The Rural Voice, 1993-03, Page 43Home Decorating
How much Ls too much?
by Kendra Krauter
The finishing touches to a room are so
important! Many times we stop decorat-
ing a room too soon. We think if we put
down a new floor and paint the walls we
should be finished. That isn't necessarily
so. The completed look should have
continuity. If you have added a beauti-
ful print valance over sheers on your
living room window, consider adding
throw cushions, a table cloth, and a bow
or a wreath in the same print.. This is
also a good time to choose a coordinating
print, such as a stripe or a smaller print
that looks pleasing to you. A great
number of people still have a difficult
time putting more than one print
together. Try it — you might like it!
As I mentioned last month there are
many ways to make your room look
better for not much of an investment. A
reader wrote the following letter.
Dear Kendra:
I had been thinking of getting in touch
with you for some time now. What a
nice surprise to see your coltunn in The
Rural Voice.
I wanted to thank you so much for
your help and guidance when I did my
family room, kitchen and soon -to -be -
office. Well all my other plans got put
on hold for a short while when we wel-
comed a new daughter into the family.
Now that she has turned one I am going
to attempt to start back decorating. The
office is first then of course there is the
hall and the entrance paper.
Maybe in your column you could give
some ideas on putting the finishing
touches on a room. Like wall groupings
and table ornaments. What would be
classed as too much or not enough. Of
course right now there isn't too much
sitting on tables in the reach of little
fingers.
Thank you once again for your help.
I really enjoy your column.
Sincerely, Jean Smith
Dear Jean:
What a nice surprise to receive your
lovely letter as well as the news of your
new daughter. Congratulations!
To answer one of the questions in
your letter that a lot of people wonder
about, "How much is too much?" I'll be
very evasive and say it all depends on
you. I feel that personal taste has so very
much to do with decorating. I personally
like an eclectic and cluttered look on
table and walls. The only time I think
that I have too much is when I am
dusting it!
I have a couple of large round tables
in my living room with long table cloths
and an odd assortment of treasures that
have come to me over the years. A few
old classic books with leather covers, a
Wedgwood vase
from England, a
pottery vase with
eucalyptus stems,
a hand painted
enamel egg from
China, an antique
dish from
Grandma's, a pair
of crystal candle
sticks and the list
goes on. I think
the reason I have
so many things on
the table is to
make it difficult
for anyone to set a
moist glass of
something on my moire tablecloth.
On the other side of it, if you prefer
the "Less is More" modem look you will
be decorating with much less clutter.
The accent pieces you use will have to be
just the right colour, texture and
composition because the critical eye will
be drawn to an individual item.
Last month I discussed arranging a
collage of pictures and collectible items
that would be suitable for the style of
decorating in your home, Jean. Dried
and silk dried -look florals are always a
lovely addition to the scheme. These of
course can be arranged on the grapevine
swag, wreath, wicker and grapevine form
or twig or wicker basket. If the family
and pets allow items to be set on the floor
and remain unharmed, try a few large
baskets with baby's breath as a filler. I
always like to use candles as an addition
to the finished look in a room. Don't
forget to light them from time to time. I
hope this will answer a few of your
concerns.
If you have any decorating questions
or interests you would like some
information about drop me a note c/o The
Rural Voice, P.O. Box 429, 136 Queen
St. S., Blyth, ON NOM 11-10.0
'Til next month, Kendra.
Kendra Krauter is a qualified interior
decorator who lives near Ethel, ON.
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MARCH 1993 39