Furniture Painting Shows A Return To Classic Americana
When furniture styles nod to the past, they only borrow from rather than replicate earlier styles. One of the trends that’s showing up in many furniture lines is the painting of early American scenes on the tops and fronts of dressers, lamp tables and sofa tables. The scenes range from nautical paintings, like the Lexington chest pictured, to hunting and old sporting scenes.
The paintings warm up the room and draw attention to a favorite piece of furniture. For information, call (800) LEX-INFO.
Wish list toys: One of the national newsletters that tracks economic trends in the country says the following items will be tops on the Christmas lists of adults this year: cellular phones, computers and software, CD-ROMS, CD players, furniture for home offices, treadmills and rowing machines. What does this say about how adults are using their leisure time?
For free: The American Floral Marketing Council is offering readers a free guide, “Blooming Ideas for the Home: Decorating with Flowers. Just call (800) 805-8200.
Back to school: The bevy of autumn workshops will begin soon and the one- and two-session classes at Corbin Art Center include Cornucopia Centerpiece, Holiday Grapevine Wreath, Porcelain Flowers, Victorian Lace Ornament and Holiday Topiary Tree. There are plenty of other choices (and it’s none too soon to get started on holiday creations); for a complete class schedule, call the Corbin Art Center at 625-6677.
We’ll alert readers to classes at other locations in upcoming weeks.
On a budget: Before moving out of the house to an apartment, it’s wise to check out all of the expenses living in an apartment will entail. And there are plenty of expenses beyond the monthly rent, the largest of which is usually heat.
Heating bills can drive up the cost quickly since many apartments are not as energy-efficient as houses.
Some tips: Look for separate thermostats in each room so zone heating can be used. See if the hot water tank is insulated and does not leak. Examine the windows and doors for weather stripping.
For a free brochure with other tips, “Rent Wisely,” call the Washington State Energy Office’s Energy Hotline, (800) 962-9731 in Washington, or 324-7980.
We know we’ve reported that the lodge/cabin style of decorating is passe elsewhere, and that attention has turned to the Southeast and Plantation styles.
But here in the Northwest, we still seem enamoured of weekend cabins and in bringing that influence home to the city. That way we can feel like we’re getting away every night.
And, of course the L.L. Bean company still accommodates anyone who wants to pursue the lodge look. The fall line of home furnishings includes a canoe coffee table made of white cedar and mahogany. It’s finished with rawhide woven seats and has a glass top. The dimensions are 60 inches long, 18 inches high, 18 inches deep; the cost is $695 plus $25 shipping. For a free L.L. Bean catalog or information, call (800) 221-4221.
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