THE HOUSE Describe the house Every inch of space has been used to its full potential, so that even though the square footage isn't much, the place doesn't feel cramped or crowded.

What do you love about the place?

I think it's really charming. It doesn't have the light and space that people seem to love these days, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character and charm.

Did you have a lot of work to do?

I was really lucky. The person I bought the house from had already done major structural work, building up into the attic to create an upstairs with a bedroom and bathroom, so there wasn't much left for me to do at all.

What has been your biggest decorating nightmare?

I have an attic bedroom, and when I got around to decorating it, I decided to paint the floorboards white and the pine furniture a pale blue. However, as I have a spiral staircase, I couldn't get the furniture back out of the bedroom. It took me about three weeks to get the room painted as I had to keep moving everything into one section of the room while I painted another. It was really stressful at the time but I'm really pleased with the result.

Are you tidy or messy?

I'm extremely tidy. I think in a small space you have to be. If I have friends over for dinner, I have to clean everything up after they leave . . . otherwise, I can't sleep.

YOUR STYLE Describe each room in your house My kitchen is small and functional and overloaded with delph which is a passion of mine. The living area is pretty eclectic . . .

a mix of vintage and antique furniture, mixed in with some very modern pieces.

My bedroom is very girly, with white floors and a white bed, and some really pretty wallpaper. The bathroom is really small but has a lovely feature . . . a copper sink from Indonesia which I bought in Decor. Even the smallest room in the house should have a bit of character.

What is your favourite room?

I have a small office that I work from when I'm preparing classes. It has a lovely big window that takes up most of one wall, and it's a really relaxing space to work.

Favourite paint colour?

Lime white by Farrow and Ball is great. I like to have mainly plain walls so that I can introduce colour elsewhere, but this one has a tiny tinge of green which takes the harshness out of the white.

What is your favourite object?

I have a bright orange newspaper holder that I bought in Bilbao. It's quite kitsch . . . it comes in see-through orange plastic.

What design tips have you found helpful and do you have anything to pass on?

I think the best advice is to live in your space for a while before making any major decisions. Also, even if you're on a budget, don't scrimp and save on the important things. Wait until you have the money, and then get what you really want. It's worth it to be surrounded by the things you love.

Tell us about your garden? Do you use it much?

I have a small yard which runs across the back of the house. It's full of different types of flowers and lights I've picked up. I only tend to use it in the summer, but I like to sit out and listen to the bells of St Patrick's Cathedral.

SHOPPING What was your best buy?

I have a gorgeous sink from Indonesia that I bought in Decor on Wexford Street. It's a piece of copper that's been beaten into the shape of a sink.

If money were no object what would you add?

I'd love a little dining area at the back of the house made almost entirely of glass.

In a small house, a dining room can be a bit of a luxury.

What are your favourite interiors shops?

I love Decor, Avoca, Sharon Creagh in Rathgar, Interiors, Laura Ashley What is your favourite place to shop abroad?

There are some gorgeous shops in the old part of Bilbao in the north of Spain . . . you can get some lovely, unusual pieces and they don't cost a fortune. The only problem is getting them home in one piece!

Where is the best place for a bargain?

I think for both bargains and for some vintage pieces you can't beat charity shops. I have found some great little gems in charity shops around Dublin.