Entertaining Additions
Q: We will have lots of company during the holidays and I’d like our kitchen to really rock since that’s where everyone ends up. Do you have any suggestions?
A: Holiday entertaining fast approaches, and you are right, this busy space tops the list for gathering to visit, play and eat. It deserves special attention and a splurge or two to bring it up to speed.
There’s no time for renovating, although you could change up the cabinetry with new hardware, pop in a stylish sink and faucet, or add a small entertainment sink.
You can easily switch to a more seasonal stylish look by adding brightly coloured bowls, a batch of modern utensils in retro colours, fresh tea towels or high quality pots that look as good as they cook.
According to Electrolux, wine and/or a beverage cooler can fit under an island or against a spare wall. A wine cooler is a luxury that enhances the passion for wine as the spirit of choice.
A beverage cooler frees up space in the fridge for holiday food, and keeps cold drinks accessible, yet separate from the kitchen work stations.
Something to watch for is quality appliances on a smaller scale for condos and small space living.
Q: I am renovating a bathroom and always gravitate to a contemporary look. I am replacing the unused jet tub with a smaller soaker tub. The shower stall will be rebuilt and the 72-inch vanity replaced. Do you have suggestions on using something other than neutral tones — maybe black and white?
A: Black and white will always work for both classical and modern styles. But there are many other choices.
Elongated tiles have a modern fresh appearance that’s perfect for bathrooms. They come in stone, slate and glass.
Why not choose a light stone and a border in one-inch glass tile in watery blues?
Finish the room with spa-inspired accessories. Keep counters uncluttered and you’ll love the results.
Complement a stack of fresh, white towels with some dark grey for a contemporary contrast.
Q: My living room walls are 12 feet high and have crown moulding. Decorative trim detailing at the top of the wall is about a foot deep.
The wall height dwarfs the furniture, making the room feel out of balance. The walls are painted a pale peachy yellow. Would a deeper hue help restore balance?
A: Tall walls can feel overpowering and you are right, paint colour will change the perception of too much height and bring the room into scale.
Why not choose a rich colour such as wine or navy? These look fabulous with white mouldings.
Paint the ceiling and top of the wall with the detail white, then add your colour. Pure white will have a modern feel, while a creamy white is more historical.
This column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle.
Email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.
