Look at this colourful Ballinacurra house with rose-tinted glasses

WHEN we were rich and sophisticated (or at least thought we were) Irish house decor went all pale and creamy neutral, minimalist and, dare to say it, a bit bland and boring.

But, in a recession, there’s nothing like a blast of colour to give a welcome jolt of life to the senses and bring a bit of comfort home. Enter 40 Rosehill West.

The owners know their business, and the colour spectrum too. A working couple, Michelle O’Neill is a paint colour consultant at O’Connell’s paint shop in Carrigaline, while her husband Sean has a flooring business at the upper end of the market.