Articles filed under Decor

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Decorate in layers to create depth, coherence in your home Feb 26, 2015 6:00 AM
By Dawn Klingensmith If you want a room makeover but don’t know where to start, consider decorating in layers. Many designers recommend this approach but offer different ways of going about it.
An artist/entrepreneur is inspired by utility Feb 26, 2015 6:15 AM
By Margaret Ely Heather Lezla spends a lot of time looking at water meter covers. Lezla is not interested in what lies below the covers, but rather how the seemingly unremarkable metal circles around her neighborhood can help her make some remarkable pottery.
Consider style, shape and size to find your perfect sofa Feb 25, 2015 6:00 AM
By Joseph Pubillones Sofas are the piece of furniture where you will spend endless hours: watching a movie, chatting with friends or taking a nap. So choose well. It’s too large an expense to make any mistakes.
Designer Sandra Nunnerley: ‘There are no rules. . . . Mix it up.’ Feb 22, 2015 6:00 AM
The Washington Post Q. My home has a room designated as my husband’s office. We really don’t have any art up. We have an ocean blue wall color. Any suggestions on art pieces to use? How about photos? Black-and-white vs. color?
Home electronics must act, and look, the coolest Feb 22, 2015 7:00 AM
By Lindsey M. Robert Once upon a time, home technology — alarm systems, vacuums and the like — was pretty much all about function. Then along came Apple, and now consumers demand that their smoke detectors and thermostats look as slick as their laptops and phones. There’s been a “waterfall effect,” says Washington interior designer Anna Matthews.
Japan’s Taisho Period inspired urns Feb 22, 2015 5:01 AM
By Anne McCollam Q. I am enclosing a photo of two “cookie jars” or urns that have been in my family for over 60 years. I recently read your column featuring Satsuma vases, and mine are similar to those.
Dual-use furnishings can be elegant, functional Feb 21, 2015 7:00 AM
When sensible furnishings are discussed, one could get the hint that you might be sacrificing style and panache for function. Gratefully, that is not the case!
Humble mudroom a necessity during snowy winters Feb 20, 2015 6:00 AM
By Christine Brun There may not be a room in America more adored at this moment than the humble mudroom. Many older homes in regions where snow falls have been built with at least one such space, either at the back of the house or near a front entry.
Tall and handsome dressers for small places Feb 20, 2015 12:01 AM
By Megan Buerger Dressers, which are often the catch-all for socks, pajamas and off-duty garb such as jeans and T-shirts, are just as important as closets.
Don’t give up on finding replacements for mother’s china Feb 16, 2015 6:00 AM
By Anne McCollam Q. I have enclosed a picture of a piece of my mother’s china. Several years ago, my daughter-in-law sent a picture of it to a china replacement firm, and they were not able to identify the pattern.
Kitchens double as party hot spots Feb 16, 2015 1:01 AM
By Joseph Pubillones Since prehistoric times, the hearth of a dwelling has been the most important feature in the home. Fire produced warmth for cold climates and also heat so food could be prepared.
American style varies, but is easy to incorporate into any home Feb 15, 2015 1:00 AM
By Alice Oglethorpe It's easy to list the food, fashion and music that are quintessentially American — apple pie, blue jeans, Elvis. However, when talk turns to architecture and interior design, what qualifies as “American” gets a little more confusing.
Fish serving set is a catch Feb 9, 2015 1:00 AM
By Anne McCollam Q. I have enclosed a picture of an antique sterling silver knife and fork fish set. They each have either ivory or bone handles and are in very good condition.
Winner now has a room she can show off to guests Feb 8, 2015 6:00 AM
By Jean Murphy Cinday Krizike of Schaumburg, the grand prize winner of the 2014 Room for Living contest, shows off her new living room, which she now calls her favorite room in the house.
Technology downsizes the home office Feb 8, 2015 7:00 AM
By Christine Brun These days, desks look more and more like simple tables. Any old one will do. Long gone are the days of Rolodex files, huge computer terminals and stacks of slots for paper flow.
Figural napkin rings were a Victorian innovation Feb 5, 2015 6:00 AM
By Anne McCollam Q. Enclosed is a photo of a silver napkin ring that I bought while traveling through West Virginia.
Three themes, or shades, for 2015 Feb 1, 2015 6:00 AM
By Marla R. Miller Design experts say there are three hot color themes for 2015: Renaissance, pastel and bright retro. Not just a single color, these color palettes are worth considering, too, whether it’s for paint, fabric or furnishings.
Owners of older homes are remodeling again Feb 1, 2015 6:00 AM
By Christine Brun According to my own community, remodeling is making a bit of a comeback. Some of this could be due to a long period of deferred maintenance during the Great Recession and some is likely due to a welcome change in the economic climate for the housing industry.
Tiny house trend can spark ideas Jan 29, 2015 6:00 AM
By Christine Brun Tiny houses are becoming fashionable as both retreats and environmentally responsible lifestyle statements. I have been watching a variety of TV shows about families living off the grid and it reminded me to re-examine some of the hottest concepts for a getaway home.
Mystery of grandmother's plate finally solved Jan 28, 2015 6:00 AM
By Anne McCollam Q. Enclosed is a photo of a plate decorated with a scene of “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” I inherited it from my grandmother Julia, who died in 1963 at the age of 99. She loved this plate, and I know nothing about it or where it came from.