The really useful column

Alison Cork on how to design your own rug, find sleek stone radiators and source outsize mirrors

Bargain of the week I have discovered a lady who produces bespoke rugs for up to 40 per cent less than some highstreet stores. Amelia Bandlish deals direct with India, where they are manufactured, and thus has no overheads or middlemen. She will come to your home with more than 500 colour-tuft samples to choose from, anything from New Zealand wool to leather. You draw your design on paper, it is laid out in India and when you have given approval, they set to work making it. Call Amelia on 07710 262872.

Perfect paint

The Swedes have long been known for their environmentally friendly paints.

Now, their linseed-oil paints are available in the UK. Manufactured without the use of solvents, Holkham Linseed Paints are made to original formulas, which ensure that the paints don't flake and crack. So they look good, preserve the wood they are covering and are better for you, too. Holkham Linseed Paints are available on 01328 711348; www.holkhamlinseedpaints.co.uk.

The big picture

It can be difficult to find outsize mirrors, particularly clean, modern designs. Chris Lobo thought the same as he searched for something that would create a sense of space in his converted Victorian house. So he set about designing his own range of contemporary mirrors in a number of styles up to 2sq m in size. Framed in English or American oak (other woods on request), his largest mirror costs about pounds 1,200, which compares favourably to the nearest equivalent: large antique overmantles. Lobo Designs: 0800 389 5708; www.lobodesigns.co.uk.

Sound advice

A reader emailed me to recommend City Sound, which provides secondary glazing. Able to tackle most window designs, it specialises in sash windows, which look wonderful but can be noisy, dirty and draughty. However, City Sound has a secondary-glazing design that mirrors the structure of the sash window, so that it is hardly visible when installed. Glazing a single sash window costs about pounds 300 (including VAT). Contact City Sound on 020 8539 6362.

Not stone cold

The Romans invented undertile heating, but if warm stone is your thing, you can now get solid stone radiators. Available from Warmup in a choice of natural stone, including black slate, Jurassic stone, rosa beta granite and Carrera marble, these radiators (which are wired into the mains) come in three models, with the added option of custom-made shapes, sizes and materials available through special order.

These radiators look good and are heatefficient, as the radiant heat produced by the stone matrix means that the radiators can run at a lower temperature than other forms of electric heating. Costing from pounds 850, they are available from Warmup on 0845 345 2288; www.warmup.co.uk.

Do you know of any people, places or services that should be featured in The Really Useful Column? If so, email me at alison@alisoncork.com with the details and I will investigate.

Alison Cork is a consumer journalist and the founder of The London Tradesmen's Directory (0906 780 8888, premium line), a list of recommended and reliable London-based workmen from many trades, including an emergency callout service. All you pay is the price of the call (about pounds 2). Some mobile and office lines do not permit premium calls.

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