ask a designer

Mark Garside answers your most frequently asked decorating questions

Livingetc's design guru Mark Garside runs top design company Crystallise. As well as designing bespoke furniture for media companies and exhibitions, including the Royal College of Art and the South Bank Festival, he is a design trends consultant for Wella's salon division, Welonda. He also collaborates with his author wife, Kate Lennard, on children's books.

Can't see the answer to your decorating dilemma? Email your question to livingetc@ipcmedia.com.

September's hot topics

Where can I find Italianate planters?

On the hunt for a large Venetian mirror

Stylish CD storage

Comic-strip-style wallpaper

Do attractive security gates exist?

Tasteful 3D wall letters

Huge flatscreen TV - do or don't?

Components for concealed extractor hood surrounds

Hot designer to watch

Where can I find Italianate planters?

I have a Gothic-looking flat in a former civic building (high ceilings and ornate covings), and am looking for the kind of Italianate planters you see in stately homes. I want to create a mix of modern and classical in dark greys. Any ideas?
As they're for indoors, where there could be issues with weight, fibreglass is your best option. Capital Garden Products produces some really very good historic pots, including the Grecian, from £149, and Small Urn, from £35. Finishes such as lead, aluminium, rust and bronze are very convincing.

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On the hunt for a large Venetian mirror

I'm looking for a large Venetian mirror, roughly 1.7m high, to lean against my bedroom wall. The vintage one on the front cover of Livingetc January 2008 is the kind of thing I'm after. Any ideas where I might find one?
Most suppliers do sizes up to about 1.4m. The ones pictured are from Graham & Green, large (143 x 103cm), £750; medium (122 x 91.5), £475. Specialist producers, however, such as The Fairgreen Company can design and make one to your specification.

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Stylish CD storage

I have close to 1,000 CDs and am looking for something stylish to store them in. I've been looking at the Bellato Music Box, but I wondered whether you could recommend anything else?
Bellato does some of the more impressive high-end storage systems around and you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better. Habitat's excellent in-house designer, Bethan Gray, probably gets my vote for best affordable mass CD storage with Cleo, £129, or check out the Booxx scissor-action shelving from Desalto, from £966 at Chaplins.

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Comic-strip-style wallpaper

I'm decorating my son's bedroom and would love to cover one wall in black and white, comic-strip-style paper. Do you know where I could find this?
I can picture what you're after, but it doesn't appear to exist. One option is to make your own by printing off enlarged scans or photocopies, or getting wallpaper made by a company such as 55 Max. The great thing about doing your own is that you can choose precisely what you want, rather than the pot luck of finding off-the-shelf designs. If you have young children, then E-Glue will make giant stickers from their drawings. It also carries a range of ready-made stickers.

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Do attractive security gates exist?

We have French doors leading onto our roof terrace with ugly sliding security gates on them. We do need some kind of security, but have battled to find attractive gates. Any ideas?
It's hard to find good-looking, off-the-shelf gates, but bespoke steelwork isn't as expensive as you might think. Why not post a note requesting suppliers details to any houses you see with metalwork you like? You could also trawl Yellow Pages for local metalworkers or visit baba.org.uk for artisans (many metal sculptors will do architectural jobs). Be sure to look at examples of their work.

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Tasteful 3D wall letters

I'm struggling to find tasteful 3-D wall letters. I've seen them a couple of times in different issues of Livingetc, but can't seem to find a supplier for them. Can you help?
More than likely, they're old shop signs from eBay or salvage yards. You can still get 3-D words made up from many shop-sign companies. BHMA does a range of trade shop letters, or try Morello Living for metal and wooden letters in different sizes and typefaces.

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Hot designer to watch

Hot designer to watch

I love the look of Eames furniture, but it seems everyone has it now. Are there any other designers from this era worth looking out for?
Jean Prouvé is probably the industry's other favourite designer for this particular 'industrial aesthetic', and his profile is rising following some retrospective exhibitions. Some pieces, including the Antony chair, £170 (right), are produced by Vitra (vitra.com). Otherwise, visit specialist 20th-century furniture stores, such as New York's B4 It Was Cool and Trainspotters in the UK.

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Huge flatscreen TV - do or don't?

My husband wants a huge flatscreen TV, but I think it will take over our tiny lounge. Do you have any advice that will help avert our brewing feud?
I don't usually wear my marriage guidance hat on these pages, but I do know there's potential for clashes when it comes to technology being dumped in a stylish interior! The size of a new HD TV should be a third of the distance from your viewing point. So if your sofa is eight feet away, you shouldn't go larger than a 32in TV. I'd suggest placing a big screen against a feature wall in darker tones, so it blends in.

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Components for concealed extractor hood surrounds

I've seen concealed extractor hood surrounds in kitchen showrooms, but does anyone supply the components for making them? They look as if they're made of MDF or fibreglass mouldings, then painted, and don't look 'fake' at all.
They are bespoke, so it's a case of cheating the look of a solid structure. You'd start by building a timber frame then covering it with plywood or plasterboard, which can then be plastered or tiled to blend in with your walls. A cheaper alternative is a painted mdf structure, but it's harder to make it look convincing.

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Looking for something similar to Zaha Hadid's organic Serif shelves

Looking for something similar to Zaha Hadid's organic Serif shelves
I recently saw Zaha Hadid's organic Serif shelves and thought they would look fantastic in my bedroom, but they are limited edition and probably cost a lot. Does anyone sell anything similar for those of us on a budget?
Yes, those shelves are amazing. They're sold by Established & Sons, poa. As an alternative, see the Occa shelves, from £203 at BoConcept. Or let a furniture maker loose with a sander and a pile of wood and they could make you something bespoke

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Blue enamel kitchen range

We're looking for a blue enamel range to finish our perfect kitchen. We found an Aga in this colour, but the style is wrong. Do you have any suggestions for a more modern-looking one?
If you're after a sleek style in the same price range as an Aga, then you need to look at the Lacanche ranges, from £2,999, favoured by celebrity chefs at home. Choose from a number of fittings, and an incredible range of colour finishes, to create a truly personal style.

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Glass room divider with a difference

We saw a TV programme recently where someone installed a glass room divider that you could change from clear to frosted at the flick of a switch. Can you tell us any more about it?
What you've seen is LCD glass. Working like a digital watch, the material appears milky until an electric current is passed through it, making it go clear. Priva-Lite is one of the most popular brands, but it doesn't come cheap. As a rough rule, it costs about £2,000 per sq m. It's often used for room dividers, but you can also have it made up into double glazing units for windows – perfect for bathrooms. To find out more, talk to DR Services.

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Help sourcing copper wardrobe handles

I'm looking for some simple copper handles to use on iroko wardrobe doors, but I'm having trouble sourcing them. Do you know of any companies that make them?
As you've discovered, copper is not a common material in the hardware market, which is odd, given its increasing popularity over the last couple of years. One company I've come across is AS Hardware, which produces copper versions of its range of standard pull handles, as well as bespoke designs. Expect to pay from around £100 per handle on small orders.

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Decorative hanging light for a conservatory

I've been looking for a decorative hanging light to add some extra colour and atmosphere to a conservatory in a Victorian house. Any ideas?
Right now, my favourite lights are the handmade lanterns that originate in Morocco. The rough construction, perforations and coloured glass create an interesting ambience that works well in a period setting. Be careful not to go overboard with colours, though. For a decent selection of imported lamps, check out maroque.co.uk.

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Painting over graffiti on outside wall

I have a bus stop outside my house and regularly get people scrawling graffiti on our front wall. I've tried painting over it but, even with oil paints, it still shows through. Do you have any solutions?
I sympathise with you. This is a problem however light or dark your wall is. There are ways to deal with it, though. Commercial graffiti removal and prevention treatments, such as Pegagraff Hydro, are quite popular but, before you use it, talk to a trade company like Off The Wall (antigraffiti.co.uk) to make sure it's the right solution for you.

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Organising recycling boxes

With summer approaching, and the gardening mostly done, I'm trying to tidy up the huge number of recycling boxes outside our house. Any creative thoughts on how to Feng Shui them away?
You are not alone. Most of us could do with a landscaping job to accommodate wheelie bins (now a lot taller than the old bins), recycling tubs and even bicycles. It might be worth contacting a local landscape gardener for a design that includes storage. In the meantime, if you have the space, check out the Front Yard Company's BoxDock and BinDock furniture, which will provide a home for all your problematic plastics, from £84.90.

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The best way to paint stairs in a maisonette

I live in a maisonette and want to paint my stairs. But this is the only way in and out, so I've been trying to figure out how best to do it.
This is a common problem with a simple solution. Paint one side of the stairs, leave to dry, and then complete the rest. Alternatively, paint every other step first, then the remaining ones. Many floor paints can take longer to dry if you don't have a good airflow over them, so speed things up with fans as well as open windows. And remember that ventilation is essential when you're using oil-based paints.

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Fabulous wooden garden furniture

After recently transforming our garden and building a lovely summer shelter, I'd like some fabulous wooden garden furniture as a finishing touch. Can you help?
There are lots of bespoke furniture makers who would be happy to create something unique for you; find one on the Crafts Council website. One set of teak furniture I've always liked is the Sunset range by Stockton, from £881. It will last outside for years.

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Which bathroom tiles are best?

We're having a nightmare choosing bathroom tiles. Can you give us any advice?
I feel your pain! Tiles can be even more of a headache than choosing colour, as you also have the size, pattern, surface detail and grout colour to contend with. Consider the ambience you want to create. Darker colours absorb light and show soap residue. Gloss tiles reflect light, making the room feel bigger. Coloured grouts can look great, but remember, the more obvious the grout line is, the more it'll show up any uneven spacing. Sizewise, the rough rule is the larger the space, the larger the tile.

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On the hunt for a modern dressing table

Does anyone make a modern-looking dressing table? I don't want anything 'shabby chic', just something very simple.
Dressing tables are difficult – the nice ones tend to command bespoke prices, so people often use console tables with a separate mirror. But my latest trawl for stand-alone dressing tables turned up this stained-oak veneer version from Dwell for £175. It also comes in natural oak veneer.

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Where can I find bespoke, fabric-covered lamp shades?

I'd like to get some bespoke, fabric-covered lamp shades made up. Do you know where I could find a specialist to do this?
I get a number of people who contact me when they find a fantastic old lamp shade and want to cover it with a bespoke fabric. Finding the skilled craftspeople is tricky, but not impossible. For more contemporary designs, I'd choose A Shade Above.

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The best material to replace the glass in a cast-iron canopy

We have the remains of a lovely cast-iron canopy at the back of our house. Originally, it had red glass in it, which sadly has disintegrated. We have been unable to get replacement red glass – can we use Perspex instead?
Acrylics like Perspex don't weather well, and some brands discolour and mist with prolonged exposure to daylight. Instead try standard safety glass and apply a colour filter to the dry side. Visit Johnson Window Films.

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What type of plywood do designers use for furniture?

I'd like to have some shelving made. What type of plywood do designers use for furniture?
High-grade birch ply has no knots or blemishes in the veneer of one side, and costs about £60 per 8ft x 4ft sheet. Next is standard grade, where knots have been repaired and filled (about £40 per sheet). Then come WBP boards (weather and boil proof), which are cheaper, but rougher (about £30 per sheet). Plywood should be cut on a decent table saw with an under cutter to avoid splinters and burn marks. And check the origin: new Chinese birch ply can have an inferior edge, while Finnish and Latvian is higher grade and environmentally certified. Try Lathams for good birch ply.

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The best fittings for ambient wall lighting

You've inspired me to ditch my living room ceiling pendant and go for ambient wall lighting. The ceiling is white and the walls are an ochre yellow. What kind of fittings would you suggest we use?
To create washes of reflected light off walls, floors and ceilings, avoid lighting where the light alone is the focus. Plaster up/down lighters are a good option, as you can paint them to blend into the walls (plaster will take any paint). Try John Cullen Lighting for an excellent selection of architectural plaster lights, from £100. Alternatively, a flexible option is to use angled lamps, which mean you can quickly change the light focus of the room.

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Where can I find leopard-print wallpaper?

Any ideas where I can buy leopard-print wallpaper? It's for a room that's been painted black with a splash of neon pink, and has a punk rock theme.
Rather than going to 'Bet Lynch', check out the new Extravaganza wallpaper range from Brian Yates (£38.75 per roll), which includes a wonderful array of animal-print interpretations. They'll help you keep the look cool, rather than kitsch.

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Space-saving staircase

My home is very short on storage space, so I'm planning an attic conversion to house my ever-growing collection of style magazines. I recall Livingetc featuring a well-designed, space-saving staircase with alternating treads, but I seem to have mislaid that issue. Can you help?
There are some hideous, clumsy, wooden versions around that I would steer clear of. Instead, go for a modular kit system from Arke, which does a number of good-value, stylish staircases, such as the Karina, for around £700. As with any redevelopment, you must check with your local building control department that this form of staircase is acceptable for your property before you go ahead and buy it.

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Would a hanging fabric screen work as a room divider?

I have a studio flat, and would like to make a hanging fabric screen that pulls across to divide the sofa area from the kitchen. How can I make this work?
There are various rails, poles and clips around, but if you want a good, cheap, DIY option, Ikea's Kvartal curtain track (from £9.99) is a winner. It's a well-detailed set of components that'll give a slick end result with any fabric.

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On the hunt for metal bedside tables

About five years ago, we bought a gunmetal-grey bedframe from Feather & Black, but I am still searching for bedside tables to go with it. I've been looking for something quite boxy, as the metal of the frame is square, but most metal-framed bedside tables are rather ornate, and wooden styles don't look right. Any ideas?
There are a couple of black metal tables around that I really love, and that might work well for you. One option is Tom Dixon's pared-down cast-aluminium Link table, £190 from Nest, and another is the clean-lined, curved-edged cube Dadi table, £290 from Desalto.

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Feature splashback using wallpaper

We are having a new kitchen fitted and want to create a feature splashback using a layer of glass over the top of some striking wallpaper. It needs to be hard-wearing, to prevent damage to the wallpaper from heat, steam and water. Is it possible to do this?
Yes, it's entirely possible, and makes a fun change from all the back-painted glass we see. Use low- iron glass, such as Optiwhite, and have it toughened. It's more expensive than normal glass, roughly £70 per sq m, but it will ensure the colours of the covered and uncovered wallpaper don't vary. Seal exposed edges with a small bead of clear silicone.

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Attractive radiator fixings

Do you know of any attractive, unobtrusive radiator fixings on the market? I have polished-steel, single-column school-style radiators, so ugly fixings would ruin the look. Can you suggest anything?
I think you'll struggle to find anything nice off the shelf. I'm a big fan of local metal workers. They can create bespoke fittings, which shouldn't be too expensive. For a neater overall look, you can get them to grind the welds. The fittings can then either be finished in a similar style to the radiators, or primed so you can paint them in situ.

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Neat storage boxes for the bathroom

In an effort to create some order in the bathroom, I have been trying to find some neat storage boxes that I'd be happy to leave on show. Are there any you'd recommend?
It's a long while since I went into a Muji store, but your question reminded me that it does some of the best clear plastic storage around. Now you can buy online, too, so you can browse all the options.

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Does anyone manufacture curved runners?

We are doing up our first home and are currently tackling the flooring. We would like to paint the stairs and have a runner fitted on top, but the last six steps on the stairs bend round 90 degrees. Does anyone manufacture curved runners?
No, you can't get curved runners - it's the carpet fitter's expertise that ensures any folds and tucks on the rise of the step go unnoticed. Roger Oates does a fab range of striped runners, with prices starting at £620. If fitted well, and depending on how complex your stairs are, you can marry up the stripes to get flowing lines.

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Free-standing screen for the bedroom

I'm looking for a free-standing screen that I can use in the bedroom to cover the corner where I keep my computer and work bits. Any ideas?
I've found two stylish metal designs. First, Andrew Tye's interpretation of my favourite screen by Eileen Gray, in a very slick range of coloured anodised aluminium finishes, from around £1,300 (tye3d.com). Second, from the Netherlands, are the beautifully woven Vider screens by Mark Jan Meerdink for Winoldi, produced in a mix of aluminium and rubberised materials, with prices from £2,600.

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Sealing solid oak floorboards

We've just had new solid oak floorboards laid in our hallway. We want to seal them with something that won't change the natural look of the wood, but is hard-wearing, as we have lots of parties!
It's worth asking the advice of the company that laid the floor, as they may have more specialist knowledge of the particular wood used. Dulux does a very good product called Diamond Glaze. It's a tough, water-based varnish (so low odour) that doesn't yellow, and can be tinted to many shades. As it's a trade product, you won't find it in DIY stores, but in Dulux trade stores and retailers such as Brewers.

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Re-chroming a door knocker

I have a lovely old lion's head door knocker, but the chrome has mostly weathered off. How do I go about getting it re-chromed?
Getting an item chromed is a fantastic way of modernising architectural details and hardware, especially now that brass has fallen so out of favour. There are many metal finishing companies that do chroming, but it can be hit or miss whether they will work with the public on small jobs. Nottingham Platers is one of the more approachable firms that is local to you.

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Where can I find large circular architectural ceiling lamps?

Where can we find large circular architectural ceiling lamps? You see them in lots of modern developments, and they make the corridors look very bright and clean. The only models we can find are too small.
It sounds like a Tamlite model called Elegance. It's a lovely, simple, shallow diffuser that you can get in a range of sizes and internal bulb configurations, up to 525mm diameter. It costs around £90 to £120 per unit. Buy via City Electrical Factors, and see at tamlite.co.uk/product_details.asp?product=276.

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Wood burner for a modern home

I'm looking for an interesting (preferably suspended) wood or multi-fuel burner for my very modern house. I'm sure I have seen one featured in your magazine in the past. I hope you can help me.
Any mention of suspended fireplaces and there's one name that instantly springs to mind – Dominique Imbert. Since the Sixties his highly individual, sculptural takes on the traditional fireplace have always been sensational. Take the Gyrofocus, that swivels through 360°, directing the heat in the room. Available in the UK through Diligence.

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Restoring an original Eames chair

I recently inherited an original Eames chair which is in need of repair. The leather seat cushion is worn and cracked and has split at the zip. I need to find someone who will restore it sensitively and who understands/appreciates its great design. Can you suggest who might be able to help me?
I wouldn't worry that you need to use a specialist. Any professional upholsterer will be able to replicate the design, pattern and stitch detailing, if you make it clear that's what you're after. Usually, the old cushion is taken apart to provide the pattern, so it's important that people keep these for the upholsterer to use. Find a local qualified upholsterer through the trade association website, upholsterers.co.uk.

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Advice on lead or copper roofing

We are planning an extension of our Victorian home and are interested in getting advice on having a lead or copper roof.
First, liaise with building control to find out what materials are deemed appropriate, taking into account the colour of your brickwork. Copper can be laid in larger sheets, making leadwork more suitable for smaller segments. Find local contractors such as Ian Cox Roofing through the association websites of the Copper Development Agency and the Lead Contractors Association.

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A modern take on a child's rocking chair

We've just had our first child, and it's got me thinking. I remember my mother having a rocking chair for the kids in our house when we were young. I'd love to find a more modern version for our home, and you might be able to help!
The rocking chair, along with the wingback chair, really is the fashionable furniture of the moment, but it's yet to hit the design stores fully. Ineke Hans has done a very solid and earthy version called Country Rock for Cappellini, which definitely gets my vote. It's made of solid lime wood and measures 63cm tall, so would be ideal for a child. More importantly, it should stand the test of time, so you can pass it on to future generations. It's available from Chaplins and costs from £1,665.

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Draughty steel panel windows in a converted warehouse

We've moved into a converted warehouse space, which is lovely, but our problem is that down one side of the studio runs a series of steel panel windows that are so cold and draughty, that we've been forced to tape them up! They looked great when we bought the property in the summer, but we're worried that it will be expensive to replace them.
I can sympathise with your situation, having suffered in warehouses for many years. The answer is not to replace, but to get secondary glazing fitted. Selectaglaze produces a superb range of modern glazing solutions, particularly suited to this type of space. You'll get a slick look on a budget!

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On the hunt for distinctive parquet flooring

I'm moving into a Forties house which has solid floors downstairs due to the restrictions on the amount of timber that could be used in a post-war house. The house needs lots of work and as part of this I want to add a stunning floor that can carry a mix of old and new furniture and add some warmth to the house. I loved the floor on page 143 of the November issue and would be grateful for your advice as to where I can purchase something similar and how much I should expect to pay.
This parquet floor has an unusual chevron design, derived from traditional French patterns. The wood is possibly teak, but you can use any hardwood, such as oak or black walnut. It's a popular myth that parquet should be thick – if you want it to last, thicknesses of below 10mm are advised. The Parquet & General Flooring Co should charge from £280 per sq m, including installation and finishing.

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Help! I'm trying to find tiles like those featured in Orla Kiely's house

I loved the tiles in Orla Kiely's house so much that I kept the July 2005 issue for the day I owned a house with a fireplace. That day has come, but I can't find the tiles. I even contacted Orla herself, who kindly told me that they are called tile slips. But I still haven't had any luck finding them.
These 15x5cm tiles have fallen out of favour, which is why you can't find them anywhere. Your best solution is to buy standard 15x15cm tiles (available in a far greater number of colours), then cut them into strips. Ideally, they should be cut on a water-lubricated saw, so it may be sensible to get a tiler to make them up for you. The other benefit of this approach is that you can vary the thickness of the strips, so you have more design freedom.

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Bespoke timber and glass staircase

I have dreamt of having a staircase made of thick wood, with coloured turquoise glass as treads. I've looked on specialist websites and as fabulous as the staircases are, I can't believe they need to cost £20k! I've seen a couple of examples in Livingetc and wondered if you could suggest a coloured glass manufacturer that would fit a staircase and a timber merchant that would supply the wood?
This type of bespoke staircase will always be pricey. Don't be tempted to try saving costs by sourcing from different manufacturers, as it could end in tears. It needs expert design, detail, fabrication and installation, so my recommendation would be to go with someone like Bisca.

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Restoring an original Eames chair

I recently inherited an original Eames chair which is in need of repair. The leather seat cushion is worn and cracked and has split at the zip. Can you recommend any restorers that appreciate great design who I can trust to repair it sensitively.
Any professional upholsterer will be able to replicate the design, pattern and stitch detailing, if you make it clear that this is what you're after. Usually the old cushion is taken apart to provide the pattern, so it's important to keep these for the upholsterer to use. Find a local qualified upholsterer through upholsterers.co.uk.

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Achieving the right finish for an iroko worktop

I've had my iroko worktops for about four years but they haven't yet developed the dark patina they are supposed to, despite me oiling them. I wonder if they were oiled wrongly in the first place, as the surface looks hard and shiny (almost like varnish) rather than soft and matt. Do I need to sand them back and do you know which oil is best to use (and is safe to use near food)?
It's possible varnish was used as a quick fix, but it may just be the oil that's created a shiny surface. As a basic rule, Danish oils are satin and teak oils are shinier – you can use either on iroko. To start again, and achieve the finish you really want, firstly use Strypit paint and varnish remover to strip back the surface. Secondly, use a wood dye to tint the surface to a darker tone (test on the underside of the worktops first), and finally oil with the Danish oil to get the matt finish you're after. Rustin's has everything you'll need to do this.

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Tracking down black string

I have a brass standard lamp which I'd like to cover in black string, but I'm struggling to find any. Have you any ideas?
There was a brief trend in the early Eighties for furniture that was completely wound in a kind of hessian-type rope-like sash cord. It looked pretty good actually and I always thought it was a nifty way of transforming old furniture. It was usually left natural, but there's no reason why it couldn't be painted up. There are various trades from where you can buy cord and rope, such as haberdashers, boat chandlers, climbing shops, and hardware stores. Jimmy Green Marine has a good online selection.

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Floral wallpaper that's not overdone

I've been searching for some bold, flowery-type wallpapers and have been overwhelmed by the choice. It's for a whole room, so I don't want it to be too overbearing. Any ideas?
A lot of the trendy wallpapers have been a little over exposed, so I've picked out some lesser known patterns from Jocelyn Warner. You could try something simple but strong, such as her fantastic Flora design in Slate (top right), £59 per 10m rol, or Leaf Blue/Lilac (right), £99 per 10m roll.

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How can we make our lounge feel bigger and brighter?

It's overshadowed by a neighbouring development and often feels closed in and gloomy. The lounge has a central pendant lamp and a corner floor lamp.
To really create a feeling of space, light the furthest wall that you first see when you enter the room, as lit areas appear further away. Another trick is to flood light into the four corners of the room. Try complementing the pendant with spotllights that will illuminate the walls better and add an overall more ambient light.

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Sourcing trendy doors

We've had an extension done, and need new doors for the ground floor, but all the ones we've seen are dreadful. Does anyone make trendy doors these days?
They're not as easy to find as you'd think. New building regulations mean a development of a Victorian home may require old pine doors to be replaced with firedoors – always check with your local council. The big manufacturers come up with the odd tasteful design (although attractive firedoors are still thin on the ground), and check out Jeld Wen's new Shaker range, from £164.50, and Dooria's Fjordtre doors, from around £66.

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Bicycle racks for a Fifties complex

We live in a Fifties complex of 10 flats and have been looking into creating a more attractive bike-parking area than the current mess of bikes locked along the entrance railings. We'd appreciate any help advising on suppliers.
Many street-furniture companies supply urban hardware, such as bike racks, but they can be pricey and may be reluctant to deal directly with the public. A better solution could be to have your own design welded up in steel by a local tradesman. I'm always surprised at how affordable this is and you can reference architectural details into the structure, so the final design sits better in your environment. If this seems like too much work, and you'd rather buy something off the shelf, try this neat bike lock that doubles up as an attractive planter, by the Front Yard Company, £135.

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Does MDF pose a health risk?

Could you clear up a query? We want to have a series of storage cupboards made out of MDF for our nursery, but we've been told that MDF is banned in other countries for health reasons. Can you shed any light on this as we obviously don't want to commission anything that may be harmful.
The glue (formaldehyde) that bonds MDF fibres together is purported to be a carcinogen, but the risk comes from prolonged exposure to those who make it, not for those who have MDF furniture at home. Do seal it though, as it may continue to release gas. You could try Medite Ecologique, formaldehyde-free MDF available through distributors such as CF Anderson.

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The right doormat for a Georgian terrace

We have been looking in vain for an outside doormat to complement our Georgian terrace. Any ideas?
Cast iron and rubber mats that mimic cast ironwork could be what you're looking for. You'll find them in gardening stores but may have to hunt around for the right design. There are some attractive ones on Greenfingers.com. This cast iron half round one is £16.

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On the hunt for a glam console table

I'm looking for a glamorous console table for my hall, in dark wood or black and not too expensive. I've seen some in photographs that are black or dark wood with stainless-steel edging, but I can't find them in the shops. I've also seen ones with a black snakeskin effect. Where's the best place to look?
Tracing specific furniture can be difficult as ranges change and sell out quickly, so having a loose brief like yours tends to yield better results. Here are a couple of options I've picked. Heal's has the now-classic Louis console table in black lacquer, £595, or cast an eye over Graham & Green's Mock Croc console in leather, with trendy chrome 'X' legs, £395.

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The skinny on vertical blinds

Our apartment has floor-to-ceiling windows around our front room and as a result we are overlooked. We can't use blinds, as the corner window is curved. What other options do we have?
Vertical blinds would work, and they let you fine tune your light through the day. Some people find them too clinical, but these days there are more sensual materials to choose from. In fact, one of my favourite products last year was the Vertical Waves blinds from Silent Gliss (from around £104 per panel), where instead of straight lines, they've got lasercut wavy edges.

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Sprucing up Arkana chairs

I've acquired six Arkana chairs, four with metal bases and two with white bases, but they're looking shabby. I was wondering whether to get the metal bases powder coated so they're white or will this ruin their value? Also what should I use to clean the plastic? Hope you can help.
Synthetic furniture doesn't age well, so anything you can do to make them fresher will be worth it. Powder coating is fairly inexpensive and gives a harder-wearing finish than spray paints. I'd suggest getting all the chairs done, so they're the same shade of white. As for cleaning, this will be a bit of an experiment. Try lighter fuel on difficult marks, but don't use solvent-based cleaners.

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Giving a Victorian roll-top bath a facelift

I have an oversized enamelled Victorian roll-top bath that's beginning to look quite neglected and worn. I don't want to replace it, so can you suggest any way of giving it a facelift?
There are many companies out there that offer in-situ repair or re-spray services for baths. If you want to give it a go yourself, a new product called The Tubby DIY Bath Tub Resurfacing Kit (around £30), looks worth a try on baths and other sanitaryware. After cleaning and prepping the bath surface, a tough epoxy paint is rollered on, which dries to a gloss finish. Available from brandonmarketing.co.uk.

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Sourcing cut cylindrical fire logs

We have a working fireplace in our living room and would love to find a company that can supply us the kind of cut cylindrical fire logs we always see in the Livingetc photo shoots. Most companies we've found are based in the North.
Remember London is a smokeless zone, which means burning anything that produces smoke is illegal. So, real logs will need to be for show, rather than use. You can buy bags of cut-to-size hardwood logs from the bigger garden centres, such as capitalgardens.co.uk. For information on smokeless zones and what approved fuels you can burn, visit uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk.

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Hunting for a circular shower rail

I hope you can help me. I'd like to track down a circular shower rail like the one featured in Livingetc May 2007 on p147. My bathroom has a high sloping ceiling and so the shower rail would need to be fitted from just one point on the wall.
Most good bathroom centres (not the big diy stores) should be able to source one for you, or look online at victorianplumbing.co.uk/curtain-rails-c-39.html for a number of circular rails, starting at £89.99 for one that attaches to one point on the wall.

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Bespoke concrete sinks and worktops

I wonder if you could advise on how best to get bespoke concrete sinks and worktops produced for a development project we are working on.
I've heard of the odd skilful builder being able to shutter-up a design, and cast it on site, but it's always going to be hit or miss finding them! There is an established company, based in Nottingham, that produces a range of very sleek pre-cast sinks and worktops, as well as providing bespoke and on-site work. Just what you're after. Visit lowinfo.com.

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Leather floor for a study

We're planning our study, and we liked the idea of having a leather floor after seeing one in a hotel in the States. Do you know anyone in the UK who supplies it, and how much it would cost?
Leather floor tiles, such as these ones from Alma Home, cost around £225 per sq m, plus fitting. I've also found a range called Torbjorn from Marcus Gear in four dark tan tones that cost around £120 per sq m. Tiles can be produced in various sizes, so it's possible to do planking and parquet-looking flooring. Tiles can be produced with a self-adhesive backing, but this will double the cost, so most people use carpet glue.

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Loose covers for a Modernist-style sofa

We have inherited a Modernist-style sofa which we want to have loose covers made for. We don't want to go for patterned fabric, but are rather looking for blocks of colour. Which do you think are the best fabric options for this type of sofa?
If you step into any decent store and sit on an expensive sofa, chances are it'll be covered in Bute fabric. It's the favourite fabric of architects and designers. Manufacturers on the idyllic Scottish isle of Bute produce a beautiful range of top-quality, colourful, natural wool weaves. New from Bute Fabrics is Barber Osgerby's Skye range, and that would be my first choice. It's available in 36 richly toned colours and costs around £70 per m.

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Glass globes for a banister post

I have a beautiful banister that originally had glass globes on top of the posts. Unfortunately I only have one left, although it's in very bad repair. It's about 3in in diameter, and I would like to repair it, and also find replacement globes. Any ideas how to go about this?
The posts are called newel posts, and are topped with a newel cap. The cheapest solution may be to use glass or acrylic door handles (from DIY stores). If you need a perfect sphere to glue in, it's possible to buy clear plastic juggling balls in various sizes. A 3in ball costs around £25, from Oddballs.

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Sourcing simply-designed light switches and plug sockets

When I stayed in the Q! Hotel in Berlin this summer I fell in love with the simple design of the light switches and plug sockets. Do you know where I can source these sockets, and if they're compatible with British wiring?
I had a bit of a hunt, and the closest match I've found is the Mosaic range from Legrand. Look at the Mosaic 3 Piece on the online catalogue at legrand.co.uk. It's a commercial item, but is frequently used in the domestic market. It's now available with UK sockets, plus various fascia finishes and an array of specialist fittings. Your electrician can buy it through electrical wholesalers, such as Edmundson Electrical.

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Inspiration for a great office gift, please

I've been looking for Christmas presents for all my friends at work, but struck a bit of a blank on things to buy that they won't already have. I thought I'd ask your advice for something different.
W2 Products has a fab range of Pantone-coloured cups that are sure to find a happy home, but there's also a further set in coffee and tea Pantone colours, so you can match the brew to your colleagues favourite hue. Great office gift. Check out w2products.com for local stockists.

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Locating zinc covers for kitchen worktops

Where can I get a piece of zinc to cover one of my kitchen worktops?
Most local metal suppliers will either have zinc or be able to get it in for you (check the Yellow Pages for names). Prices vary, but expect to pay around £70 for an 8x3ft sheet. Bear in mind that zinc marks easily, and it's essential not to leave water on it, otherwise, over time, the zinc will pit and break. Zinc also has a high level of expansion, so the close proximity of hobs and fridges can cause it to have timber (usually plywood) worktops wrapped in sections so you don't get exposed edges. Ask metal suppliers for names of local fabricators who do metal folding.

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Removing pebbledash

How can we remove pebbledash? And how much will it cost?
Pebbledash may be covering cracks in the wall, and removing it could create damage to the brickwork, so remove a small test area first. It'll cost a few grand to remove it, plus any repair work. Painting helps smooth out the surface to a more attractive bump, but it needs re-doing every few years, so it is costly in the long run. The cheapest and most attractive option could be to grow some climbers and creepers to cover the walls. Creepers that stick to the surface, like Boston Ivy and Virgina Creeper, work best; other types may damage walls.

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On the hunt for a modern magazine rack

I've been looking – without success – for a modern, well-designed magazine rack with several compartments for my sitting room. Help!

Magazine racks are a poorly represented item in the design world, probably because most designers want to make 'hero' furniture and lighting. However, I have found several attractive ones. Kartell has coloured plastic racks with plenty of sections. Isokon Plus sells the Forties classic Penguin Donkey and updated models. Of what's currently available, though, my choice would be Mela, the sleek and well-priced design from Umbra, which acts as a sort of fabulous champagne bucket for mags.

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Black toilet paper, please

Silly question, I know: recently we stayed in a swish hotel in Paris, and it had black toilet paper! No one would tell us where it was from, and I've had no luck finding it. My friends have never seen it, and they think I've gone nuts! I thought you might be the man to make me sane again.
It's okay, I like nonsense like this! You can get toilet paper in black, as well as trendy tones of red, green and orange. It's made by Renova but, surprisingly, hardly anyone in the UK stocks it apart from, of all places, Harrods (surely we'll start seeing it in the designer stores soon?). It's not cheap (about £1.50 a roll), but if you've gone to the trouble of styling your bathroom interior, why not go for that little extra touch?

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Hanging lampshade for the dining room

We'd love for you to give us some advice on finding an attractive hanging lampshade for our dining room, where we spend most of our time. The room has taupe-coloured walls and features a large, rectangular Victorian table and chairs that we have painted charcoal grey. Since we redecorated, lighting is the only thing we can't decide on. We have been living with a bare bulb for almost two months! Please help.

With the colour scheme you've gone for, it seems appropriate to keep the lighting more moody and focused over the centre of the activity, namely the table. Moooi produces a fabulous range of large shades by Piet Boon, one of which (Square Boon) would fit the scene perfectly. It's available in a range of monotones, and had a simple white fabric diffuser so you don't see the lightbulb. It's available from Nest and costs approximately £600.

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Polaroid-sized photo frames

I can't seem to find any frames made for polaroid-sized photos. Do you have any suggestions?

There really isn't anything readily available. Any picture framer can make custom frames, so you could mount a series in one go. And surface mounting using coloured pins and clips may be a better solutions that cut-out picture mounts. The Lomographic Society has an excellent Fotoclip system that allows you to build 3-D assemblages that can be hung, pinned to the wall, or free-standing. You could also make a mini-shelf by painting timber mouldings and mounting them to the wall.

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Sourcing suede off-cuts

I recently stayed at a cottage where the owner had placed remnants of suede on a sofa as antimacassars. I've searched the internet, but it's hard to locate a company that will sell small pieces of suede to an individual. Can you help?

Try London leather wholesaler Alma, who has branched out into interiors products. But you should find that any wholesaler will take individual orders if you arrange a visit. It's essential to see the material you're buying, so avoid buying anything over the internet unless you can get a sample first. Your best bet may be to go to local upholsterers, who are likely to have samples of suede as well as synthetic alternatives such as Alcantara, which is available in loads of colours.

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Stairwell solutions for Sixties property

We live in a Sixties property: garage below, stairs up to an open-plan living area, and open-tread stairs up to the bedrooms. The stairs are carpeted, but we've gone very modern in design: white walls and bamboo flooring in the living area, and we've replaced the Victorian-effect banister rails with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, so you can see the steps from every angle. We'd like to replace the carpet with something more up-to-date, but we don't have a huge budget. What are our options?

Metal, paint, stones and plastic are but a few of the other materials you could use instead of carpet, but a great solution might well be rubber. Dalsouple (about £50 per sq m) produce rubber flooring in an amazing range of trendy colours and surface patterns that you could use to create your own stair treads. Simply buy the larger-size panel (176 x 68cm), and cut out rectangular strips that can then be either glued or double-sided taped into position.

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Fabric shower curtain with clasps

We have just renovated our bathroom, and I want to hang a grey fabric shower curtain on wire using clasps. I very much liked the shower curtain I saw on a freestanding shower on the Livingetc website. Do you know any companies that supply similar fabric, without eyelets?

It's notoriously difficult to trace fabrics, as the turnover of products is so quick, and no one really stocks made-to-measure shower curtain fabrics. John Lewis does a white polyester shower curtain fabric, but you will probably need to find other fabrics that can be used for this purpose. Synthetic 'treated' (waterproofed) polyesters and nylons are probably the best options, and you'll find these in the sports and leisure industries. For example, ripstop nylon, used for tents and kites, is very affordable and comes in a huge range of colours. It is available in the UK mainly through kites stores and, and online from USA retailers such as www.rockywoods.com

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Feature radiators for the stairwell

Could you suggest a feature radiator for our stairwell? The walls are currently painted a dark purple with doors and architrave in silver grey. The floor has grey tiles. The wall measures 1.7m wide and over 3m high, so we'd like to use it for something really special, as we feel a standard radiator will spoil the look of the space.

There's a very special radiator called Excel from Stelrad (from around £850, stelrad.com) that I've had my eye on. It's a stunning lattice design, comes in matt black as standard and is marketed as a room divider/screen too. The benefit of the lattice is that it reveals the colour of the wall behind so merges into the space better than a big block radiator on the wall. Available through most heating centres and merchants, such as Plumb Centre and Jewsons.

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Painting a zinc dustbin

I have a yellow colour scheme in my kitchen – in fact I try and keep everything I buy for it this colour (odd, I know). I have a fairly large space (a converted factory), with concrete walls and floors, and I'm writing to ask about painting a zinc dustbin yellow. What paint should I use and do you think it will be unhygienic?

Years ago I knew someone who did an orange kitchen and it looked fab, so I don't think you're mad! Not sure that painting the bin is going to last though, so I looked at other options and think I've found one that's perfect. RS components does a whole selection of large coloured plastic waste bins for around £25 – the bright yellow one looks just right.

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Decorating a small room with opulent wallpaper

We have a small room that I want to paper in an opulent, Chinese style. We like the metallic papers, but for the most part they seem to come in quite bland patterns, so we thought we'd ask Livingetc for help. Have you seen anything that might be right for us?

There are some fabulous re-released prints by Florence Broadhurst, produced by Signature Prints in Australia. Produced mainly in the late Sixties and Seventies, they draw on a rich personal history of Florence's youth during the Thirties, globetrotting through the Orient and high-society London's fashionable scene. At about £190 a roll, they're not cheap, but you're getting the very best example of the look you're after. The UK agent is Borderline Fabrics so check the website for local suppliers.

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Statement cushions

I have a lush new grey wool sofa that I'd like to fill with colourful, eclectic cushions. Any suggestions?

One of the most interesting and under-used fabrics around is the punchy African Wax Prints, found mainly in Nigeria and Ghana. Known as Dutch or Super Wax it's hard to get hold of good examples in the UK, but try africanfabric.co.uk, middlesextextiles.com and vlisco.com. For ready-made cushions check out Multistorey's Adé range, £45 each.

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Bamboo units for the kitchen

We'd like to use bamboo units for our new kitchen, both for its sustainability and affordability, but the only ones I can find are from expensive companies who don't supply just the doors. Our kitchen is being built by a great local firm so we don't want to work with anyone else. Any ideas? Ideally we'd like them unfinished so we can stain them.

EcoImpact has a great range of panel products. Because of the block-board construction, I was concerned at first about warping, but I checked and they've had no reports of problems. Panels can be made in sizes up to 2.4m wide (minimum run, 10 panels), and 20mm thick seems to be the popular choice, which works out at around £80 per sq m.

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Painting over strong colours

My 15-year-old son wants to paint his bedroom wall with graffiti-style artwork. I'm not against it, but will it ruin the wall, when I come to paint over it at a later date?

When it comes to painting over strong colours, a couple of undercoats of grey paint before top coating will stop colour bleed and patterns coming through. I'd avoid solvent-based sprays and opt for acrylic ones instead. Cans cost about £8 each, so it's worth him blocking in large areas in emulsion paint first, to reduce costs. Aerosol fumes are an issue, so a proper mask and good ventilation are essential. I think the legal age for buying aerosols is 16, so you'll have to purchase them and supervise the work. Colorite is good for paints and advice, and Teen Zone (Ryland Peters & Small, £14.99) is a great reference book with ideas for teenagers' rooms. Readers can buy it for the special price of £12.99. Call Macmillan Direct on 01256 302699 or visit rylandpeters.com, quoting GLR L97. Good websites for inspiration include banksy.co.uk and graffiti.org.

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Wall-mounted bedroom lights

I'm looking for wall-mounted bedroom lights, or flexiarm LED desk lights for reading in bed. You often find them in contemporary hotels, and they're usually fixed to the side of the headboard, so you have the choice of putting on the main lamp or switching to the flexiarm. I've tried the internet but had no luck, what do you suggest?

They're not widely available yet, but I'm sure many people reading this, like myself, would love to get hold of one! There are a few LED desk and picture lamps that can be mounted by the bed. They cost around £40 each from high-street stores, but I'd recommend taking a look at the sleek reading lights from John Cullen. These have a much nicer tone to read by than the usual arctic white of most LEDs and the flexiarm is far more robust and won't droop like they do on cheaper models. An alternative supplier is The Lighting Superstore who do a good-value wall-mountable model for under £40.

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Deep-sided Japanese baths

We've been looking to buy a deep-sided bath, approximately 1m sq, but none of the bathroom shops we've been to seem to know of one. We recently stayed at a hotel in Cumbria, which had the very thing, but unfortunately the staff there didn't know who the supplier was. Can you help?

If only I had a pound for every time someone has written in about Japanese baths! Fortunately, the last time I had a question on this type of bath and drew a bit of a blank, I had a flood of emails all alerting me to the one company that does sell them in the UK – Omnitub. They come in two sizes similar to that which you're looking for, and are made in fibreglass, which means you can make a special order in the colour of your choice. Prices start from £455.

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Gloss flooring for the bathroom

We're trying to replace our bathroom floor, but with no success. We're after some lovely join-free gloss flooring, as seen regularly in Livingetc, and we want something warm underfoot, so polished concrete won't do. Sheet rubber suppliers don't sell pieces small enough, and self-levelling resins don't come in suitable colours or are for industrial premises. Please help – we'll DIY it if there's a kit.

It's very difficult to find contractors to do resin floors for domestic clients as costs can be prohibitive. Stratum Resin Flooring is one of the more approachable companies and its Bolidt system comes in a huge range of colours. If you want to save some money, you may want to try use a self-levelling compound then a few coats of decent floor paint (Dulux's Trade Floor Shield can be mixed to any colour and is only available at builders merchants). In fact, some of the interiors in Livingetc would have been painted floors, so you don't always have to pay a fortune.

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Updating a 1960s sideboard

I have an old 1960s sideboard that I'd like to paint. I'd also like to remove all the ugly handles and keep it looking more modern with doors that push to open. What fittings do I need?

You need pressure catches, which are available at hardware shops. There are two types, magnetic and non-magnetic, and the magnetic is simpler looking, as it just needs a metal plate on the door not a protruding catch.

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Locating antique enamel stoves

I'd really like advice on where to find old enamel stoves. I want a wood-burning type for the summer house, and I remember seeing some very decorative ones when I was holidaying in Portugal.

There really are some fabulous and very affordable antique stoves available, generally imported from France by enthusiast traders such as Stovefinders and Le Calipel. Historic names to look out for are Surdiac and the ubiquitous Godin. It's essential to adhere to building regulations, which will require that the flue, ventilation and hearth setting are safe, so get it fitted and checked over by a professional installer (look at hetas.co.uk and solidfuel.co.uk). Remember that in built-up areas you might have to use smokeless fuels.

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Sourcing Spanish tiles

We're renovating our flat in a modern-retro style and have been thinking of having a little fun with the guest bedroom, rather than just following the same look as the rest of the flat, but nothing exciting came to us. Then we went to Barcelona and were inspired by some patterned floor tiles we saw. Can you help with suppliers and what the tiles might cost?

The Spanish have a long history of tile production, stretching back to the Moors in the 11th century, when the tradition for elaborate, geometric design first emerged. You could try something different and do a Gaudi, using a patchwork of broken tiles. For off the shelf, you have to hunt hard. Look at Garogres' new Candy Series, within its Forma range, or Natucer's more reserved styles. Also try using tiles in a fresh way. I think the key is a quirky shift of pattern, so rather than a classic chequerboard, offset tiles and mix sizes to create a more active design. A great resource for manufacturers' contacts is www.spaintiles.info. Try www.spanish-tilecompany.co.uk for UK orders.

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Pigeon protection

We have the continued nuisance of pigeons settling on our terrace and windows, which drives us mad and makes our flat look a mess. We're not keen on having spikes everywhere, though – can you advise on any other options?

It's no good achieving your perfect home then having the local flying rats deciding to move in, too! But don't panic, there are lots of solutions. Spikes are most obvious for ledges and come in a range of finishes (some of which can look quite subtle, so you might want to reconsider them), and netting is good for large areas and sections with architectural details. You can also buy decoy predator birds, such as hawks and owls. Apparently, they work well and, if you look around town, you'll see them in rail and bus stations (you need to move them every two weeks or the pigeons catch on). If large numbers of birds are settling, consider an electronic device that triggers predator sounds. Check out www.pestcontrolshop.co.uk to buy online.

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Georgian paintwork

We're redesigning our kitchen with a mix of very modern appliances and more traditional panelled doors and cupboards. We'd like the latter to have the feel of the beautiful historic doors you see around Spitalfields Market. A lot of the materials we're using are reclaimed, but we're wondering what type of paint we should use to help recreate the style we're after.

Sounds like an interesting mix. The Georgian buildings you're referring to are some of my favourites (anyone visiting London should take a stroll along Fournier Street). These houses date back to the 1720s, and the quality of paintwork comes from a steady layering over a couple of centuries, so don't expect to replicate it in one go! You need the correct colour palette and a decent paint. I recommend
The Little Greene Paint Company (established in 1773). Its paints are a joy to use. Thick, dense, quality colours that build up to a stylish look when dry.

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Reviving dull tiles

I've tiled my bathroom floor with stylish black porcelain tiles. However, they now appear dull and stained wherever water has been splashed, and no amount of rubbing with a dry or damp cloth makes any difference. Any advice on how to return the floor to its shiny, polished state would be much appreciated.

It's always worth sealing tiles in the bathroom to protect them against a build-up of residues from shampoo, soap etc. Anyone re-tiling their bathroom should seek advice from the supplier so you can buy a suitable sealant. In your case, the tiles appear not to have been sealed, so need to be cleaned first with a pH-neutral detergent, and then sealed. Any high-street tile store will be able to advise you on the best products for your tiles. Quality brands to ask for include Lithofin and Hagesan.

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Decorating with tartan

We've recently carpeted the hall and stairway in our Victorian house with a Murray of Athol tartan pattern. However, we're now finding it difficult to decorate the walls in a colour that complements the carpet as opposed to making it look old-fashioned. There's a large amount of wall space to cover and a lack of natural light. Any suggestions?

Don't feel obliged to directly lift the colours in the carpet – it's making a big enough statement as it is. Cool things down with more neutral tones on the walls, starting with a white sample card from Farrow & Ball Farrow & Ball. This will help you pick tints that have a hint of colour to link with the carpet, plus Farrow & Ball's paints are of a quality that can be lacking in high-street options. I love a tartan carpet in a modern interior and there are some wonderful clan classics to choose from – just take a look at Stevens & Graham's collection of more than 50 designs (www.tartanrugs.com) and Brinton's Abbotsford range for more muted styles.

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Finding brushed steel brackets

I've had lovely American oak worktops made for my kitchen and would like to use the leftover bits for shelving. Where can I get good, solid, brushed-steel brackets?

For once the best option is to look at the high-street DIY stores. B&Q has a decent range, which you can purchase online, with a brushed-steel set for £10. Your other option is to use a concealed shelf bracket, but you can only use this type of bracket on walls made of timber and brick, where you can get a decent fixing. Try more independent hardware stores for these.

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Fluefless fires

I'd really like a flame fire, especially now winter has fully set in. We live in a modern flat that has no chimneys, but we do have a gas supply. What are our options?

There are more and more flueless systems appearing on the market, although they can often be a bit lacking in the looks department. CVO Fireplaces has some very tempting fires, and for your kind of situation there's the Fireline. It's a very efficient, energy-saving heater that looks fab and doesn't need a chimney. If, like me, you prefer fires set into the wall, there's a recessed version. The benefit of these is that you're able to have flatscreen TVs and ornaments on the wall above, which you can't on wall-hung fires because of the rising heat. Finally, as with any gas fitting, remember to get it professionally fitted by someone who can certify the work.

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Lino floors

My husband and I are doing a cosmetic refurb on a Fifties ranch. Underneath the late-Seventies vinyl, we've discovered a wonderful floor from 1964. It's brown and has Fiestaware coloured flecks in it. We're also keeping the chestnut-tone kitchen cabinets. I'd love to find something similar to this flooring that's low-maintenance. Any tips for products that would be available in the States? Thanks so much, I love your mag!

Glad to go global! Firstly, for those (like me) who weren't aware of Fiestaware, it's a popular brightly coloured Art Deco pottery (still produced by Homer Laughlin; see www.hlchina.com). After seeing your picture, I was convinced it was a lino rather than a vinyl. Linoleum is a natural product made from materials such as linseed oil and powdered cork. A quick hunt through Forbo-Nairn's catalogue found similar flecked patterns in the Artoleum range, like the Scala Siesta (www.forbo-flooring.com).

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Door handles

We live in a Victorian house that had previously been converted and now features boring flat fire doors in place of the original panelled doors. We're not allowed to change these, but we can change the handles. Any suggestions how we can make them look more attractive?

I've come across this situation before and you'll find traditional handles nearly always look out of place on a simple door. The best solution is to go with the less-is-more aesthetic and keep the handles slick and modern. However, be wary of the so-called 'designer range' handles you find in hardware shops; mostly they're pretty naff. Instead, look at the standard refined office and gallery handles, especially lever types. Charles Mason has a superbly edited range.

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Restoring radiators

I love the look of old-school, cast-iron column radiators and wondered how easy it would be for me to have some reconditioned in a white finish. I've been offered five old radiators with two columns, but they look as if they need quite a lot of work to get them clean again. I don't have the money to buy the reproduction ones, which seem to cost upwards of £400 each.

I'd honestly say don't bother with reconditioning. Unless you're a glutton for punishment, the organising of lugging radiators, sandblasting, pressure testing and so on will far outweigh any initial hope that you'll get a cheap set of traditional radiators. Many architectural salvage yards do reconditioned ones ready to fit – a much better bet – but do expect high prices. If you want this look on a budget, it's well worth considering some of the modern column radiators, like the Acova range at B&Q. Remember, you'll need radiators that give the right amount of heat for the room. Look for the BTU value; this shows how much heat is produced, and there are methods for calculating the BTU needed for each room. You can then work out what size radiators you need. The BTU depends on a number of factors, so it's worth getting a plumber to work it out for you.

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Stripping marble

I have a marble Art Deco fire surround covered in at least three coats of paint. How can I remove the layers without damaging the marble underneath?

Traditional paint strippers also attack whatever the paint is attached to, causing corrosion, so I'd recommend a product called Home Strip by
Eco Solutions, available at DIY stores. It will soften the paint, so it can be removed safely, leaving the marble untouched.

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Wall posters

I've seen a very large poster of woodland that covered a wall. Where can I get something similar?

The classic scenes, such as paradise beaches and rainforests, are often sourced through film and display companies. Roy Bell has a brilliant range of large-format posters, the largest of which is 2.7 x 1.9m and costs around £130. Grahan & Brown also has a new range of digital murals, measuring 1.83 x 2.6m, which cost £75 each. You're bound to find something to suit.

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Noise reduction

We get a lot of noise from the fans and extractors in neighbouring restaurants, which is ruining the peace and quiet of our garden enclave. We had fencing put up, but this hasn't improved things. Can you help?

This is becoming more and more of a problem in city areas and there are not many products marketed at this other than motorway sound fencing, made with costly materials like concrete, toughened glass or thick polycarbonate panels. However, there are some alternative building materials you can use that won't break the bank. C&A Building Plastics sells 35mm-thick panels of fluted polycarbonate sheeting used in conservatories, which can more than halve the directional noise you're suffering, so fit it as fencing along the sides you're having problems with. It's transparent, too, so will let light through, but you can cover it in something more attractive like willow or bamboo screening (www.willowfencing.co.uk) to maintain the look of your garden oasis as well as restore some peace.

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Clever hinges

Our Ikea kitchen is squeezed into a very narrow space and we have a problem reaching things because the cupboards only open 90 degrees. We recently saw a wardrobe with doors that open right back, and wondered whether we could add similar fittings. What do you think?

Ikea uses concealed clip hinges from Blum, so you should just be able to replace the Ikea ones with any number of Blum's hinge options. The wardrobe door hinge you saw probably opened 170 degrees and, as I had a couple of spares, I decided to conduct my own experiment. The result? Success! The only slight problem is that you can't use the existing holes in the cabinet. Instead you need to drill holes 35mm back from the front edge. Blum hinges are available online through Isaac Lord and from other specialist hardware stockists.

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Garden canopies

After an extensive trawl of the internet searching for mdern-look awnings, I've hit a blank. Ideally, we'd like to link the back of the house to an annexe building, but everything I've seen so far would look wrong. Any suggestions for stylish options would be most appreciated.

One alternative to consider is a sail-like awning made from synthetic canvas that can be stretched between anchor points bridging two buildings. There's a relatively new company called Tensarc that's producing some wonderful bespoke and affordable stand-alone tensioned canopies. Its Shade Plus structures are simply designed so that one person can install them – the anchor points can be buried below a patio or deck, allowing the canopy to be installed and removed quickly. The Shade Lite can be installed on the lawn or, even better, the beach.

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Concrete steps

I'd like to replace the front steps of my house with polished concrete. Can you tell me if this is suitable for use on exterior steps and, if so, can you recommend anyone who could do the work?

Sounds good, but polished concrete can be slippy, so get the treads masked and acid-washed to provide a bit more grip. Try Kayode Lipedé (www.koncrete.freeserve.co.uk) for design-led concrete production and installation.

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Wheelie bin stickers

Our local council has just introduced brand-new wheelie bins. Unfortunately, mine sticks out like a sore thumb and ruins the look of my front garden. What can I do to help it blend in?

Start by creating an adequate parking space for it. Wheelie bins stand quite tall and the alcoves built for old-style dustbins were much smaller. This creates a real visual mess. I've spotted the odd bin covered with ivy stickers, which can provide effective camouflage in a garden setting. I've also discovered another option is to take your bin to the 'bling' extreme. Look at Wheelie Bin Arts (www.pimpmybin.co.uk), which does everything from bright florals to pictures of Michael Caine, and you can even send in an image to create your own design.

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Vinyl flooring

Is it possible to get plain-coloured vinyl flooring? I can only find tiles, which always seem to have flecks of other colours on them. I'm planning to cover the floor of a hallway that's 8m long and 1.3m wide with one piece. Is this possible?

Vinyl tiles are way more economical to use, as you get far less wastage than you would from a roll, but that's only really an issue if the flooring is expensive. I sourced a stunning product from Jaymart recently that sounds like the kind of thing you're after. It's called LimontaVinylfloor 2000 and comes in a range of tasteful muted shades and surface designs, of which Liscio (with a smooth matt finish) is best. It comes in a 1.5m-wide piece up to 20m long, as well as standard tiles. Best of all, it's far cheaper than it looks. Some of the browns are a good alternative to leather-look flooring and are a fraction of the cost.

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Bespoke rugs

Can you help us locate a rug maker from whom we could commission a geometric patterned rug that would run in a U shape around our bed? We know this might cost quite a lot, but it would be worth it if it's just what we want.

One company springs instantly to mind: Amazed. The company is well known in design circles for creating original, carved-surface, maze and crop circle rugs that ooze luscious quality. There are a few standard designs available, but you can commission designers Madeline and Dudley Edwards to create a special piece. One thing's for sure: stepping out of bed onto one of their rugs will definitely be worth the cost.

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Grout cleaning

My brother and I finished renovating our bathroom about six months ago and are really pleased with the results. We've tiled the floor with white mosaics, which look great and have really lightened up the space. Our only problem is the pale grouting. It's become quite discoloured and no amount of scrubbing and bleaching the floor seems to help. Is all hope lost or is there a solution to this problem? We have resigned ourselves to the fact that we may have to scrape out all the old grout and redo it, but we really don't want to put down a dark grout in its place as the rest of the room is white. Perhaps there is something we could paint over the top to create a sealed and cleanable surface?

A company called HT Hagesan (01206 795200) supplies a couple of grout cleaners, but it's important you use the correct one. If they're ceramic tiles, you need HT Grout Cleaner; if you've used marble or slate tiles, you need HT Remover. Once you've successfully cleaned everything (and remember, if all else fails, you can always re-grout), I'd advise you to use its Super Protection for Walls and Floors, which is a sealant that will keep the grout clean. Any readers who are getting their tiling done in future, remember to make a point of doing this at the time.

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Computer tables

I'm trying to find a desk to house my laptop and printer, but I want one that looks like a nice piece of furniture rather than office equipment. My laptop is also my music centre, so my speakers need to go somewhere, and I write a lot, so the desk needs to be comfortable with room for pens, paper etc. The only one I've seen is more than £1,000. Any cheaper suggestions?

Computers and monitors have moved on hugely in the last few years, but, sadly, affordable furniture to house them hasn't. It baffles me that 90 per cent of home office furniture is so crude and clunky. A couple of suppliers, however, stock a more refined selection: Laporta – try its compact Ivo desk – and Home Office Design – see its Swing and Space models.

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Increase ceiling height

I've just bought a new condominium in the US. It has very modern lines, but the ceilings are low (only 8ft high). Could you give me some tips on what I can do to make the ceilings appear higher? Are there certain paint colours, trims, mouldings, etc I should be using to help trick the eye?

The most important thing is to keep the ceiling free from clutter. That means no central lighting features, mouldings or decorative effects. Keep any feature colours and ornaments at a low level to hold the eye's attention down and away (this is a well-known technique for controlling what people 'see' of your home, and a tactic employed by canny people selling properties that have certain, er, less attractive areas). You can use lighting to trick the eye, too – go for uplighters that will widen and lift the top half of the room. Furniture and features help the effect, providing they have visual weight and look rooted and not too 'top-heavy'. It might sound obvious stuff, but your best bet is to keep the room as light and bright as possible, with plenty of white or pale colours. This will increase the sense of space in all aspects, as we

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