Eoin Lyonsshares a few pointers on cheap quality finds for your interior
Brian S. Nolan always has a sale rail on which they sell end cuts of fabric for next to nothing. They're often just two metres long, but I've got lovely pieces of very high quality fabric that I've used to make cushion covers, blinds or panelled curtains. Brian S Nolan, 102 Upper George's Street, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. 01-2800564.
Buckley's Auction House is a great place to find old furniture with character. What you see is down to good luck. Sometimes there's nothing worthwhile and other times you'll find something fantastic. There are a lot of odds and ends but they're good for old side tables or bedside lockers. Buckley's Auction House Sandycove, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. 01-2844717. Auctions are held every Thursday at 2.30pm.
I go to Dunnes Stores for household basics, particularly kitchen items. Their Simply White range of delph is brilliant - you'll get a lot for just a little money. When I'm in Spain or France, I always visit ordinary supermarkets to find fun tins for displaying in the kitchen, or useful gadgets. Supermarkets in those countries tend to sell some really nice stuff.
