Q. I need a pretty storage bench for my hall. Can you point me in the right direction?

A. Have a look at The Dormy House’s website, www.thedormyhouse.com. They have a painted MDF bench with little side cupboards and an optional padded seat. It can be supplied unpainted or in a choice of paint colours and finishes. Tel: 01264 365808.

If you are after a Swedish-style bench, look at Grand Illusions Furniture (www.grandillusions-furniture.co.uk, 01403 823550) and Scumble Goosie (www.scumblegoosie.com, 01453 731305).

Q. We are looking for a contemporary rug. Where can we see a good selection of styles?

A. Woven Ground is an online retailer with the widest selection of rugs found anywhere in Europe. Their fun and user-friendly website shows thousands of rugs in every conceivable style, colour, texture and size; in traditional, tribal, classic and ultra-contemporary designs. You can even design your own rug, to your own dimensions, in a matter of minutes. Go to www.wovenground.com

This invaluable online directory features a large database of more than 3,500 companies covering all aspects of interior and garden design and decoration.

It’s the essential resource both for professionals and for the general public. Go to www.thehousedirectory.com