HOMES

dublin detached| 25bhfor stockists go to where to buy 25bh october 2017^ |^101and ceiling roses, so we decided we wanted tobring the space back to how it had originallylooked. It was too much upheaval to live thereduring the renovations, so we rented a placenearby for three months.’After two years they planned the kitchenextension. ‘I sketched out what I wanted – a largeisland, bifold doors, underf loor heating and a light,airy feel – then we called in an architect,’ saysElaine. ‘It took five months to finish, while welived in the house – a very demanding time.’ Butthe end result was worth it: ‘I love our kitchen,because everything happens in here, from meworking at the central island to the children,Conor, Tate and Isabelle, doing their homework.’Elaine describes her decorating style as‘eclectic’. She favours natural fabrics, off-whiteshades and the odd dark wall or f loor to createdrama. ‘I wish I was more adventurous with colourand pattern, but this works well for us,’ she says.The Graingers’ house is, however, still awork in progress. ‘We want to convert the largeattic next,’ says Elaine. ‘I’d also like to changethe skirting boards, and repaint the kitchencupboards. After all, the devil is in the detail.’decorating tip‘Use shades of the same colouron walls and paintwork to keepthe same tone throughout – anddon’t be afraid of dark colours’GIRlS’ BEDROOMAn old rocking horse,bought at auction, and adoll’s house sit well withthe original cupboardsand fireplace.Find a hand-carved horse,from £500, at therocking horse Shop. tryexmouth Doll’s house’swooden toyshop, £144BATHROOMThis room has been‘aged’ by addingwooden panelling.get the panelled look withcole and Son’s LibraryFrieze wallpaper, £110 perroll, Designer wallpapers.Dulux’s Mineral Mist, £14per 2.5 litres, is a goodmatch for the wall colour``````MASTER BEDROOMOriginal stained floorboards are striking inthis bright room, and stacked paintings andpiles of books add colour to the white walls.get the look with Diamond hard matt woodwax in walnut, £16.92 per 0.75 litres, ronseal.walls painted in wevet estate emulsion,£43.50 per 2.5 litres, Farrow & ball