Ask the designer: Redecorating a space

Q. I would love to decorate my home in a “shabby chic” style. Can you give me some pointers?

A. Also known as “vintage” style, this look can be difficult to create successfully. It is an eclectic and informal way of decorating, blending old and new furniture and accessories. Usually the paintwork will be white, and painted floorboards look wonderful with brightly coloured rugs and cushions to set it off. Floral fabrics and wallpapers are a vital part of the look too: not mix and match, but taking one or two colours to link them; usually deep pink with pale blue or green. However, the finishing touches are everything. My suggestions would include such accessories as old tea caddies, watering cans and blue and white striped ceramics; jugs of flowers; cake-stands (with iced cup cakes, of course!); mixed floral tea cups; tongue & groove panelling; a painted dresser in your kitchen with an array of colourful crockery; interesting mirrors; dark wooden side tables and cosy throws.

Q. We are about to renovate our old bathroom. We want to replace the bath with a shower, but budget is tight, so what is our cheapest option?

A. When renovating an old bathroom, try to position the new sanitaryware in the same location as those existing, if possible, to save on plumbing and structural costs. Usually when a bath is exchanged for a shower it is a fairly simple matter to match the old plumbing with the new. Exceptions occur when a window intrudes into what would be the wall for the shower. Go for as big a shower as possible with a low profile shower tray. Sanitaryware is relatively inexpensive, with most of the bathroom suppliers now selling more and more budget ranges. Most of these ranges are excellent.

Measure the existing sanitaryware and note the positioning of the pipe-work beforehand.

Q. My little boy (5) is just about to move into his own bedroom. I would love some ideas on how to give his room a boyish, but not babyish, look.

A. Boys’ bedrooms need to be fuss free. Use strong furniture and surfaces in primary colours. Remember that furniture will be climbed on, jumped off and probably even knocked over. As most boys usually have lorry loads of toys, and have absolutely no interest in putting their clothes away, they need plenty of easily accessible drawers, cupboards and shelves. If space is at a premium, I find bunk beds quite a good idea for boys’ rooms — not too high and with a guardrail — they are very useful for storage underneath or a desk later on. As regards colour, most boys are not particularly interested in the subject at all, unless it is the colours of their local football team, so I stick to primary colours while they are young.

Q.With so many different kitchen counter tops available right now, I don’t know where to start when looking for a new one for my kitchen. Please advise.

A. Laminate surfaces still make up most of the kitchen counter tops sold. They now come in fabulous finishes and colours, with various edge profiles. Finishes include high gloss and timber-look which look lovely with the new ranges of kitchen doors available. Quartz is, to my mind, the most attractive material used for kitchen counter tops. A great deal more expensive than laminate, it comes in several colours.

It is extremely hard, stain resistant and will not absorb fluids.

Granite is also lovely and is available in lovely creams and greys, with black having temporarily lost popularity with many homeowners.

However, black regularly makes a comeback and can look very striking with the current trend for white, handle-free kitchen doors.

* www.ornaoreilly.com