Solving your interior design problems
Every month or so, I answer interior design questions from the readers of The Sunday Times. You can find them in the home supplement under Ask the Experts.
You might find the answer to your interior design dilemma in my archive of questions.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me via The Sunday Times. Please email your questions to propertyexperts@sundaytimes.co.uk.
I am having difficulty finding a double-bed duvet cover...
"I am having difficulty finding a double-bed duvet cover suitable for my daughter’s bedroom. She is six, and wants something girlie."
We are converting the loft of our Victorian terrace into a playroom...
"We are converting the loft of our Victorian terrace into a playroom for our three children (all under 10, and messy), but want it to be suitable as a guest bedroom, too. What colour should we paint it? We don’t mind going for something bold - we have used yellow, brick red and sage green elsewhere in the house."
I have found a fabulous floor lamp...
"I have found a fabulous floor lamp, about 6ft tall, with a wonderful large old-fashioned shade. The frame is in good condition but, unfortunately, the silk on the shade has perished. I would like to renew the fabric and the tassel trim using a bold floral print. Can you suggest any fabrics? Is there anyone who specializes in restoring shades?"
My guest bedroom is decorated in shades of white and cream...
"My guest bedroom is decorated in shades of white and cream. I want to recover the upholstered headboard, and cannot decide whether to keep the neutral colour scheme or inject some colour into the room. What would you recommend?"
I want bright-turquoise rubber tiles for my bathroom floor...
"I want bright-turquoise rubber tiles for my bathroom floor. Where can I find a wide variety of funky colours and different designs? And would a carpenter or builder be able to lay it for me, or do I need a specialist?"
My husband recently had our house valued...
"My husband recently had our house valued, and the estate agent suggested installing light spirals to brighten a dark internal room. Unfortunately, my husband forgot to ask what they are and where to buy them. Can you help?"
Where can I source small hand basins?
"Where can I source small hand basins?"
I have moved into a converted barn that has slanted ceilings in the bedrooms...
"I have moved into a converted barn that has slanted ceilings in the bedrooms, with Velux windows. Can you suggest an alternative window covering to the dull conventional blind?"
I want to get creative and learn a new skill next year that I can then use in my home...
"I want to get creative and learn a new skill next year that I can then use in my home, such as silk-screen printing or upholstery. Where can I find out more?"
I am considering painting my hall and dining-room floor with a diamond pattern
"I am considering painting my hall and dining-room floor with a diamond pattern. Should I sand the floors first, and what type of paint would you recommend?"
I have so many clothes and pairs of shoes that my bedroom is in constant disarray...
"I have so many clothes and pairs of shoes that my bedroom is in constant disarray. I desperately need to implement some good storage solutions. Can you recommend a company that will make me a walk-in wardrobe?"