Home Help: 16 August
Q I have moved house and am struggling to arrange my varied collection of ornaments, from antique glass and china to a small pebble my son painted. We have less storage space now but I want to see more on display. Help.
JJ, by email
A You can show things that have a similar shape, but are of a different size, together. Grouping by colour can also unify disparate objects. Place small things in threes and leave space in between them. Larger objects should also have space to breathe. The late Jim Eade, owner of Kettle’s Yard Gallery in Cambridge, was a master of arrangement. Kettle’s Yard is currently under restoration, but check for updates on www.kettlesyard.co.uk
For inspiration, see Visual Contrast: The Art Of Display And Arrangement by Tim Rundle (Ryland Peters & Small, £25).
Q I need to repaint the window frames on the outside of my house. Can you tell me which paint will last the longest and has the most natural ingredients?
RD, by email
A Stately home Holkham Hall in Norfolk uses linseed oil paint, which is organic but also cost-effective, as the paint doesn’t need to be applied so often. It costs more than other paint but lasts twice as long. Linseed Paint & Wax Co has a good selection, which costs £45 per litre (coverage 20sqm). You need to strip off all the old paint, as it needs to be applied on to bare wood. First prime with linseed oil, then apply three coats sparingly.
01993-764518, www.linseedpaintandwax.co.uk
Q I am looking for outside candles that repel insects but don’t stink of citronella. Do such things exist?
AW-S, by email
A I am afraid that citronella is the best way to repel insects, but Shearer Candles, a Scottish manufacturer, sells citronella mixed with lemon balm, which pleasantly masks the citronella smell. A box of 26 tea lights costs £5.50. 0141-445 1066, www.shearer-candles.com
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com
JJ, by email
A You can show things that have a similar shape, but are of a different size, together. Grouping by colour can also unify disparate objects. Place small things in threes and leave space in between them. Larger objects should also have space to breathe. The late Jim Eade, owner of Kettle’s Yard Gallery in Cambridge, was a master of arrangement. Kettle’s Yard is currently under restoration, but check for updates on www.kettlesyard.co.uk
For inspiration, see Visual Contrast: The Art Of Display And Arrangement by Tim Rundle (Ryland Peters & Small, £25).
Q I need to repaint the window frames on the outside of my house. Can you tell me which paint will last the longest and has the most natural ingredients?
RD, by email
A Stately home Holkham Hall in Norfolk uses linseed oil paint, which is organic but also cost-effective, as the paint doesn’t need to be applied so often. It costs more than other paint but lasts twice as long. Linseed Paint & Wax Co has a good selection, which costs £45 per litre (coverage 20sqm). You need to strip off all the old paint, as it needs to be applied on to bare wood. First prime with linseed oil, then apply three coats sparingly.
01993-764518, www.linseedpaintandwax.co.uk
Q I am looking for outside candles that repel insects but don’t stink of citronella. Do such things exist?
AW-S, by email
A I am afraid that citronella is the best way to repel insects, but Shearer Candles, a Scottish manufacturer, sells citronella mixed with lemon balm, which pleasantly masks the citronella smell. A box of 26 tea lights costs £5.50. 0141-445 1066, www.shearer-candles.com
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com