Dear Debbie -- Our home has some unique features such as a large master bedroom with vaulted ceiling and an open family room with nine windows. We've tried to decorate but it just is not coming together. We like a rustic, Southwest or somewhat country look. I need help with wall colour, window treatments and general decorating tips. Can't find a decorator with our limited budget.
-- Brittany
DEAR Brittany -- It's helpful to start off with a theme or style that you both enjoy, and you've got that. Do some research on the Internet, in magazines and books. You will find plenty of inspiration for both Southwest style and country, but don't go over the top with the theme idea, it's just a guideline.
Southwest style is big and bold, think oversized, which will suit your lofty spaces. Look for a large coffee table, big white sofas, large frames for artwork and mirrors.
For the bedroom walls I would apply a very soft coat of stucco, just a bit of smooth texture, painted white or one of the lighter tones of terra cotta. Peachy pink hues are very flattering as they radiate a healthy glow. You can experiment with colour by painting a large piece of cardboard and tacking it up on the wall for a few days. For the living area, look at some of the new fresh shades of green. This will be just right for the wall of windows. Since the windows are separate, I wouldn't cover them unless it is absolutely vital for privacy. They sound like a wonderful focal point. The popular choice for rural decorating is fat wood slat blinds, but with so many windows, it would be too much.
Weathered and whitewashed wood is an important feature of both Southwest and country styles. Look for old pieces at flea markets to fix up. Try out a barn board mantel and a few long weathered boards for shelves in your living room. Search for a special dining table such as the one seen here. This pine table was bought new, then antiqued to give it an aged patina. There are many ways to age a new surface, from layering on paint and then sanding back to wear down areas to applying a crackle medium that will make the new paint appear split and old. The best effect is when all of these are used together. You can't go wrong when you experiment with antiquing. If you make a mistake, then just sand down the section you don't like.
Another important element to both styles is wrought iron. Today's designs are more linear than in the past, not quite so ornate. You can also go with pewter, which is a warmer tone than black. An oversized chandelier or lamp will suit your high ceilings. Wall sconces, tables and mirror frames are available in both metals.
Hiring a decorator is not always feasible, but there is help at hand. I have developed a DIY Designer Kit that takes you through the process step by step. From measuring to colour tips, budgets and materials, this is a survival tool for the first time decorator as well as those who would like additional ideas and inspiration. You can order by calling my toll free number 1-800-932-3446, or visit www.debbietravis.com.
Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please e-mail your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.
