Help Make My Kitchen The Height Of Perfection

Feb 10 2008 John Amabile

Ask Amabile

Q I painted my bedroom pink and have matching music speakers. I have searched for a pink iPod nano but found nothing. Any suggestions?

A Do you listen to Pink too? John Lewis sell the new Apple iPod nano, 8GB, in stylish pink.

The 6.5mm-thin nano lets you watch up to five hours of TV shows, music videos and podcasts.

The large, bright, two-inch display gives great picture quality.

Costing £129, it's available from John Lewis stores. Ring 08456 049 049.

Q I've just moved into a New England-style house overlooking a beach. Where can I buy nice accessories to match?

A Nautical Living is the perfect place for you - they have fantastic beach-inspired pieces in real New England style.

I love their range of model yachts. They look great lined up on a windowsill or on a shelf in a hallway.

They cost £15.99 per boat and are available in a wide range of colours.

Phone 0845 603 1966 or log on to www.nautical-living.co.uk

Q I would love a funky armchair to make my lounge look more modern. Which is the best shop to try?

A The Enzo armchair is the latest addition to the designer collection at Darlings Of Chelsea and is perfect for an instant update to your living room.

It is available in a range of funky fabrics, has trendy metal feet and acts on a swivel mechanism. The chair is fitted with sumptuous, plump cushions to support your body while reclining.

The firm let you use the fabric of your choice to upholster the seat. It costs £699.

Log on to www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk or call 0207 371 5745.

Q I'm trying to find a simple high-level table and a couple of high stools for my kitchen. This is an after-thought as we have already decorated the room so I need a good bargain.

A IKEA sell the new Utby table top with a stainless steel finish frame for £75. This has clean, simple design lines and works well with the Sebastian bar stools at £35 each. Check out www.ikea.co.uk

Q I would love a hot tub but cannot afford one. I heard you can get lightweight spas for a good price but are they any good?

A Why pay £5000 or more when, for just £299, you can own the portable Lay-ZSpa?

It's great if you want to take it to your holiday home and is simple to set up. With enough space for four adults, the spa has ample room to relax and enjoy.

Check out www.drinkstuff.com or ring 0870 428 0958.

Q Where is the best place to buy romantic candles?

A With Valentine's Day around the corner, Shearer sell lovely candles that will cast a romantic glow. My favourite are these red heart glass votives at only £2.50 each.

Contact The Candle Store, Shearer Candles' flagship shop, at 23 Robert Street, Glasgow. Call 0141 425 1661 or see www.the-candle-store.co.uk

Q I'm looking for a glass console table with a shelf underneath for storage. It's for my hall and I'll put a lamp on top. Where can I get one?

A The GEM console table, at £429, is a stylish curved-edge glass classic and has a glass shelf plus a divider panel.

You'll be able to keep your hall neat and tidy with this great feature. Check out the Habitat stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow or log on to www.habitat.co.uk

Q I heard you can get Valentine's Day crackers, like the ones you buy at Christmas. I looked online but found very little. Any suggestions?

A Pull a cracker this Valentine's Day. As a sense of humour is deemed one of the most desirable traits of a partner, why not show your funny side with a cheeky Valentine's cracker set from Morrisons.

Costing £2.99 for a twopack, the set includes a dice and handcuff key ring. Enjoy the fun.

Q My girlfriend loves butterflies so I want to buy something unusual for her as a Valentine's gift. Any ideas?

A The Love Bugz is a beautiful Fairtrade butterfly with delicate wings and a beaded body in vibrant red and pink.

Stick your Love Bugz wherever you want, including windows, mirrors, picture frames or any smooth surface. At £4.99 each, it comes with a present box and Valentine's gift card. Ring 0870 770 7147 or log on to www.lovebugz.co.uk

Q I made my own curtains out of simple fake suede using the eyelet system. I cannot tackle zips so I want to buy cushions to match. I would like to keep a homemade craft-style neutral theme going. Can you help me find something suitable?

A Au Naturale sell the button detail canvas at only £10 and have a great range of oversized faux-suede-detail cushions from as little as £8 each. Contact Au Naturale by phoning 0141 552 2020 or see www.aunaturale.co.uk