But underneath all that old tat, there is well-designed space for living. That's according to young designer and unabashed modernist Maria MacVeigh, who's currently living in one of Dublin's landmark '70s' apartment blocks in Dublin 2.

The Sunday Tribune's reaction on walking into her bright, spacious home, is, she explains, testament to the appeal of the interiors' architecture of the period . . . "both of you walked straight over to the floor-to-ceiling windows and admired the light and the view . . . you don't get that reaction in an '80s' or '90s' building."

Having returned to Dublin two years ago, after a nineyear sojourn in Barcelona . . .where she worked as a senior designer and project manager with architect Francesc Rife on a number of commercial and residential projects . . .

Maria decided that home would have to be located somewhere with a strong '70s' layout . . . a desire that is not accidental.

"I've always lived in a '70s' building, even though I know they don't always get a particularly positive press here.

It's a look that's more common on the continent and while I know that a lot of Irish architects favour it, developers don't. Which is a pity, because there is so much that's positive.

"Seventies' buildings tend to have vast windows, the joinery is finer and the architectural elements form a strong part of the decor. I love the amount of space that you have to play around with.

Rooms tend to be rectangular-shaped, which makes them easier to lay out in terms of arranging furniture."

Maria's strong, un-cluttered and functional approach to design has seen her build up an impressive client portfolio since her return to live and work in Dublin. Private commissions have included designing the new home of fashion PR Sonia Reynolds and Barry Lyons, while she also walked off with the interior design category 2005 award from the Institute of Designers in Ireland for her commercial project for the A/Wear buying office.

"What I did there was to open up the space and transform what was originally a huge room filled with the buyers' clothes-hanging rails into a more streamlined area with a long run of separate alcoved rails backed by glass.

"The approach that I take generally is that I design spaces that work as a backdrop, a space for the client to live and work in. Probably the most important thing for me is that the client knows and likes my work. As far as possible, I like to use a range of colours and materials that form a language that is both specific to a project but specific to my style too.

"There is a big difference between design and decoration and I feel that here, compared to Europe, we are still a bit behind when it comes to an understanding of that difference. There's a feeling that the designer needs to be all things to all men, rather than having a style that is very specific to them. Whatever the project, I like to be very handson. I love getting stuck in to the actual work, so much so that it is something of a hobby."

With her apartment, Maria's hands-on approach was to paint the entire space white and change the flooring to soft cork tiles. Although it's rented, she's a strong believer in making any living space tailored to fit, regardless of whether you own it or not. It's your home, she argues, and you can do so much for so little.

"The kitchen here is small and I wanted to get it functional from the start, so I brought back a simple IKEA design from the UK. I spent around 800 in total, creating really thick open shelves for storage underneath a very plain grey counter top. It's the opposite of the big classic kitchen elsewhere, but the small space means everything is close to hand."

There are old favourites in the apartment which Maria has taken from each move, such as the two wicker chairs, again from IKEA. The Eileen Gray 1,027 table was a present from her architect father.

"When you are renting, there are still ways to make the place yours. On the continent, because you know your contract is for five years, you invest in things. If you break down what you spend, it will really be very little in terms of the enjoyment you'll get out of it and of course there are the 'instant character' things you can take with you such as light fittings, framed prints and so on. You should try to have your place the way you like and the sensation that you are really living there, that it's not some anonymous place."

As well as a strong '70s' style, Maria also hankers towards an eastern simplicity.

"Japanese homes are quite uncluttered, and there, they plan limited spaces very well.

With the vast windows in this apartment and the view of the Wicklow mountains beyond, I often liken it to something oriental. The Sugar Loaf in the distance becomes my own private little Mount Fuji."