HOME HELP: 1 November
Q I am redecorating my bedroom. I want to replace the old bed valance with a crisp and modern one. Where can I find ready-made valances?
JS, by email
A Most department stores offer inexpensive straight valances in polycotton, but for something a bit smarter try Headboards Ltd. The valance can be straight or box-pleated and adjusted to work with the height of the bed. The company has more than 200 fabric samples to choose from in linen, velvet and wool. For a double bed the price is from about £184.
Headboards Ltd: 020-8863 7006, www.headboards.ltd.uk
Q We are moving to my late parents’ house. It is full of old family portraits and the rooms they are in are fusty and gloomy. How would I redecorate so it looks bright and new but doesn’t jar against the paintings?
NJ, by email
A The National Trust frequently has to address how to sensitively update decor for today’s visitors. At Plas Newydd, behind 18th-century art, there is scarlet paint with white woodwork; Ormesby Hall has a baby blue, which was the Georgian drawingroom colour. At Holmwood, the portraits have been removed from their frames and set against chocolate coloured walls.
Design Ideas For Your Home by Alison Dalby (National Trust, £16.99).
See the Paint Library for colour ideas: 020-7823 7755, www.paintlibrary.co.uk
Q I have been left a piano but don’t play myself. I want to sell it, so how can I get a reasonable offer?
SP, Cheshire
A Advertise it in The Lady Classifieds section. For a more specialised forum, advertise in Pianist magazine.
The Lady Classifieds: 020-7379 4717; Pianist magazine: 0113-200 2925
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com
JS, by email
A Most department stores offer inexpensive straight valances in polycotton, but for something a bit smarter try Headboards Ltd. The valance can be straight or box-pleated and adjusted to work with the height of the bed. The company has more than 200 fabric samples to choose from in linen, velvet and wool. For a double bed the price is from about £184.
Headboards Ltd: 020-8863 7006, www.headboards.ltd.uk
Q We are moving to my late parents’ house. It is full of old family portraits and the rooms they are in are fusty and gloomy. How would I redecorate so it looks bright and new but doesn’t jar against the paintings?
NJ, by email
A The National Trust frequently has to address how to sensitively update decor for today’s visitors. At Plas Newydd, behind 18th-century art, there is scarlet paint with white woodwork; Ormesby Hall has a baby blue, which was the Georgian drawingroom colour. At Holmwood, the portraits have been removed from their frames and set against chocolate coloured walls.
Design Ideas For Your Home by Alison Dalby (National Trust, £16.99).
See the Paint Library for colour ideas: 020-7823 7755, www.paintlibrary.co.uk
Q I have been left a piano but don’t play myself. I want to sell it, so how can I get a reasonable offer?
SP, Cheshire
A Advertise it in The Lady Classifieds section. For a more specialised forum, advertise in Pianist magazine.
The Lady Classifieds: 020-7379 4717; Pianist magazine: 0113-200 2925
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com