Having worked in interior design for 14 years before (she now runs her own company, Boisse Design) Riceal had already built up a considerable portfolio. With plans to start a family also part of the equation . . . the couple now have a 14-month old daughter . . . she says it was ideal for them at the time because they fitted that classic profile of the young professionals moving up to a decent-sized home with more space.

"I knew we were going to start a family and we wanted somewhere with a garden, and possibly room to extend if necessary, so this house was ideal.

Also, having worked for so long in interior design meant I had built up a considerable scrap book full of ideas - many of which could be realised in this house.

"I tried to follow my own advice in doing everything slowly as opposed to rushing out and buying the first things I saw. One of the areas of the house in which we really invested are the floors: we put down a solid, Brazilian walnut floor in the hall, while the kitchen has polished porcelain tiles. I love a contemporary look but, at the same time, like to blend that with a few key antique pieces, so this was a good place to put those ideas into action."

Situated minutes from all amenities such as schools, shops and restaurants, the development at Torcaill also benefits from good transport links to Dublin by bus and DART. The house's proximity to the coastline also adds appreciably to its appeal.

In addition, the corner site offers the potential to extend (subject to planning permission) to either the rear or the side, while the extensive rear garden has high walls and pillars dressed by mature climbers.

To the front is a long drive with parking space for two cars, and a neat lawn bordered by mature shrubs. Near the house is a green park area.

Inside, accommodation comprises an entrance hall, living room, three bedrooms (all with built-in wardrobes and with master room ensuite), guest wc, kitchen-cumdiningroom, and main bathroom with bath and power shower.

There was 110 sq m (1,184 sq ft) to play around with, yet Riceal wanted to enhance the sense of space.

In the living room, the norm of built- in bookshelves or storage units in the alcoves either side of the limestone fireplace has been forsaken for fullheight mirrors that really maximise the light and a sense of space.

Similar reflection is at work in the hall, again with double height mirrors at the back of the staircase which serve to flow sunlight back down to the entrance and landing.

In terms of colour, it's all very muted and subtle, such as in the dining room where one wall is painted in charcoal grey contrasted with rich cream.

"Grey is a big fashion colour just now, yet I try not to follow trends as they can date. Having said that, a nice French grey looks good just about anywhere. In the dining room, we decided just to go for strong colour on one wall to provide a contrast."

The couple are now on the move to a bigger house again, with Riceal already planning the look of their next home Price: 625,000 Agent: Gunne 01 - 807 9700 Boisse Design interior design service, 086 168 4846