Colourful Lighting Adds A Zesty Zing To Dining Room

Jan 6 2008 John Amabile

Ask Amabile

Q I've been trawling the shops for accessories but everything looks the same. Where can I buy new cushions for my living room?

A I really like the Maddie & Flo lace linen cushion collection at Echo Interiors. They are simple yet elegant and would suit any home or decor.

Made from 100 per cent linen, these hand-printed cushions display a beautiful lace design and are available in various colour combinations - blue/ silver, natural/chocolate, natural/white and silver/charcoal. Priced at £54 at www.echointeriors.co.uk

Q Where can I buy some design classics in the Edinburgh area for my boyfriend's new flat?

A For great furniture and lighting - including accessories from Eames' chairs and Otto Brauer vases - visit Concrete Wardrobe, 50a Broughton Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3SA, or log on to www.twentiethcenturyantiques.co.uk

Q My mother loves growing her own herbs and veg but has moved to a flat with no garden. Is there any way she can grow things like this indoors?

A Your luck is in, thanks to a fab new invention - the Aerogarden. It lets you grow anything from herbs to tomatoes or chillis in a small counter-top dome - with no soil. It's priced £119.75 from www.qvcuk.com

Q Where can I buy Le Creuset stonewear for my daughter's wedding list?

A Although available in most department stores, visiting the website can show you the full range of styles and colours. You can also order direct without waiting lists from in store stock (www.lecreuset.co.uk).

Q Where can I buy brightly coloured ceiling pendant lights in orange or blue for my dining room? I have a glass table and orange chairs and I need something colourful.

A Look at the vintage Flower Pot lights by Verner Panton. There are nine colours at £130 each. They will add zesty zing to any room. For more details, click on to www.twentytwentyone.com

Q I'm looking for a power tool that will do a couple of jobs in one. I've just moved into a new flat and plan to tackle some DIY.

A The Dremel 300 multi tool has 25 different bits that will sand, drill, buff, sharpen, engrave and screw as well as saw. It's priced £35 and available from www.dremeleurope.com

Q I have heard you can get natural organic beds and I'm interested in them for my new house.

A The organic divan set from Abaca Organic is produced using materials created by traditional farming methods, making your bedroom free from toxic pesticides or chemicals. All divan sets are hand-made and tufted, wrapped in four layers of luxurious, organic, Welsh wool and covered in 100 per cent organic cotton. Prices start at £995. For more details: www.abacaorganic.co.uk

Q Where can I buy black 60s style plastic bucket chairs for my kitchen?

A Habitat's Palocco Chair, £99, is sleek, stylish and much sought-after.

Call Glasgow 08444 991117, Edinburgh 08444 991114, or www.habitat.net/uk

Q The lighting in my living room is too harsh and I want something softer for the times I entertain guests or I'm just watching television. Any ideas?

A A one-off purchase is a gorgeous porcelain Blossom lamp from Echo Interiors. Designed by Liz Emtage, its delicate appearance is achieved by mixing paper and porcelain clay. The lamp has a soft, warm glow. Prices start at £360. See www.echointeriors.co.uk

Q I want a cake made in the shape of our new conservatory for my dad's birthday. He spent two years getting it built and it was finished just in time for Christmas. We had a super time in it. He is going to be 60 and I thought it would be great to have a fun cake for him.

A One shop to try is Flour Power. They make cakes in all shapes, sizes and designs and I'm sure they could make a conservatory cake. Find them at 21 Old Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G3 8QY.

Check out their great cakes at www.flourpower.co.uk, call 0141 334 6525 or email info@flourpower.co.uk

Q I am forever tripping over toys in my son's bedroom. Is there storage that would keep things out of the way but still give him access to them?

A Try this colourful canvas wall hanging with sewn-on storage pouches. The strong canvas is ideal for storing books or toys or miscellaneous items. You can tidy things away quickly when necessary and your son still has convenient access to his toys. The bright flags are also a great way of adding a quick splash of colour to a bedroom. Priced £24.99, from www.nautical-living.co.uk