Blend old, elegant furniture into a casual space
Richmond, Virginia, artist and entrepreneur Dana Gibson joined The Washington Post staff writer Jura Koncius on a recent Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt:
Q.I recently inherited a sideboard and desk from my aunt. Both belonged to my great-grandmother. She lived a much more formal (and, frankly, wealthier) lifestyle, so the pieces are grander than anything I've acquired. However, I want to keep them. How do I incorporate them into my more relaxed, small home?
A. I love this question because saving family pieces is a value I share. Have you thought of painting or stripping them? This can be shocking to some, but the dark, formal stains of yesteryear simply don't work these days. Lightening and brightening is the new rule. I like pickled wood because it's a lighter tone. I would also suggest you get a professional to strip or paint, if you can. If not, chalk paint is really easy and a quick fix. Google "painted furniture" for some inspiration. You can also search online for pickled tables.
Q. Five kids later, our house is in need of a makeover. Where do I start? I'm not sure what my style is, which is part of the problem. I love vintage and antiques, but that's just not the type of house we have. We have four kids in college, so we're on a budget, too.
A. If professional help is not in the budget, start from scratch. My best advice is to paint everything white, off-white or gray and use furnishings that are in neutrals: white, cream, gray. Slipcovers purchased online are a great and cheap investment. With a basic white, spare canvas, add pops of color in pillows, a feature wall and accessories. The point now is to edit all that you've accumulated over the years and spruce it up for you and your spouse. Throw items that are not working in the attic. Start pinning your favorite rooms, and you will quickly see what your taste in home decor is.
Q. My house is very neutral, with creamy walls and a deeper cream in the kitchen. We are putting our house up for sale in the spring, and it looks as if wallpaper borders are out. I have a wide one above the white cabinets in the kitchen and one in a bedroom. Do I strip them off and repaint the rooms?
A. I always say it is pretty much impossible to "inherit" someone else's wallpaper. The choices are just too personal. I'd pull the border down and repaint. And the rest of your house seems in shipshape.
Q. I have a long, narrow front porch, about 25 feet long, on my cottage-style house. I'd love to come up with some decorations for it. It does have a pretty, white front railing, but I haven't been able to come up with anything else because of how narrow it is. Any ideas?
A. Bistro-type chairs may give you a chance to sit down and enjoy the porch. The other thought is window-type planters for the railing. Wave petunias in the summer, or red geraniums if you have the right exposure, would add a ton of charm. Smith & Hawken used to offer a great assortment, but a local plant nursery should give you good options. These planters would draw you out of the house, and down the road you might find yourself using the porch more.
Q. I have a very small cottage with an unfortunately low ceiling (below 8 feet), yet I need a ceiling fixture in the living space. Could I even have a ceiling fan? What suggestions do you have?
A. Ceiling fans can definitely work in low-ceiling houses. I have been cursed with several low-ceiling houses and have used ceiling fans in many of the rooms. If anyone in your family is over 6-foot-10, I'd advise against it. But fans can be charming. I like white or a light wood so it doesn't call a lot of attention to the fixture.