Question: When is it okay to have different types of fabric on one furnishing?

Combining various types and styles of fabric on a single furnishing is a fabulous way to achieve a custom look that adds a tremendous amount of character to the item. When mixing multiple fabrics, be sure to separate the “body” of the upholstered furniture from the “cushions.” Have fun and get creative by mixing not only the fabric styles but also the materials. Don’t be afraid to design a chair with leather on the body and chenille on the cushions. By and large, it is more visually appealing to select a print or colorful fabric for cushions and maintain a solid color fabric for the body versus the alternative.

Question: What types of flooring are good for my children’s rooms?

When considering flooring options for a room that is frequently utilized by children, the two most pressing factors to keep in mind are safety and function. It is wise to select soft, comfortable flooring surfaces as kids tend to crawl, play, and lay on the floor. Soft, plush carpet is a standard choice but, bear in mind that most soft carpets are not considered to be highly durable and the wear-and-tear will show almost immediately.

Carpet tiles are a wonderful and inexpensive option for a kid’s room. Carpet tiles are easy to install, they can easily be replaced, and they add a great punch of color and texture to the room. If you have preexisting hardwood floors in the room, carpet tiles can be installed directly overtop the wooden floors. As your child matures, the carpet tiles can easily be removed to reveal a more sophisticated look for your teenager. Another popular option is cork flooring. Cork floors are resilient, versatile, and they help to soften a room.

Question: What are the best window treatments for sliding glass doors?

Sliding glass doors are specifically designed to be easy access doors. As a result of their inherent purpose, any design concepts for window treatments should not limit or prevent the intended function the sliding glass doors. In most cases, it is more effective to have the motion of the window treatments move from side-to-side as opposed to drop-down shades. When closed, drop-down shades will prevent or minimize access. On the other hand a side-to-side moving curtain or panel allows for easy access.

I recommend using panels made with creative fabric blends. The customization options are limitless and along with a decorative rod, an elegant set of panels will provide an aesthetically pleasing and functional solution. Try extending the rod by eight to ten inches on each side so the panels have enough room to stack without getting in the way of the overall function.

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.