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Questions for August, 2007

Hanging Wedding Portraits

Wahid asks...
The question we have is in regards to 2 large framed wedding portraits (16 inches x 20 inches) which we want to hang. We aren't sure where to hang them. We already have one wedding picture above our bed in our bedroom, so the master bedroom is not an option. If we decide to hang these two pictures on the main-floor in the family room, is above the fire place or on the wall opposite to the fireplace (above a couch) a good idea? Is the main floor a good/bad idea for this size of picture?

There really are NO hard and fast rules to hanging family portraits.

Traditionally, portraits were a symbol of affluence and power. They were hung in main entrances or in prominent positions in public rooms where they could be seen and admired by all.

There are still two schools of thought on the subject. One, that a beautiful portrait can greet guests in any public space as a sign of welcome to the home. Two, that a portrait is personal and should be on view for the family in a more private area. Today we can run the gamut between the two. For example, a collection of family portraits is often hung on the wall of the stairs leading from the public to the private space.

It sounds to me like your decision to hang the portraits in the family room is a good bridge between the two. Hanging them over the fireplace is a traditional solution and above the couch leans to the contemporary. Make your choice depending on how prominently YOU want them displayed. The first wall a person sees when walking into the room is the most prominent position.

If they are the same size and framed similarly, hang them beside each other (within 2 to 4 inches). This will form a horizontal grouping that will echo the lines of the mantel or the couch. Be careful not to hang them to high. Keeping the centre of the piece at eye level is a good rule of thumb.

The Hunt for the Right Headboard

Alyssa asks...
We just bought our first house and we are looking for a kind sized, wood, contemporary styled headboard that is 46" or less to fit under a window. This has been quite difficult to find so far. Any suggestions on companies or models?

Low profile headboards have been making their way back into fashion for a while now. They often come with an enclosed bed frame support so that you don't need a box spring. This lowers the overall profile of the bed and therefore the height of the headboard.

DeBoer's offers a very nice model as part of their new environmental design "Green Line". It's called "KENDO" and comes in a lovely teak veneer. The headboard is 34 1/2 inches high and comes with a matching dresser and side tables. Contact them at deboers.com or at their 5051 Yonge Street Store in Toronto @ 416 226 3730.

Most "platform" beds have low headboards and often have pullout storage underneath. They have become very popular in stores that specialize in space saving furnishings for the condo market.

Finally, if you're particularly adventurous, check out some of the mid-century stores in your city. This original low profile design was very popular with the Scandanavian designers of the 60's and 70's. You might just find the perfect vintage piece that suits your needs. Sweet Dreams!

Traditional window coverings...

A HIG Reader asks...
I hope you are the man to help me. I have about 20 recessed light fixtures in my ceiling and want to cover them up, without having to dry wall each area. Is there a special cap to put in there, or a creative way you know of to close them up?

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. According to PAUL WOLF LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL SUPPLY, one of the largest wholesalers in the country, no such product exists. Apparently, the question has come up a number of times. They've researched all their suppliers and no one makes them. This may be due to the code issue of enclosing the pot light transformer without the ventilation of the open pot.

I've also asked a couple of electricians about putting up a regular ceiling fixture cap from the hardware store. You'd still have to remove the pot and create some sort of electrical box. Otherwise, there'd be nothing to attach the centre screw rod to the cap. Personally, I don't think this would be a very attractive option anyway.

I wish I could have been of more help. If you find something, let me know!

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About Hal Eisen

Halcyon Designs

Hal Eisen is currently the on camera Co-host and Design Consultant for the series DESIGN MATCH, which airs on HGTV Canada and USA. Hal has designed for personal clients across both countries and created events everywhere, from the pool at the old L.A. Athletic Club to the penthouse of the new Trump World Tower in New York.

He is no stranger to the "Lifestyle" T.V. airways either; having appeared as one of the resident, on camera designers on HGTV Canada's LOVE BY DESIGN and HGTV USA's DATE WITH DESIGN.

As a Co-Production Designer, with partner Andrew Bottecchia, Hal has worked on two seasons of HDTV's TRASH TO TREASURE, a FOOD Network pilot called PIECE OF CAKE and a new pilot for West Wind Pictures called PLASTERED; where he also appeared as the guest designer. Before Design Match, he was the Associate Production Designer on HGTV Canada/USA "new" DESIGNER GUYS series for their first season.

You can contact Hal at (416) 533-5508 or at eisen333@hotmail.com