1. The pattern pictured below is commonly known as toile. How is this pronounced?
A. Toy-l B. Twill C. Twall D. Toy-lee 2. Which of these paint finishes is most appropriate for ceilings? A. Satin B. Semi-gloss C. Gloss D. Flat
3. True or False: Full length curtains should be hung as high above the top of the window and as close to the ceiling as possible.
4. This natural, coarse, rope-like fiber is produced by the agave plant and is often used in woven rugs. What is it?
A. Hemp B. Sisal C. Jute D. Seagrass
5. Match each type of molding to its name:
6. The pictured pattern is called:
A. Brick B. Diagonal basket C. Square basket D. Herringbone
7. What kind of pillow is this?
A. Standard B. Euro C. Queen D. Boudoir
8. True or False: Wallpaper that is classified as “vinyl coated paper” is a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
9. The chair pictured below is named after which European monarch?
A. Louis X B. Louis XIV C. Louis XV D. Louis XVI 10. Colors that are the variations of the same hue are called: A. Complementary B. Analagous C. Monochromatic D. Split complementary
Answers:
1. C. “Toile de Jouy (pronounced twall dezh wee), which is often abbreviated ‘toile,’ is a classic design named for the French town where it originated as a fabric in the late eighteenth century,” says DeAnna Hain, retail and interior design manager of the York Wallcoverings Factory Store. Toile in its simplest description is a scenic, often pastoral design with one color printed with a white or light background. To refresh the classic pattern, Hain recommends incorporating an unexpected color. “Used today, it is playful and elegant, historic and timeless, with bolder, updated color combinations to bring a sense of sophistication to modern spaces,” she says.
2. D. “Flat latex paint is the ideal paint finish to use for ceilings, as it has no sheen and it hides imperfections and blemishes well,” says Margie Stapf, owner of Margie Stapf Interior & Floral Design. “It dries more evenly and hides roller marks better than other paints.” But what about the other finishes? Satin paint has a low-gloss finish, withstands dirt, mildew, and stains, and can handle repeated cleaning, making it a great fit for bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms, explains Stapf. “Semi-gloss paint reflects light and gives a radiant, sleek appearance to walls and woodwork,” she says. It resists stains and is ideal for high traffic and high moisture areas, like kitchens and bathrooms. Gloss paint, Stapf explains, is basically the same as semi-gloss, but has more sheen. But be warned, it will show imperfections, so walls must be prepared well before the paint is applied. Try it in a tiny powder room, she says, “creating a jewel box effect with the addition of mirrors, sconces, and sparkle.”
3. TRUE. “By taking the draperies to the ceiling it gives the illusion of more height in the room,” says Kelly Munchel, owner of KM Interiors. “This is a more updated look and can totally transform your space.” Whatever you do, Munchel notes that window treatments should not be an afterthought when coordinating your décor. “Draperies are an important design element in a room,” she says.
4. B. Natural fiber area rugs are an increasingly popular choice for most any room in your house because they are environmentally friendly and extremely durable,” says Sue Kauffman, owner of Sue Kauffman & Company Staging & Interior ReDesign. Sisal, jute, seagrass, and hemp are all popular materials, and each has its own advantages. “Sisal rugs are resistant to most stains, repel dust and static, and tend to be quite durable,” she explains. “Plus, sisal is soft.” Jute is also soft, being one of the softest of the natural fiber rugs, according to Kauffman. Seagrass is noteworthy for being strong as well as stain and spill resistant. She mentions another interesting benefit: “It is not dyed, meaning that it possesses no chemicals or toxins, which is perfect for allergy sufferers.” Hemp is anti-static, sound absorbing, naturally resilient, and fire-retardant. No matter the option you choose, Kauffman says you can be confident your rug will have longevity. “Whether you place your natural fiber rug in the foyer, play room, sun room, or family room, you can be sure it will remain elegant for years to come.”
5. 1: Base, 2: Chair Rail, 3: Wainscoting, 4: Casing, 5: Crown
The type of molding you choose can vary depending on the style of your home, explains Munchel of KM Interiors.
• “If you have a traditional home you may want a detailed or curved base molding,” she says. “For a modern look, choose a straight base molding.” Base molding is typically 3 ½ to 4 ½ inches high.
• Chair railing is typically thirty to thirty-six inches from the floor. “A good rule is 25 percent of the height of the room,” says Munchel. Two to three inches is a typical width for chair railing.
• Wainscoting is typically one-third of the way up the wall. For a taller wainscoting, go two-thirds of the way up the wall.
• “Casing is usually smaller and thicker than the base moldings,” Munchel explains. The standard size is 2 ¼ inches for casings of doors and windows.
• “The higher the ceiling height the wider the crown molding should be,” she notes. For an eight- to ten-foot ceiling, use three- to four-inch molding, but for a ceiling ten feet or higher, five- to seven-inch crown molding is used.
6. D. “The herringbone pattern is one of the oldest tile and brick designs still in use today,” says Stapf of Margie Stapf Interior & Floral Design. “Classic in style, it adds a touch of formality to any interior or exterior space.” The pattern is often seen in outdoor patios and brick pathways. A new trend Stapf notes: “With the expanding popularity of porcelain tile that mimics wood, we’re seeing more use of the herringbone pattern in formal entrances as well as mudrooms.”
7. B. “There are no set rules, no right or wrong, for arranging bed pillows,” says Kauffman of Sue Kauffman & Company Staging & Interior ReDesign. “Anything goes.” Options include Euro pillows (twenty-six-inch by twenty-six-inch square, shown here), standard pillows, queen-sized and king-sized pillows, rolled pillows, and decorative pillows. “You can keep their arrangement in all one color for a neat and orderly bed, or mix and match (or un-match) for a big statement of fun and frolic,” she says. There is one thing to keep in mind, however. When dressing a bed, the size of the bed and the height of the headboard should influence pillow arrangement. “The bigger the headboard, the bigger the pillow arrangement,” Kauffman explains as a general rule of thumb. A queen bed can handle two or three Euros, two queen-sized pillows, and two or three decorative pillows. For a king bed, use three or four Euros, two king-sized pillows, two queen-sized pillows and several decorative pillows of different shapes and sizes. “Decorative pillows are the ‘wild cards’ on the bed, a one-of-a-kind element that can be added to the bed for diversification,” says Kauffman. “They can be layered on top of the other pillows for depth and color.
8. TRUE... to a point. “Vinyl coated paper and solid vinyl wallcoverings are often a good choice in kitchens and high-moisture bathrooms where stain resistance, scrubbability, and moisture resistance are needed,” says Hain of York Wallcoverings Factory Store. However, depending on the area being covered, the way the room will be used, and your design expectations, other types of wallcoverings might be a good choice, too. “Some of the old design rules no longer hold true, especially with some of the new materials now being used to create wallcoverings,” she explains. “It’s important to look at each space individually to help find the perfect wallcovering for it.”
9. D. The Louis XVI or Louis Seize (pronounced lew-ee sehz) chair is named for the monarch who ruled France from 1774 to 1792. Developed during his rule, which is also known as the Neoclassical period, this chair is characterized by straight lines and simplicity. The previous Louis XV chair of the Rococo period has ornate details and s-curved legs, making it easy to distinguish from the Louis XVI’s clean lines and slim tapered legs. “This chair could be used as a dining room chair or accent chair,” says Munchel of KM Interiors. She also explains that you need not feel tied to one specific design style to use this type of chair. “This is a timeless style,” she says. “Depending on the fabric, it can be contemporary or traditional.”
10. C. Saturating a room in one color family is a stunning and elegant way to make a space glamorous!” says Hain of York Wallcoverings Factory Store. “Using flat paint, wimpy fabrics, and bland furnishings, however, will make it look like you haven’t even started decorating.” According to Hain, using layers of dimensions and textures is absolutely essential to making a monochromatic space “divine.” Varying shades and sheens of the same hue play with light and create a fluid movement for the eye. “Wallcoverings are a must in a monochromatic space, as they provide pattern or texture to add another layer,” she adds. “And don’t forget fabric; the more layers in this kind of space, the better.”
Our expert resources:
DeAnna Hain York Wallcoverings Factory Store | York | www.yorkwallstore.com | 717-851-0302 Sue Kauffman Sue Kauffman & Company Staging & Interior ReDesign | Elizabethtown | www.suekauffman.com | 717-471-6519 Kelly Munchel KM Interiors | Lancaster | www.kminteriorsofpa.com | 717-495-7411 Margie Stapf Margie Stapf Interior & Floral Design | Carlisle | 717-557-1075
