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Below you will find questions that have been asked and the answers that were sent in return. In most instances, the answers have been paraphrased and/or shortened for the sake of space on this page---indicated by "..." . To protect the privacy of my clients, only first names and last name initials are used. This will also be used to protect your privacy if your question is used here.
The design advice you receive is based on my knowledge, expertise and experience. I will always endeavor to tell you the 'why' behind the answers. The answers are not based on my likes and dislikes but on sound design principles.
These questions and answers will hopefully give you some insight about the quality of advice you can expect to receive when submitting your questions or when using any other service on the site. Also, be sure to look at the 'People Tell Us' page for some of the feedback we've received.
QUESTION:
I have a dark shelf unit built in where a picture window used
to be in my dining room. There are no existing windows in the room. Everything seems dark
that is placed on these shelves. An overhead chandelier light hangs in the middle of a
15x15 room. All trim is dark. Walls are white dark table & hutch. How can I brighten the
shelves? If I paint them the same color as walls can I paint the trim around them white as
well even through the rest of the room trim is dark? .....A. O'Keefe
ANSWER: I'm going to throw out a few suggestions for you to consider about your shelving unit. One is that paint it the same color as the walls, but that may make it look like it's just that---painted. There may be a way around that if you did a bit of a faux finish, but still keep it light.
Another suggestion is to put mirrors at the back of the unit. This would reflect light and make any crystal, glassware, china, etc. really sparkle, and of course, the whole unit would be brighter. I would suggest using beveled mirrors. You can get them cut to the size you need at a glass company. They should also be able to tell you what sort of adhesive to use. Using the beveled mirrors will also make your piece look very custom and like it's truly a piece of furniture.
I, of course, don't know what your unit looks like or how it's constructed, but if the shelves can be removed, you might consider replacing them with thick glass shelves. Then install in the top of the unit what are sometimes called puck lights (They resemble hockey pucks.). The lights will shine down through the glass shelves and of course, light up everything on them.
I would avoid painting this unit if at all possible in order to keep it looking like a piece of furniture. One other thought is to install small track lighting or recessed lighting in the ceiling that can be directed onto the unit.
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QUESTION:
Do bedside tables need to be the same height? .....Joy A.
ANSWER: Bedside tables do not have to be the same height. However, if they are matching pieces, it would be better for them to be the same height. You can go far a field with the pieces that you put beside beds and create a very nice eclectic look. Keep the height difference in the neighborhood of five inches. If you do much more than that your eye will concentrate on them and, more than likely, you'll lose the total effect of the bed, which is usually the focal point. You'll be able to judge when you put them in place. It sounds like you're thinking outside the box, and that's a really good idea.
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QUESTION:
We've just enlarged our bedroom to 16'X 16'w/ 10' flat ceilings. My question is paint. We've
used a Behr Home Depot color Harvest Brown. A medium dark flat gold/ brown with a hint of green.
My husband started painting the ceiling and I think it's too much brown, it seems closed in. I
would prefer to paint the ceiling a white, to keep it light and open and keep the walls the
darker brown contrasting. What is the usual way to solve this problem? The room has ample light.
We live in a newer home in the So. Ca desert area.
Thanks .....Donna P.
ANSWER: I with you that the dark ceiling is too much. The lighter ceiling will work better. However, rather than going with white for the ceiling, which may be a little too much contrast, use a white base and add the Harvest Brown paint to it until you reach a color level that is light enough for you but still blends with the darker walls. Blending may be a better choice than contrasting. You may also find that you want to start on the other end and add white to the darker paint. Use small amounts to experiment and try both ways. Be sure to make notes about the proportions you're using so that you'll be able to duplicate the color you like with the larger paint quantity. This should give you a very custom look for your room. You may want to use this same method to come up with your trim color.
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QUESTION:
I am about to purchase faux wood blinds for a new house. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths,
and a large great room (kitchen, living room, and dining room. The blinds I love are 2 1/2 in.
Levalors but I can't afford to do my whole house in them. The affordable blinds are 2 in. Grandwood
blinds that are not custom. Is it O.K. to put the Levalors in the great room and the less expensive
ones in the rest of the house? They're both white faux wood, but one's 2 in. and the other's
2 1/2 in. Thank you very much for your advice. .....Echo C.
ANSWER: I can't see any problem using the two different sized blind slats on your windows. The only thing I would be cautious about is to be sure that all windows that can be seen from any vantage point in the room are all the same size, but I'm sure you have already considered this. This is also true for the outside of your house. If two windows (different rooms) are very close together, it would be best for the blinds to be the same, but if there is a large span between them or if they're separated by a doorway or whatever, it shouldn't be necessary. It also shouldn't be as much of an issue on the sides or back of the house.
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QUESTION:
I am looking for a black crib (new) in the $100-300 range. I can't find anything at all
anywhere. Do you know who carries them? Thanks! .....Erica R.
ANSWER: I did a little research on the Internet to see if I could find a black crib for you in your price range. I also consulted with a couple of people that I thought might have this knowledge. Unfortunately, I came up empty handed---in your price range... The only suggestion that I can come up with is for you to buy a crib and paint it yourself. My sister custom painted a crib a couple of years ago, and it was really great. Just be sure that you do all the necessary prep work and take your time and do it right. It should not be a major project, and it should hold up very well. I think this may the only way to get a black crib in your price range.
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