Australian House & Garden

Question: We plan to redecorate the living room but don’t want to replace our black leather sofas. We’d love to create an eclectic look. Any clues as to what pieces we should buy?

Answer:

Black leather sofas make a strong statement in any living room and provide an excellent jumping-off point for creating a distinctive decor. “Go for rustic/ eclectic,” suggests Stanley Marcellius, Retail Manager at Carina Sherlock.“Make a start with recycled teak pieces;a side table or occasional table with a whitewash finish would work well. Buy lamps to sit on the tables: look for lamps with round wooden bases and drum shades in black or natural linen.” The finishing touches would be new cushionsfor your sofas, in a mix of colours and patterns. Carina Sherlock; (03) 9824 5022.

Answered by Rose-Marie Hillier        
Photography by Steve Ryan 

Question: We plan to buy a new sofa and would like to know if there is any advantage to choosing leather over fabric upholstery. Also, what would be the most stylish yet timeless style to look for in a sofa?

Answer: It is no accident that leather was historically chosen by nobility. “Leather has a much higher perceivedvalue than fabric and ages beautifully,” says Dana Skornicki, Pacific Product Manager at Natuzzi. This company offers sofas in a wide range of leathers that canbe easily cleaned and, if cared for properly, will last longer than fabric upholstery. “Also, leather doesn’t absorb household smells and, depending on the type, is more pet-friendly than fabric,” says Skornicki. Design-wise, look for sofas with square arms, generous seats and the extra versatility afforded by special features such as reclining motion. Natuzzi; (02) 9313 4111 or www.natuzzi.com.au.
Answered by Rose-Marie Hillier
Photography by Derek Swalwell /ACP Digital Library

Question: In the past, I’ve found choosing a colour scheme to be pretty stressful. I’ve heard there’s a new online process that can help me do this, one that will also save time. How does it work?

Answer: A system that takes the guesswork out of co-ordinating colours can be a great aid if you’re less than confident when it comes to creating a beautiful room palette. “Our new On-Line Colour Designer service has preselected colour schemes to give you inspiration,” says Robyn Shardelow, Interiors Brand Manager at Wattyl. “You can either pick a look you like or alter the colours with our online palette. Then visit a Colour Designer paint stockist to collect your matching paint swatches and clip them together to take home.”This way, says Robyn, the groundwork is done. “You get to the counter quicker and can start decorating sooner.” Wattyl; 132 101 or www.wattyl.com.au.

Answered by Rose-Marie Hillier
Photography by Tim Hall

Question: My home is furnished in a classical style, with antique furniture and accessories. I’m looking for a pair of traditional table lamps that feature Chinese vases as bases. Can you help?

Answer:
You’ll find reproductions of this style in decorator stores and mass-market design shops, but if you want the real thing, you’ll have to see a specialist. Reputable dealers can provide a genuine antique or reconditioned vintage base, and then custom-design a shade to match. Maurice Robertson, of The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co, says, “For an authentic result, it’s important to have the right materials and employ traditional manufacturing techniques, such as 24-carat gold in the porcelain lamp bases and handmade silk shades.”

Question: I'm shopping for a sofa bed which will only be used occasionally for visitors and used as a casual couch in the sun room. I don't want to spend too much as we already have a lounge suite and we're on a tight budget. Problem is, I have no idea what to look for when shopping. Can you please help.

Answer: When you go shopping for your sofa bed, keep in mind the style of the room. Ikea has several suitable sofa beds within a decent price range. For instance, if you want something very casual or more contemporary, check out Exorby which is a 3-seater couch on a metal frame costing $229; the seat pulls out to double its width to become a bed. Hagalund is a classic style two-seater sofa (fully upholstered with rolled arms) which converts in the traditional way to a bed, $670. Visit www.ikea.com.au to see the complete selection of sofa beds.