Oriental oysters offer a taste of the Far East

May 18 2008 John Amabile

Q Where can I get stylish rattan furniture for my conservatory that won't break the bank? I'd prefer rounded edges rather than boxy items.

A Woven in silky-smooth water hyacinth, the gorgeous Far East-inspired Oyster range from Supatra has cool curves rather than sharp edges and the upholstery is available in a range of colours. A chair with swivel function is £260, while the two-seat sofa is £460. Order on 01753 858 885 or visit www.supatra.co.uk

Q I'm looking for a chair to fill some empty space in my hall near the front door. I'd like something wooden and quite unusual, what do you recommend?

A Check out the stunning Congo chair from John Lewis. This curved, Oriental-style design is made from dark-stained, hooped and laminated rattan poles and has a woven wicker seat. This unusual piece looks much more expensive than it really is. It costs £250, for more details call 08456 049 049 or visit www.johnlewis.com

Q Where can I buy gold or gilt furniture? I've looked everywhere for something with a classical design but can only find expensive antiques.

A Gold and silver furniture in traditional styles but with modern metallic finishes is so in vogue at the moment. I love the gorgeous golden Versailles chair, £259, from The Store Interiors. They also have a matching Versailles two-drawer cabinet, which is £235. Find The Store in Anniesland, Glasgow (call 0141 950 1333). You can also shop online by logging on to www.thestorescotland.co.uk

Q I want to lay decking in my garden but I'm not sure where to begin.

Where can I pick up reasonably-priced wood and advice?

A Wickes have garden project centres offering advice on all aspects of decking, from bases to steps and fencing.

You will also get all the tools for the job.

Visit www.wickes.co.uk or call 08706 089 001 to find your nearest store.

Q In a magazine I saw a gorgeous glass-topped coffee table with a wooden base where the legs were in the centre rather the corners. Do you know where I can get one?

A The Quattro coffee table is just £129 from Littlewoods. Its solid wood frame has four central crossing legs and a glass top. There are also matching side tables at £89. Visit www.littlewoodsdirect.com

Q Where can I get a good outdoor stone cleaner to tackle the dirt on my stairs and path?

A Remove years of grime and prevent future build-up with Easylife's Nano Stone Cleaner. One application will last for a year. It's £14.99 from www.easylife group.com (0870 300 3040).

Q My kitchen cupboards are overflowing and I can never find anything. Do you have any spacesaving solutions?

A Hot-foot it to kitchenware kings Lakeland and snap up the Step It Up storage unit. Its three tiers help you make the best use of your cupboard space - you can instantly find what you are looking for. It can also be extended to suit the width of your cupboard. It costs £9.99 in stores or online from www.lakeland.co.uk

Q The area underneath my hall stairs is really dark and gloomy so I want to brighten it up by creating a wall full of lights. In a magazine I saw square lamps that fitted together to achieve this effect. Where can I get them?

A Get the look using the Octavio square wall lights from Habitat. The finished effect when they are grouped together as a whole wall or strip of light is amazing.

Each light is 60 x 60cm and costs £65. For more info visit www.habitat.net

Q I have splashed out on a holiday home in Spain but want traditional furniture rather than the Mediterranean look popular over there. Do you know a firm with items like this who will deliver to Europe?

A Get English country manor style in your villa with the Victorian Bedroom solid pine collection from Continental Interiors. Prices start at just £49 for the Trinket mirror, rising to £699 for the threedrawer wardrobe.

Order on 0845 678 1158 or visit www.

continentalinteriors.co.uk

Q My granddad's garden is his pride and joy and I want to get him a fancy bird table for his birthday. I don't want anything old-fashioned but nothing too trendy either. Any ideas?

A You will find great garden furniture and accessories in Next.

Their bird table is based on a traditional design but the base is in a modern, bright lime green. It's £50 in stores or online at www.next.co.uk. I also love their small nesting wall boxes shaped like cuckoo clocks, £10 each.