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.