photo by donovan roberts witmer
At an interior design studio there are certain questions that are asked so frequently we felt that we needed to address them once and for all. So here are some answers, tips and guidelines to your most pressing design concerns.
Q: What is a good off-white for my walls that isn’t cold and sterile?
A: An off-white that is “warm” (and we have found this color works just about anywhere) is Benjamin Moore’s Ivory White #925. It can also work for ceilings and trim.
Q: How large should a dining room chandelier be and how high above the table do you hang it?
A: There are two ways to determine the approximate diameter of a dining room chandelier.
First Method: Measure the length and width of your dining room and add the measurements together. Let’s say the room is 14’ x 20’ (14 + 20 = 34). Next, substitute inches for feet. So 34’ would become 34”. This is your guideline for the chandelier’s diameter.
Second Method: If you have the dining table you plan to use, measure the width. Three quarters of this measurement would be your guideline for the chandelier’s diameter. The bottom of the dining room chandelier should be 30”-33” above the table.
Q: Can I paint my formal powder room a dark color even though it is small?
A: Yes. Make a statement with a bold color or wallpaper. Don’t worry about the size of the room.
Q: How high should I hang artwork?
A: Hang artwork at eye level for a person that 5’6” to 5’8” tall. The best way to achieve this is to “center” your artwork. Here are the steps:
- Make a pencil mark on the wall that is 57” to 60” above the floor. Let’s use 58” for this example.
- Measure the height of your artwork from top to the bottom of the piece. Let’s say it’s 30”. Now divide that number in half (15”) for the center.
- Next, hold the wire as if it is hanging on a hook and measure from the top of the wire to the top of the frame. Let’s say this is 3”. Subtract 3” from on the wall at 58”, which will total 70”. That is where the hook for your artwork goes—voila! Your artwork is hung at eye level! Of course, this is for standalone artwork. For artwork hanging above furniture (sofa, chest, table, etc.) it is a bit of a judgment call. Just make it work with the furniture and avoid hanging it too high.
Q: What is the best height for a bathroom vanity?
A: In the past, bathroom vanities were usually 30”-32” high. This was good for kids but not for adults. Today, more people are opting for higher vanities around 36” high, including countertop—especially in master bathrooms. If you have a vessel sink, measure its height and adjust the vanity accordingly to an actual finished height of 36” and, for a more kid friendly vanity, consider 34”. Kids can always use a stool if they need one.)
Q: What are my options for sofa and chair arm styles other than the “standard roll arm”?
A: There are several arm style options for sofas and chairs. Consider the Charles of London arm if you prefer a more traditional style. This style can work in a relaxed family room or a more formal living room. For a classic look, consider the tuxedo arm that is usually the same height as the back. And, lastly, for a transitional or contemporary style, choose the lower, wider square arm option.
Q: I’m tired of traditional style furniture but I’m not comfortable with ultra-contemporary furniture. What can I do?
A: Embrace transitional. Transitional style basically takes traditional classics and updates or moves it into the 21st century. Some people have referred to it as “the marriage” or “blending of” traditional and contemporary. The clean lines of the transitional style appeal to both sexes and appear to be timeless.
Glen Anthony Designs LLC | 24 E. Third St., Bethlehem | 610.882.3590 | glenanthonydesigns.com
By Glen Anthony Designs: George Lanier, Joe Misero and Marcia Ballek
