Life Through Design
Q: I have a pair of sconces. At what height should I hang them?
A: My standard height for sconces is 66 inches off of a finished floor (this is measured from the center of the electrical box). You have to take into account, however, the location of the actual light bulb in the sconce. You don’t want to stare into a light bulb; therefore, the height should be [...]
Q: I’m about to start renovating. My contractor is pressing me for tile. I’m overwhelmed by the options. Where do I start?
A: Great question! It’s something everyone planning construction should know. It is always best to select tile after your major decorating decisions have been made. Rooms should relate from one to the next–including bathrooms. In order to avoid a disjointed look, you should decide on tile only after you know what style, colors and textures [...]
Q: I have chrome bathroom faucets and my husband bought a cabinet with brass hinges and knobs. Do I have to get rid of the cabinet or can I save my marriage and make it work?
A: This is not the first time I’ve been asked to save a marriage through design! Yes, you can make this work by making it look intentional. Make sure the other hardware in the room mixes the two finishes. Use chrome towel bars and put out brass accessories like a soap dish, tissue box or [...]
Q: I need to buy new bedroom furniture. Should I buy the whole bedroom set with the matching nightstands and dresser?
A: It’s almost never a good idea to purchase a matching suite for any room. Be confident and mix it up so you can make it your own. We’re not all the same. Your furniture shouldn’t be either.
Q: I have an antique dining room table and hutch, but I want to incorporate a more modern look. How do I do that?
A: This is the kind of dilemma that inspires us designers because it gives us a chance to really make a room stand out. Get chairs with clean lines and upholster them in a solid, textured fabric. Put a monochromatic Tibetan rug on the floor and apply a simple Venetian plaster or high gloss paint [...]
Q: How high off of our dining table should I hang my chandelier?
A: I find that hanging a chandelier 34 inches off of a table usually looks and feels best and won’t intrude on dinner conversation. In the kitchen, I usually measure 36 inches of the counter.
Q: I found a paint color, but the name on the sample doesn’t match what I’m seeing. How could this be the right color?
A: Go by the actual color, not by the name on the label! Paint names can be entertaining, but they often misrepresent the color inside the can. Benjamin Moore’s Metallic Gold is actually brown and not metallic at all. Don’t forget: always test the color on your wall and live with it for at least 24 [...]
Q: Does everything in a room need to match perfectly? I can’t always find fabrics and accessories that are the exact same color.
A: Absolutely not! It’s important that colors work together. They can be the same hue in different shades and tones. The artful balance of color is what makes your home unique and visually exciting. My most important piece of advice: when in doubt, hire a professional.