Frequently Asked Design Questions
Here at Montgomery’s I am driven by a love for design and committed to making your experience one that will inspire you and keep you coming back into our showrooms to see the newest trends in the furniture industry.
With so many design publications, TV shows, and websites available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with choices and advice. As you search for inspiration, tips, and the latest trends, keep in mind that good design applies to all styles and types of spaces. Make a note of what appeals to you or “feels” right. I am trained to consider many practical and functional matters that might not occur to you. Below you will find some frequently asked design questions. I look forward to helping you make your house a home!
Q: I want to get new end tables for my living room but, I’m curious, is there a “proper” height that I should look for?
A: An end table should be no more than two inches higher or lower than the arm of the accompanying sofa or chair. Not only will that give your grouping a more cohesive look; it will also make reaching for something on the table much easier.
Q: How can I avoid "cookie-cutter" decorating and create an interesting room without straining my budget too much?
A: First and foremost, select accessories, fabrics and furnishings that reflect your individual lifestyle and taste. Keep fresh flowers and potted plants on hand for the gardener in you. A tabletop completely covered with your cache of elegantly framed family photos adds unique personality and a sense of tradition to a room. Tossing a few colorful, even whimsical pillows into an empty corner adds a surprising touch to an otherwise monotone room. And for the intellectual types, a wall of bookshelves chocked with favorite volumes will take center stage.
Q: Flowers and green plants look great in the home, but I have absolutely no knack for gardening. Any ideas?
A: Nothing beats a vase of springtime flowers to brighten up your décor. However, one of today’s permanent floral arrangements will also do the trick. These realistic arrangements range from the small and subtle to big, lush and full. So you don’t really need a green thumb to bring nature indoors!
Q. What can I do to create a warm, cozy atmosphere in my home?
A: First, establish a warm color scheme. Soft, natural colors and earth tones are always popular, and soothing, too. Add to the atmosphere with richly textured upholstery fabrics that feel good to the touch, such as velvet and chenille. Decorate with books, photographs and mementos that reflect your interests and tell about your family. Finally, light your rooms with lamps, wall sconces, torchieres and candles instead of overhead lighting. Together, these elements will add a snug, cozy feel to any home!
Q: I need storage space for my china, stemware and serving pieces, but I’m looking for something other than the conventional china cabinet. What can you suggest?
A:If you’re looking for enclosed storage, consider a sideboard. Small servers can tuck into niches, too; use a pair to flank a doorway, giving you tabletop space for barware, bowls or tureens. Or, make a dramatic statement by positioning an armoire at one end of the room. If you have dinnerware that you like to display, look to glass-enclosed display cabinets, baker’s racks, even etageres.
Q: What is the most popular form of window treatment these days? I am in the process of redecorating my master bedroom and can't decide between the traditional look of curtains, or a more contemporary approach. My furniture is contemporary styling in light oak, but many of my accessories, including a vintage dressing table and crystal dresser top set, were once my grandmothers. What do you suggest?
A: The sky is the limit on window treatments. First you must decide if you want to let a lot of light in or go for all privacy. With new home construction emphasizing large windows, many decorators are opting for subtle top-of-the-window treatments that add only a small amount of color and pattern while hiding a blind or a shade. With what sounds like an eclectic environment that mixes different styles, this may be the way you want to go. Choose the dominant colors in the room for your treatments, but keep the patterns simple.
Q: After entertaining I noticed a large white ring on my new coffee table, probably caused by someone not using a coaster. What can I do?
A: Use one of these stain removal techniques as soon as you notice the ring.
- Rub with paste wax using very fine (4/0) steel wool.
- Rub the spot lightly with a soft lintless cloth moistened with camphorated oil. Immediately afterward wipe with a clean cloth.
- Dip a small piece of cheesecloth in hot water to which three drops of household ammonia have been added. Wring cloth out tightly and rub spot lightly.
Q: My upholstery seems so dark, but I can’t afford both winter and summer upholstery.
A: Why not try swapping dark, textured pillow covers for soft pastels, florals or springtime hues such as yellow, lilac or green. Or, consider a double-duty slipcover sofa.
Q:I have an active family. What upholstery fabrics will stand up best to everyday wear and tear and still give the room some style?
A: Many of today’s most fashionable fabrics will withstand the most active family. Microfibers, for instance, are one of the most durable fabrics available; even most grades of leather will fit your parameters.
Q: I’m ready to purchase a new dining room table but I’m not sure what size to get to accommodate my family. Is there a formula that I should follow?
A:As a general rule, figure two feet per person along the sides of a table; a 10-foot-long table, for instance, will accommodate five people on each side. At the head and foot of the table, allow 15 to 18 inches per place setting.