- NEWS
Shatter: I failed to complete breath test for gardaí because of asthmaJustice Minister Alan Shatter was embroiled in fresh controversy after it emerged he failed to complete a roadside breath test.
Martin backs proposed bill on abortion Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he personally supports proposed legislation allowing abortion in limited circumstances, which he said is "consistent with the pro-life position".
- WORLD
Woolwich killing: Further arrests as spotlight turns on security servicesBritish police arrested two more people yesterday in a hunt for accomplices of two British men of Nigerian descent accused of hacking a soldier to death on a London street in revenge for wars in Muslim countries.
The ‘perfect’ celebrity would look like thisThis is how the ideal female celebrity would look, according to a survey carried out in Britain.
- BUSINESS
Noonan examining ways to capitalise banks It is believed the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan told the IMF that he will look to Contingent Convertible Capital (CoCo) Notes if the banks need additional capital buffers following the stress tests.
O’Driscoll back for unfinished businessRABODIRECT PRO12 FINAL: Leinster v UlsterThe perception prior to Brian O'Driscoll's recent decision to add an extra year onto his stellar career was that a place on a victorious Lions tour was the only box left to tick after 14 long years, but it was never that simple.
- SPORT
Ó Sé: System is no help to players Tomás Ó Sé believes the structure of the Munster championship doesn't have the players' interests at heart.
- LIFESTYLE
Byzantium marks return to vampire genre for director JordanByzantium, partly filmed in Ireland, is Neil Jordan's second film in the genre he has loved since Bram Stoker's home first spooked him as a child, says Marc O'Sullivan
Autocenter for the peopleA new exhibition in Cork showcases artists from Berlin, says Tina Darb O'Sullivan
12-15C
Live Blogs
- We have no upcoming events at the moment. Please check 'Recent Events' tab for past events
Latest ShowBiz
How to brighten up oak
Q. My front hall seems to be nothing but oak — oak doors, oak skirting, oak stairs and floor. Any suggestions for breaking it up?
A. The reason your hallway looks so drab is lack of contrast. Depending on your budget, there are a number of options. In the past, I have brightened up oak and pine halls by replacing the handrail and spindles on the stairs with glass panels. Teamed with some crisp paintwork and a deep-coloured carpet, this can be very effective.
Alternatively, consider leaving the doors oak and just painting the skirting and door frames ivory — and even the stairs if you’ve got the nerve.
Q. My elderly grandfather is coming to live with us soon but despite having a ground floor, en suite guest bedroom, are there any other changes we should make to the room?
A. You’ll need to make sure that the room is bright, safe and warm. A fitted carpet is best as loose rugs are easier to trip over. Whatever seating you provide should be low, firm and high-backed and a footstool (which can double as a coffee table) is a good idea too.
Assuming the bed is the correct height and firmness, go for a duvet rather than a blanket. Ensure that the lighting is adequate with a good reading light beside the bed and sofa/armchair.
Finally, there should be enough room between the furniture to allow for a walking aid.
Q. My kitchen is very old-fashioned and I’ve heard of friends revamping theirs by simply painting the cupboard doors, but does it really work?
A. Yes, it definitely works. If your kitchen cupboards are still solid, but just a bit dated and dark, a coat of paint can go a long way towards transforming the space. You can hire a pro to spray paint them or paint them yourself with a brush. Clear the area completely and cover all surfaces with protective rosin paper or plastic sheeting first. Once painted, the doorknobs can also be replaced to complete the look. When giving an old-fashioned kitchen a new lease of life however, I usually try to persuade clients to refresh the area entirely with a new counter top, sink and fresh wall tiles where possible.
Q. This might seem like a silly question, but I’m redecorating my living room and wondered what colours are in fashion for interiors right now?
A. It’s not a silly question at all — the vibrant colour combinations launched at international design shows earlier this year surprised many. Lime green, lilac, cerise and cobalt blue are all big for 2012 and duck egg, brown, grey and aubergine appear to be on the way out. Meanwhile, 70s-style patterns, such as floral sprigs and stripes, have been updated in modern colours for fabrics and wallpaper. My clients love Designer’s Guild in lime and cobalt — check out www.designersguild.com
© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved