Help Make Bed Dreams Be All White On The Night

Jan 27 2008 John Amabile

Ask Amabile

Q I'd like a new white bed but the ones I've seen are too plain. Help!

A Hyder International's latest metal bed, the Sofia, has an intricate design that swirls through headboard and foot end, finishing in kinked legs.

Costing around £449, it oozes class and elegance with its hand-painted white gold-leaf finish. Contact Hyder on 01484 531 000 or at www.hyderint.com

Q I'm looking for a white digital radio with an iPod sound dock. Can you help me find one?

A The Eton Sound DAB radio, below, saves space and combines brilliant sound with retro glamour.

The built-in three-inch full-range speaker produces incredibly powerful, distortion-free sound, while a rearfacing bass port provides extra oomph. Apple iPod owners will love the separate dock.

The radio features an LCD clock display, an alarm clock, up to 10 preset stations and can be connected to a portable music device, such as an MP3 or CD player.

The Eton Sound 102 Dab Radio and iPod Dock costs £139 from John Lewis.

Q I want to find Oriental-inspired art in dark wooden frames. I love box frames with old plates in them. Do you know a good store?

AIgloo on Crow Road, Glasgow, sell a good-value range of Oriental art.

Prices start from around £90. They are good quality and some of them look like real ancient art. Call 0141 341 0154.

Q I am still trying to clear up my children's toys from Christmas. The problem is they want to see them but I need to keep the house tidy. Do you know where I can get clear plastic boxes to help me de-clutter?

A Clear plastic boxes are a great way of storing but letting the kids see all of their toys. They are easily stackable too.

One of the best buys around is the three-piece plastic kids' toy storage set.

It costs from £3.50 to £5 per box. Contact Au Naturale on 0141 552 2020 or see www.aunaturale.co.uk

Q I am an optician and want to get an unusual designer wall clock for my waiting room. It obviously has to have an eye theme. Any ideas?

A Mojo Interiors sell unusual clocks designed by artists.

The trendy George Nelson eye clock, above, which costs £69, has a CE quartz movement, aluminum quartz holder, brushed brass lids, a maple centre and walnut horizon sticks.

For more details, ring 0845 370 1711 or check out www.mojointeriors.co.uk

QI am searching for wallpaper but cannot find the right one in any shops. Where else can I look? I love the modern floral types.

AM&S are launching a collection of wallpaper in spring. There will be 20 designs available, with a mix of bold floral prints and rich damasks.

At £15 per roll, many designs feature 'paste the wall' technology (paper that can be hung straight from the roll). Log on to www.marksandspencer.com

Q Can you help me find a glass wash basin for my bathroom?

AInspired By Design have glass basins (above) in gorgeous copper, gold, blue, green and metallic colours.

The are available in small and large, with the hand-made glass 17mm thick.

They are not cheap as prices start from £1150 but they are stunning.

For more details, contact Inspired By Design on 0161 278 2094 or log on to www.inspired-by-design.co.uk

Q I am looking for wallpaper with a beach scene or something similar. Where can I get some?

A The website www.blancwall.com charge from £45 per metre for uploading your own image on to wallpaper or from £55 per metre if you want to use their images. 'The Beach, Fairbourne' (above) is a beautiful, restful scene and would look great as a backdrop - especially if you want a room with a view. Call 01943 870 944.

Q I heard you can buy stickers to update walls. Is this true and are there any floral patterns?

A Yes. Italian designers SoFar SoNear make beautiful wall stickers. They are an easy way to update a room without redecorating and save money.

Costing from £54, there are three designs: Jardin Japonais - orientalinspired reds and blacks; Dans L'Eau - soft greens and browns; and Paysage Fiabesque - fuchsia with grey and black.

Ring The Greenhaus on 01279 658 400 (www.thegreenhaus.co.uk) or phone Sexy Interiors on 01514 277 000 (www.sexyinteriors.com).

QI live in a flat with a veranda and would like a greenhouse enclosure so I can protect my plants in winter. Any suggestions?

AThe compact walk-in greenhouse from AHS Direct (below) is ideal for anyone with a large balcony, a small garden or people on a tight budget.

Costing £49.99, it includes shelving and has a roll-up zipped front for easy access and ventilation.

Log on to www.ahsdirect.co.uk or call 01797 227 300.