Whitewash Can Lighten a Dark Kitchen

QUESTION: Will whitewashed be a dated look? I am considering the purchase of some whitewashed cabinets, as well as whitewashed floors and furniture. Is this a good idea?

ANSWER: There is no question about it, styles change. The deep tones and sharper contrasts of the ‘70s gave way to the milder colors and subtler contrasts of the ‘80s. We are now seeing a return to warmer wood tones and deeper colors. The whitewashed will certainly have its place, in time.

However, this does not mean that this is not a good choice for you. You must judge the merits of choosing whitewashed on a different set of criteria.

Perhaps your kitchen is on the dark side and you would like to maintain as much light as possible, yet not lose the warmth and practicality of natural wood. Painted white cabinets show the wear and tear of banging more readily than stained wood.

In addition, there are a number of things to consider in thinking about whitewashed cabinets. For one thing there are varying degrees of washed color, from that which is barely noticeable to opaque white stains.

Also not everything has to be “white” washed, there is gray washed, green washed, blue washed etc. Another thing is that washes look different on different woods. Red oak can have a wild grain pattern. More subtle effects can come from woods such as pine, alder or birch.

Perhaps, to avoid a dated look, not everything should be white-washed oak. Choose what is really important to you. If the white-washed cabinets are what you want most, then the floor could be a natural or honey or even gray-washed oak. Or switch to ceramic tile in light tones or even vinyl tiles with an interesting “quilt” pattern inlaid. The options are many.

The same holds true with the furniture. Perhaps you could select some painted country pieces. Whatever the plan, your varying surfaces should complement and enhance one another. Too much of one thing can be too much.

It is difficult to make all the elements work together if they are all the same. A little more variety could add interest to each piece as well as the whole. Also you run less risk of “dating” your environment.

MARY KENYON

Allied member, ASID

Pasadena

Familiar Touch When on Move Frequently

Q: My husband’s corporation has us moving more often than we would prefer. Just when we get our home where we want it, it’s time to move. What can you recommend that might make us feel at home in a new location a little sooner?

A: If you can accomplish any background changes prior to your move, it is certainly preferable. If paint is in order, paint the main rooms first, particularly the bedrooms, so the fumes won’t be a bother to the family, and there will be a place of retreat.

If you have an entry and powder room, have them wallpapered and include the dining room if you can. This adds a very personal touch.

For you, flexibility is the key. You might have a sofa back table that can be used in another home as a dining room serving piece or entry table. Your night stands could be a chest of drawers and side table for use as living room tables in another move.

Don’t have your host/hostess dining room chairs match your guest chairs, and if you end up with a smaller dining room, you will have two pull-up chairs for the living room.

I always think a fabulous bed treatment is an absolute necessity to make one feel good, along with a couple of favorite antique, reproduction or avante-garde chairs.

You can have some drapery panels made long and either hem them to fit or have them “crash” on the floor. As long as I have my grandmother’s breakfront, my two antique chairs, Chinese Chippendale-style mirror, books and personal items, I’m home.

RON WHITNEY-WHYTE, ISID

West Hollywood

Sticker Decals That Adhere to Ceramic Tile

Q: Is there anyone who makes sticker decals that can be applied to ceramic tile in a kitchen?

A: Yes, it is possible to find decals that apply to ceramic tile as deco tiles. Mantae America in Walnut, Calif., (714) 594-9828, manufactures Deco-Rile stickers that are washable and heat-resistant.

However if you want a change with more durability, I recommend the Miracle Method, which is a type of reglazing that can be done over existing tile, porcelain or grout.

There is a selection of colors to restore your tile to match the current designer color palette. Miracle Method has a franchise located in Glendale. To contact them call (818) 247-8040.

GLENN FERRIS

Allied member, ASID

San Marino

This column is prepared by members of the American Society of Interior Designers and International Society of Interior Designers. Readers with questions may write “Design Solutions,” P.O. Box 1033, La Canada, Calif. 91012.