Frequently Asked Design Questions
The
Design Center and Furniture
101 sections on this site are
intended to take some of the ‘pain’ away from your home decorating challenges
and at the same time give you ideas and suggestions. Following are a selection
of questions that you have probably asked but may not have found the answers.
Q: I
want to get new end tables for my living room but, I’m curious, is there a “proper”
height that I should look for?
A: An end
table should be no more than two inches higher or lower than the arm of the
accompanying sofa or chair. Not only will that give your grouping a more
cohesive look; it will also make reaching for something on the table much
easier.
Q: How can I avoid "cookie-cutter" decorating and
create an interesting room without straining my budget too much?
A: First and foremost, select accessories, fabrics and
furnishings that reflect your individual lifestyle and taste. Keep fresh flowers and potted plants on
hand for the gardener in you. A
tabletop completely covered with your cache of elegantly framed family photos
adds unique personality and a sense of tradition to a room. Tossing a few colorful, even whimsical
pillows into an empty corner adds a surprising touch to an otherwise monotone
room. And for the intellectual
types, a wall of bookshelves chocked with favorite volumes will take center
stage.
Q:
Flowers and green plants look great in the home, but I have absolutely
no knack for gardening. Any ideas?
A: Nothing
beats a vase of springtime flowers to brighten up your décor. However, one of
today’s permanent floral arrangements will also do the trick. These realistic
arrangements range from the small and subtle to big, lush and full. So you don’t
really need a green thumb to bring nature indoors!
Q.
What can I do to create a warm, cozy atmosphere in my home?
A:
First, establish a warm color scheme. Soft, natural colors and earth
tones are always popular, and soothing, too. Add to the atmosphere with richly
textured upholstery fabrics that feel good to the touch, such as velvet and
chenille. Decorate with books, photographs and mementos that reflect your
interests and tell about your family. Finally, light your rooms with lamps,
wall sconces, torchieres and candles instead of overhead lighting. Together,
these elements will add a snug, cozy feel to any home!
Q: I need storage space for my china, stemware and
serving pieces, but I’m looking for something other than the conventional china
cabinet. What can you suggest?
A: If you’re looking for enclosed storage, consider a
sideboard. Small servers can tuck into niches, too; use a pair to flank a
doorway, giving you tabletop space for barware, bowls or tureens. Or, make a
dramatic statement by positioning an armoire at one end of the room. If you
have dinnerware that you like to display, look to glass-enclosed display
cabinets, baker’s racks, even etageres.
Q: What is the most popular form of
window treatment these days? I am in the process of redecorating my master
bedroom and can't decide between the traditional look of curtains, or a more
contemporary approach. My furniture is contemporary styling in light oak, but
many of my accessories, including a vintage dressing table and crystal dresser
top set, were once my grandmothers. What do you suggest?
A: The sky is the limit on window
treatments. First you must decide if you want to let a lot of light in or go
for all privacy. With new home construction emphasizing large windows, many
decorators are opting for subtle top-of-the-window treatments that add only a
small amount of color and pattern while hiding a blind or a shade. With what
sounds like an eclectic environment that mixes different styles, this may be
the way you want to go. Choose the
dominant colors in the room for your treatments, but keep the patterns simple.
Q:
After entertaining I noticed a large white ring on my new coffee table,
probably caused by someone not using a coaster. What can I do?
A: Use
one of these stain removal techniques as soon as you notice the ring.
Q: My
upholstery seems so dark, but I can’t afford both winter and summer upholstery.
A: Why not
try swapping dark, textured pillow covers for soft pastels, florals or springtime
hues such as yellow, lilac or green. Or, consider a double-duty slipcover sofa.
Q: I have an active family. What upholstery fabrics will
stand up best to everyday wear and tear and still give the room some style?
A: Many of today’s
most fashionable fabrics will withstand the most active family. Microfibers,
for instance, are one of the most durable fabrics available; even most grades
of leather will fit your parameters.
Q: I’m ready to purchase a new dining
room table but I’m not sure what size to get to accommodate my family. Is there
a formula that I should follow?
A: As a general rule, figure two feet per
person along the sides of a table; a 10-foot-long table, for instance, will
accommodate five people on each side. At the head and foot of the table, allow
15 to 18 inches per place setting.