Bright Budget Bedding Is A Dream Come True

Dec 28 2008 John Amabile

Ask Amabile In Association With The Store Interiors

Q I want a new look for my bedroom for the new year. Something bright and cheerful please.

A The Swedish designers at IKEA urge us all to be brave, not beige, in our choices of textiles and I can't help but agree. I love their new Beata collection, which focuses on strong colours and largescale organic shapes. The stunning Beata Tistel quilt cover and pillow case set, above, costs from just £6.99 For more ideas visit www.ikea.co.uk

Q My friend's birthday is coming up and I'm looking for an unusual gift. Everything in the shops seems to be leftover Christmas presents so I'm struggling for inspiration. Any ideas?

A What about a celebrity-designed charity mug from Whatever It Takes?

Stars including George Clooney, above, and Nicole Kidman have drawn sketches which have been printed on mugs.

Proceeds go to the celeb's charity of choice. They're £10.99 from www.whateverittakes.org

Q My coffee always goes cold before I have a chance to finish it.

Short of drinking from a flask, is there a mug or gadget that will keep it warm?

A Thermo mugs have an insulated double wall that keeps your tea or coffee warm but won't scald your hands when holding them. They also have a sleek, long design. They are available from EZ Style, priced £15.50 for set of two.

Buy online at www.ezstyle.co.uk or call 08456 520 525.

Q Where can I get an unusual piece of art for my lounge?

A This stunning piece is by artist Mark Briggs and costs £590. Each of his works is slightly different and truly beautiful.

Available at The Store Interiors, call 0141 950 1333 or see www.thestorescotland.co.uk Q I'd like to do a quick makeover in my lounge. Nothing too drastic, maybe just change the cushions. What would you suggest? I can't afford to spend too much money.

A Pick a main colour for your cushions and add soft furnishings with stripes, checks and plains in that theme for best effect. Matalan stores have good quality home wares at great prices with cushions from as low as £8 each. For more details visit www.matalan.co.uk

Q I'm looking for flooring that looks like stone but is made from laminate as it is easier to lay. Is such a thing available?

A It is indeed - and it looks great. Check out Pergo flooring which costs from £29.99 per square metre. It's a lovely beige, glaze floor tile that looks like authentic stone. Visit www.pergo.co.uk for their full range.

Q Where can I buy colourful bedside tables? Every bright one I've seen has had a wacky, modern design and I want something plainer.

A Zenzu design gorgeous oriental furniture and they have now given their rustic side tables a modern makeover by offering them in zesty orange, turquoise and lime green, above. Contemporary colours with a traditional look. They cost from £220 from www.zenzu.co.uk or 01297 44 44 96.

Q This wild winter weather is battering my garden furniture.

Where can I get covers to protect it?

And are they available with a pattern like wheelie bin covers?

A The Camouflage Company have created a gorgeous collection of garden covers in nature-inspired prints with names such as Long Grass, above, and Evergreen, below. They come in different sizes and shapes with prices from £20. Call 0207 823 1984 or log on to www.thecamouflagecompany.com