Contemporary and classical combined

THE OWNER of 4 Thornfield wanted a drawingroom that was a mix of contemporary and classical. While it's regarded as the "good room" in the house, it doesn't stand so much on ceremony that you're afraid to sit down and kick off your shoes.

The matching table lamps (and mirrored tables) on either side of the fireplace help give the room symmetry and is typical of the classical look. Although the colours in the room are muted, the mix of luxurious textures - velvet, chenille and faux fur - lend the room a feeling of understated opulence.

The oatmeal chenille Fitzpatrick sofa costs €2,995 while the heavy Giovanna metal-based lamps with parchment shades from Florence are €1,895 each. They are positioned on Aspen mahogany tables that cost €695 each. The Constantine faux fur footstool doubles as a coffee table and costs €2,495 and the pair of Chichester chairs with an antique silver leaf finish in Romo fabric are €1,795 each. On the left hand side of the room the mirrored console tables add some glamour and are €795 each and the mirrors above them cost €495.

All of the furniture in the room came from Harriets House (01-6777077).