ASK THE EXPERTS
WOOD IF YOU COULD
A mopper wonders about kitchen-floor maintenance; connoisseurs seek art worth sleeping under; an enthusiast wants advice you can take to the banquette. I HAVE MY HEART SET ON WOOD FLOORS IN THE KITCHEN, BUT BECAUSE I LIKE TO MOP, ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO THE MOST DURABLE WOOD AND FINISH?
Many factors should be considered when selecting the best wood floor for your kitchen: the look and color you are going for, your budget and performance. Different woods inherently have specific color undertones and grain patterns—for example, red oak has red undertones. The most durable species are hardwoods such as oak, maple and hickory. Solid wood planks are a great option because they can be sanded and refinished many times. Engineered wood may or may not be able to be refinished depending on the thickness of the top layer, and it has limitations on how many times it can be refinished. Solid wood is preferred for longevity and value. Any spills should be cleaned immediately. Prefinished wood floors have factory-applied finishes. A durable option for site-stained and -finished products is a polyurethane finish, which range from matte to satin and glossy. Matte provides a clean, contemporary style. If you prefer a little shine, satin is more subtle than a high-gloss. Matte and low-gloss hide scratches better than high-gloss. Remember, your mop should be damp so as not to saturate your wood floor. —Judi Crook, ASID, CID, Kaleidoscope Interior Design; kidesignshop.com WE HAVE A HIGH HEAD-
BOARD AND ARE WONDERING ABOUT A STATEMENT ART
PIECE OR PIECES FOR ABOVE IT. SUGGESTIONS?
Here are some tips to consider when selecting and arranging art above your headboard: • Select a piece of art or a collection of items that resonates with you. It could be a painting, a photograph, a vintage mirror or an antique architectural element. • The size of the art should be proportional to the size of the headboard and the wall space above it. Working with 50 to 80 percent of the headboard’s width is a good rule of thumb. This ensures that the art doesn’t overwhelm the space or appear too small. • Place the art 8 to 10 inches above the top of the headboard. This height is visually pleasing and creates a balanced look. However, this can vary depending on the overall height of the headboard and the ceiling height. • If you opt for a grouping, odd numbers often work better than even— three or five items, for example. Ensure that the spacing between the pieces is consistent. Experiment with different arrangements, such as a symmetrical grid or an asymmetrical cluster, to find the look that suits your taste. Don’t forget that the art above your headboard should be something you love waking up to and going to bed with every day. —Virginia Tesi, Allied ASID, Tesi Design Inc., Interiors & Cabinetry; tesidesign.com
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I’M ADDING A BANQUETTE TO THE BREAKFAST ROOM AND PREFER NOT TO DO A BUILT-IN. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS BESIDE USING CHAIRS
ON ONE SIDE OF THE TABLE?
SOFA? LOVE SEAT? SUGGESTIONS?
While a built-in banquette can elevate a space and make it feel finished, it’s not the only way to achieve the “look.” The options for ready-made or semi-custom furniture pieces that appear custom have come a long way in the past few years. West Elm and Ballard Designs both have modular systems that you can specify to get as close to your custom measurements as possible with their various pieces. When specifying these for clients, we consider the same things as if we were building in the space—comfort and durability are key. The pitch of the back of the bench is as important as the depth of the seat, and that relationship is what creates comfort ultimately. Make sure you chose a durable fabric in a forgiving color. While flax and creams can be aesthetically pleasing even in a performance material, I would be mindful of the family’s level of wear and tear. Performance vinyls or cleanable fabrics such as Perennials or Crypton are your best bet. Make sure you leave room for your guests to shimmy in and out of the banquette, and don’t make any side too long, as people don’t like to line up more than three in a row. (Two seats per side are ideal.) —Alexa Harris Ralff, Associate ASID, AHR Designs; ahrdesigns.com
10/30/23 4:05 PM