Masterclass Will Help You Build That Dream Bathroom

May 11 2008 John Amabile

Q I am looking for a black chandelier for my dining room - but everything I see in the size I want costs over £400.

A The Cristallo eight-light black chandelier by Litecraft is only £179.

It has a beautifully designed chandelier body, with candle-style light bulbs, leaf decoration and elegant crystal pendants. I think it gives a nice, warm lighting effect.

Available from Litecraft, 89 Seaward Street, Glasgow.

Q I want two small bedside lights for my guest bedroom. We have done it in silver and mushroom and just need finishing touches. Bargain price if possible.

A The Bon Bon night-time reading light from Marks & Spencer is only £19.50. It gives a good light and has designer lines too. Check out www.marksandspencer.com or call 0845 302 1234.

Q I would like to buy velvet cushions. Where can I get a lot of them on a low budget?

A Shopping around for velvet cushions should be easy as they are so in right now. You'll find a wellpriced range from Freemans with cushions from £17 including their feature velvet-buttoned cushions (www.freemans.com).

Q I have a tiny spare room off the bathroom. I am thinking of knocking it into one dream bathroom but I've never tackled building work.

A Visit the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show. There are free seminars and masterclasses including one that sounds perfect for you - Renovation Do's And Don'ts.

The show is on at Glasgow's SECC on May 17-18.

Book by calling 0871 956 4547 or www.homebuildingshow.co.uk.

Advance tickets £5, on the door, £8.

Q I saw a barbecue that folds flat in a magazine and hope you can help me find it.

A The foldaway flat barbecue from www.drinkstuff.com is £19.95 plus P&P. It folds completely flat - but remember to let it cool down. Great for days away.

Q Where can I buy a set of waterproof speakers for my iPod?

We have bought an inflatable hot tub seen in your column last year and need music out there.

A John Lewis sell the waterproof set at £69.95 (battery-only for safety). Visit www.johnlewis.co.uk or call customer enquires on 08456 049049.

Q I am looking for an old outside beach-style ceiling lamp in off-white. I saw one when I was in America but can't find anything here that would suit my New England-style kitchen.

A The Pendant fishing light from The Beach Hut at £48 will set your look off perfectly. Visit www.beachhut.co.uk or call 01892 557964.

Q I am trying to find a large desk but all the ones I've seen look too shallow. I need something quite deep and preferably walnut to go with the floor.

A Try the £295 walnut writing desk from Dwell (www.dwell.co.uk). It has generous proportions (H76cm x- W160cm x D70cm) and a walnut wood finish top with stylish steel legs. You'll find them at Princes Square, Glasgow

Q Having just finished our living room all in brown, I want accessories to keep the theme going but everything looks too boring and blocky.

A You need nick nacks. Add stripes and shapes to the design in the form of vases and canvases. I have used the brown, irregular-line vases from Debenhams, above, at £15 each to do the same job successfully. Call Debenhams on 0844 5616161 or why not pop in to the store?

Q I want a light wooden clothes stand.

Our bedroom is all light oak and cream. The stands I have seen are dark steel or look too cheap.

A The Valet stand by James Patterson at Habitat costs £149. It's a bit more expensive but it will look OK empty and tidy when filled. See www.habitat.net or call 08444 991118, Glasgow, 08444 991114, Edinburgh.