SHINE A LIGHT ON PETALS
A lampshade which takes inspiration from faraway fields filled with profusions of wild blooms and charming country gardens, could be a small way to capture the spirit of sunny, flower-filled days.
BLOOMS FOR THE BOUDOIR
“IF you’re nervous about experimenting with colour, incorporating floral designs in the home is a subtle way to introduce it into settings,” says Bethan Harwood, home design stylist, John Lewis.
Clearly we’re all yearning for flowery details, especially in our bedrooms, as John Lewis has seen
Below: Sunflower poster, from £8.95,
Monkey Forest vintage telephone, £260, mint & may
Right:
Table Treats Veljekset bowl by Marimekko, £23, Heal’s
Spring flowers cone lampshade, with gold lining, £149, Mint & May Below: Apricity pink boudoir cushion, floral bed linen sales rise by 58% compared to last year. “Focus your choice by first considering whether you want full-on florals or something less bold for curtains or bedding,” Bethan advises.
“Floral wallpaper is more of a commitment but it will always add depth and character to a room and works well on one wall or as a feature on a ceiling, especially if the remaining walls are left plain.”
Top tip: Generally, small, ditsy prints can make a large room feel too busy and distracting but they can really suit smaller spaces, such as a compact bathroom or dressing room,
QWE are having wooden gates fitted for the drive. What type of preservative should we use?
Brian Abbott
ATHE timber should have already been pressure treated with a wood preservative so it will be protected against rot. Paint, stain or varnish would be applied to make it look good. I only use OSMO wood treatments. I really rate their natural oil wood stains. These are a base and top-coat in one and are extremely weather resistant.
QOUR outside house wall was painted a year ago with Sandtex paint. Since having insulation plasterboard fitted to the inside of that wall the Sandtex has started to peel off. Why?
Lindsey Rushton
AIT won’t be the insulation. The masonry paint is flaking because it has not adhered properly to the wall surface.
Before applying masonry paint you must ensure the wall is clean.
I apply Sandtex Stabilising Solution before I use the paint, too.
QI HAVE a dado rail which has been wood stained. Am I able to paint it or will it need stripping? Peter Leneghan
AGIVE it a buff with sandpaper to break the glaze and apply two coats of undercoat paint or until you can’t see the old stain showing through. Then you can apply your top coat.
Email Donny Sheridan at diy.donny@reachplc.com