Debbie Travis
Modern designers take advantage of lantern’s timeless look
Dear Debbie: We are looking for a light fixture for our great room that will hang over the sitting area. We also would like a chandelier over the dining table. Should they match, since the living-dining area is all one space?
Our style is mixed, mostly modern with a bit of country thrown in. What do you suggest? Anon.
Ceiling light fixtures come in such a variety of shapes and sizes that you can easily find two that complement each other, but are not identical. Choose lights that share the same style — modern or traditional or country — and are made with similar metals, either iron, steel or brass.
The lantern is an iconic style that lives happily within any decorative genre. Today’s designers have used their talents to fashion updated styles around the lantern’s timeless look.
Domain, shown here, is from Troy Lighting, troy-lighting.com. The plated topaz glass floats within a hand-worked iron silhouette.
The interior holds one to eight candles, depending on the size of the piece. Choose from a wall sconce, two pendant sizes and a chandelier, which gives you the options you want for your contemporary living/dining space. Dear Debbie: I’m looking for some novel ways to display flowers inside and out. We do a lot of casual entertaining, and have a lovely garden full of blooms.
Cynthia
You are fortunate to have a selection of flowers within reach. There are always a few special blooms or a flowering branch that cry out to be centre stage on the table.
I recommend gathering a selection of glass jars, ceramic vases, vintage pitchers and pretty bowls to display your flowers. Clear glass containers show off stems, which is an appealing look. But remember to change the water frequently.
Small bottles each holding a single bloom lined up along the centre of the table give every guest a personal greeting. Large bouquets are best for side tables. Flower pots can be plain or painted; a few small flowering plants are common in winter, but suit the summer season too.
There is a huge trend toward displaying wildflowers, which are even popular for weddings. Here’s an option for your table. Plant the wildflowers in a plastic pot with soil, then place in a brown paper bag and roll down the edges.
Flowering herbs are another favourite. Tuck a few leaves of mint, basil or oregano — whichever herbs you have in your garden — into a flower arrangement large or small. It takes just a quick brush with your fingers to release their sweet aromas.
Dear Debbie: Except for the kitchen and bathroom, the ceilings in our condo are all stucco.
We are repainting and aren’t sure how to treat the stucco. What do you suggest? Brad
Those cheap stucco ceilings that all new builds have are hopefully starting to go out of fashion.
But, meanwhile, if you are stuck with this popcorn-type stucco, paint it with ceiling paint and a thick nap roller. Beware of flying bits dropping off the ceiling.
Always wear a mask and eye protection. The fresh paint will improve the look.
Then, draw your eye away from the ceiling with interesting wall decor.