Family Photo Displays
 Over the years, we’ve acquired a great many family photos that mean a lot to us, if to no one else, and I don’t want just to store them away in boxes. Is there anything we can do with them?
Susan Blank
LaCrosse, Wisconsin
 Family photos are true treasures,
but displaying them can be tricky. One rule of thumb is to have a lot of them, either in the same type of frames
or in a collection of interesting (even nutty) frames that you have gathered in your travels. A hall is a great place for them because you can clump them together to create a narrative or story; if you place them at eye-level, they can easily be seen or studied. These pictures are probably more important to you than to most of your guests, so this way visitors can either glance at them or pass them right by. Either way, you are not intruding on your guests, and are not taking away from the décor in your more public rooms.
Creative Camouflage
We have a small house that is decorated in a country style. Because we do not have a den or family room, the TV is in the living room. Is there any way to hide it? We really don’t want to have a huge piece of furniture/entertainment center.
Sheila Clarke
Glencoe, Illinois
Why don’t you put your TV under a skirted table? This will achieve a country look, and you will have the benefit of an extra table. There are two ways to do this: (1) At a lumber yard or home center, get a 30"-round wood top and four screw-in legs (30" high). It doesn’t have to be finished or fine furniture since you are going to cover it. Buy or make a 90"-round table drape in either a neutral color or a bright, calico-type print to cover the table. Add an old quilt or country-print square on top.
Put the TV under the skirt and just lift up the front when you want to use it. (2) At the same lumber yard, you could get the materials to make a square table (27"-25"high). Here I would use a textured linen, not a print, and make a tailored skirt with pleats. Put the TV on a small platform to keep it off the carpet or floor.
New Nursery
In a few months, my husband and I are going to have our first child. I’m starting to plan a room for him/her and wonder how to begin. We do have a room but not a huge budget. Where do I start?
Paula Stewart
Houston, Texas
If you read my column often,
you know one of my pet mantras: When decorating, never spend money on things that will not last or that you intend to replace. Children’s furniture can be cute and appealing, but will not be with you for the long haul. Unless you can envision furniture being with your child at least through the teens, don’t buy it (except, of course, for the necessities like a crib, etc.). Do some antiquing or haunt tag sales to try and find a small pine armoire or one that you can paint. The shelves can hold a lot in full view, and the size will break that dull look of several low pieces. Also, don’t forget a rocking chair...for you now, and later for your child.
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I’m finally going to have a new kitchen—soup to nuts. My old one has always been too dark and hard to keep clean. I would really like an old-fashioned feel, sort of a farmhouse look, but with new appliances and amenities. Is this possible?
Claire Gilbert
Laurence, Delaware
You are lucky. Not many of us have the opportunity to start over from scratch. With the advances in cabinetry today, your options are practically limitless! The photo shown here is from Wood-Mode Cabinetry, and might be just the answer for you. The beaded door style offers an old-fashioned look, but in a light finish (alabaster on maple), it opens up the space, brightening both the room and your outlook. The center work area resembles a buffet. Its turned feet give the impression of it being light instead of too firmly rooted (as are many of today’s islands). White china knobs set off the doors and add a crisp note. Good light is provided by the classic schoolhouse lighting fixtures (available in home centers or lighting stores). They provide a good overall light and add to the updated farmhouse look. Again, the schoolhouse clock adds an updated traditional look. Remember, with all the tools available today, any look you want is possible.
Editor’s Note: Margot Gunther, ASID, is a designer who has worked on residential interiors, country inns and restaurants; her work has been featured in top decorating magazines, as well. Additionally, she has a great deal of experience in renovation and restoration, and an extensive knowledge of designer resources.
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