Q: I love the look of interior plantation shutters, but I can't afford the expensive price. What can I do to create this look without spending a lot of money?
A: Custom-fit plantation shutters can be very expensive, sometimes costing more than $300 per window. Wide louvered blinds give a similar look for about $40 for a small window. They come in wood and in vinyl that looks a whole lot like wood. They're also very easy to install and available at home-improvement centers and discount stores. So wait for a good sale, and then buy all you need.
Q: I have three small tables that I picked up at a yard sale. They are all wood and have interesting styles but do not match each other. How can I get them to match my cherry furniture?
A: Paint them all in a black semigloss paint and then spray with a sealer. The black semigloss will bring out the style of the furniture, and the color will look very striking next to the cherry furniture.
Q: What is the rule of thumb for choosing crown molding for a room? Is bigger really better?A: Select the style based on the architectural style of your home and the room you are decorating. Contemporary homes will use sleeker moldings, while period-style homes can use more decorative molding.
The height of the crown molding is determined by the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. I recommend that you get one inch of crown molding for every foot of ceiling height, so a room with 10' ceilings could use crown molding that is at most 10" high. But if you have a small home with tiny rooms, you should scale back. Very large crown molding would overpower a small room.
Q: I would love to wallpaper my small guest bedroom with some kind of pattern, but I am afraid it might make the room look too busy. What should I do?
A: Actually, patterns on the wall can make a small room appear larger. The key to using patterns in a small space is to choose patterns that are not too bold. Toile is a good example of a muted pattern to try. Just be careful not to overdo it with the accessories.
Money- and Time-Saver Tip:
To find great secondhand furniture, remember that charity-run thrift stores usually have the best deals and the biggest selections. The reason is simple: the stuff was donated. Also, you'll get the highest-quality furniture at an estate sale. The prices won't necessarily be cheap, but you usually get the best value for your money. And finally, remember to shop early and often -- and bring plenty of cash. Most of these places aren't going to take a credit card.
