Question: I hired a painter to paint my house and he is asking me what type of finish I want for the walls, ceiling, and trim. What is the best finish for my ceiling, walls, and trim?

 

When selecting a paint finish, it is important to factor your lifestyle and how durable you need your walls to be. For example, if you have children at home, you want to be able to clean your walls without leaving a mark. The higher the gloss content in the paint, the more durable and easier it is to clean. On the other hand, a flat finish is better for disguising flaws in a wall. However, if you have to clean a wall that has a flat finish, a rag or cloth tends to leave a mark behind. In most cases, I suggest selecting a satin sheen. A satin sheen incorporates the best qualities of a high gloss finish and many of the aesthetic properties of a flat paint.

For the trim, I suggest a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. Trim tends to collect the most dust and debris. As a result, it is usually best to select the finish option that is the easiest to clean.

Question: My Husband and I are downsizing and my furniture does not fit. How do I incorporate my existing furnishings?

 

As the old saying goes, “don’t try to force a square peg into a round hole.” If you are downsizing, it is likely that the scale and proportion of the individual rooms are going to be smaller than their respective predecessors. Thinking that you will be able to incorporate every piece of furniture from the previous home into the new home is typically not a realistic approach. It is important to consider the balance of furniture within a room. Oversized furniture will appear bulky, diminish the size of the space, and create an unbalanced, Closter phobic feeling.

Isolate any items that will work in the new space. Then, consider if any simple alterations can be made to the remaining pieces of furniture that would allow them to work in the new space. For instance, if a sofa or sectional is too high and the item has legs, swap out the legs of the item with smaller legs. Conversely, it might be possible to add height or lift to legs and/or the cushions. If the color scheme of an upholstered item does not fit within the new environment, reupholster the item with an elegant fabric with rich texture such as velvet.

Question: How should I display accessories?

 

There are a few basic principles that should be applied to placing accessories in a home. Firstly, accessorize in groups of three. This principle will add balance and harmony. Secondly, in order to add depth and dimension, incorporate accessories with varying shapes, sizes, textures. Thirdly, do not over-accessorize. Otherwise known as “The Cluttering Effect,” over-accessorizing is the most commonly fractured rule of design and décor. You do not need to display everything you own. Don’t be afraid to put some accessories in the garage for a couple of months.

On a seasonal basis, accessories should be moved, replaced, and updated. Following this design principle will keep your home looking perpetually fresh and creative. As a rule of thumb, the accessories you display can be updated based on the change in season or around the holidays.

Question: I am moving in with my boyfriend and he refuses to get rid of his hideous old recliner. He watches all of his sporting events from the recliner and he claims it is the most comfortable chair in the world. Is there anything I can do to encourage him to get rid of this eyesore? Help!

 

Fortunately, I think there is a reasonable compromise to your common dilemma. You are concerned with the appearance of the chair and he seems to be concerned with the comfort and positioning in front of the television. There are several designer furniture manufacturers that make very attractive, comfortable recliners that should satisfy your mutual requirements. Leathercraft and Kravet are two companies that offer a variety of options for streamlined stylish recliners and chaises. Good luck.

Send your design questions to Lina at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and visit Elements of Design at www.elementsofdesign.com.