I Want To Put Others In Shade

Apr 27 2008 John Amabile

Ask Amabile

Q I remember my granny being really keen on glass shades for her lamps. Is there anything contemporary that would allow me to create smart and stylish lighting options for my living room and bedroom?

A Japanese designer Michiko Nakata has created a new range of p2 lamps for IKEA - and they're proving hugely popular. They're called the Knubbig and the glass shades come in two sizes - priced at £5.49 and £10.99 - and several colours including green, turquoise and dramatic black. Order online at www.ikea.co.uk/lighting or visit one of the stores nationwide.

Q I want a simple dresser cabinet for my lounge, in wood but not pine. I like Chinese-style furniture as it is nice and simple but don't want a dark or black finish. Have you seen anything to fit the bill?

A Zenzu specialise in Oriental furniture and feature bold colours on pieces such as the rustic dresser, above. They have combined the country style of the dresser with a gorgeous, hand-painted pastel blue and finished it with intricate detailing that is characteristic of Chinese furniture. It is made from solid Yu-Mu timbers and aged brass plates and handles. Priced at £955, it is 150cm wide, 46cm deep and 230cm high. Visit www.zenzu.co.uk or call 01297 444 496.

Q I have painted my dining room wall plum after seeing you do it on 60 Minute Makeover. I'm finding it hard to get plum accessories such as vases, can you help?

A Next sell plum-coloured vases - in fact the ones I used. The plum optic vase costs £25 and is available from www.next.co.uk or at Next home stores.

Q I am trying to hunt down plastic chairs for my kitchen. All the ones I have seen are white or black but I would like chairs in one or two different colours to sit round my white dining table.

A A classic design, the Eames Eiffel chair is one of those products that shows how great design doesn't mean sacrificing colour. Each chair costs £189, and is 82cm high, 63cm wide and 58cm deep. Call 08453 701 711 or visit www.mojointeriors.co.uk

Q Having replaced my toaster twice in the past year-and-a-half, I am looking for a good quality one and, if possible, a matching kettle. We have five kids and the toaster and kettle are always on, so they will need to be durable.

A Inspired by the sophisticated glamour of the 1950s, the new De'Longhi Icona range of toasters and kettles combine stylish design and functionality. Made from solid stainless steel, these are built to last and available from John Lewis. The four-slice toaster and matching kettle cost £59.95 each. They are available online at www.johnlewis.co.uk, or call 08456 049 049.

Q Where can I buy a fold-away trestle table in plastic or a similar material that will survive the winter in my hut?

A Lakeland sell a fivefoot long fold-away trestle table in their mail order catalogue, priced at £74.99. It can seat six people comfortably and folds in half for easy storage and carrying. It's easy clean and scratch and stain resistant - so it should last a few years. Visit www.lakeland.co.uk or call 015394-88100.

Q I am looking for new bedding in a textured linen material, in greys or darker, moody colours. I want something simple but good quality.

A The Svaja Relax Textile collection is simple but looks really good and is well made. The colours and detailing will bring a calm atmosphere to your bedroom. The pillowcase costs £20, duvet double £165.40 and the duvet king £199. While they may be more expensive than the average bed covers, it is worth paying a little bit extra for quality. Contact Svaja International by logging on to www.svaja.co.uk or call 0870 444 6860.

Q I am hoping to buy a new barbecue that we can use at our caravan. All the portable types look very small. We want something that is easy to carry and use.

A This Beer Barrel barbecue is ideal, since it is large enough for entertaining and small enough for transporting. The barrel - which is 510mm high, 440mm wide and 420mm deep - comes complete with removable grills and a heating rack. This multi-use BBQ is so practical it will unfold in seconds. All you have to do is add the charcoal and light the fire. The barbecue costs £69.99, from www.drinkstuff.com

Q I am looking for plastic glasses and jugs to use on my new patio area. Can you help?

A Au Naturale have a range that is inexpensive and full of colour - here's hoping we get the sun for you to enjoy them. A melamine alfresco pitcher costs £6 and the hi-ball glasses are £2 each. They should liven up any patio. Buy at www.aunaturale.co.uk or call 0141 552 2020.

Q I would like to buy a new, solid wood dining table set. Preferably, I want something in a light wood, with a central base. I know it is a lot to ask but I'm on a budget and want something with a wow factor.

A A stylish option that will impress guests is the Rebecca dining table, priced at £299, from Furniture Innovations. It features a solid oak criss-cross base and tempered glass top. Add matching, comfy Rebecca chairs (priced at £120 per pair) to complete this designer look without breaking the bank. For further information on the latest set of collections available from this independent retailer, log on to www.furnitureinnovations.co.uk or visit one of the stores in Glasgow, East Kilbride, Aberdeen or Livingston.