"I LOVE MIXING pattern & paint"

A VIBRANT BACKDROP IS THE STARTING POINT FOR MAIREAD TO DISPLAY HER CONSTANTLY EVOLVING COLLECTION OF RETRO FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES

- ANNA TOBIN

"Open-plan is perfect for a sociable family like us"

'This space used to be three separate rooms. Now, each of the seating areas faces a different corner, creating intimate zones within one large area.

BUY THE KEY PIECES

Try Hendricks reversible corner sofa, from £1,995, Habitat. Bali bamboo pendant lights, £175, Lampsy, would work here

"We used concrete to create the peninsula"

'Our builder made a plywood frame with wooden sides, and poured concrete into it. When it dried, the planks left an imprint. The splashback tiles are in driftwood-effect porcelain."

BUY THE KEY PIECES

Try Southwold Birch porcelain tiles, £90sq m, Fired Earth. Single Belfast sink, £325, Rainbows Furniture, is a close match

"Look out for second-hand pieces to add character"

'Most of our furniture and accessories are picked up from antiques fairs, junk shops and charity shops. I am always on the lookout! Robin is a regular at the Arthur Swallow Fairs and we find quite a lot at car-boot sales, too. This casual, kooky 1950s table has a Formica top, which is very practical.'

BUY THE KEY PIECES

Try Formica desktop (available in a range of colours), £480; with hairpin legs, £132, both Ply Zen. For similar industrial-style pendants, try Brooklyn Dome pendant lights, from £99 each, Industville

"It's important to have lots of places to sit, eat and hang out"