Decorating & Design
Designers & Stylists Answer Your Biggest Design Questions!
Published on July 21, 2021
Ever wonder what to budget for a sofa or when to use a valance? We brought your top questions to our favourite designers and stylists!
Q: Should I add a valance to my full-length drapes?
A: No! “I’m a personal fan of lush, ball gown–style drapes on decorative, exposed rods like the antique brass ones in this living room. I like to see both the rods and the beautiful sewing of the deep goblet-gathered headers.” — Lynda Reeves
A: Yes! “There’s something wonderfully generous about a valance. People have steered away from them but, used more discerningly, they can be impactful and charming. A valance is also helpful when camouflaging difficult windows.” — Colette van den Thillart, CVDT Interior Design, Toronto
Q: Should the pattern of the valance be the same as the drapes?
A: “It doesn’t have to be, but if you’re using the same fabric, whether patterned or solid, a contrasting trim along the edges is essential — it breaks it up and helps define the shape. Edging chintz in a solid grosgrain is absolutely vital!” — Colette van den Thillart, CVDT Interior Design, Toronto
Q: Which furniture piece do you return to again and again?
A: “I consider the Crown easy chair by Massproductions a new classic. I have this piece in my own home and have used it in many projects. I love its understated simplicity and sculptural form. It’s also extremely comfortable.” — Andrea Rodman, Vancouver
Q: What sofa styles should I consider, and what should my budget be?
A: Lounge Sectional. “As we move away from formal living rooms and embrace a family-style space, sofa construction has never been more important. For a good-quality sectional, budget about $10,000.” — Carrie Stinson (left) & Veronica Martin, Two Fold Interiors, Toronto
A: English Roll Arm. “This sofa is so versatile. You can upholster it in a neutral or bold fabric, leave it plain or load it up with pillows. Budget $4,000-plus for a three-seater on casters.” — Grace Castaneda, Toronto
A: Transitional. “Expect to spend about $2,500 for a mid-range three-seater sofa — Crate & Barrel’s Gather sofa is a good example. Its understated style is great for pairing with bolder statement pieces, like accent chairs.” — Andrea Rodman, Vancouver
Q: How do I choose the right scale of wallpaper pattern?
A: “It depends on the look and visual impact you’re after. If you want something fun and whimsical like this children’s room we designed in New York City (above), go for a medium-scale pattern to create just enough impact. If you want the effect to be serene and subtle, choose a small-scale, all-over pattern that will read as a background solid, or a paper that mimics a natural material, like this faux marble paper.” — Richard Ouellette (right) & Maxime Vandal, Les Ensembliers, Montreal
Q: How do I transition my paint colors from room to room?
A: “Create a buffer between colorful rooms by painting linking spaces like hallways in the same neutral paint color, but not necessarily white! In a more open-concept space with no clear break between rooms, I would use one main colour throughout and add colour and texture through the furniture and accents.” — Luke Havekes, Montreal
Q: How do I introduce antiques in my home?
A: “Select pieces that can be adapted to how you live now. I inherited my grandmother’s antique sewing table. I don’t sew, but I love its shape and rustic quality, so I use it as an end table in my living room. It’s important to layer multiple styles together so you create a home that feels unique and looks collected over time.” — Philip Mitchell, Toronto and Chester, Nova Scotia
A: “Consider a location in need of a focal point, like a hallway or your living room. Think of an antique as a functioning piece of art — something that reflects your personality. Use your first piece to inspire your next piece and create a connection between the two. Or start a collection of small vintage items that could fill a bookshelf. Don’t go overboard! A few well-chosen items can add warmth and a sense of history.” — Michael Angus, Angus & Company, Guelph, Ontario
Q: In an open space, how do I mix lighting styles?
A: “I don’t match — ever! — but I’ll have some sort of consistency or repeating theme. For example, in this space, the fixtures are of a similar scale and they both have black cords. But their shapes are intentionally contrasting — an angular cone versus a cluster of spheres. A lot of furniture tends to be rectangular, so throwing in a curve creates a sculptural statement and helps break up that linear aspect.” — Natalie Chong, Nest Design Studio, Toronto
Q: How many pendants should go over my kitchen island?
A: “There’s no limit! Most people would say the norm is two, but we’ve incorporated anywhere from one to 10 pendants above a kitchen island. Playing with odd numbers can make a space more interesting and add dimension.” — Montana Burnett, Toronto
Q: How big should a dining room ceiling fixture be in relation to the table?
A: “The size of a pendant over a dining table can be flexible. You can go large and dramatic — we’ve done them almost the length of the table — or smaller and more subtle. A happy medium is about 24 inches in diameter for a round pendant, and about half the length of the table for a linear fixture.” — Sophie Burke, Vancouver
Q: What should I consider when choosing a stair runner?
A: “Durability. Stairs get a lot of traffic, so you want a runner that can stand up to that. It should have pattern or texture, as a completely flat rug will show dirt and wear more easily. A patterned, tight flatwoven style in wool is a good, all-around choice. Roger Oates makes lovely ones!” — Brooke Hatfield, Victoria
Q: Are there styles of rugs that work best in modern living rooms versus traditional ones?
A: “In a modern living room, I lean toward a dense but low-pile tufted wool or wool and silk combination. When I think modern, I think minimal and neutral. In a traditional space, a wool flatweave rug with a geometric pattern or a stripe works for me. I like how durable they are for family living rooms, and they come in many great colors.” — Cameron MacNeil, Toronto
Q: Should I use sconces beside my bed or table lamps?
A: “I gravitate more toward bedside table lamps. Lamps can be changed more easily, and you can also swap in different shades and bases, depending on your mood.” — Montana Burnett, Toronto
A: “Wall sconces free up valuable space on your bedside tables, and there are so many fantastic ones to choose from. We like adjustable ones that swing out over the bed for reading.” — Sophie Burke, Vancouver
House & Home June 2021