ONE OF the most striking features of Tig Mhuire, a Sandycove, Co Dublin house designed by architect Michael Scott for his sisters, is a steel staircase. A similar style of steel structure staircase with timber treads and handrail, horizontal infill bars and circular steel uprights would be delivered to site in two or three separate pieces, says Paul McDonagh of Longford Architectural.

Expect to pay from €12,000-€14,000 for something similar from Longford Architectural Metalworks (043 46195). McNally Joinery (01 843 3022) is another good source of steel staircases.

Elsewhere a small pine bench is painted a dove blue. The owners bought theirs from Strawbridge. A granite fireplace that once was in the house was recycled by the present owner to create a garden plinth for a stone planter as well as a seat.