Dear Joe,
Here's one I haven't seen in your column: What exactly is the difference between a cornice and a valance?
— Topper
Dear Topper,
A cornice is a horizontal band of wood, plaster, metal, or upholstered board that usually covers the hardware at top of window treatment ( rods, hooks, etc. ) . It can be made in many different shapes, depending on the style of the décor.
A valance is a soft horizontal treatment of only fabric that is attached above a window on a rod, concealed board, or hooks. It is also used generally ( though not always ) to cover the hardware at the top of a drapery treatment. It can be in the form of swags, fabric shirred on a rod, or any infinite manners of draping.
Dear Joe,
I recently had new wood floors put in my home. Part of the installation included new baseboards. These are all stained to match the floor. I am now in the process of deciding on new paint colors for the rooms. I have never liked the stained baseboards, and think they stick out too much with the other painted trim in the rooms. I was thinking of painting them in the same white that is at the crown molding and trim. When I mentioned this to a friend, he said that I was crazy and ruining beautiful wood. What would you do?
— Mike
Dear Mike,
Some people just loved their stained wood! I've worked with a carpenter or two over the years who were aghast at my decision to cover wood with paint!
In your case, I would opt to paint the baseboards in the same color as the crown molding and trim work.
All wood trim in a room should match ( unless the crown molding is particularly elaborate ) This gives a certain consistency and brings the whole area together. A stained baseboard, in your case, will only look out of place.
By painting the baseboard and crown molding the same color, you will also will help to frame the wall. It will highlight the wall and even make the wall color 'pop'. This will also help to show off the beauty of the new flooring.
Painting the baseboard will also help to 'lengthen' the walls, and make the space look less choppy.
Don't be afraid to paint those baseboards! You will be saving them, not ruining them!
Dear Joe,
My bedroom furniture is all dark wood. I want to paint the bedroom a khaki color, but am afraid that it will look too dark with the dark furniture. Would I be better off to just paint it off white?
— B.G.
Dear B.G.,
I think that khaki would be a great color for the bedroom!
First of all, it would be a very soothing color; so nice for a bedroom.
Second, the khaki background will help to calm down the dark presence of the furniture. In an off white room, the furniture will stand out more and become even more heavy looking. The khaki color will 'even' things out more; contributing to the overall restful look of the space.
Please email your questions to jos.riceinteriors@att.net . In the subject box, fill in 'WCT Design.'
Joseph Rice in an interior decorator offering full services. With 23 years of experience, he specializes in 'hard to treat' windows. You can reach him at jos.riceinteriors @att.net .
