Q. A very stylish woman with a much-admired house happened to drop into my rather dark cottage. She advised me that I should paint the inside of my fireplace white: it would look much better than the current black hole effect and would also reflect light. It seems such a good idea that I suspect the reason it is not done more often is because it is unsafe. Can you advise?
— A.L., London W11
A. Fire specialist Allan Christensen takes a different view. He pronounces: ‘I would avoid using light colours inside a fire chamber as the light reflected is quite cold. You are better off using a dark reflective colour such as graphite or metal black as the light reflected is much warmer. It is possible to purchase heatproof spray online or try www.stovax.com. You should always avoid using brush-on paints as the paint can melt or even catch fire.’
Q. My mother-in-law affects airs and graces in the social arena but within the confines of the home has several bad habits. The worst is coughing loudly, frequently and energetically without putting anything (a handkerchief, a hand) in front of her mouth. How can she be politely advised that this is socially unattractive and unhygienic?
— Name withheld, Lincolnshire
A. This kind of behaviour smacks of attention-seeking. The best way to cure this habit is to have boxes of tissues in every room and to respond instantly to each cough by proffering the box, all the while wearing a friendly but concerned facial expression. This Pavlovian method of correction is usually highly effective. The offender quickly becomes bored of protesting that they do not need a tissue, as clearly they do. ‘Take one for the next time?’ you can suggest pleasantly.
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