TRICKS of the TRADE

Zena Alli and Adrienne Wild 7/10/2007

A cosy bathroom you will warm to

QI REALLY like the look of floor tiles in the bathroom, but hate getting out of the bath or shower on to cold ceramic. Can you suggest an alternative? I’m looking for something which looks a bit classsier than vinyl. – Margaret Stephens, Bolton, Lancs

AZENA SAYS: You could try the new Tile Loc range of “click and lock” slate-tile effect laminate flooring in Silver Blue from B&Q (0845 850 0175, www. diy.com). It’s moisture-resistant making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens and costs £31.07 per pack, which covers 1.83sq metres.

Laying down the lawn

QWE have just moved into a new house and need to lay a lawn. How do we go about it? – Chris Benson, Bakewell, Derbys

AADRIENNESAYS: Before you order the turf, prepare the site by forking over the area to loosen any compacted soil. Remove any stones then rake it level, so when the turf arrives you’re ready to roll it out. Cut it like a carpet to fit the area and press it down firm with the back of a rake. After laying you’ll need to water the lawn and keep off the grass until the turves have knitted together.

Time to plant garlic

QWHEN should I plant garlic – now or in spring? – John Birchall, St Albans, Herts

AADRIENNESAYS: Plant now, for a crop that will be ready to harvest early next summer. Break up the bulbs into individual cloves and plant them pointed end upwards, 7in apart. Make holes 4in deep in light soils and 2in deep in heavy soils.

How to add some winter colour

QWHICH is the best shrub to plant for winter interest? – Carol Jones, Hornchurch, Essex

AADRIENNESAYS: Dogwoods, which have red, gold, green or dark purple stems provide long-lasting colour and are not pricey. For a border that will look good in the summer choose Cornus Aurea, which has golden summer leaves and red winter stems and Cornus Flaviramea, which have greenish-yellow stems.

Show your metal in the living room

QI’D like to go for a metallic look in my living room. Do you have any tips on how to do it on a budget? – Tracey Vlaeminck, Dorset

AZENA SAYS: You’re in luck! Plasti-kote has a fab range of metallic spray paints in silver, gold, copper, red, green, purple, blue, black and brass. You could use one can of paint to transform a few picture frames and a vase or a mirror frame and a lamp stand or even a small table or chair.

Plasti-kote Spray Paints cost £5.99 for a 400ml can. For further info see www.plasti-kote.com or call 01223 836400.

Need expert advice on your home or garden? Email homes@sundaymirror.co.uk or write to Tricks of the Trade at Homes & Holidays, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP. Sorry we can’t reply personally.