Ask Alice

Do you have an interiors dilemma? Consult our resident specialist

Q. Dear Alice, I've got a pair of expensive lampshades on either side of my bed, but the cleaning lady tore the lining of one of them while she was changing the lightbulb. Rather than replace both, I would like to get this one mended, but I haven't been able to find a specialist. Where can I find one?
LK, south London

Q. Dear Alice, I've got a pair of expensive lampshades on either side of my bed, but the cleaning lady tore the lining of one of them while she was changing the lightbulb. Rather than replace both, I would like to get this one mended, but I haven't been able to find a specialist. Where can I find one?
LK, south London

A. That's the trouble with matching pairs generally - they cost twice as much to replace. The solution is Ann's (34 Kensington Church Street, London W8, 020 7937 5033), which has been established for more than 60 years, and offers a first-class lampshade repair service - as well as making lampshades to order in any shape, size or finish that you desire. Royal warrant-holder for its silk lampshade manufacturing, it is the absolute expert when it comes to cathedral pleating, pinch pleating and gathers.

Q. I recently bought a new leather armchair in a period style but now that I've got it home, I think it looks a bit too "new". How can I make it look more aged?
James Macdonald, Derby

A. I totally agree - repro can be downright creepy if it's lacking in authenticity. Apart from waiting for time to take its course and ageing your armchair naturally, the quickest fix would be to contact Benchmark, in Essex (01245 225 309, www.benchmarkleather.com), which can effect a convincingly distressed finish to your chairs by rubbing away at the leather with abrasive glasspaper and a variety of chemicals, making sure that the leather is carefully re-sealed and protected after the process. Benchmark can also professionally renovate and restore all types of leather upholstery, and is known for its large projects, ranging from work for the Houses of Parliament to projects on private yachts and helicopters.

Q. My husband is painting our house and driving me mad because he never cleans the paintbrushes, and they get so clogged up with paint that I keep having to throw them away and buy new ones. Is there any alternative to having to wash the brushes myself every night?
Sarah Middleton, by e-mail

A. I'll let you into a decorator's secret: every time I finish painting, I simply wrap my brushes in clingfilm, fairly tightly, ensuring that they're airtight. Amazingly, this keeps them soft and ready for use until the next day; especially useful when you are going back to paint the same colour. And once. I even found that paintbrushes stayed fresh like this after a shameful two-week lapse in enthusiasm. The technique also works like a dream on rollers too, which are a nightmare to clean - life is just too short.

Design dilemma? E-mail askalice@independent.co.uk