THE OWNER of 10 Longford Terrace (see new to the market section) says his painter asked him three times if he really wanted to go ahead with the dramatic royal blue walls in the sittingroom which he admits took "a bit of courage".
The result is light years away from bland and boring. The Regency-styled room is mostly used as an evening room and the owner describes it as an atmospheric space by candlelight. The carved Italian Regency sofa at the far end of the room was recovered in the same red silk brocade as the curtains. According to Renaissance Antiques Regency (01 8873809), sofas can cost anywhere between €800 and €5,000 depending on their condition and quality. A really fine example will cost upwards of €5,000.
The curtains are by Gerry Owens Designs (086 2534701) for curtains, pelmets and lining. The cost: €1,100-€1,200, excluding curtain fabric. The red was incorporated to cheer the room up because the owner reckoned darker furniture would make it too sombre.
An offcut of red silk fabric sleeve on the chain attachment of the light fitting mimics Victorian style and can cover a multitude if the wiring is less than aesthetically pleasing.
You can't have high voltage glamour and not have a gilt overmantel mirror. This one is circa 1840. A similar one would set you back around €2,500-€3,500, according to Renaissance Antiques.
The artwork is hung from a brass rail, inspired by a trip to a gallery. The pole is secured with two brackets and pictures are suspended on brass chains. This means there's no drilling holes, or touch up paint jobs and it's easy to change paintings.
