White on white for impact

Q. I have a box of photos sitting in my attic and would like to hang a few. Any ideas where?

A. Consider going for a stairway display of your favourite snaps. Hang the bottom photo at an average eye level near a lower step; hang the next frame so the bottom edge is about one third of the way up the first; follow this pattern with subsequent frames and space all the frames equally from each other.

Choose matching frames and either all colour or all black & white photos. Alternatively, group family photos tightly in an arrangement showcasing different generations. Or mix it up by displaying signs or other wall art along with photos.

Either way, the centre of your display should be at eye level - between 60” - 66”.

Q. My fridge door is overloaded with my children’s artwork - do to you have any clever display ideas?

A. Your kids’ artwork adds a lovely personal touch and splash of colour to your home. So here are some ideas to keep all those masterpieces both cherished and contained. Use paper clipboards, or hang a curtain wire with large clothes pegs to display fresh paintings as they dry. Frame your favourites in simple white frames that are affordable and easy to find as your art collection grows. Or create a blackboard wall in your kitchen so you can draw frames around each of the pictures. Alternatively, why not scan your children’s doodles and have them printed onto canvas to make them feel like a little Picasso - see www.photobox.ie.

Q. I want to re-tile my main bathroom, but I’m not sure what size tile to go for. Can you help?

A. When it comes to bathroom tiles, size matters. Large tiles make a room look bigger and using the same tiles on the walls and floors creates a streamlined effect. White or neutral tiles are the most popular choice for bathrooms. They’re fresh-looking, timeless and give the illusion of more space. If you’re worried about the room looking too stark, just tile to the height of the door and add a little colour to the top of the wall - which can then be coordinated with roman blinds, towels, etc.

Use your tiles to separate different areas in the bathroom. For instance, the shower is the perfect zone for mosaics; whereas the bath area is better suited to larger tiles.

Q. My front hall is being used as little more that a passageway - how can I give it a more welcoming look?

A. Very often a hallway can become the dumping ground for shoes, coats, school bags, etc. First improve the layout - assess all the space available, including the walls, above and around doors and under the stairs. Are there any storage opportunities you’ve overlooked? Next get the colour right. Many hallways aren’t blessed with much natural light so beware of using dark wall colours that will make the room feel even smaller. Instead go for a soft colour such as pale blue or grey that appears to stretch the space. If there’s enough room, create a focal point with a colourful armchair or add character and functionality with a dual purpose piece such as IKEA’s HEMNES shoe cabinet (€91.48).