ASK
PRISCILLA
Practical advice on choosing furniture,
colors and flooring

By PRISCILLA KOHUTEK

Q. Everybody says that color is in, but I don't know how to handle it. Does it go on the walls with subtle color on the furniture, or vice versa?

A. There's a raging argument among decorators about this very thing. Some say that the upholstered pieces should be in neutral tones so the walls can be changed to suit your moods or the current trends, the theory being that paint is cheaper than upholstery fabrics.

Others say that it isn't right to dress beautiful furniture so blandly. I like this attitude. If the furniture can stand alone, walls should provide the background. On the other hand, if the furniture is a nondescript style and in neutral tones, you need something to bring the room to life. Decorators who subscribe to this theory use color on the walls and gobs of fabric on the windows, rugs on the floor and accessories like throw pillows all over the place. Then there's so much going on that no one notices the boring furniture.

The exception to this sweeping statement is when you're using luxurious fabrics in a sophisticated monochromatic color scheme. Then you're depending on textures and gorgeous shadings of the same hue. This look is usually best accomplished in a contemporary setting.

Q. We really need some new living room furniture, but I have a big problem: I have champagne taste and a beer pocketbook. Should I throw caution to the wind, and buy what I like, or should I make do with what we can afford?

A. Your question raises several issues. First of all, I'm a firm believer in buying only that which you love. Make-do stuff, and I do mean stuff, costs money, too. Why not pool your resources and buy one great piece that you're going to love forever — it makes a lot more sense. (Whew. I'm glad I got that off my chest. Now we can move on.)

You have some homework to do before you can even think about buying anything. So sit down with a sharp pencil and figure out exactly what you want to buy, and how much you can afford to spend. Prioritize the items and number them accordingly. Work your way through your "want" list, including every detail, down to lamps and throw pillows.

What about the window treatments, rugs and wall color? Will the existing elements work, or will you need to replace some or all of them? Cha-ching! The cost is escalating, isn't it? I'm not trying to discourage you — I just want you to be realistic about how one thing leads to another so you can approach this project and every decorating project intelligently. I hate the "price-tag approach" to shopping, but it's a fact of life — for most of us, anyway.

How much can you afford to spend right now on those high- priority items? How much could you put aside for another shopping spree a year from now for those things you can put off a bit longer? Store this information for future reference.

Now you're finally ready to go shopping — and I said shopping. You aren't ready to buy anything yet because you need more information. For example, "How much money are we talking about, and what kind of deals can I make?"

Here are a couple of ways to cut costs: Watch for furniture sales. Even high-end furniture stores have sales. And remember that there's a big markup on furniture, and most places will negotiate, especially when you're in the market for several items. Always ask for a percentage discount. You have much to gain and nothing to lose if they say no.

Put some numbers next to those high-priority items. Buy the furniture pieces as you can afford them. Go slowly and pull the room together gradually. We aren't talking about instant transformations here. We're talking about building a room that you're going to love for a long time, so don't try to hurry through the process. In the end, you'll get what you want at a price you can afford.

Q. I found a sturdy "must have" antique dining table that's over 100 years old. The only thing is that we don't have an eat-in kitchen, and our dining room is our main eating area. We have two boys, ages 13 and 9, who also do their homework and school projects on the dining room table. Should I go for this beautiful table or choose something more practical?

A. If the table has survived 100 years of use, I should think it can stand up to your boys. Put a cover on it when they do serious projects — felt is an inexpensive material that provides good protection. Alternately, you can always put a glass top on the table.

Many years ago, I put a piece of glass on top of a rosewood coffee table so I wouldn't have to worry about rings and spills. It's practically invisible and has protected our beautiful table for a long time. I strongly recommend this treatment for any wood surface that is subject to potential damage. Be sure to use lots of spacers between the glass and tabletop to allow for a little airflow. Otherwise, the glass will stick to the wood.

Tip: Clean wood furniture with a damp cloth. Wipe and buff with a dry towel. That's all you need. Fancy furniture polishes are not necessary or even recommended. Concerned about putting water on your best wood pieces? No worries, say the experts: "Does it rain on trees?"

Q. We have a rough and ready Hill Country-style home. Are there any specific colors we should stay away from? I'm not particularly fond of the Southwest color palette.

A. These days, anything goes as long as good taste isn't sacrificed for the sake of being different. The most unexpected colors can be exquisite with strong natural materials like heavy wood paneling and limestone walls. Vivid purple, with aubergine and cerulean accents, can be awesome in these rugged surrounds, but it takes an experienced or professional touch to make it work.

Another color combination that's easier to control is emerald with apple green and bright orange accents. A safe alternative is to go for brilliant jewel tones, which are always good against the neutral background of natural materials.

Q. We're renovating our kitchen and replacing the floor as well. What's the best thing to put down? We want something that's good-looking and easy to care for.

A. Pay a visit to some of our local retailers such as O'Krent's, Design Materials and Art Tile to see what the possibilities are — the selection is mind-boggling. From high-end, to-die-for designer concepts to more affordable materials, there's something for everyone.

While you're out and about, stop by Specialty Concrete. They do custom concrete floors that mimic just about any material you can think of.

You will want to choose flooring that's in keeping with the style of your new kitchen, so take along samples and photos of all the elements, including cabinet design, countertops, backsplash and wall color. Be sure to tell the flooring specialists what your needs are and what your budget is. They will guide you in the right direction, but in the end it all boils down to personal choices.

Until next time, happy decorating.

Priscilla Kohutek, internationally published home decorating columnist and author, draws from her own experience and the advice of experts to answer your questions. Send your queries to her via e-mail at Priscilla@askpriscilla.com or mail them to SAN ANTONIO WOMAN, 8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX 78217.