Tricks Of The Trade

Oct 5 2008 Justin And Colin

Before throwing away a paint brush that's gone hard, try soaking it in hot vinegar then combing it with an old fork.

Failing that, simmer in vinegar for 10 minutes and then wash in hot soapy water for an almost good-as-new finish.

Floor 'em with a cheap and cheerful new rug

If you're looking to modernise a dull colourless room then add a funky multicoloured wool rug as a quick pick-me-up. Perfect for kids' rooms, hallways or modern living rooms, the Unni rug from IKEA is a great buy especially as it's just £12.99. For more, visit IKEA at Braehead near Glasgow, or Straiton Park, Edinburgh, or click on www.ikea.com

To remove dried-on paint from glass window panes without scratching, just apply nail polish remover, leave for a few minutes and wash off with a damp rag. The paint will wipe away.

If you're looking for a huge amount of CD storage that takes up little room, look no further than the Cleo CD tower from Habitat. At 174cm high, 43.6cm wide and 15cm deep, it offers accommodation for 428 CDs on a footprint that's no bigger than a couple of shoe boxes. Visit your local store or click on www.habitat.co.uk

If your kitchen work surfaces are stained with tea and coffee don't rip them out until you've tried this great cleaning tip.

Mix up a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the stains. Leave for 20 minutes and wipe clean.

Abracadabra - no more coffee rings.

STYLE BIBLE what's hot in the shops

At Home in Turkey by Solvi dos Santos and Berrin Torolsan, £24.95, published by Thames & Hudson This stunning book takes the reader on a voyage through 25 contemporary Turkish homes via hundreds of photographs taken throughout the year and across the country. From Istanbul and the Black Sea right through to the Aegean and Cappadocia, this book is a serious journey of discovery. The homes range from seaside retreats to modern apartments and from wooden chalets to stone dwellings. But they are all real homes imbued with the spirit of the land.

We love an old-fashioned board game, especially if it alooks good on the coffee table, like these giant dominoes.

They cost £30 a set from swank grocers to the Queen, Fortnum & Mason. And if you're feeling posh, plunder their extensive grocery range and have it delivered via their online store at www.fortnumandmason.com