Letters from our readers

OUR READERS HAVE THEIR SAY. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Many of you wrote to tell us how much you’re enjoying our new Housebound video series. Norma Barsness of Calgary said watching Lynda’s virtual visits with guest designers makes it “feel like we’re all family,” while Sally Vesgo of Marietta, Pa., said “they inspire me to get up from the computer and move things around.” Thank you to everyone for tuning in! Find all the episodes at houseandhome.com/ housebound.

As we’re working at home, I wanted to share that your magazine has been a great escape from the crazy world of COVID-19. I’ve been indulging every evening online, collecting ideas for my house projects that I’ll tackle once we get out of self-isolation. Thank you for the great content that works for every budget and for continually sharing great ideas online; it’s really been a nice way to dream and plan for my upcoming projects.

— BEVERLY WILKS, Montreal

I’ve read House & Home for many years, and it was reading your magazine that got me hooked on vintage Suzanis. I have one, but I don’t know how to clean it — I’m worried about the colour bleeding if I dry-clean it. I’m curious what you would do with this, if anything?

— LYNDSAY WARD, Edmonton

Lynda’s reply: I have many vintage Suzanis that I send to my dry cleaner, who offers chemical-free, eco-friendly cleaning, with great success. If you try to hand-wash a large throw, you would need to line dry or block on towels, which isn’t possible for most people. So, send it out!

Of major value to me are the source guides in your magazine, as well as insight into why the designers and contractors chose what they did, but the February issue skimped in places. The elements that make any of these renovations outstanding deserve greater expansion, greater detail and a little more insight.

— CHRISTINE VOSS, Salmon Arm, B.C.

I’m not a fan letter kind of person, but I feel that the May issue needed my expression of thanks and admiration. Masterfully done! I loved all the articles but was especially enthralled by “The Big Picture.”

I’m a firm believer that wonderful, important art requires a setting that showcases each piece with the respect it’s due. I’ve spent hours over those pages since the issue arrived. Some of that was looking up the artists who are part of their collection and exploring their other work (thank you so much for the list on page 67).

— ELISE HAMILTON,

Palm Springs, Calif.

Although the pictures in your May issue are very beautiful to look at, it seems that you’re only showing homes of people with unlimited money to spend. With a looming recession on the horizon, perhaps it would be a good idea to show how you can create a beautiful home with the things you already have. I’m still cooking in my old-fashioned kitchen that I’ve decorated with lovely green plants and, when I go to bed at night, I sleep very well because I have no debts and am thankful for being alive and healthy. In the end, this is what’s important in life.

— LARA BARRINGTON, Rosemère, Que.