Home Ideas: Tricks of the trade

QWE want a white glossy kitchen with stainless steel backsplash and very shallow cupboards above on the wall. The cupboards need to be high enough that we can run a shelf beneath. Our budget is tight. Any ideas? - Mr & Mrs. Taylor, Leeds.

AWITH a little help from the experts yes. Henkel have a newish range of products called DIY Minis that you can buy from some supermarkets and most DIY stores. There are nine products in the range and each pounds 3.49 can is about the size of a hairspray. Products include sealants, adhesives and fillers. They are perfect for the novice. You'll need to remove all the sealant from the bath before you re-seal, and remove all the flaking grout before applying new. As for the cracks, smooth on the filler and then when dry, sand smooth. For tips on using the products call 01606 593933 or see the website at www.makingdiyeasier.co.uk - good luck!ATHIS might fit the bill. It's made from a dark bronzed wrought iron and is made up of crystal droplets, rather similar to a typical LA chandelier. Behind the screen are tealight holders that can be lit when the fire isn't, giving a warm glow whatever the weather. It costs pounds 59.95. Call Scotts of Stow on 0870 600 4444 or see www.scottsofstow.co.ukALOOK for ways to combine both, such as simple, modern wooden furniture but maybe in a rustic wood. The fabrics shown here are all from John Lewis and feature typical Japanese flower designs (from pounds 25 per metre), but still look fresh and modern. Look out for traditional lanterns made with rice paper - there's a great collection at John Lewis (08456 049 049, www.johnlewis.com)QYOU recently featured a lovely red leather armchair. I am looking for something similar but in velvet. Where can I get one? - Robert Colvin, Bangor, Wales.QI WANT to paint the walls in my bedroom, but there are a few cracks, and the grouting in the bathroom needs touching up and the seal around the bath is peeling off. Can I sort these problems out myself? - Jane Banks, Chelmsford, Essex.QWE are decorating our living room and want something with a Japanese theme. I think we should go modern, but my husband prefers a more traditional version. What do you advise? - Mrs A. Atkinson, Halifax.AHERE is just the thing! Ricotta, by Hygena at Curry's, comes with either a plain white door or a glazed option, both perfect to hang on the wall. The wall cupboards (pounds 76 each) are half the height of standard wall units, so can be positioned higher up the wall. The lights underneath (pounds 60 for a pack of two) complete the look perfectly. Call Hygena at Currys for more information on the range on 0870 7200167 or see www.currys.co.ukAHABITAT has this gorgeous velvet armchair, above, that has a removable cover for cleaning. It comes in Mink, Foggy, Pink and this beautiful Bordeaux colour. It costs pounds 469 and you can order it online at www.habitat.co.uk or call 0845 6010740 to find your nearest store.

ATHIS might fit the bill. It's made from a dark bronzed wrought iron and is made up of crystal droplets, rather similar to a typical LA chandelier. Behind the screen are tealight holders that can be lit when the fire isn't, giving a warm glow whatever the weather. It costs pounds 59.95. Call Scotts of Stow on 0870 600 4444 or see www.scottsofstow.co.uk