Ask the designer

Interior designer Aisling O’Toole, [e-mail], looks at some of your living room dilemmas. Email: [e-mail]

Q I’ve been looking for an over mantle mirror to match my black slate fire place for ages — any ideas?

A. It sounds like a classic bevelled arch mirror in a black frame would suit your fireplace perfectly — like this one I found on www.mirrors.ie for €375. Go for a cast iron, marble or deep wood frame such as mahogany to complement the black slate of the hearth. Alternatively, if there is any gold or silver detail in the fireplace, you could highlight this with a gold/silver gilt mirror. For something a bit more modern, consider a round or frameless mirror. Fado Antiques in Dublin stock a large selection of antique and reproduction mirrors that you may like — see www.fado.ie. If you still can’t find one you fancy, ask Mirrored Art about a bespoke mirror — mirroredart.ie.

Q. I’m bored with my beige couch, but can’t afford a new one — what do you suggest?

A. Updating your cushions is the most cost-effective way to enliven a boring couch — whether you buy new ones or renew your old ones with snazzy fabric. Opt for oranges and reds to warm up the room or blues and greens to keep it cool. As block colour can be just as boring as beige, don’t be afraid to experiment with pattern. If the sofa back is on display, hide it with a low open book case, console table or just a throw. Finally, decorate around the couch — such as a stack of your favourite reads doubling as an end table or sleek bath cart repurposed as a minibar.

Q. How can I make my small living room feel bigger?

A. Above all, you should note that light colours will make the room look bigger and brighter while darker ones absorb the light — so go for soft creams, blues or greens. Scale furniture to the size of the room — placing larger pieces against the wall to open up the floor space. Likewise, remove any large area rugs from the room. Consider having some of the furniture the same colour as the walls and go for a couch or chairs with exposed legs, allowing light to filter through. Choose multi-function furniture such as a chest that acts as both a coffee table and DVD storage or nest of tables that can be tucked away. A mirror will help give the illusion of depth by reflecting both natural and artificial light — angle it towards a focal point for full effect.

Q. My new apartment has gorgeous hardwood floors — but should I buy a rug for the living room?

A. As the living room is a high-traffic area, it’s definitely advisable to invest in a good quality rug to protect your flooring. Wool area rugs are the most durable (and expensive) — but there’s a greater variety of synthetic ones. Depending on the size of the room, you may wish to cover the floor with a room-sized area rug which should leave around 8-inches of visible wood around the rug. Or you could use a few smaller rugs to define different areas of the room. A patterned rug can add tactile and visual interest to your living room — use it to draw the eye to your favourite furniture.