| How do I choose a good-quality sofa? | | | | light is piped down) to where you need the lighting, and |
| I want a sofa that I'll be able to keep for years. What | | | | then cap with the finishing lens fitting. |
| should I look for? | | | | Be warned: colour changing lighting can be more disco |
| Hardwood frames that are glued and screwed in | | | | than spa if not done professionally, so sticking with |
| place are the most hardwearing. Quality sofas have | | | | static colours is recommended. The positioning and the |
| individual coil springs; mid-price versions use zigzag | | | | installation still need to be well considered and |
| springs; and budget ones have webbing. Washable, | | | | competently carried out, so don't rush into fitting this |
| loose covers are good for families, and close-woven | | | | type of lighting just on a whim. |
| covers are durable. But to check if it's well-made, | | | | Good-quality fibre optic kits can be bought online for |
| simply sit on it! | | | | around £400 through Unlimited Light. |
| How do I make old floorboards look good? | | | | Can coloured lighting be installed in a bathroom floor, |
| Sand them with a specialist machine, starting with | | | | and is it safe to do so? |
| medium-grade abrasive paper, then going over it again | | | | I've seen a picture of a bathroom with coloured lighting |
| with a fine-grade one. Give the floor three coats of | | | | in the floor, which I'm interested in recreating at home. |
| varnish, sanding lightly by hand between coats. | | | | Do you know of a supplier, and is this lighting really |
| Which blinds are best in lofts? | | | | safe for the bathroom, as I have a very inquisitive two |
| I've just had my loft converted and need to get some | | | | year old? |
| blinds for the windows. Is there an alternative to plain | | | | I imagine you saw fibre optic lights rather than halogen, |
| roller blinds? | | | | which, although they run on a safer low voltage, get |
| You'll need blinds in your loft as the light will be very | | | | very hot. Fibre optics are perfectly safe for wet areas |
| strong and will wake you up early in the morning in the | | | | like bathrooms and also outdoors, because the actual |
| summer. If you're after something a bit different, | | | | light source can be housed out of harm's reach, many |
| pleated blinds have a soft, pretty effect and diffuse | | | | metres away. All that's required is to route the |
| light, while traditional roller blinds will help prevent light | | | | fibre-optic ropes (which are just like a tube that the |
| reflecting on computer and TV screens. Blackout | | | | light is piped down) to where you need the lighting, and |
| versions are worth considering - they fit into channels | | | | then cap with the finishing lens fitting. |
| at the sides of the window to stop light getting in | | | | Be warned: colour changing lighting can be more disco |
| around the edges - they're perfect for light sleepers. | | | | than spa if not done professionally, so sticking with |
| Venetian blinds are another option, allowing you to tilt | | | | static colours is recommended. The positioning and the |
| the blinds as well as open and close them for | | | | installation still need to be well considered and |
| maximum flexibility. | | | | competently carried out, so don't rush into fitting this |
| How do I try out paint colours without ruining my walls? | | | | type of lighting just on a whim. |
| I can never decide which paint looks best in my room | | | | Good-quality fibre optic kits can be bought online for |
| before I buy, and I don't really want to put patches of | | | | around £400 through Unlimited Light. |
| colour all over my walls for weeks. Is there a simpler | | | | How can we display our photos and children's |
| way that will help me choose the right colour for my | | | | pictures? |
| room? | | | | We've got lots of our sons' school and nursery |
| Instead of painting tester pots directly onto the walls, | | | | pictures and we've been searching for a way to |
| use them to paint a large sheet cut from lining paper. | | | | display them. We did see a solution in a magazine, |
| The lining paper can then be easily moved around so | | | | which was almost like a washing line - a suspended |
| you can try it on different walls, without spoiling the | | | | wire you could peg pictures to. Do you have any |
| look of your room. | | | | ideas? |
| Can I use bold wallpaper in a small room? | | | | Yes, the 'washing line' idea is probably the most simple |
| My bedroom is tiny but I want to use a bold-patterned | | | | way to clip up pictures. Just hang a wire or string |
| wallpaper. Nice or nasty? | | | | between wall hooks and attach the pictures with |
| Nice! A big pattern will have an impact in a small room, | | | | wooden clothes pegs which can be painted any colour |
| but use it on just one wall. Choose the colour of the | | | | you like. Another idea is to designate a 'graffiti wall' |
| wallpaper carefully - brights will make a small room | | | | space to display art, painting picture areas and frames, |
| feel smaller, and soft colour contrasts in the paper | | | | which can then be filled up. You could also paper a |
| create a sense of space. Balance the overall effect | | | | wall in the now classic wallpaper 'Frames' by Chris |
| by picking plain colours, subtle textures or small motifs | | | | Taylor and Craig Wood for Graham & Brown |
| for other furnishings. | | | | (0800 328 8452). |
| How do I create a relaxing lighting scheme? | | | | Is there a company that stocks Japanese soak-in |
| I'm fed up with only having an overhead light, as it | | | | baths in the UK? |
| doesn't make the room look very welcoming. How can | | | | We are about to start designing our first flat. The |
| I make it more relaxing? | | | | bathroom is very small and we would love to have a |
| Recessed ceiling-mounted spotlights or a pendant light | | | | Japanese soak-in bath to enable us to have a shower |
| will give you good overall light, but if that's your only | | | | as well. We have looked through lots of UK websites, |
| source, the lighting can feel harsh. Soften the overall | | | | but nobody seems to have what we're after. Any |
| effect by adding a table lamp next to your sofa and a | | | | ideas? |
| floor lamp or reading light near your armchair. You | | | | What you're looking for is sometimes referred to as a |
| should be aiming for around two to three separate light | | | | Roman bath and many people in the UK are interested |
| sources for an average-sized room to create pools of | | | | in sourcing these. Unfortunately, although they are |
| light where you need them. | | | | common elsewhere in the world, we've not yet found |
| What's the best layout for a formal living room? | | | | anyone who imports them to the UK. Your best option |
| The kids have left home so I want to create a more | | | | may be to have one specially made up. Eros2 can |
| formal living room. What's the best way to lay out it | | | | produce bespoke granite and marble/resin shower |
| out? | | | | trays in a range of colours, so you'll be able to have |
| If you want a formal room, whatever your style, the | | | | something unique tailored to fit your requirements |
| one rule is symmetry! Arrange furniture symmetrically | | | | exactly. |
| and you'll give your room the grown-up look you're | | | | Can we use stainless steel as a splashback on a |
| after. If you have plenty of space, move your sofa so | | | | curved wall? |
| it's facing two identical armchairs or an identical sofa. | | | | We are planning to refit our kitchen soon and would |
| You can also use tricks like adding a pair of side tables | | | | like to use stainless steel as a splashback. The |
| with matching lamps, or arranging a set of four prints in | | | | problem is that the walls are very curvy and the oven |
| matching frames on the wall. If you don't have the | | | | sits in an alcove that's quite rounded. Where can we |
| space for all of these different elements, choose | | | | get sheet metal made to fit this complicated wall? |
| smaller pieces such as carver chairs instead of | | | | It sounds as if you're setting yourself a rather difficult |
| upholstered versions. Then just arrange them around a | | | | task with a surface that's as complex as this. Sheet |
| focal point - whether it's a fireplace, window or a | | | | stainless steel is easily fabricated for flat surfaces and |
| coffee table. | | | | simple rolled curves, but anything more demanding than |
| What good-value curtains work with sash windows? | | | | this and you could end up with messy welds, folds and |
| I've got high ceilings and beautiful sash windows - but a | | | | seams that would ruin the whole look. Your best |
| tight budget. How should I dress them? | | | | solution when working with curved surfaces is to go |
| An elegant Roman blind will give a clean and simple | | | | for mosaic tiles, and there's a stunning range of metallic |
| finish to your room. Or, if you prefer curtains, don't think | | | | tiles called Metallismo produced by SICIS. The tiles are |
| that having high ceilings means you can't get away | | | | rust- and scratch-resistant, are available in both gold |
| with ready-mades. Sash windows look great with | | | | and silver, and there's even a unique mixed range in |
| floor-length curtains, so choose the longest pair you | | | | various mosaic shapes. So, rather than have a fairly |
| can find. If they come up short, add a contrasting 'hem' | | | | uninspiring run of plain stainless steel splashback, you |
| to the bottom of the curtains for an elegant look. You | | | | could create something really breathtaking. |
| don't even need to be a dab hand with a sewing | | | | Can you suggest a light fitting to complement our dark, |
| machine as you can simply iron on some Vilene Extra | | | | richly decorated living room? |
| Strong Wundaweb (£1.99 for 3m, for a quick fix. | | | | We'd love some advice on a suitable hanging shade |
| How do I revamp my interior doors? | | | | for our living room. The area is panelled and has |
| I want to revamp my interior doors. I've sanded them | | | | dark-wood flooring, plus we have deep reds, greys |
| down and chosen the paint, but I've heard there's a | | | | and brass fittings within the colour scheme. We want |
| special way to do the job - can you explain? | | | | the space to keep its dark, smoking-room look, and |
| Preparation is key. Wipe the door with a damp cloth to | | | | need a light fitting that would complement this. |
| get rid of dust, then leave to dry. To paint, wedge the | | | | If you want to preserve the 'gentleman's club' feel of |
| door open, remove the handle and fittings and slide a | | | | the room, then I'd suggest not choosing a bright shade, |
| dustsheet underneath. If it's a panelled door, paint the | | | | but one that conceals light. It needs to have a definite |
| mouldings around each of the recessed panels using | | | | air of grandeur and solidity, so no wispy lighting |
| an eggshell or gloss paint, then paint the panels, | | | | features here. CTO's Apollonaire range would be |
| working from the top downwards. Paint the horizontal | | | | perfect. It has an elegant embassy-look black cotton |
| cross rails starting at the top and working down, then | | | | shade with a fabulous hidden gold interior. |
| paint the vertical centre rail and two side rails. Finally, | | | | Can you help me find a product that provides natural |
| paint the door's side edges. A second coat is usually | | | | light in a dark room? |
| needed after the first has dried. When completely dry, | | | | I'm searching for a product I know is available, but |
| pain the doorframe and surrounding architrave. If it's a | | | | whenever I ask at local builders' merchants, they look |
| plain door, imagine a vertical line down the centre, and | | | | at me as if I'm talking a different language. The product |
| horizontal lines running across, dividing it into eight or 10 | | | | is a cylindrical tube that has a mirrored internal surface |
| squares. Paint the top left, then top right, working down. | | | | and a clear tile cover to the top and the base. It's used |
| To paint a glazed door, stick masking tape around the | | | | to provide natural light in a dark internal space. would |
| edge of the panes to protect them. Then start by | | | | also assume it can be extended to allow for variations |
| painting the mouldings as you would a regular panelled | | | | in depths between roof and ceiling covers. |
| door. | | | | The product you're looking for is called a sun pipe. It's |
| What's the easiest way to use pattern? | | | | basically a very highly polished/mirrored tube with a |
| I'm really keen on using plain colours in my home, but I'd | | | | lens on top that collects light and funnels it down the |
| also love to introduce a block of pattern to update my | | | | tube. |
| style. What's the easiest way for a pattern novice to | | | | Is it safe to adapt Ikea shelving units? |
| get started? | | | | We have an Ikea shelving system in our study that my |
| Start small, limiting yourself to a few accessories such | | | | husband wants to 'adapt' to fit a disparate collection of |
| as a cushion or a lamp shade with a bold design. The | | | | hi-fi equipment. Is it OK to cut and add to shelving like |
| easiest design to work with is one that has a white or | | | | this, or will we end up with something unsafe and |
| cream background and a simple motif. Pick any | | | | unusable? |
| patterns you want to use in just one colour, so you | | | | Adapting Ikea products is not for the faint-hearted. |
| can add to the scheme as your confidence grows | | | | Because of the materials Ikea uses, you may end up |
| and you'll know that everything will always work | | | | with messy edges and you could lose some of the |
| together. | | | | structure's rigidity. It may be worth getting a joiner to |
| How can I divide up a long, narrow room? | | | | make it up 18mm MDF instead, or check out the range |
| I have a long, narrow living room - what's the best way | | | | of adapted Billy shelves at Ding3000. |
| to divide up the space, without doing any building | | | | Is it possible to dye or stain laminate flooring to match |
| work? | | | | existing flooring? |
| A long narrow room can feel quite daunting, so it's best | | | | My son's south London flat was mainly laid with a |
| to divide it up into two 'zones'. You might have a living | | | | laminate floor when he bought it. The long hallways |
| zone and a dining zone, or a relaxation zone with the | | | | was carpeted, however, so he replaced it wit ha |
| television, plus a quieter area for working. Use a sofa | | | | laminate. Unfortunately, it's a much lighter shade than |
| or open bookcase as a divider and you'll be left with | | | | the existing flooring. Is it possible to dye or stain |
| two much more manageable room shapes. Use the | | | | laminate flooring to match and, if so, where could I |
| structure of the room to decide what function would | | | | source such a product? |
| suit each area. For example, a focal point such as a | | | | Not a chance! Laminate is actually a paper photoprint |
| fireplace is ideal for building a living area around, while | | | | coated with resin and, because of its resistant |
| the space by the window is great for a dining table or | | | | properties, you'll have no luck tinting it. If you want to |
| mini home office. Don't worry if there's no obvious | | | | change the colour, your only option is to go for a new |
| focal point - if you use the area for entertaining, make | | | | floor. It's possible to lay a new one on top of the |
| your sofa the centre of attention. | | | | existing floor, but you may then have to re-set the |
| What sort of carpets are suitable for hallways? | | | | skirting boards and cut the bottom of the doors to the |
| I've been told I need a heavy-duty carpet for my hall | | | | higher floor level. However, as laminate is a poor |
| and landing, but i don't know exactly what I should be | | | | imitation of wood and you can now get the real thing |
| looking for. Can you help? | | | | for a good price, why not replace it entirely? |
| A carpet that's labelled 'Heavy Domestic' or 'Extra | | | | Engineered wood boards are slices of real wood |
| Heavy Domestic' should be able to cope with the high | | | | sandwiched with insulation that absorbs noise. They |
| traffic of busy areas such as a hall and landing. To be | | | | can also be sanded in the future. Kahrs does |
| certain the carpet has been rigorously tested, look for | | | | engineered boards from £16 per sq m. Or visit |
| the Carpet Foundation Quality Mark. A carpet | | | | Wickes, which sell solid pine flooring for less than |
| containing around 80% wool and 20% nylon is more | | | | £15 per sq m. |
| resilient and less prone to flattening than other types, | | | | Where can I get a modern turned wood table without |
| as nylon fibres are extremely hard wearing. Don't stint | | | | a designer price tag? |
| on underlay, as a good-quality version will prolong the | | | | I've seen a gorgeous red table that's made by Zanotta |
| life of the carpet even more. | | | | with a turned wood stem. It's out of my price range, |
| What curtains work best against radiators? | | | | but I'd love something similar. Any ideas where to look? |
| My radiator is under my window, but I don't like short | | | | The Zanotta table you mean is the Doris by Dominique |
| curtains. What are my options? | | | | Mathieu. This season there's turned detail on lots of |
| Teaming narrow dress curtains with a blind is a good | | | | pieces of designer furniture, so you shouldn't have to |
| solution. Dress curtains are narrower than standard | | | | look too far to get something close to what you have |
| curtains and aren't designed to draw across the | | | | in mind. For starters, Habitat does the Spin table by |
| window, so they won't prevent you enjoying the heat | | | | Alex Dreyer, £499, which is nice and sleek, but |
| from the radiator, but they'll still give you the look you | | | | not red unfortunately. If you really want that colour, |
| want. | | | | then another option is to buy an antique piece and |
| Is there a knack to matching up patterned wallpaper? | | | | paint it in RAL3003, which you can get mixed up in |
| I'm having a go at putting up wallpaper for the first time. | | | | Dulux paint. Now is a very good time to buy, as prices |
| Is there a knack to matching up patterns? | | | | have tumbled. And don't be put off by things that aren't |
| If the room has a focal point such as a fireplace, start | | | | exactly what you are looking for; a lot of antique |
| papering here; otherwise, start from a window. When | | | | furniture can easily be updated wit ha splash of colour |
| measuring the first wallpaper length, make sure a | | | | or new upholstery, so get down to your local auction |
| whole motif will be at the top of the wall, then allow an | | | | room. |
| extra 5cm on the top and bottom, which you'll trim off | | | | I need inspiration to help create a Fifties-style diner |
| later. If the wallpaper has a straight pattern repeat, the | | | | kitchen. |
| motifs will line up horizontally across the wall, and you | | | | I'm looking to get some inspiration and help to design a |
| need to cut each length starting at the same point in | | | | Fifties-style kitchen-diner. I don't have a lot of space, |
| the design. If the design is offset, the motifs line up | | | | but I'm happy to take on board any ideas. |
| diagonally, so each length needs to be moved up or | | | | In the Fifties, Italian cafés in London featured |
| down to allow for this. Once you've hung the first | | | | great materials, like strongly patterned Formicas, |
| length against a plumb line on the wall, you can slide | | | | chrome trims, sharp angles,expressive typefaces and |
| the second length into position for a perfect match, or | | | | coherent interiors that were expertly detailed.. |
| pull it away and reposition it. | | | | The glass in my Forties dining-room-divied needs |
| Does blue paint have to look cold? | | | | replacing. Where can I get similar glass? |
| I want to paint my bedroom blue, but it's north-facing. | | | | I'm trying to find a special patterned glass for a Forties |
| Will it look too cold? | | | | dining-room divider. The divider is made from teak and |
| Blue needn't be a cold colour if you pick the right shade | | | | has long, vertical panels of glass with bumped stripes , |
| and balance it with some warmer tones. A sky blue | | | | which look like a lens. Unfortunately, one of the three |
| will look cheerful, and can be warmed up with cream | | | | panels is badly damaged and our local glazier has told |
| paintwork and peachy-toned highlights. Alternatively, | | | | us we are unlikely to find anything like it. Can you help? |
| pick out a blue paint that's close to violet and has a | | | | I think you're describing 'reeded' glass. It's not common |
| pinky tone. You can then accessorise with a pink, floral | | | | and you may find that modern versions have thinner |
| bedspread or curtains for a warmer look. In a north | | | | reeds than older glass, which tends to be more |
| facing room, the blue shades to avoid are those that | | | | pronounced. Pearsons Glass has a few designs with |
| seem dull or have a grey tinge. | | | | reeding up to 8mm wide which costs around |
| Can you help us locate a stunning feature radiator? | | | | £45 per sq m. |
| We are having an awful lot of difficulty finding a | | | | Where can I get set of large curtains dyed? |
| feature radiator for the living room. To be honest, we | | | | I've inherited a set of large (8ft drop) cotton curtains |
| haven't been impressed by any of the the 'Art' | | | | with swags and cords. The overall size and shape is |
| radiators we've seen so far so thought we'd ask for | | | | perfect for where I'm going to use them, but the colour |
| expert advice instead. The wall dimensions are 4ft x | | | | is all wrong. I've searched for someone to dye them to |
| 13ft. | | | | a more usable colour, but no one can do this size of |
| There's been a huge push recently to turn radiators | | | | curtain, and I wonder if you know anyone that could |
| into sculptural pieces that can hang on the wall rather | | | | help me. |
| than being utility elements designed to blend into the | | | | Unfortunately, there are very few options in London |
| home. Some are good, some are tragic , but they all | | | | (surely a gap in the market here! ), but Chalfont Ltd |
| cost a small fortune. Several of the most impressive | | | | (020 7935 7316) in Baker Street can help you. Expect |
| are made by Caleido, who have produced a number | | | | a turnaround of about five weeks and be aware that |
| of highly textural variations, such as their great Honey, | | | | Chalfont only dyes natural fabrics, not synthetics. |
| Skin and Air models. | | | | I want to change my light switches, but the recesses |
| Where can I find curtain poles with the 'Wow' factor? | | | | are too shallow. What should I do? |
| I've inherited a beautiful swagged curtain in a fantastic | | | | I live in a Thirties mansion block and recently wanted to |
| gold and black silk fabric. I'm planning on having it in the | | | | replace all the light switches with dimmers. When I |
| bedroom, but wanted to source some curtain poles | | | | removed one of the switches, the recess behind it |
| and fittings that will keep the wow factor. We don't | | | | was too shallow to contain the modern dimmer. Are |
| have much on offer in my area and the DIY stores' | | | | there shallower switches or will I have to get all the |
| offerings are a little twee. Do you have any | | | | recesses made deeper? |
| suggestions? | | | | Most standard fittings are relatively thick unless you go |
| Fabricant designs and produces just the sort of fittings | | | | for more complex electronic sensor switches, which |
| you're after, well detailed and individual. What's more it | | | | we wouldn't recommend in your case. Any electrical |
| has a superb range of finishes to choose from | | | | work needs to be undertaken and certified by a |
| (gunmetal is a favourite). The traditional finials and | | | | qualified person (this is all to do with the Part P building |
| tiebacks are all there, but the contemporary selection | | | | regulations - find an electrician at niceic.org.uk). And |
| has some real gems, like the Portcullis and Reeded | | | | also get the electrician to sort the recesses, too, to be |
| designs. A popular pole size to use is the 50mm, and I'd | | | | on the safe side. |
| budget about £800 for the full ensemble. | | | | What's the best method of painting over strong |
| We want to match our original brickwork to that of our | | | | colours? |
| extension. | | | | What's the best method of painting over strong |
| We're planning an extension and want to match the | | | | colours? I'm currently redecorating a buy-to-let flat that |
| brickwork of the main house, but can't find anything | | | | has garish green and red walls, which are a still |
| that looks close. The building dates back to about 1820. | | | | showing through after three coats of paint. First paint |
| Do you have any contacts? | | | | over the colour with a grey undercoat. This deadens |
| There are about 2,000 types of bricks on the market, | | | | the colour and stops it coming through when you paint |
| so there's usually something similar. As well as the | | | | your final colour choice. Another factor to consider is |
| huge range of new bricks, there's a massive market | | | | that most DIY paints can be a little thin in their |
| for reclaimed brick, so check your local architectural | | | | consistency, and therefore coverage, so it's worth |
| yard. Builders merchants are also usually good | | | | spending a bit extra to buy professional paint. One of |
| sources, but your best bet is to call in the specialists | | | | the best white emulsions around is made by JW |
| like Brick Find. | | | | Bollom. |
| Is coloured lighting in a bathroom floor possible and, if | | | | How can I keep flies out of my house in the summer? |
| so, is it safe? | | | | Now summer's finally here and I can open all the |
| I've seen a picture of a bathroom with coloured lighting | | | | windows, I'm getting more and more annoyed by all |
| in the floor, which I'm interested in recreating at home. | | | | the flies that get in the house. I don't want to put up |
| Do you know of a supplier, and is this lighting really | | | | nets or to keep windows shut all the time. Any ideas? |
| safe for the bathroom, as I have a very inquisitive two | | | | As we head for hotter summers, this problem is |
| year old? | | | | growing. After suffering the same problem myself, I |
| I imagine you saw fibre optic lights rather than halogen, | | | | discovered a brilliant (and cheap, at £1 per m) |
| which, although they run on a safer low voltage, get | | | | material - black 'dress net,' the stuff used for tutus and |
| very hot. Fibre optics are perfectly safe for wet areas | | | | veils. Fixed across windows, it becomes almost |
| like bathrooms and also outdoors, because the actual | | | | invisible, but still allows a breeze through, so your home |
| light source can be housed out of harm's reach, many | | | | can look modern and have the windows open all night. |
| metres away. All that's required is to route the | | | | Available in fabric stores and at Fabricland. |
| fibre-optic ropes (which are just like a tube that the | | | | |