InteriorsWhether it's choosing radiators or getting the best use out of mirrors, attention to detail is crucial when it comes to turning your home into something special, writes Eoin Lyons.
Skirting the issue
Dry Zone run by Italian Andrea Splendori is a specialist heating company that supplies an ingenious radiator disguised as a skirting board. The system has recently been installed in Shomera structures in Wicklow and Cork (see www.shomera.ie), and this is the best place to see it in use. The skirting looks convincing, but most importantly frees up wall space and means no ugly radiators. It's made from aluminium, painted white or any colour you fancy, with a narrow opening running vertically, parallel to the floor, from which heat emanates. It's easy to install because it links to an ordinary water-run radiator system, and can be connected to the underfloor pipes. I've seen it used in a home and it gives a more comfortable heat than normal radiators as the hot air is distributed more evenly. That also means it is more energy efficient as heating can be set to a lower temperature. The average cost is about €35 per metre of skirting, plus fitting and extras such as controls. Dry Zone also supplies some fun radiator towel rails (see www.sciroccoh.it). One model, shaped like a paper clip, was launched at the recent Milan Furniture Fair and costs from €590. It's available in stainless steel and in various colours.
Dry Zone, 5 Aston Quay Dublin 2, 01 4433710, www.dryzone.ie
Mirror, mirror in the hallway
Here's a nice idea for an internal, window-less hallway: a section of the wall in this Dublin apartment (top left) has been cut out and low watt lights inserted into the recess. A sheet of mirror covers the new surface. It gives ambient light and creates a feature in a room where there was none. A mirror in a hallway is, of course, also practical for last-minute checks. This is really only possible to do in new-builds as older walls could be problematic. If buying an apartment off the plans, it might be something the builder could create.
Builder who likes a challenge
Speaking of builders, getting a recommendation for a small builder who does a great job is more than a little difficult. One we hear great things about is Tommy O'Reilly. He is the builder of choice for cutting-edge architects such as Jim Lawlor and Boyd Cody. A cool young guy, his family is in the building trade and he set up his business two years ago. Contact him if you're planning something different - he doesn't take on ordinary jobs. "I like to work on extensions or new houses that are design-oriented - something that's a challenge," he says. The details and finish of his work verges on perfection. "The goal is to walk away and leave a place looking fit for a magazine shoot. All the guys on my team feel the same way about getting the finish perfect. I'm different to other builders in that I don't mind spending an extra couple of thousand to get it correct." He seems to have an excellent relationship with every client by the end of a job, which says more than anything else.
Tommy O'Reilly, 086-1290475, toreilly@sunlight.ie
A stitch in time
Judith O'Sullivan took over Roisín Cross Silks when Cross retired. There's an extraordinary collection to be seen at her Dún Laoghaire premises. Although known for supplying fabrics to dressmakers, she is now importing bolts of cloth for upholstery and curtaining. Imagine silk, crepe, chiffon and velvets in zinging, almost edible, colours. Prices are good too. "I travel to India, China and Thailand and buy direct from manufacturers - that means lower prices for the customer," says O'Sullivan. She will also recommend specialist curtain-makers who hand stitch in the old fashioned way.
Roisin Cross Silks, 22 Crofton Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, 01-2846282, www.silks.ie