Storage black to its best

Jul 13 2008 John Amabile

I'm looking for a small black sideboard/storage unit for my lounge. I don't want to spend much but it needs to be stylish. I've looked at several outlets but could not find anything. Any suggestions?

The Trollsta unit - only £125 from IKEA - ticks all the boxes when it comes to what is new in furniture design. The blend of modernism and traditional shaping makes this look like a designer piece. Log on to www.ikea.co.uk

How can I change the stairs in my flat? I don't want carpet as I have pets but I'd like wood.

Stair Make-Over can change your stairs from shame-faced to full of grace with the tread-over-tread system.Wood or concrete, Stair Make-Over's maple, beech, cherry, oak and wenge treads with off-white or aluminium risers will bring style to your home. Prices start at £82 plus VAT for a pack that will cover two steps. See www.stairmakeover.com

I am searching for wallpaper with crystals on it. Can you help?

The Park Lane range, by Rasch, is an Italian vinyl wallpaper with Swarovski crystals. It costs £49.99 per roll (70cm wide x 10m long) and is available from The Untouchables. Call 0141 5524399 or email glasgow@untouchables.co.uk

Do you know where I could buy a black glass TV stand with chrome legs and two or three levels? I have only found clear glass stands in shops.

Dwell sell a black glass TV stand for £145. It is sleek, elegant and looks great. Check www.dwell.co.uk or visit the Princes Sq.store, Glasgow.

I am trying to find a matching table and standard lamp with brown glass ball-effect stems and brown, cream or teal lamp shades.

Igloo are a one-stop shop for cool lighting. Their extensive range of lamps will have these styles for you. They are on Crow Road, Glasgow, or visit their mother firm Cotterell Light Centres in Carnoustie Place, off Scotland Street, Glasgow.

We have built a summer house in our garden and want to install a brown ceiling fan without a light.

We'd like it to be made of wood or cane with brass. The ceiling is low so the maximum depth has to be 300mm.

Litecraft have a great range of interior fans.Visit their store on Seaward Street, Glasgow, or log on to www.litecraft.co.uk to see their stunning designs.

I would like to get unusual crystal vases for my daughter's wedding table. I've seen large crystals which looked like oversized diamond stones but cannot find them in any store.

From £10.50 upwards, the crystal glass bud vase is beautiful. Check it out at www.sia-homefashion.com or try Ruby Flowers, Hyndland Road, Glasgow.

Phone 0141 334 8666.

I have moved house and need the mono-blocking cleaned. I have tackled it with my pressure hose but it didn't get the bricks clean. Do you know who could help me?

Blast Out The Past are a small company who specialise in cleaning this type of pathway, ridding you of weeds and dirt and cleaning the surface of the blocks to make them look like new. Each job is quoted separately but prices start from as little as £95. Ring 0141946398.

I saw a life-size weather-resistant crocodile on a cable TV home show but I have hunted all over the internet and can't find one. Help me.

The crocodile could give your visitors a surprise as it can be used in gravel or planting beds. The head, body and tail measure about 23cm each and can be spaced out to suit. A snappy price at £3.49 plus p&p. Ring 01733 241960 or see www.homecareessentials.co.uk

I'm having a party for my daughter who is home from Africa. Are there any candles in the shape of elephants?

An unusual request with a lucky find. John Lewis stores sell elephant-shape candles at £6 each.Check out www.johnlewis.com