Style Doctor

Published on 26/08/2012 15:08

Q I recently bought a chest of drawers from a local second hand shop. The wood is badly faded in patches, so I’m considering giving it a coat of paint to give it a French hand-painted look you see in a lot of magazines, but I’m not sure what to use.

A Harper

A Interior designer Doreen Smith says: Annie Sloan offers a unique range of chalky paints in 30 historic and decorative colours made specifically for painting furniture, floors and walls. The paint is very easy to work with and gives a beautiful matt velvety look and finish that you will be delighted with.

Annie Sloan (01865 247 296, www.anniesloan.co.uk) Doreen Smith (07881 653 037, www.doreensmithinteriors.com)

Q I love the look of French-inspired furniture and would like to use that style in my bedroom. However white seems to be extremely popular and I would like a dark wood version instead. Can you recommend anything that combines both?

M Wilson

A The Antoinette Mahogany bedroom range from Newtons Furniture might be the answer. The collection is hand-carved and finished in a deep mahogany stain, and includes bed, bedside table, chest of drawers and wardrobe. The bed costs £499, while the bedside tables, which have two drawers, are £179.

Newtons Furniture (01626 333 006, www.newtonsfurniture.co.uk)