Loading...
The Citizen, 2005-10-20, Page 17How to decorate your home like the pros Like the pros An elegant dining room features fabrics, walls upholstered in silk damask and unique draperies. A delicate pale­ coloured armchair mixed chairs. (MS) (MS) — When you look at beautiful rooms — in the pages of glossy magazines and design books, at model rooms in stores, or at local decorator showhouses — do you find yourself mystified by how such rooms are created? Some space-sawing appliances If you live in close quarters, you may not have space for the larger appliances that others with more expansive living spaces often take for granted. The good news is that there are many appliances designed to fit smaller living spaces. Here are just a few examples: Dishwashers: available in portable and countertop models Refrigerators: available in compact, counter-high, under-the- counter, as portable fridge freezers, microwave refrigerators, and other well with the clean-lined armless The most successful interior designers have an arsenal of techniques for turning ordinary rooms into the extraordinary. According to the design experts at Stroheim & Romann, the high-end resource for decorative fabrics, combination styles Washers/dryers: selections include combination washer-dryers, portable washers, front-loading washers, and stackable units, all sized to fit small spaces Microwave ovens: come in countertop, over-the-range, convection, and built-in models to maximize space Ovens: compact styles available in rotisserie and convection, ranges, cook tops, countertop, vent hoods, and mini kitchens. wallpapers, and trimmings, some of these solutions to design problems can be used to create elegant rooms in your own home. Here are some of their tips: • Painted walls are nice, and those covered in wallpaper are better, but the most elegant rooms have fabric upholstered walls. Using fabric on (he walls adds warmth and texture, and, best of all, a unique one-of-a- kind look. Fabrics can be applied Fat against the wall, or layered over baiting for a quilted effect. • Top designers know that all furniture doesn't have to match, and that the most interesting rooms have a mix of styles and finishes. For example, pair a dark wood table with pale wood chairs, or combine wood and painted finish furniture in the same room. Even chairs around a dining table need not match if you want to give your room an unconventional look. • Create interesting window 8 PIECE WOODBIWOOD DINING ROOM SUITES from ® ... AND SO ARE THE PRICES ffat the Wingham Sales Arena treatments rather than the expected. Combine two or more different fabrics on the same drapery panel, in either horizontal or vertical bands, or use different fabrics for the draperies and the valance. Customize the window treatment with beautifully detailed trims and tassels. Layer windows with a delicately patterned sheer fabric under soft flowing draperies. Choose distinctive drapery hardware that complements the fabrics. And be sure to use generous amounts of fabric so draperies are full and lush, rather than skimpy. • Designers know the value of using furniture that offers flexible options. For example, chairs with upholstered seats or backs arc not only more comfortable for dining, but can also be pulled into the living room as extra seating. Make sure the fabrics complement those in the living areas. • Explore the many choices available in floor coverings to best complement your decorating scheme, rather than opting lor the expected. Rich wood, beautifully patterned or textured carpet, and gleaming tile, marble or stone are all interesting choices. • Usually the most beautiful rooms feature a fairly simple colour palette. Choose a range of no^nore than lour or five main colours, or limit it to tonal variations on one main colour. A monochromatic colour palette is especially elegant when there is a mix of textures and patterns, • Designers know that a few weil- chosen accessories are better- than several ordinary ones. A group of artwork or photos with matching frames or mattes, when hung closely together makes a strong statement. A single vase with flowers creates a sculptural effect on a table. Highlight one especially beautiful object by displaying it alone on a wall bracket or shelf. CLINTON ROOF TRUSS DESIGN & ENGINEERING (ALSO FLOORS) R.R. #5 Vanastra PO Box 497, Clinton, ON NOM 1L0 Owner: Herve Poirier Designer: Claude Poirier Tel: 519-482-5970 Fax: 519-482-3053 For all farm, commercial, residential projects