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Questions for October, 2007

Where to start?!

Carrie asks...
Hello, I hope you can help us as we have recently bought a new house. We intend to replace carpets, paint the interior walls (the outside we just finished) and buy furniture. What should we tackle first?

Dear Carrie,
Do the interior painting first. It always freshens up a space and will make it feel like it's yours. I always suggest starting with neutrals so you can really see the space you have to work with. If you have specific colours in mind, however, go right ahead. You might be bang on and if not, you can change it. "It's only paint."

On the practical side, if you're planning on replacing the carpets, you don't have to worry so much about drops or spills while you're painting. I imagine you're replacing the carpet because it's wall to wall and not to your liking. If, however, you can live with it and it's not in bad shape, you might consider steam cleaning it. This might give you another year or two before having to put out a large some of money to replace it all. On the other hand, what are the floors like under the carpet? Maybe you can live with them bare before replacing.

As far as the furniture goes, you can always build your collection over time. However, if you see something you love and know you want - GET IT! There's nothing worse than losing that perfect piece and then spending months or even years trying to find something similar.

Enjoy your new home.
Hal

Contemporary Craftsman?

Kevin asks...
My wife and I are currently building a dream home and we love the "craftsman" style we have chosen for the exterior. However, we are torn because we don't like the bungalow/mission/craftsman style for the interior and we like a more contemporary look. Is there such a thing as contemporary craftsman and what are some tips you can give us to mix the modern elements we like and still not make it look like a Star Wars Interior with a Bonanza Exterior?

Dear Kevin,
First of all, I've always liked the element of surprise in design. Walking through the doors of a craftsman house into a modern interior is something I would find quite exciting.

I don't know if there's a "contemporary craftsman" style. I do know that there are many elements of craftsman style that can be used in a contemporary way.

The basic building blocks of craftsman style are stone, wood, wrought iron and glass. They are also the basis for much modern design. Incorporating those elements into your interior in a simple fashion and following clean modern lines could tie the two together quit nicely.

Flooring of wide planked oak with a satin finish or honed limestone blocks would blend nicely.

A large fireplace of rectangular cut natural stone and a sleek modern screen of smooth black wrought iron and glass has a contemporary air. Create a feature wall of thin stacked stone or large panels of matched veneered wood.

Interestingly, if you look at the classics of mid-century design you might get a lot of ideas.

In both their architectural and furniture designs, Ray and Charles Eames and their contemporaries used many of these natural elements to create their "modern look". I'm sure they would have been pleased to have been called "contemporary craftsman".

Mixing in some mid-century furniture with new and contemporary might be a good bridge. Use natural fabrics like canvas, leather, wool and linen for upholstered pieces and accents for continuity.

Of course, it's no fun being a slave to concept. Things that you love always have a place in your home. Whether it's art, furniture or colour, if it feels right to you, incorporate it.

I'm sure your new home will be a beauty outside and in!
Hal

Save the couch...

Christine asks...
Hi Hal — I have a sage green sofa and cherry wood furniture. Would color curtains and pillows would you suggest? I cannot find anything to go. I am ready to sell this couch I just bought because I cannot match it with anything. Any suggestions would be very helpful!

Tara & Bob,
The first would be to work with tone on tone greens. Pick fabrics in slightly lighter and darker intensities of the green in your sofa. This can look quite rich.

Another easy choice is to go with whites and creams for a very fresh look. These fabrics could have a little green in them too. Perhaps a fleck, stripe, or check.

For a natural look try adding blues to your green. Think of how the colour of water compliments the greens of plants. Taupes and greys that are mixed or used individually can create a quite sophisticated look.

Try using rich browns and oranges for a warm and cozy feel.

If you can't get fabric swatches from your local store, try using articles of clothing in the colour combinations you want to try. When you like what you see, take the clothing with you to match to the fabrics.

With a little playing, I don't think you'll have to sell your couch.

Hal

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If you are stuck on anything to do with interior design or decorating, send your question to Hal! We will do our best to answer all of the questions we receive, and may feature yours on our web site. Send an email to askhal@homeinteriorguide.com with your name, location, and question.

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