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Questions for December, 2007

Bronze fixtures

Chip asks...
I am re-modeling the outside of my home. I like the way the Bronze-finished door-handle, mailbox, etc. looks, but since I can't seem to find many light fixtures that are bronze, I am wondering, are bronze finished fixtures out-dated? I am trying to update my home, so the last thing I want to do is put dated-looking fixtures on it. I appreciate any advice you can give.

Dear Chip,
Quite simply put, bronze fixtures are still popular and will always remain a classic.

They sound like a good match for your home's exterior and I see no need to replace everything that you already have.

White with soft beige, taupe or grey would also fill the bill. As long as the colours are pale. A trick is to squint when looking at your selections. If they blend together and nothing pops out you've been successful.

Keep looking because I see them out there all the time. You may have to pay a little more at a higher end store, but the end result is worth it.
Hal

Modern window coverings

Andrea asks...
My husband and I built a new home and moved in this past February. The one thing he wanted was maple cabinets with a natural finish. They’re beautiful but I’m having a terrible time finding a paint color that compliments them. I’d like to stay away from beige at it seems a little too boring for my taste. I would love something brighter and I’m not afraid of too much color.

The open concept of the home has actually made it more difficult to decorate because the wall the majority of the cabinets are on extends into the eating area and the living room. Do you have any suggestions for colors that would be complimentary to the maple cabinets but at the same time won’t be too overwhelming on a wall that runs the length of the house?

Dear Andrea,
Without seeing the colours and fabrics that you've used throughout the rest of the main floor, it's hard to know what direction to head you towards. If you have favourite colours that you have used, hold the fabric or colour swatch up against the cabinets to see how you feel about the combo.

As far as wood finishes go, maple is the "beige" of woods. So it's very neutral and therefore easy to combine many colours with.

For a neutral or tone on tone palette, try browns, taupes or golds.

For a cool sophisticated look, blues or grays of all intensities would work.

If you're up for warm and bold, then oranges, brick or reds.

Benjamin Moore sells small tester pots of all their colours and any colour in their "Designer Series" is also available in large 16"x16" sheets that you can put up and move easily. Always try a colour before doing a large area because they "shift" depending on light sources in the room and the time of day. A test square is easier to repaint than a whole wall.

This really is a matter of personal taste. Let your feelings be your guide.
Hal

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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