I have often wondered whether the ability to sniff out a bargain or spot the potential in a gnarly old chair is an innate characteristic, a learned skill or something which develops out of sheer necessity.  For some, paying full price for anything is anathema – bargai... read

Restoration Drama . . .   In any latitude with cool, damp winters, the friendliest part of the house will be near the fire.  The standard radiator lacks the magnetism to induce the languorous torpor brought on by a roaring fire.  But, in spite of their romantic appeal nowadays, w... read

Striving for the perfect bedroom is not a new phenomenon.  Even in ancient times, great care was devoted to the decoration of the bedroom and the role of the bed.  Beds were often ornate objects of exceptional beauty dressed with finely woven sheets, blankets, pillows and bolsters.&... read

Have you ever walked into a house and immediately been struck by just how ‘right’ it feels and wondered why?  Is it the use of colour and decorative effects?  Is it down to furniture or proportions of the rooms?  Or is it simply due to the happy juxtaposition of plants... read

Mary Malone used to survive in the hustle and bustle of Dublin but gave it all up for the tranquil life of rural Ireland. She tells us why Templemartin, Bandon is better for her family than Baile Atha Cliath…

&nbs... read

Design isn’t just about the way something looks, but about the way something works. Good design can be applied to everything, from streets to kitchens. It needn’t cost  extra, all it takes is a little extra thought.
Buyers usually know what they want. They know whether their ne... read

Are you selling a home? Even though home buyers are all looking for something different, there is a common thread that runs among them-- they'll usually turn around and walk back out your door if they notice one or more of these problems. If you're selling a home, make sure it's free and... read

Most of us won't live in the same house for the rest of our lives, so it makes sense to begin analysing home resale values from the very first day we set out to buy a house. Buying a home with good resale value might take a little longer, and it might take a bit more work on your part, but you&#... read

A quiet revolution has been taking place in Ireland for the last few years. It all started at a house just outside Longford Town, locally rumoured to be the residence of the king of the gypsies. A few years ago this house began to sprout a dazzling array of Christmas lights in December.
It got ... read

Top tips to selling your home in 2008


1. Remember first impressions count.  Put yourself in the shoes of the potential buyer; what is the first thing they will see on arrival at your house?  While an unmown lawn and a rubbish bin outside the front door may not seem like a ... read