The really useful column

Arabian lights, bargain bedroom furniture, and the perfect tipple to toast a wedding.

Middle Eastern magic

It is always worth keeping an eye on the large DIY superstores for decorative details - Focus has excelled itself for the coming spring with some great gardening items.

Among my favourites are the Moroccan-inspired outdoor lanterns. Available as stand-alone copper torches or hanging bowls, they look more expensive than they are, costing from £9.99. Available from Focus DIY (www.focusdiy.co.uk).

Sleep easy

I have just come across a furniture retailer that sells bedroom furniture at bargain prices. Importing from abroad, David Jest's furniture is made from 100 per cent solid cherrywood and comes in a number of styles.

A set comprising a double bed, chest of drawers, two bedside tables and a mirror costs £1,295. The set without

the chest of drawers costs £890. All drawers and cupboards are fitted with brass handles. Call 020 7378 7933 or visit www.davidjest.com.

Knobs and knockers

We all know that the little things make the difference when it comes to interiors, but it is often the details of door handles and window furniture that are overlooked in a renovation.
If you want to get it right, however, it pays to speak to an expert, and Danny Vara of Farmer Brothers can advise on and supply just about any piece of architectural ironmongery for doors, cupboards and windows. There are thousands of pieces on offer, from the basic to the baroque, in all price ranges.

Farmer Brothers is at 321 Fulham Road, SW10 (020 7351 5444).

Cook up a storm

It is time you got a new oven, but you cannot face traipsing around town for one. Take a look at www.nepiva.co.uk.

Nepiva's new range of luxury ovens, cookers and hobs, is sold exclusively online. The company has a wide selection of aluminium, glass and rosewood handles as well as control panels to choose from, so you can customise your cooker. The ovens are delivered within 72 hours of an order being placed and each appliance comes with a free, three-year warranty. Prices from £200, call 0870 240 9909.

Nursery knowledge

Babies are big events, but the range of equipment on offer can be quite overwhelming. Step forward John Lewis, which has just launched the Nursery Advice Service, a free twohour consultation during which staff can advise on and demonstrate a range of products. The aim is to provide a one-stop shop for all baby's needs - at all price levels.

This is a useful service for nervous first-timers, backed by the usual John Lewis price promise. It is available at any John Lewis store.

Scrub up well

Spring is almost upon us, so you may want to scrub your patio clear of green mould. Take a look at Brintons Multisurface Mould Cleaner. A highperformance anti-bacterial disinfectant, it dilutes in water and can then be poured over the affected area - no scrubbing required. It is also less toxic than many indoor cleaners and more biodegradable. Five litres costs £14.99, plus £4.99 p& p. Call 0800 328 7015 or visit www.brinton products.co.uk.