ASK THE EXPERTS

DESIGN GUIDANCE YOU REQUESTED

Freda Howard, Brittany Rae and Jason Bonura respond to reader questions on outdoor spaces, kitchen hardware and French doors.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ELEVATE AN OUTDOOR SPACE THAT IS USED FOR BOTH RELAXING AND ENTERTAINING? To create a versatile and well-appointed outdoor space, approach it as you would any room in the home. Choose a color palette that complements the home’s exterior and the surrounding greenery. Seating is the most important element of any exterior space. A sectional sofa provides sufficient seating for everyone to spread out, as well as a place to recline and relax. Look for performance fabrics that are stain-, fade- and mildew-resistant. Accessorize with fun pillows that can be switched out each season. Invest in quality umbrellas that protect from harsh UV rays and do not absorb water. My favorite umbrella fabric is olefin, which has amazing UV resistance and dries quickly when wet. It is a strong, cleanable fabric that is available in many colors at every price point. Brighten up the space with flowers in beautiful pots that you can change with the seasons or your mood. Most important is to enjoy your space! —Freda Howard, Allied ASID, Freda Howard Interiors; fredahoward.design

HOW CAN I HAVE FRENCH DOORS AND STILL PROTECT MY PRIVACY? A frosted window tint, the kind that is often used in bathrooms, is an option that my clients have chosen when opting for French doors. Not only does it keep out unwanted eyes, it can help make an accent wall in a small space.

A less permanent solution would be a sheer curtain. It’s inexpensive and easy to do when you need privacy for a portion of your day. You change the look with the simple use of a tied ribbon or fabric in the middle, creating an hourglass shape.

Roller blinds are a more traditional way of assuring privacy with your French doors. This classic blind style rolls down from the top of the window or door and can be made of fabric in an array of colors, patterns and finishes, making it the most versatile option in blinds. —Jason Bonura, Allied ASID, Innovative Home Designs; innovative-homedesigns.com

I’M VERY ATTRACTED TO STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES, BUT FOR KITCHEN HARDWARE, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON SILVER OR GOLD? It’s a common misconception that because you install stainless-steel appliances, you must also use silver-toned hardware throughout your kitchen. I task all my clients early on with the “homework” of assembling pictures of spaces that bring them joy. Often, those spaces, even in kitchens, are a mixture of colors, textures and concepts. I point out how each of those components shines in its individual element. When I design a kitchen, I treat the cabinetry as furniture. Each functional zone, finish change or existing architectural feature has the opportunity to introduce intentional design. Stainless steel is a constant thread. It’s like denim jeans with sneakers or a fantastic pair of Louboutins—the accessories matter, but the denim remains. —Brittany Rae, Allied ASID,

Rae Design Group; raedesigngroup.com

In these tumultuous days of supply and trucking issues, our almost 50,000 square foot combined showroom space can still deliver many in-stock pieces from our inventory—as well as fabulous, special order custom pieces—in a timely fashion! Come check us out for the best selection of upper-end home furnishings and work with our talented design staff to help you put your rooms together.

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973.575.8317 131 Route 46 West | Fairfield, NJ • • •

201.809.3012 160 NJ-17 | Paramus, NJ 973.831.8300 867 Black Oak Ridge Rd | Wayne, NJ • • •