Eoin Lyons with news and views on interiors.
STYLE COUNCIL Bargain secrets of the seriously stylish:
GO FOR GOLD Furniture restorer Emily Napier has taught gilding for more than 15 years, so you might consider taking her three-day intensive weekend course on November 12-14th. It takes place at her home-cum-guesthouse, Loughcrew, near Oldcastle, Co Meath. Napier has worked for both the National and Municipal Galleries and is sought after for the restoration of mirrors, frames and furniture. The course covers repair and all things related, such as antiquing and oil gilding. It costs €625, with full board for the three days. Think of it as a mini-break where you'll learn something into the bargain and come away with a small reminder of your achievement - a small frame, chair or whatever you choose to bring to restore. Contact Loughcrew House, Oldcastle, Co Meath, 049-8541356, www.loughcrew.com.
MOVE IT Looking for a delivery man you can rely on? We hear one of the best in Dublin is Rick O'Shea (086-2616430), who comes with high recommendation from Pia Bang. He can handle large pieces and has a reputation for reliability and care with expensive items. In Cork, Joe Murphy (086-8170151) is one man to contact for careful transport of artworks and antiques.
SHOWER SOLUTION Period houses often throw up the possibility of transforming a bedroom into a bathroom. Such was the case in the Rathmines home of property consultant Liz O'Kane of Get-sorted.com. The room she chose to turn into a family bathroom was particularly narrow and it was hard to fit in all the necessary sanitary ware. A shower over bath usually means installing the showerhead at the top of the bath, but in this case there wasn't enough wall space. The solution Liz found was a Huppe shower enclosure from Elegant John that folds flat against the bath wall, along the side of the bath. The showerhead is fitted in the middle of the wall and the shower screen folds out to create an enclosure and then folds back flat against the wall, so the bath can also be used. It's expensive - prices start at €1,400 - but is a better solution than having bath or shower, but not both. Elegant John, 01-8658010.