Stylish table trio is a neat space saver

Jul 20 2008 John Amabile

Q I am looking for a sunburst-style mirror. You featured one in your showhome designs in Edinburgh recently which I thought was lovely.

Where can I buy it?

A The mirror you saw was really expensive - in excess of £200 - but I've managed to track down this bargain lookalike from Matalan for only £15.

Check out your nearest branch or click www.matalan.co.uk.

Q My niece is looking for a hanging set of cutlery as she has very little drawer space in her new flat. Her kitchen is wood with cream granite worktops.

A I'm not a big fan of hanging cutlery but this stylish set from John Lewis could convert me.

The 32-piece Mango set is housed in a square block of mango wood with circular central piece cut out.

It makes a statement in any kitchen but the down side is the price - a bit on the hefty side at £150. For full details log on to www.johnlewis.co.uk

Q I am looking for a coffee table in chunky oak or light wood with two side tables that slide below. I saw them a few months ago but cannot remember which shop they were in.

A Next's Long John coffee table is just what you are looking for. The set of three tables costs £375 and is also available in a darker, mango wood finish.

Full details from www.next.co.uk

Q Where can I buy a cheap white table and chairs for my twin boys' room for them to do their homework and build their Airfix kits?

A IKEA have come up with a real bargain here. Their Laver white melamine tables comes with four black plastic chairs for only £49.90.

It's an unbelievable price and - as you would expect from IKEA - looks great too.

Click on www.ikea.co.uk or see in stores.

Q Help me rescue my kitchen. I sat a hot pot on a damp cloth and the steam has marked the worktop. Is there a way to repair this?

A You could try T-Cut, used for small scrapes on cars and available from motor accessory shops.

If this doesn't work all I can suggest is covering the marked area with a trivet or worktop saver. Try the Metro black granite worktop saver at £14.99 from Argos.

Q I am about to do up my son's bedroom. He wants a blue and white, nautical theme but everything I have seen is a bit too grown-up. Any ideas?

A This is a good theme as it can grow with him as he gets older.

My advice would be to check out www.roomsyoulove.com where you will find a range of nautical-inspired ideas.

These include duvet sets from £40, curtains from £50 and - my favourite - a lighthouse-shaped bedside lamp for £50.

You can also call for more details on 0845 371 4089

Q Where can I find a collapsible whirligig dryer to take to our caravan? All I've been able to find are static, clothes horse types?

A Click on www.easylifegroup.com where you'll find this portable outdoor drier at £29.99. Perfect for home or away.

Call for details on 0870 300 3040.

Q Where can I buy an old-fashioned beaded curtain to keep out the flies at my back door? I'd only need it in the summer so it would have to be easy to store.

A At only £10.99 this throwback from the 1970s will never be a design feature but it really does the trick.

It's available from Home Hardware stores throughout Scotland.

Q I am looking for Egyptian cotton bedding in a deep chocolate colour. I've been round all the shops I can think of but have only seen it in rich creams and beiges.

A Believe it or not Tesco is your best bet. Their Finest range has some lovely 100 per cent Egyptian cotton bedding with ribbon edge detail in Cocoa from £30 for a double duvet set and £40 for the matching throw. See stores or click on www.tesco.com

Q I spotted a lovely cake stand in a magazine. It held fairy cakes in little holders, displaying them like a Christmas tree. Where can I buy one?

A I came across just the thing when I was helping at a friend's daughter's birthday party.

It's from Great Little Trading Company and costs £30. It even folds flat for easy storage. Click on www.gltc.co.uk or call 0844 848 6000.