Q.
ask
I’d love guidance on buying bedside lamps that sit on a nightstand and can be used for reading. Any tricks of the trade for getting just the right height?
ES: Although there is not a “right” answer to this question, there are some factors that will help you decide what height lamp is the best for you. If your nightstand is about level with the top of your mattress (usually between 24 inches and 30 inches tall), then a lamp of 26 inches to 32 inches tall will give ample light for reading. Following this scenario, shorter contemporary nightstands would naturally require a taller lamp. You might keep in mind that darker lamp shades tend to direct the light downward, thus limiting the distance the lumens dispersed by your lamp can reach.
1. Lace citron pillow, $129 at Room & Board, roomandboard. com. 2. Currey & Company 6074 Artois table lamp, available at Bella Casa, Portland, bellacasa.net.
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Q. I enjoy decorating with found objects from the garden—white
birch branches, birdhouses, nests, cones, and so on. What is the best way to display them without making it feel or look like clutter?
AP: I have a friend who purchased many interestingly shaped objects from Goodwill and painted them all the same color. In her case, she chose white because she was filling shelves in a long, dark hall. The same solution works for found objects from outside. A monochromatic vignette is the way to go because it emphasizes the organic (nest) or ubiquitous (birdhouse) forms found in a garden in a contemporary way that removes any trace of kitsch.
Q.
I love deep jewel tones but find them too dark to heavily decorate with in the Pacific Northwest. Do you have any suggestions for creating a bright yet saturated palette for an entertaining space?
MC: With the color-cautious, big design risks can be frightening. You can integrate bold colors into a room by adding accessories one at a time, until a level of color saturation makes you happy. I suggest accessories that aren’t too expensive so that you don’t feel pressured to live with them forever. Room & Board offers mohair lumbar pillows in saturated colors, and West Elm has patterned Moroccan area rugs. I also love to shop Driscoll Robbins’ close-out section for amazing designer area rugs. Have fun and switch it up often!
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GRAY ISSUE No. three
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