When Furniture Becomes Art

Dear Debbie;

I am way over budget on my reno and can only afford the plainest of storage solutions for a room with no closet. How can I make a boxy, melamine cabinet look great? Thanks.

Bernadette

Dear Bernadette;

During a recent renovation I was faced with a similar challenge. I desperately needed to add storage to an upstairs sitting area. This was originally an ancient farm house, and still has its gorgeous old brick walls and weathered beams. The cabinet I bought was like yours, simply a large white box. It took care of the storage, but was out of place sitting in its age-old surroundings.

I knew about the recent technology that allowed images of your choice to be transferred onto wallpaper. There are now plenty of companies who will do this for you. Choose one of their images or have them blow up a photograph that you have, as long as it is high resolution. But now, even better, these images are being transferred onto coated canvas. This progression offers a much stronger and more practical product for you to incorporate into your decorating. It is the perfect solution for furniture as it is hardwearing and easy to clean. It’s also great for bathrooms or other humid areas.

The Renaissance image that I chose not only transformed the cabinet into a work of art, but uplifts the feeling of the hallway space. It is stunning. You can apply the canvas yourself with wallpaper glue, and this solution won’t break the bank.

Dear Debbie;

I want to create a warm friendly space for my 5 grandchildren, aged 2 to 6, in my basement family room. My floors are laminate so I’d like area rugs for warmth. There is a TV on one wall, two recliners and a small sectional. Can you give me some tips? I love your gift of creating a beautiful space.

Delores

Dear Delores;

Since this is a basement room, you will need to invest in some large area carpets. Not only for warmth, carpets with a slip-free backing are safest under little feet (and big feet too.) You’ll find kid-friendly carpets in bright colours and designs. Ones with shag or loopy yarns feel soft and tactile on bare feet and hands. One or two small, round tables that sit low to the ground are great for play areas such as artwork, puzzles, or a runway for cars and trucks. I’m not a fan of walls that are too busy in a child’s space. But one or two favourite colours, kids like orange and blue and purple, will create a happy atmosphere. Have storage shelves and baskets for toys and books so that they can keep their room tidy. I know you will enjoy this special time with your grandchildren.

Dear Debbie;

I recently bought a house with walls and colours that are OK, but need some texture. I am planning on doing a textured paint finish, but my local home store says that they are no longer able to source glaze. Do you know where I can find it?

Pieta

Dear Pieta;

Glazing liquid, or glaze, is readily available in good paint stores, and you can find it on line. It comes as a clear liquid, and also premixed with paint to form a coloured glaze. You may be interested in the newest in wallpaper – looks exactly like a textured paint finish, but easier to apply. Watch for my column on how to achieve the look of painted finishes without the paint next month.