Art Can Lighten Up Your Life

Mar 2 2008 John Amabile

Ask Amabile

Q I love experimenting with lighting and am looking for original lamps. Any suggestions?

A How's this for a bright idea? This stunning piece of artwork is actually a light. This laser-cut, high-gloss piece disperses mirror-like reflections using ambient light. The shimmering inlay changes colour and hue when you move around it. This chandelier print also has a built-in LED lighting system, which intensifies the effects of the illumination when turned on. It's £600 from www.enlightened-art.co.uk

Q My wardrobe is over-flowing. Where can I get some space-saving storage ideas, particularly for my shoe collection?

A Put your best foot forward and get down to MFI. Their handy shoe rack will hide away all your footwear and prevent them ending up in a heap on the floor - forcing you to spend ages hunting through them for the pair you want. There's also a mirror and shelf with dividers for your other knick-knacks. It's £99 from stores or at www.mfi.co.uk

Q Can you help me find an unusual gift for my sister-in-law? She loves George Clooney but I don't want to just get her a DVD. Have you seen any Gorgeous George mugs or prints?

A Treat her to something especially designed by her favourite hunk. The Ocean's Eleven star has decorated a mug, plate and canvas to be sold in aid of charity CARE International and they cost just £10.99 each. A host of other celebs including Ewan McGregor have also designed items. Snap them up at www.whateverittakes.org

Q My black granite worktop is always left covered in unsightly streaks when I clean it. Any tips on how to get them smear free?

A I used to have the same problem until I discovered the E-cloth from Lakeland. It's great for cleaning stainless steel, chrome, glass, granite, ceramic and many other surfaces. It's made from millions of tiny fibres that cut through dirt without the need for detergent, so it's better for the environment. It's just £4.99 from www.lakeland.co.uk

Q Where can I get stylish cushions for my lounge that aren't in dark colours? I want something bright and luxurious.

A I reckon you'll love the gorgeous Summer Berries cushions from Casa Copenhagen. They are sumptuous silk with a flock-effect print and come in gold with blue, silver with black and white with grey, left. They cost £32 from www.casa copenhagen.com

Q Where can I get a good quality knife sharpener?

A I like the Wusthof Pull-through Knife Sharpener from Silver Nutmeg. It has revolving ceramic grinding wheels to keep your blades razor sharp and is simple to use. It's £25.95 from www.silvernutmeg.com

Q My friend has just moved into her new home and I want to get her a housewarming present. She already has the basics such as toasters and towels so I want to give her something unusual. Any ideas?

A Here's the perfect present - a personalised door mat from www.gettingpersonal.co.uk. Your own unique message, of up to 12 characters per line, is applied to a high-quality PVC backed coir mat. They are £27.95.

Q I want a free-standing bar for my new conservatory but not something tacky that Del Boy would be proud of. Is there a modern, stylish alternative?

A For a contemporary look, invest in the Aspire free-standing bar. It has black glass surfaces and chrome-plated stainless steel legs - sleek and chic rather than kitsch. It's £349.99 from www.drinkstuff.com

Q I love Oriental furniture and design. Where can I get Far Eastinspired dinnerware?

A For items that are full of Eastern promise, check out the exquisite ranges by Japanese ceramic designer Azusa Hirose. Her Olivia and Flora collections boast a traditional blue or pink print that echo blue and white porcelain styles from the Victorian era. Each piece is individually hand-crafted from white stoneware and prices start from £9. Visit www.echointeriors.co.uk

Q I've been on a health kick and have been eating lots more fruit. Where can I get a stylish bowl for it all? At the moment it is just dumped on the kitchen worktop.

A I love this stainless steel bowl with leaf design. It's die-cut then polished, welded and re-polished by hand to ensure it is of the highest quality. It comes in two sizes, 40cm costing £62.75 and 30cm costing £52, from www.edgecompany.co.uk