WHEN TIMES are tough people resort to making their own entertainment, says Richard McClean who says sales of baby grand and upright pianos – such as this one in Bay Hill (see page 4) – are up on last year. Customers at Richard Pianos in Portadown (048 3835 0412/0044 780 235 8095) include Jools Holland, Leonard Bernstien and Corr sisters Sharon and Andrea. The black gloss Yamaha baby grand pictured costs between €6,790 and €7,922.
Nudes and blush colours have created a new mood in fashion’s landscape and it’s a chic way to update your interior. This house has a table in wrought iron, a material that’s in vogue as designers rediscover local craftspeople. Created by Cronin’s Forge in Durrus, west Cork (027 61114) the Ballet table costs €1,650 and the chairs are €400 each. The collection is also available in softer finishes such as bronze, verdigris and silver. Cronin’s enjoys a celebrity following too. Graham Norton has some of their forgework in his nearby home and rugby hero Ronan O’Gara has some of their occasional tables. Cronin’s has commissioned Lorraine Brennan to create a lighting range for them.
