WMTBVÉF>ME PRfe SIntedrir, FEVIARY 14,1990f, PAGE AS INTERIORS e INTERIORSe IINTERIORS e INTERIIIORS -e INTERIORS TRADITIONAL VS. CONTEMPORARY Gudeines tochoosigaareting and f'urniture If you've bought a new home or are thinking about redecorating, you're now faced with many decisions regarding the kind of carpeting and furnitureto select. You may be undec ided about.the style te go with. Why not take a Icue froni your own personality and let your home refiet o? Here'a quick test te unon your preference: if your!favoite photograph is framed in :antique. silver or. wood, you're probably something of a traditionalist. But, if that photo is framed in glass or sleek metal, you probably lean toward more contemporary looks. Once you've decided what style you want for your home, select the kind of carpet- that will enhance the furnishings te corne. You can choose wall-to-wall carpeting te give roonis either a sleek look or a lush one, depending on the texture cf the carpeting. A lower pile is more appropriate for the dlean, spare limes cf conteniporary furniture, <while a velvet pile suits more generously upholstered pieces best. Wall-to-wall carpeting is available in a wide. variety cf fibres ranging from wool, which is the richest looking, te the synth tics. It is aise available in many texturesfrom the fiat and smooti or fiat, and pebbled, te soft and cushiony velvets and plushes, as well as carved*, or multilayered types., flarpet Praicticality Botit wool and synthetics are easy to maintain, but carpeting with a higher pile collecta -more dirt anid shows more footprints more easiIy, and is therefore re- commended for rooms that get less traffic, euch as bedroonis. Bright, pale and dark tenes will show dirt and dust more readilly, while tweeds, patterns and shades cf browns, blues and greensare best for hiding stains. Ae rugs are idel or il'an4ng up' expanses cf hardwo floors or tiied surfaces, and t iey can be used with wall-te-wal carpeting as weII. They are often employed by decoraters for defining sitting areas or te anchor a rooni. Area rugs come in a wide range cf patterns, froni homespun motifs te elaborate Oriental designs. They are especially appropriate for decorating in period styles. These area rugs are easily maintained with vacuuming, unless they are antiques, in which case they require special care. Once you ha.ve decided on your carpeting, it' time to turn your attention te e kind of furniture you want. If iyou're opting for the traditional Iok, you have a wide range te. select froým. Unless you're a fan of antiques and are willing te spend the time and money te, shop for these, you'1l be Iooking at reproductions or adaptations of yesteiyear's classic's. A reproduction is faithful copy of an antique piece, while an adaptation has been altered in terms of size or construction- te meet today's needs. Select Haidwoods In- choosing"wood, keep in mind that hardwoods such as walnut and -oak have more strength for their weight than softwoods and have richer grains. They are usually used as veneers in fine furniture, which today combines solid and veneered woods. Examine the construction of a furniture piece, pulling eut drawers te see if they move smoothly, and checking to see that corners are joined securely., Finishes should be clear and feel smooth to the teuch. If you're planning te buy. unfinished furniture., which now offers quality construction with a lower price tag, 'make sure it features dovetailed construétion, and that E#des, doors and difawers are made 6 f wood. If you are purcýiasing upholstered pieces, thero are special polhts te look.for: ýmake sure itfs comfortable te sit iii, and that you-can't feel the sprints and frame. You shpuldn't be ablete detect any metal or wood through the padding, and the framne hould not creakc, nor the springs squeak, say the experts. Do the patterns match up? It's the sign of qujality workmanship if they do. Also make sure that the zippers on cushions are concealed and that welts are straight and. sewn with srnall seanis. Check construction of the frame te see if it's made of seasoned hardwood such as ash, oak or maple. 1What kind of fabric bas been used te uphoîster the,,furniture? TIghtly woven fabrics9 generallyV offer the longer ýwear; pull at a swatch cf the, fabric te, see if it holds its shape. Often, fabrics will feature more than one fibre in order te take advantage. cf varlous qualities: cotten and rayon for absorb 'ancy, nylon and olefin for strength, and easy Maintenance, and- acetate for lustre. Whatever kind cf furniture or. carpeting you decide on, follow te advice cf decorating consultants and buy the best you can afford. "Youll get more pleasure andmore use out -of your furnishings in the long- run, which is, after -aIl, the greatest economy. Besides, you'deserve the best! Give your Iovéd one something special from Scandia Teak Shoppe COMPLETE BEDROOM SUITE mrattress flot included Reg. $2498.00 COMPLETE BEDROOM SUITE mattres not included Not exactly as shown Rieg.$4054.0O VALENTINE SPECIAL $29990 9 PC, DINING ROOM SUITE Reg. $4553.00 VALENTINE SPECIAL $299800 Pruces ln Affet Until Feb. 17, 1990 ALI ITEMS ABOVE AVAILABLE IN OAK AND ROSEWOOD BANK FINANCING AVAILABLE i - i ASK ABMUT OUR i, tM- A 4,',