth and colour to the room. Try the Ashgrove Group (057 86 26290) for oval antique mirrors from €550.

The fender was made by English company Acres Farm (0044 118 974 4305 ).

Irish company QBS (043 45788) has a similar one in wrought iron for €1,000-€1,200 and a traditional brass one for €2,000.