Dear Joe,
I want to redo my bedroom. I can't decide whether or not to match the curtains and bedspread. What is the current trend?
— Matchmaker
Dear Matchmaker,
There really is no 'current trend.' It's really a matter of personal choice. Some people like the consistency of one overall pattern, others want contrast.
If you are going to buy the spread and window treatment as ready made, there are many matched sets available. There are also a lot of 'coordinating' sets with one pattern for the window treatment and another for the spread. These sets also incorporate different but coordinating patterns for pillows, dust ruffles, shams and toss pillows. Sometimes these are sold separately on 'mix and match.' Prices range from moderate to very expensive.
I usually like to use different patterns for the window treatment and bed covering. I think that this shows more imagination. I also feel that my client is less likely to get tired of the overall effect. In addition, selecting individually gives people a better option to change one of the ingredients later. If the covering gets worn or ruined, you can find another one to coordinate with the draperies without ruining the effect of the room.
Dear Joe,
I inherited a couple of Murano glass lamps from my aunt. She was always proud of them and I would like to use them in our apartment. My partner says that they are out-dated. Are they worth keeping?
— Jim
Dear Jim,
Please don't get me in the middle of another one of these decorating hissy fits between partners! I just tactfully got out of one last week (and still managed to hold on to the clients)!
Objectively speaking, you're a very lucky man. Murano glass was very popular in the 1950s, but fell out of favor. The factories made lamps, ashtrays, vases, figurines, chandeliers, bowls and countless other items.
There was a time when you couldn't give away Murano glass, but it has now become very collectible. Although it is still made today, avid collectors look for older unique pieces. There were items made in many different types of special glass with interesting coloration. A matched set of lamps that has survived this long is a rarity.
The new popularity of Murano glass can be seen in the decorating magazines. Lamps, chandeliers, and other accessories are being widely used. Of course the older pieces are preferred, but designers are using many new items that have entered the market to meet the demand.
That's the short story on your Murano glass lamps. Whether or not you should use them is another story ... .
Dear Joe,
Is it OK for me to pick out my paint color for the livingroom walls first, or wait until I've selected my new furniture?
— Noel
Dear Noel,
Select your new furniture first. When you order the furniture, ask if you can have cuttings of the upholstery fabrics that are being used. Make your paint selection based on these cuttings. If you can't get cuttings, wait until you have the furniture. It is far easier to match color to the fabrics than to try find fabric that will work with a painted room.
Rice is an interior designer who offers full design services. With 22 years of experience, he specializes in draperies for 'hard to treat' windows. You can reach him at 齅ꄷ-2361 or jos.riceinteriors@att.net .
