How the Billy bookcase took the world by storm

Billy Bookcase image by Faruk Ateş.
Icon: IKEA’s Billy Bookcase, the Ford Model T of flat pack furniture design. Image by Faruk Ateş.

Firstly, we at Steven Cleary Carpentry would prefer to see bespoke bookcases instead of flat pack ones. Even so, we cannot underestimate the global impact of flat pack furniture. In particular, a bookcase whose design has been virtually unchanged since 1979. We refer to IKEA’s Billy bookcase.

Continue reading “Iconic Furniture Designs: the Billy Bookcase”

How home renovation enables you to add space – and play a part in solving the Republic of Ireland’s housing shortage

Roof renovation
Image by 826A IA (via Shutterstock).

Housing is a finite resource and one that is seen as a commodity, as well as place to live. If you remember the boom and bust of the Celtic Tiger era, the fallout of which led to a lot of empty houses. Supply and demand is dependent on job prospects, transport links, and educational facilities within the locality. Last month, it was revealed by the CSO that the Republic of Ireland has 183,000 empty properties. The renovation of empty properties is seen as an answer, instead of more new build houses.

Continue reading “The Benefits of Home Renovation”

Wardrobes made to measure

wardrobe

Of our creations, there is only one that has inspired Peter Gabriel and C.S. Lewis in equal measure: the wardrobe. An imposing yet important part of your bedroom (an absolute must in our book), there is nothing worse than a badly fitted or planned wardrobe. If you get your wardrobes right, this would make for a tidier bedroom. As well as being able to find everything without fighting your way through other garments.

Continue reading “Wondrous Wardrobes: Any Way You Want”

How Stephen Cleary Carpentry’s kitchens will inspire you, whatever way you choose

Kitchens line drawing. Image by Barrirret (via Shutterstock).
Kitchens line drawing. Image by Barrirret (via Shutterstock).

What makes a good kitchen? One that is functional and easy to clean? Traditional design and the choice of electrical appliances? Or great design whatever style you choose? We at Stephen Cleary Carpentry are passionate about our kitchens. We work with our customers’ requirements and create a fitted kitchen that is easy to clean and functional, with a good choice of electrical appliances in whatever design they may choose.

Our fitted kitchens are made from high quality materials. The wood we use and the stone in our worktops come from sustainably managed sources. All of our work is guaranteed. Where required, our electrical appliances are chosen for their reliability and energy efficiency. We can work with the mightiest and the smallest of spaces. Whatever challenges we face, Stephen Cleary and his team are able to fit quarts into pint pots.

Before you choose to transform your kitchen, we will offer you a free no-obligation consultation. Once you agree to the works, we can turn your tired kitchen into one of your dream kitchens. We will negotiate a suitable time and date, then we can start work.

For further information about our fitted kitchens, why not fill our form at the bottom of this page. You may prefer to call us on 086 2448792. We shall get back to you as soon as possible.

Stephen Cleary Carpentry, 15 March 2017.

How Steven Cleary Carpentry’s extensions will add a new dimension to your home

Building Extensions Plan. Image by Drpnncpptak (via Shutterstock).
The best laid plans… We at Steven Cleary Carpentry will consider your plans for any building extensions. Image by Drpnncpptak (via Shutterstock).

After a dramatic slump, the average Dublin house price now stands at nearly €320,000. At present exchange rates, this is enough to get you on the property ladder in South East England or a modest flat in London. With house prices set to rise again, improving your existing home instead of moving can be a good option. Many households prefer to have loft conversions or extensions. We at Stephen Carey Carpentry can do both.

Continue reading “Extensions Paved With Good Intentions”

Why the Eames Chair is achingly timeless, even in 2017

There are some design icons which have aged gracefully and look the part today. Take for example British Rail’s InterCity 125 designed by Sir Kenneth Grange which entered service in 1976. Also the anglepoise lamp, again by the same fellow and used in art studios and computer desks around the world. Few examples of furniture design age gracefully. The Eames Chair is a clear exception.

Continue reading “The Eames Chair: Iconic Furniture Designs”

How Steven Cleary Carpentry can raise your raised bedding to new heights of sophistication and cutting edge design

Raised Bedding by Andriy Blokhin (via Shutterstock).
Whether in untreated or treated wood, our raised bedding will be designed to suit your garden. Image by Andriy Blokhin (via Shutterstock).

Raised bedding is a must for any modern garden. It makes for a tidy space to place your bedding plants and enhances your flower beds. It is also good for sensory gardens, vegetables, and herbs. They can form part of a seating area or decking for a neighbouring pond. We can work with new and reclaimed timber – whether treated or untreated.

Continue reading “Ravishing Raised Bedding Planters”

How attention to detail applies for smaller projects like TV units

tv-cabinetYou probably spend the best part of your life looking at the haunted fish tank after a busy day at work. Besides the usual offerings on RTE and Sky, your state-of-the-art flat screen television is where you catch up on missed programmes or watch Netflix. Since John Logie Baird invented the television set, TV units have become part and parcel of the front room for years. Continue reading “TV Units: How Small Can Be Beautiful”