Dear Debbie:
We are about to repaint our living room and dining room. It's been more than a few years since these rooms were done and they look tired. I would like to choose colours that won't date too quickly, but I don't want to go safe white or cream again. Can you help?
-- Janette and Keith
Dear Janette and Keith:
Keeping up with colour trends is a big part of my job, and I am constantly asked what's on trend, and what shades will last. My first response is two-fold: trust yourself and treat yourself. You know what you like, and you know if you're happy with the same palette or if what you prefer is a change that is dictated by what's in fashion today. Both scenarios are OK.
I was recently at a prestigious Interior Design Show that exhibits the newest in colour and design, leading edge products and internationally acclaimed speakers. Without a doubt, the black and silver combination was the strongest theme. I'll be writing about that in a future column. After checking out a furniture display that featured gloss black wood and resin finishes and various combinations of black and silver patterned fabrics, I turned around and was pleasantly refreshed by a cheerful, plum living room. I actually laughed in relief. This setting was sophisticated, contemporary and most definitely inviting. And with some exceptions, the monochrome simplicity of tones and patterns is timeless. With a few adjustments to cushions, maybe the area rug and some artwork, you could live happily with the colour for years. I suggest you think a lot about what rooms you have been in that made an impression on you. Think about restaurants you like, friends' homes you have visited, and magazine photos. If you are drawn to the classic creams and traditional chintz fabrics, then stay with it. But if the room shown here, designed by Ma Zone in Toronto, makes you smile, then maybe it's time for Plum.
Dear Debbie:
I have a glass top dining table that sits on a rectangular slab of marble. There are two narrow intersecting brass supports set into the marble upon which the glass sits. The brass looks dated and I would like to paint it. How do I do this? Thanks for your help.
-- Mary
Dear Mary:
Here are instructions for you and other readers who would like to paint over brass or other metallic pieces, including lamps and decorative fittings. If possible, remove the metallic piece so you can work on it separately. If you can't do this, then carefully tape off the area around the metal to protect it and to keep a clean edge. Clean the metal with a heavy duty cleanser such as TSP to remove all grease and fingerprints, and dry. Apply a bonder primer sealer meant to cover metal surfaces and let dry. You can tint the primer to a colour close to the shade you are going to paint. If you are going for a different metallic finish, then paint with a metallic paint such as Modern Masters metallic paint, which is water-based. There are dealers across Canada and the U.S., check their website: www.modernmastersinc.com. For good coverage, it's best to apply two or three thin coats, let dry between coats. Seal with varnish in a satin sheen.
Mary, for your table, you could choose a darker metal, or paint the primed brass in a solid colour, black, grey, or be a bit whimsical and try plum or lilac blue. This will look upbeat against the classic marble stand.
Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.
