Even in today’s economy, where people are reluctant to make major financial commitments, there comes a time when it becomes obvious that your home’s decor is in need of a little TLC.
Home and Garden
Softsoap is pumping up the décor in American homes with a new Ensemble.
Hiking is one of my favorite activities since I love reconnecting with the natural world. Safety is always No. 1 so I try to avoid paths that get too close to dangerous cliffs. Call it self-preservation. I’m also not a speed demon, preferring to savor the experience — noticing the details.
It’s summertime and while George Gershwin may believe that “the livin’ is easy,” it’s also stylish and comfortable.
: I read your column on draining a water heater and it worked great. However, as I went to turn off the plastic drain faucet, it continued to drip. Is there a washer or something I can replace, or will this turn into a long, drawn-out project?
Building trends have been incorporating high ceilings in many rooms in a home. The feeling is majestic, but sometimes we run into problems with how to furnish such spacious spaces. Common ceiling heights are anywhere from 12 to 22 feet. You will not want to put small-scale furniture in a room with such towering heights.
Considering today’s drive toward environmentally responsible building and decorating, is it possible to find lush design and rich patinas and coloration in this market? Does going green necessitate going blah? In the past, green products did have the reputation of being bland. In the fashion world it was wrinkly cottons and clunky sandals; at home it was rustic wood everywhere from ceiling to floor. All this has changed.
Ever wonder how large, tall pieces of furniture were moved in and out of the small doorways in 18th-century homes? Beginning about 1740, corner cupboards were very popular storage pieces. Some were built into the room by carpenters so they never had to be moved. Instead of a rectangular piece of furniture, the corner piece was triangular in the back so it fit into a corner with no wasted space.
Suzanne and Les have an exceptionally beautiful Japanese-inspired backyard garden. It’s a wonderful expression of their Asian heritage — he’s Japanese, she’s Chinese and their daughters, Amy and Leanne, were adopted from China.
DEAR GAIL: Within three years we are looking to completely remodel our master bath and want to pull out the shower/enclosed tub and replace it with a walk-in shower. Along with that, we will be looking to repaint and redo the flooring with travertine tile.
Just as it took decades for pioneers to discover the West, the Museum of New Mexico continues to explore the unique heritage of Santa Fe through its home furnishings collection.
In the questions readers and clients ask, I can often detect a reluctance to introduce pieces they like but feel “don’t belong” in a setting done in a certain style. I always say in response that personal preference should trump “the rules” — as long as the purpose of a rule is understood. Then it can be successfully broken.