Pillow talk remains a two-sided issue

“Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.” Frank Lloyd Wright, American iconic architect, quoted in his obituary, April 9, 1959

Q: This is a pillow question. I believe you have said in past columns that you don’t think you can have too many pillows. I agree with you, but I’m constantly fighting with my husband over the pillow issue. He, of course, says they’re a nuisance, in the way, won’t let him sit on the sofa, and he really hates them on our bed. I just don’t think a bed looks finished without some pillows. Is there a definitive rule about pillows? And, your opinion aside, what is the general feeling on pillows among designers?

A: Well … thanks for reading and remembering that I like pillows. Actually, I love pillows, and do believe them to be essential in any decorating scheme.

They are both luxuries and necessities.

As a matter of fact, for those of us who are pillow aficionados, there is an entire pillow culture. For instance, the placement of pillows varies in different countries. We in the U.S. tend to place them with the flat side down, casually draped over each other. In Europe and Asia, pillows are generally placed on the diagonal, resting on their corners. Positioning goes way beyond color, size and texture.

However, there are differing views on their role in design.

Consensus among designers I talk with is that pillows do have their place, but, as with any other decorative item, in moderation. When you get to the point that there’s no place to actually sit on a sofa, I guess that even I have to admit that’s too many pillows. (But, don’t come to my house!)

I also agree with you that a beautiful decorative pillow finishes off a well-made bed. And frankly, since you’re not sleeping in it, who cares if there’s one or three or five? What I hear from most people is, “what do I do with the pillows when I get ready to go to bed?” They either go on a chair, or most likely, on the floor. So it’s a little inconvenient.

Now, having said all of that in defense of the all-powerful pillow, if you are a follower of the more contemporary, modern aesthetic, pillows are not as welcome in that world. You may have one on a sofa to pick up a coordinating color and another on your bed, just because. But, unfortunately, you are somewhat limited. The sleek, hard edges don’t lend themselves to pillow puffery.

So, to actually answer your question, there is no definitive rule, just a common sense one. Do what works for you and your lifestyle. But always remember, pillows rule!

Q: Can you tell me how to get water rings off of marble? I have a black and white marble top on my bar. It wasn’t the best choice, but the bar came that way. It looks terrific but isn’t very practical. Now, I have a few water rings that won’t go away. Do you have any tricks?

A: I’m certainly not an expert on marble, but I did do a little research for you. This is a common problem and my sources say marble should never be used on a countertop. It will be damaged — that’s just a fact of life.

I did uncover a few products that you can research further online. Apparently, the moisture that causes the rings actually eats away the polish and etches the stone. It’s as serious as it sounds. While these products are topical, and success can be achieved by a brave and seasoned do-it-yourselfer, I believe there are power tools involved before the actual application can take place. Check out these Web sites for more information: Aqua Mix and Perlatto Royale at www.lowes.com; and MB-11 at www.mbstone.com.

Carolyn Muse Grant is the editor of Southern Nevada Home & Garden magazine. Her Inside Spaces column appears weekly in the Home section of the Review-Journal. Check out other decorating tips in Southern Nevada Home & Garden magazine, which is published the first Saturday of each month. Send questions to cgrant@reviewjournal.com.