Rough luxe: How to blend beauty with imperfection

This interior design approach has been in the background for years, but rough luxe is now emerging as a practical trend 

An older property falling into decay can be made comfortable and welcoming with new furniture and accessories, while making a feature of old paintwork and worn floorboards (Enchanted four-seater sofa from www.dfs.ie €1,029).

So,here you are in your longed-for new home with high notions of rescuing it from clapped-out décor, or even near-dereliction, and longing to make modern perfection out of it all.

But here’s the rub: You need to live in it while developing the notions, and you’re not exactly looking forward to the lack of comfort which could go on for months while dreams take shape on paper, builders are briefed and the work is done.