I would definitely agree that mirrors help open up a small space. If you do tile all four walls and floor in a small space it can feel quite oppressive. It's getting the balance right - hotels often tile floor and walls throughout and the look can be very stylish, but they normally have a larger area to work with.

I would perhaps go with a flat mirror (no bevelled edges) along the long side of the bath set on top of a few rows of the mosaic tiles, so that you continue the visual line set with the bath panel in a vertical 'stripe'. Make sure the height of the rows of tiles above the mirror to the ceiling is slightly less than that of the tiles below the mirror to the bath edge. I would leave the shower area in the larger tile (floor tile) and perhaps use the mosaics again behind the basin in a vertical panel (with a slim line storage mirror) if it's against a wall. If it sits under a window, I'd probably keep this area in the same as the floor tile. If you can have one wall that you can leave un-tiled, it may help break up the feeling of the walls coming in at you.

When selling the property, the addition of a large mirror in a small bathroom (which takes the wall away for the eye) is a benefit. To ensure that the final result works well for you it's going to be down to the level of finish that your builder or tiler can provide. If it's well finished and the tiling is perfect it should look more spacious, neutral and contemporary. For great bathroom accessories and mirrored storage, try Dwell as their products are smart and reasonably priced and don't forget lighting in your bathroom. Look at www.gblighting.co.uk for some modern lights that will give the end result the best finishing touches. Best of luck with your final decision.

I have a small one-bedroom flat. I'm looking for a flooring solution that will work across the kitchen, bathroom and small (3m sq) hallway that joins them. Laminates will jar with the good quality polished oak floorboards in the adjoining living room and bedroom and vinyl or tiles are a bit utilitarian in the hallway. Is there a solution that will work across all three spaces? Light is also limited in the area, so the lighter coloured the better. Shiona McDougall, London

If you’ve got good quality wooden flooring in the living room and bedroom, I’d either try to look around for a deal and get some more of the same or go for light coloured floor tiles which will be practical in the kitchen and bathroom areas and would keep the quality feel of your flat consistent. If you like the oak and want to create a uniform look, making the flat seem larger, then try Khars who do engineered wood flooring. Engineered wooden flooring looks almost indistinguishable from solid ones these days and is ideal for areas where there’s concrete sub-flooring or spaces where solid boards are too tricky to lay. They have a sandwich-like construction of three layers - a top layer of solid wood, a core of softwood with the grain running at right angles to the top and a bottom layer that’s either the same as the top layer or another durable hardwood. As engineered boards use less hardwood, they’re a more affordable option. They are perfect for under-floor heating and in bathrooms as they don’t warp and bend with changes in heat and moisture. Have a look at Linnea Oak one strip veneer wood floor (7mm) from Khars with glueless woodloc joint from under £17/sq m. Bamboo is also another option (circa £35/sq m) which is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms as it’s even more resistant to moisture. Both of these are available through www.1926woodflooring.co.uk at great prices. If you wanted to go for tiles which complement the existing oak floorboards rather than matching them, try a porcelain tile like Keshi Gold which is a lovely mottled cream/sandy colour and is available in several sizes including mosaics, giving you an option for an inset border or for adding in detail. It is available in four sizes from a 150mm x 150mm tile up to a 310 x 470mm tile and costs around £32 - £39 sq m.

I have a Velux-type window in my loft extension that I cannot find a blind for because it is not a bona fide Velux. Size: 60 x 80 cm. Any ideas please gratefully received as I can't sleep! Name and address withheld

I’ve called the conservatory blind company Thomas Sandersons who confirmed that they will be able to come out to you, measure up and then provide you with an estimate. They specialise in conservatory blinds and awnings, but unlike John Lewis, and most of the Internet companies that you’ve probably looked at, they don’t work from the Velux plate number to determine the size and fit. Instead they come out and measure up, offering a bespoke service. It will obviously be more expensive than ordering off the web, but it will at least provide you with a solution and you’ll be able to see actual material samples. Their customer service line is 0800 220 603 to arrange for a home visit and quotation. Sweet dreams...

Can you please recommend a really good book on Georgian House interiors? Tony Frere, Leamington Spa

One that I love from my bookshelf is Period Details Sourcebook by Judith Miller published by Mitchell Beazley (£25, ISBN 1 84000 137 2). It is an indispensable guide to selecting the fittings and fixtures appropriate to your particular home, whether it dates from the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th or early 20th centuries. It is augmented by a comprehensive directory of specialist suppliers, manufacturers, restorers and craftsmen. Another one on my bookshelf, Period House by Jackson and Day and published by Collins (£25, ISBN 0 00 719275 4), is a very practical guide on how to restore and care for your period home.

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