Go Black To Basics To Add Hint Of Drama To Any Room

Apr 13 2008 John Amabile

Q Where can I buy a tall buttoned headboard to finish off my bedroom? I wouldn't know where to start to make one.

A The new K Home range from Bhs includes this luxurious buttoned headboard with prices starting from £349. Headboards are an easy way of giving a bedroom a quick new look. Click www.bhs.co.uk for details.

QI am looking for new dining room and living room furniture. We have an open-plan home and would like something a bit different.

A Check out the fab furniture on offer at Macdonald Furniture Galleries, Cathedral Street, Glasgow. They have just reopened after a month-long closure for extensive renovations and all five floors now feature stunning new collections.

They have gorgeous leather sofas and Italian corner groups as well as beautiful dining suites. The store is also the only Scottish supplier of Hastens beds, handmade in Sweden using only the finest natural materials.

For more details call 0141 332 4001 or log on to www.macdonaldfurniture galleries.co.uk

Q Any idea where I can buy a chandelier-style light with discs made of shell?

A The large Cadiz light sounds just the job and it fits on to your lamp holder like a shade so no electrician is required. It costs £49 from Litecraft, click on www.litecraft.co.uk

QI am redesigning my dining room with a black and deep red colour scheme. Where can I track down matt black emulsion?

A Your ideas sound wonderful. Try the Little Greene Paint Company's Jack Black matt emulsion, £21.60 for 2.5 litres. Log on to www.thelittlegreene.com

Q Where can I buy a small, two-seater sofa for my open-plan kitchen-diner. I don't have a fortune to spend.

A Check out D well's Ankara two-seater at only £445. It comes in two natural shades and has sleek modern styling. Log on to www.dwell.co.uk or drop into their store in Glasgow's Princes Square.

Q Our new house has a decked back garden and we want stylish outdoor furniture to hat will impress the neighbours but without breaking the bank.

A For low-price summer furniture IKEA is hard to beat. Their sturdy Nordano range will tick all your boxes, especially with price. A chair costs £39, a two-seat bench £59 and the table £69. For more information see www.ikea.co.uk

Q Have you seen any sofas with a dark, leaf pattern? I've only seen plain couches in leather or suede and I want a fabric one.

A The Hollywood Love Chair really oozes style. It's a great shape in a trendy leaf pattern fabric and costs £1229 from The Store Interiors, Anniesland, Glasgow. Click www.thestore scotland.co.uk

Q Where can I buy a roller blind that looks a bit different? All the patterned rollers I've seen look old fashioned. I want something modern.

A Next sell a great range of funky roller blinds - such as a pink, dotty style or trendy teal pattern. Prices start from as little as £15 and will soon have your windows looking well dressed. Click on www.next.co.uk or see in stores for details.

QI am looking for a floral wallpaper to brighten up my cream spare room. I love subtle neutral tones but they can be a bit boring. Any ideas?

A I'd recommend Laura Ashley's Carolina wallpaper in teal - a soft greenish-blue. It costs £25 a roll and is great for a feature wall. Matching paint is also available at £22 for 2.5 litres. Log on to www.lauraashley.co.uk for details.

Q I'd like a striped carpet. I saw you use one on 60 Minute Makeover and loved the idea of getting away from plain carpets.

A You must be thinking of the Pure Living carpet range from Brintons. At £58.25 per sq m, it will breathe life into even the most boring floor. Click on www.brintons.co.uk for more information.