Rathgar

While the renovation and extension works appeared uncomplicated, designing and managing this project wasn’t always plain sailing. “Some things took longer than expected, such as relining the chimneys, which needed a specialist contractor,” Hoeckenreiner says. “Plus everything had to be carried through the front door, which slowed things down. It wasn’t a standard extension; everything needed to be in the right sequence and done in the right order.”It took three large pieces of granite – cut to size and carefully carried through the front door – to cover the hallway floor. The couple visited a stone yard, where they fell in love with this pale-coloured granite, which is designed for exterior use but looks perfect in their generous-sized hallway. Painting the walls in a dark shade has helped to add contrast to the pale flooring and white-painted panelling. Granite flooring, Marble and Granite. Walls painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball.

Plan a methodical makeoverWhere major work isn’t required but the whole house needs a facelift, work systematically through each room to establish the extent of the work and outlay required. Start in the hall – it typically needs more thought than you might imagine – and work logically from there. Think methodically about each room in terms of floor, walls, ceiling, lighting and furnishings. Prepare a list both of items to be purchased and building or decorative work to be done. You’re aiming to create a priced inventory of all the work to be done and items to be bought.You may find it useful to create a shopping list – with relevant dimensions – on your phone for handy reference on the go.

How wood paneling looks in white