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Design solutions: Colour trends Design solutions: Colour trends
Design solutions: Colour trends ofpage 1 Q: We’re trying to be more green in our house renovations. Can you recommend some brands of low-emission paint? Mike Carruthers, Kensington, P.E.I. A: This is a hot topic in the decorating world. Paints that are labelled “eco friendly” or “low emission” have a lower than normal concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs lurk in everything from nail polish remover and furnishings to adhesives and lacquers. These compounds – formaldehyde, toluene, benzene and methane among them – are released into the atmosphere, causing unpleasant odours (hence the term “off-gassing”), and health problems that range in severity from eye irritation to liver damage to cancer. Interestingly, there’s still no legislation in Canada defining what constitutes low, medium or high levels of VOCs in common consumer products. However, in April the Canadian government announced plans to implement regulations similar to those existing in the United States. In the meantime, I recommend you consider the three national paint lines featured above, which have either no or low VOCs.Q: I’m about to redecorate and am thinking of putting up wallpaper. I like dark, rich colours, but I don’t see them much in magazines like STYLE AT HOME. Are they passé? Is it not a good idea to commit to a dark colour in wallpaper? Rosanna Santilli, Toronto A: I think the reason you haven’t seen the dark colours is actually not because they’re passé but the opposite – the next big thing. If you want to know the upcoming trends in decor, look no further than the fashion runways and racks. Sooner or later those colours find their way into our homes. The deep plum Chrysanthemum wallpaper shown at left, from British company Graham & Brown, is a great example. The line is by the English fashion brand Monsoon, purveyors of what I call a high-end romantic boho look. Amethyst, fig, merlot and sapphire are some of the fashion colours we’ll be seeing in decorating. To make this look work, finish your space with eclectic furnishings. Take inspiration from this photo: combine Moroccan side tables with Granny’s hand-me-downs done up in jewel-tone velvets and shapely plucked-from-around-the-globe accessories. Graham & Brown papers are available through grahambrown.com and at The Home Depot. page 2 Q: We inherited this Gibbard dining room suite and are very happy with it. However, I find that the chairs aren’t suitable for our family; they’re somewhat small, and we’re always cautious when sitting in them (my husband is 6'4"; I’m 5'10"). Should I buy new chairs, and if so, what style would work? Or should I have these chairs made stronger? Heidi Beck, Guelph, Ont.A: You are lucky indeed! The Gibbard Furniture Shops is Canada’s oldest furniture manufacturer. Based in Napanee, Ont., the company has been owned and operated by the Gibbard family for five generations, since 1835. The Gibbard name is synonymous with quality construction. Testament to that fact is the number of stamped Gibbard pieces that have been handed down through generations or sold at antique shops. Despite their quality, antique dining chairs can be too small in scale for today’s dinner guests. Also, the straight-back, wooden dining chairs of yesteryear often don’t suit the more casual way we entertain today. I suggest switching to fully upholstered modern chairs that will work with your other Gibbard pieces. Check out designer Karen Kayne’s gorgeous dining room in “Love at First Sight”, in the October issue of STYLE AT HOME. Chairs like hers would be perfect for you. Also, I love how she used a different style of chair at the heads of the table – steal that idea, too. The other bonus of fully upholstered chairs is that they’ll break up all the wood in your dining room, adding some softness. That said, don’t get rid of your Gibbard chairs! Instead, reposition them throughout your house and enjoy them as sculpture or for more occasional use. Here are some ideas: move your corner cupboard and place one chair on either end of your sideboard, put the armchair in the adjoining living room, and add a chair to a bathroom, bedroom or entryway.Q: I’d like to repeat the drapery fabric from our master bedroom in the ensuite bathroom. How much fabric should I order? Should the curtain itself be lined, even if I hang a vinyl liner? I’d love any other hints about custom-making shower curtains and trims. Clara Lakewood, Tillsonburg, Ont.A: I’m a big fan of custom shower curtains. A fabric curtain adds welcome softness to a room full of hard surfaces. Of course, with anything custom made, the sky’s the limit. Remember the ex-Tyco CEO who was vilified in the press for his $6,000 shower curtain? Yours needn’t cost that much, but the extras can add up. Here are some design tips.LENGTH Choose a length that suits the space. If you have a plain acrylic tub skirt, conceal it with a curtain that goes to the floor. Conversely, if your tub skirt is pretty, show it off with a shorter curtain (as I did). FABRIC Standard shower curtains are 72 inches square and require five yards of fabric. If yours will be larger or if the fabric has a large pattern repeat, you’ll require more yardage. The sewing pro handling your job can tell you how much fabric to get. Midweight cotton or linen is best for shower curtains and won’t require lining. DETAILS Finish the top with pleats and drapery hooks or buttonholes rather than casual grommets. Repeating flourishes in your master bedroom draperies, like pleated headings and trim, is a nice way to harmonize the two spaces. In a small bathroom, don’t go for too much fullness, or the excess fabric could prove bulky. TRIM Some ideas to consider: flat woven tape applied as a border; ball or bead fringe near the top or bottom hem; grosgrain ribbon sewn to the side or bottom edges in a box-pleated ruffle design. LINERS Skip off-gassing PVC vinyl and opt for waterproof polyester fabric instead. Look for a liner that’s mildew resistant and machine washable.- Credit
- Margot Austin
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Design solutions Design solutions
Design solutions ofDecorating with crabapple blossoms Q: I'm not much of a gardener, or florist for that matter, but I do have a crabapple tree in my backyard that has lovely blossoms in the spring. How do I go about cutting a few branches to arrange indoors? Or would that hurt the tree? Bridget Sorrensen, OttawaA: At STYLE AT HOME, we're huge fans of flowering branches. Just after I got your letter, I came across this pretty photo from American furniture company Oly. Even though the room is filled with Oly's beautiful furniture, it's the branches that knock my socks off. These are cherry blossoms, but crabapple blooms are just as gorgeous. Pruning won't hurt your tree; it's part of good maintenance. How to enjoy flowering branches indoorsCutting at a 45-degree angle with pruners, choose branches that are at least four feet long. Cut in the afternoon; that's when the flowers have the most moisture. Choose a sturdy, tall vase that works for the space where you'll be displaying the branches. Clean the vase with a mild bleach-and-water solution (one part bleach to 10 parts water). Fill halfway with room-temperature water; stir in a packet of flower preservative. Hold up each branch next to the vase to decide how tall you'd like it to be; cut away secondary branches or shoots that would be below the rim. Recut the bottom of the main branch at a 45-degree angle. To encourage water flow, make a vertical cut up the stem or smash the base of the stem with a hammer. Place the branch in the vase. Repeat with all branches until you have a magnificent arrangement. Use the offcuts to make smaller displays. Change the water often, recutting stems each time. Place in a bright room away from direct sunlight; arrangements should last for about seven days. TIP Use the above techniques to create dramatic indoor displays every season: lush leafy branches in summer, crimson-leaved maple tree cuttings in autumn, and white pine or red dogwood branches in winter. Q: Last May's issue showed some beautiful faux shrubs for the deck. I'm wondering what they're made of and where I can purchase them? Is it OK for these types of shrubs to be left out in the rain? As well, how does one take care of them? Barb Bush, Prince George, B.C.A: Aren't these great? I'm nuts for topiaries, but I'm way too delinquent to keep up with trimming. Also, real evergreens planted in urns can die of thirst fast. These faux – a.k.a. everlasting or permanent – ones are usually made of plastic. The most common types replicate boxwood or cedar, and forms include balls, spirals, pyramids and even animals. They'll endure inclement weather well, but despite their name, they won't last forever. High winds, torrential rains, and freezing and thawing take their toll over time. Ask your local garden centre or florist about them. If they don't have any in stock, they should be able to order some.Image courtesy of Oly Painting exteriors Q: We recently purchased this 17-year-old home. It has a relatively new multicolour roof. I'm looking for suggestions about how to improve the façade because I'm having problems with the contrasting bold colour combinations. I'm also thinking about removing the shutters. What do you think? Lisa Irwin, London, Ont. A: I vote for keeping the shutters: they perfectly suit the Georgian architectural style of your home and draw attention to its symmetrical design. However, I'm with you on the colour; the burgundy has to go. Bring this home into the 21st century with a more subdued scheme. Paint the shutters a shade of grey that matches one of the tones in the brick, like Benjamin Moore's Escarpment CC-518, and the eaves, window trim and columns a creamy white like White Down CC-50 to define the windows and frame the entryway. For your door, I love the idea of a deep grey like Kendall Charcoal HC-166. Through digital wizardry, we applied the colours to your photo, but hold up samples against the brick to be sure they work in real life. If not, try others until you find the right combo.Q: I'm hunting for house numbers, but all the ones I've found look the same – made of metal in traditional shapes. Do you know where I could get some interesting modern ones? Steve Hanson, CalgaryA: I have two ideas for you. First, the Bingo numbers shown at right, from Italian manufacturer Serralunga, are contemporary and dramatic. They're huge – almost 18 inches tall – and come in great colours. If this style doesn't work for you, contact a commercial sign making company to have numbers custom-made to your specs. Most will be able to offer you design ideas and a choice of materials.- Credit
- Margot Austin
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Design solutions: Unexpected colour Design solutions: Unexpected colour
Design solutions: Unexpected colour ofPowder room help and layouts for a small space Q: Can you recommend an unexpected colour to paint a mainfloor powder room? We'd like to jump-start the room with a burst of colour. The floors are honey oak hardwood, and the cabinetry, sink and toilet are white. Cathy Stotts, CalgaryA: Powder rooms are the ideal spaces for introducing drama, and the possibilities are endless. You could go with a glossy red paint (try Debbie Travis's Blood Red N26B from Canadian Tire) on the walls to create the look of a Chinese lacquered box. Or you could use a yummy chocolate brown (try Kona AF-165 from Benjamin Moore's Affinity Collection). Another option is a bold lattice-print wallpaper for a garden-inspired feel, or a pretty toile or damask print for a sophisticated, formal mood.Here are some more tips for pulling together a fabulous powder room.1 Choose a mirror and lighting that aren't bathroomy. Consider a silver- or giltframed mirror, stylish sconces with fabric shades or crystal drops, or a petite chandelier.2 Paint the vanity the same colour as the walls or one of the wallpaper colours.3 Replace cabinet hardware and hand towel holders with more elegant options.4 Add some artwork and accessories to dress up the space.Add a small posy of roses, peonies, freesia or lilies to fill the room with natural fragrance. Or try reed diffusers: bamboo sticks placed in scented oil.Q: I'm a teen into interior decorating as a hobby. I have a small room, with a window on one side, a door opposite it, and a closet on another wall. I also have a twin bed, desk and dresser to squeeze in. I need ideas on how to arrange these to achieve a more open, inviting setup. Lisa Sevenhuysen, Nanaimo, B.C.A: Start by rethinking the position of your bed. Instead of cramming it into a corner, try placing one long side against a wall, maybe under the window. Then add large square cushions (at least 26 inches) along the back of the bed. That way, you can use it like a sofa when friends come over. When it's time to sleep, stack the cushions on the floor at one end of the bed. Place your desk and dresser along the other walls. Stairway landing and brightening up your kitchen Q: Our home has a large landing halfway up the stairs, and we're lost as to what to do with it. We already have an office, so we thought it might make a nice reading nook. Can you offer some ideas? Kathryn James, Oakville, Ont.A: To be honest, I'm not sure it would be comfortable to sit and read in an area that's essentially a traffic zone through the house. Instead, consider creating a beautiful vignette incorporating some special furniture and accessories. The grouping will provide eye candy for anyone ascending or descending the stairs – something I like to call a decorating moment. Start with a large pendant lantern, then add draperies that run from floor to ceiling and wall to wall for a theatrical effect; silk would be fabulous for its luxurious shimmer. Place a handsome piece of furniture like a chest of drawers under the window, then style the top with some favourite accessories or a collection. Change the display often to keep it interesting. Flank the chest with a pair of pretty side chairs, large ginger jars or Chinese ceramic garden stools. You could also add an area rug. If so, it should be large enough to cover most of the landing, revealing about a foot of flooring on all sides.Q: Our kitchen has white cupboards, and the backsplash and floor are beige ceramic tile. The counter is beige laminate. We're planning to renovate in a couple of years but need some suggestions about how to perk up the space between now and then. We love colour but don't want to spend money on a new countertop or backsplash that would just be ripped out in a couple of years. Hellen Harrison, WinnipegA: The easiest way to bring life into a plain white kitchen is with accessories. Replace your small appliances with coloured versions. The blue ones above, from Hamilton Beach, are just the ticket since they'll deliver eye-catching colour without breaking the bank. But don't stop with appliances. Treat yourself to new kitchen linens in a bright pattern that picks up on the colour of the appliances. Add a large decorative bowl to display fruit. And you can even opt for dish soap in your new colour scheme.- Credit
- Margot Austin
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Design solutions: Small space design Design solutions: Small space design
Design solutions: Small space design ofSmall space design solutions Q:We just moved into a new house with wood stairs. I love them, but we have a dog and I'm worried he might slip. How do I choose carpet for a runner, and how wide is a runner supposed to be? Anne Hodgins, TorontoA: Runners are a practical and stylish addition to an entryway staircase. Here are five guidelines to help you make the right choice.1 Consider other carpets, whether broadloom or area rugs, that are within view of the staircase. The runner should coordinate with them, though it needn't be exactly the same.2 A runner should be wide enough to cover most of the main section of the stairs, revealing approximately three inches on each side (from edge of runner to wall or to inside of baluster) .3 Choose a flat-weave carpet rather than a plush or cut-pile carpet. Cut-pile carpet doesn't install well over the curves of the risers and could be a tripping hazard. Plus, it wears on the edges.4 Dark patterned runners are the most forgiving choice for high-traffic homes, but a light- or medium-tone neutral is always a classic look. A striped runner like the one shown at left, made by rug and fabric company Roger Oates Design, is a fun option.5 If you want to dress up the finished installation, add wooden or metal stair rods at the angle where the tread (horizontal part of step) meets the riser (vertical part).Q: We have a condo at a ski resort. The living room doesn't allow much space for a coffee table. Residents of the building take turns doing après-ski apps and wine, so I need something that will work for entertaining. Any suggestions? Linda Stone VictoriaA: In a small space, the best options for a coffee table alternative are multiple small tables that can be moved around according to your needs or an ottoman with a large tray on top. When you're having guests over, just whisk away any books and accessories to make way for drinks and a platter of nibblies.- Credit
- Margot Austin
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Design solutions: Lighting, flooring and... Design solutions: Lighting, flooring and...
Design solutions: Lighting, flooring and... ofEnergy-saving light Q: Please tell me which energy-saving lightbulbs to buy. We've tried many different ones, but they either don't give enough light to read by or make the room too yellow. How do we buy a CFL bulb that equals a 100-watt incandescent? Maureen Wood, via e-mailA: You're not alone! I've had several letters asking this question. The world of compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) is confusing because wattages and packaging information seem to vary among manufacturers. Here are some fast facts to help you choose the right bulbs for your home -- and the planet.The colour of lightCompact fluorescents are now available in a variety of colours to suit different applications. The colour is determined by the kelvin temperature (see chart below). A lower kelvin temperature means the light will be warmer, or slightly yellowish, while higher kelvin temperatures mean a cooler colour of light that's slightly bluish.Lighting lingoWattage the amount of energy used by a bulbLumen the amount of light emitted by a bulbKelvin the temperature of a colourWarm light light with a yellowish castCool light light with a bluish castCompact fluorescent stats• CFLs use 75 per cent less electricity than incandescent bulbs.• The long lifespan of compact fluorescents -- five to 13 years -- means they enter the waste stream less often.• CFLs cost more upfront than incandescents, but you'll recoup the funds since they last longer and you save on your electricity bill.• CFLs have come quite a long way since the first flickering bluelight twister bulbs introduced a few years ago. Now you can buy a compact fluorescent for almost any lighting application, including recessed fixtures, lamps, trilights, chandeliers and outdoor fixtures.What watt is what?CFL bulb standard incandescent9-11 W CFL bulb = 40 W Standard incandescent 13-15 CFL bulb = W 60 W Standard incandescent18-22 W CFL bulb = 75 W Standard incandescent23-29 W CFL bulb = 100 W Standard incandescent38-42 W CFL bulb = 150 W Standard incandescentCFLs & mercuryCFLs contain low levels of mercury. So when they do burn out, it's important to dispose of them properly; don't throw them in the trash. Check with your municipality for information on recycling. Or bring them to your local IKEA store. The Swedish furniture giant -- always a champion of environmental causes -- now offers free recycling.Halogens: another bright ideaMany people -- especially designers -- still feel that the light emitted by CFLs isn't up to par. Another sticking point: there are only a few CFLs on the market that are compatible with dimmer switches. Halogen bulbs that are designed to fit standard sockets, like General Electric Edison, General Electric Reveal Halogen and Philips Halogená, are good alternatives. I'm a big fan of halogens. They're up to 10 per cent brighter than incandescents and last up to three times longer -- not quite the lifespan of CFLs, but still better than incandescents. They provide crisp, bright light -- whites appear whiter and colours more vibrant -- and they're dimmable, too. The right neutrals and protecting your flooring Q: I love neutral colours, and I know lots of big-name designers do, too. But why do their rooms look fabulous while mine just look boring? Janice Wong, WinnipegA: When the pros opt out of using the bolder sections of the colour wheel, they amp up the other design elements in their bag of tricks. Here are five ways they -- and you -- can create neutral rooms that are inspired rather than insipid.1 The right neutrals Just because a room is neutral doesn't mean there's no colour. Consider trading in muddy taupes and tans for today's fresher neutrals, which are crisper and more grey based. The best neutral rooms combine several different shades.2 Shapely furniture In a monochromatic room, the shapes of your furniture and accessories are of utmost importance. Furnish your room with pieces featuring various leg styles, and combine straight and curvy profiles.3 A bold gesture Whether you do it with artwork (the giant abstract in the room at left), lighting or accessories a neutral room needs at least one statement piece.4 Mood lighting Creative lighting design is the best way to show off subtle variations in colour and texture. Customize the mood according to the occasion by combining every different source of lighting: natural light,recessed and other overhead fixtures set on dimmers, uplighting, artwork lighting, accent lamps and candles.5 Texture embellishment Delight the eye and your sense of touch by combining three or more textures in a room: shiny metals, silk, nubby linen or wool, plush velvet or faux fur, soft carpet and buttery smooth leather. Create texture by adding pleats or tucks to draperies or slipcovers, or add fringe or beaded trim to cushions. Q: My husband and I recently had our oak floors refinished. Now that they look so beautiful, how do we care for them and keep that shiny new look? Carrie Nordstrom, via e-mailA: I have newly finished maple floors in my Toronto home and keep them looking great with my Dyson DC14 vacuum, followed by cleaning with Bona Swedish Formula hardwood floor cleaner and a microfibre mop (buy them at local hardwood flooring retailers or online at bona.com). Bona works wonders and is environmentally friendly. To protect the floor from scratches, I bought a bunch of felt pads and put them on the bottom of every furniture leg that touches the floor. Oh yes, and no more high heels or hard-sole shoes indoors. Treat yourself and your husband to soft-sole loafers -- both have more style and support than fluffyslippers but are just as gentle on wood floors.- Credit
- Margot Austin
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Expert design solutions Expert design solutions
Expert design solutions ofMixing green and black and brightening up a hallway Q: We're a busy household of four -- we have two teenagers. My husband and I want to redo the basement family room but have no idea what to do. We have black leather furniture and wonderful deep emerald green wall-to wall carpeting. We need practical ideas for an active family. -- Cindy Mellow, Leamington, Ont.A: Sounds like you have the makings of a very funky space with a slightly '70s vibe. Here are a few suggestions about how to use colour and accessories to make it sing. (See page three for the accessories) You can also consult these books by two big-name American designers who are masters of the look: Jonathan Adler's My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living (Collins Design, 2005) and Kelly Wearstler's Modern Glamour (Collins Design, 2004).Q: How do I make our front hall entrance feel lighter? Our front door is oak, stained a rich mahogany colour. I'd like to put an area rug down but don't know what size. -- Elizabeth Peat, via e-mailA: Here's my five-step plan to lighten and brighten your entryway. (Click on above images for larger views and shopping information).1 Paint the door and its trim the same colour as the rest of the trim. The stain may be beautiful, but it's really the main culprit in darkening the space. It's a giant dark rectangle that needs to be tamed.2 Place a console table along the wall to the right of the door.3 Hang a very large mirror on the wall above the table. It will reflect light that's coming into the room from the left. 4 Add a pendant light. I've chosen three favourite options that would work in your space (see above).5 Add a light neutral carpet. Position it in front of the door. It should be large enough to stretch across the entire opening but stop just in front of the new console table. If you have trouble finding one that size, you could have a carpet store custom-bind a piece of broadloom to the correct dimensions.P.S. When budget allows, replace the stair rail with a wooden handrail painted glossy black and wooden spindles painted the same colour as the trim. Bathroom blues and a kitchen reno Q: My bathroom has dark blue wall and floor tiles, but I'm a renter, so renovating is out of the question. I also have a wood-grained toilet seat. What can I do to perk up the space a bit?-- Lynn Robinson, Summerside, P.E.I.A: Plenty! First, switch the wood-grain toilet seat to a white one. Next, treat yourself to a new shower curtain, coordinating towels and accessories. I think the latest collection from GlucksteinHome at The Bay, (above), would look great. The blues and tans would make your tile look more up to date. You may also want to paint the walls a light neutral colour like Benjamin Moore's Manchester Tan HC-81, a designer favourite. Add style to your toilet tank with a dark wicker basket. If you're feeling ambitious and it's OK with your landlord, install shiny chrome towel bars, a tissue holder and robe hooks.Q: I'm completely redoing my kitchen and adding an island, which will include a sink and dishwasher. Where should I put the appliances for the best functionality and use of space? -- Curt Webb, via e-mailA: If you want to move plumbing and appliances and add new appliances, then you should meet in person with a kitchen design professional and a contractor. The kitchen design pro -- you can make an appointment with one at The Home Depot or any kitchen cabinet showroom -- will be familiar with proper clearance measurements and can help you evaluate your storage needs, making recommendations for the best configuration. A contractor will assess the feasibility and cost of moving plumbing, and whether or not your home's existing electrical systems can handle added appliances.Before you arrange to talk to these experts, scour decorating magazines, books, showrooms and Internet sources to research looks and materials you love. Bring pictures of every angle of your kitchen to the meeting, along with any inspirational pics. Also, measure every inch of the space. The pros will come and measure it again to verify, but it's good to know the dimensions for your initial appointment. Good luck!- Credit
- Margot Austin
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Margot Austin answers your design questions Margot Austin answers your design questions
Margot Austin answers your design questions ofVictorian chic and condo kitchens Q I'm a senior who's about to downsize to a smaller home or apartment. I have lovely Victorian parlour furniture purchased in Belgium approximately 22 years ago. I have one large four-seater sofa and two matching wing chairs covered in an old rose-colour mohair. What can I do to update this look? I really don't want to be a stuffy old grandmother! Elizabeth Carol Lee, Dartmouth, N.S. A You're in luck! Granny chic is super hot right now and anything but stuffy. The look is typified by Victorian or other curvy antiques reinvented with bold fabrics. On their website, British carpet specialist The Rug Company showcases its gorgeous wares in granny-chic rooms. I hope the one above, featuring a carpet by fashion designer Matthew Williamson, inspires a fresh start for you. First, find a good upholsterer, then start your fabric search. Consider wide stripes, graphic geometrics or overblown modern florals. Not into crazy prints? Then opt for a saturated solid colour. How about swapping old rose for fiery fuchsia velvet or linen? You can have the wooden legs or any other exposed wood painted glossy fuchsia to match -- or even dressed up with silver or gold leaf! Before going ahead, check that your furniture will fit in the new space; only a tape measure will tell you. Measure the pieces, the space and any doorways leading to it. page 2 Q I live in a typical big-city, small-space condo in which the kitchen is integrated into the rest of the living space. I'm installing new kitchen cabinetry and really like the "unfitted" look. What do you think of mixing in a few black glass-front cabinets with antiqued painted white cabinets? Maryann Mulveney, via e-mail A In a small-space condo, I wouldn't mix two different colours of upper cabinets. I think the result could be a choppy, cluttered look. Instead, you could try one of these schemes for a fresh take on kitchen design.1 Choose all uppers in one colour, all lowers in another, check out the Septmber 2007 issue of on page 94 for a great example.TIP The darker colour should be on the bottom units to ground the space.2 Forgo the upper cabinets altogether and instead install a few sleek open shelves. Kitchen hardware and bedroom rugs Q Help! I've been living without handles on my kitchen cabinets for two years. What's the rule of thumb for choosing hardware? We have stainless-steel appliances, tan cabinets and black marbled countertops. Myriam Poirier, Rockland, Ont. A Follow these three steps for selecting the appropriate cabinet hardware.1 Style Your kitchen hardware should work stylistically with your cabinets. Is your kitchen contemporary or country, traditional or modern? Look for kitchens with a door style similar to yours in STYLE AT HOME, in books or at kitchen showrooms. Once you've identified the style, note the hardware shapes the pros have used.2 Finish The metal finish and colour should harmonize with at least one other element in the room. For example, iron or oil-rubbed bronze hardware will work with your dark countertop. Brushed or satin nickel or chrome will work with your appliances. Polished chrome or nickel, glass or crystal hardware add sparkle and a touch of formality, so if your kitchen is open to the dining or living room, you may want to go with one of those options. Polished hardware also looks great with shiny chrome countertop appliances like a kettle and toaster.3 Feel Perhaps the most important consideration is how the hardware feels in your hand. Can you grip it easily? Is it smooth? Does your hand fit through the pulls?Margot's favourite sources Lee Valley Tools, Restoration Hardware and Rejuvenation. When you find the style you want, mix two or three different pieces from the line. For example, install knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. Or all knobs on the uppers, one size of pull for the lowers and another size for any pantry units. page 4 Q For my bedroom, I'm looking for a rug that's mostly decorative because we have beautiful hardwood flooring, but I like something warm under my feet at my bedside. What size rug should I get? Lynne Bennett, via e-mail A The exact dimensions will vary depending on the size of your bed. If you can't find the right size area rug in your budget, then have broadloom cut and bound to the correct size. Here are two options. Option 1: A generously sized bedroom rug that's large enough for the entire bed and bedside tables to sit on it.Option 2: A slightly smaller carpet that begins just in front of the side tables but is still wide enough to allow a walkway along both sides of the bed and at the foot of it.- Credit
- Margot Austin
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