Get Back To Basics In Your Bedroom

Feb 24 2008 John Amabile

Ask Amabile

Q I am trying to find a simple country-style bed frame and dressing table. I want a rural cottage theme. Please help.

A Check out the Bradgate Collection. The single pedestal dressing table in the Haddington Range (around £419) has an off-white finish to provide a piece that gives a traditional country style.

The Haddington bed (from £555), left, will complete your look. Contact CPW Furniture on 01797 225014 or log on to www.cpwfurniture.co.uk

Q My friend has a new flat and nearly everything in it is white. I am looking for a stunning vase or bowl for her. What colour is best and in fashion now?

A Red is fast becoming the new accessory must-have, especially for minimal interiors.

Add a flash of bright fiery red with the glamorous Scarlet Orchid glassware from Svaja.

This handmade collection consists of a tall vase, short vase and bowl that make a stunning statement individually or as a group.

The tall vase is £147.78, the bowl is £140.96 and the short vase is £140.98.

Contact Svaja at www.svaja.co.uk or on 0870 444 6860.

Q I saw a wooden wall frame with lots of slats that you can mix and match for whatever you need. You can have a shelf anywhere on the framework. Do you know its name and where I could get one?

A Sounds like you are thinking of the IKEA Mandal headboard system.

This can be a funky headboard or a groovy wall area which allows you to make up storage solutions.

Each panel costs £59.90 and comes with six shelves per headboard. Log on to www.ikea.co.uk or visit an IKEA store.

Q I am searching for white bedside tables with a modern look. I also need a chest of drawers. Any advice?

A The Dwell company sell a high-gloss white range of furniture.

Their bedside tables cost £89 and the chest of drawers is £125.

The good news is that it comes assembled, except the feet and handles.

Log on to www.dwell.co.uk or visit the Dwell store in Princes Square on Buchanan Street, Glasgow (0845 675 9090).

Q I would like to buy a red teapot for my friend but the ones I've seen in shops look a bit old-fashioned. Can you help me to find a stylish model?

A The Zero teapot is a classic modernist piece. With warm tones of scarlet and a simple design, it will sit tastefully in any modern kitchen with dark wood and an industrial finish. It costs £23. For more information, check out www.johnlewis.com or visit your local store.

Q I have seen graters that have a collection tray or plastic case to collect the cheese. They look so easy to use and must save a lot of mess. Any idea where I could buy one?

A The Cuisipro Accutec Grater is ideal for zesting fruit or grating ginger, chocolate and nutmeg.

The Extra Coarse model is perfect for soft cheeses, fruit or vegetables, while the Cuisipro Accutec Parmesan grater is effective for any hard cheese.

Each grater costs £9.99. Contact Lakeland on www.lakeland.co.uk or by calling 01539 488100 to find your nearest store for these handy little products.

Q Where can I get a kitchen bin that has compartments for recycling? I have three bags beside my bin and it looks messy.

A Habitat sell the Darcy Butterfly (38-litre capacity) recycling bin. Costing £119, it should help you control and organise the build-up of recycling goods.

Contact Habitat on 0844 499 1111 or www.habitat.net

Q My son is desperate for a fire engine bed. Do you know a firm that sell them?

A The fantastic website www.roomsyoulove.com sells a fire engine bed that will be a huge hit with budding Fireman Sams. Made of MDF, it is finished in a bright red paint.

The bed needs self-assembly. It is £229 excluding the single bed mattress. There is a matching fire station bookcase for £99.95.

Delivery is free on orders over £100. Ring 0845 371 4089.

Q Which paint is the most environmentally friendly?

A The Little Greene paint company ensure they have a low carbon footprint.

They keep transport to a minimum and use natural minerals to make their products and reduce smell.

Their paint has superb coverage - meaning fewer deliveries and fewer lorries on the roads.

Little Greene cans are made using recycled metal. Their paints are so 'green', they are safe enough to paint children's toys.

The water-based paints have very little odour, making them user-friendly as well.

Last but certainly not least, there is a fantastic range of colours available.

Log on to www.thelittlegreene.com or phone 0161 230 0880 for more information on these eco-friendly paints.

Q I am looking for tall cocktail glasses to make tequila sunrises. All the glasses I find are tall but not tapered in at the sides like the classic style. Any ideas?

A Kyoto is the former grand capital of ancient Japan, the seat of Japan's imperial court and, apparently, a cocktail glass.

This tall vessel has a large capacity, allowing you to fill it up with enough drink to get you started for a night of fruitful colour.

It costs £13.99 for a set of six, plus postage and packaging.

Log on to www.drinkstuff.com or phone 0870 428 0958.