Cozy up with radiant heat
Q. We are looking into options for adding some additional heating to a bedroom and a playroom. We don’t want to go to the expense of turning up the heat in the whole house, but want these rooms cozy for children to play and sleep. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks. – Nadine
A. I came across the perfect solution for your heating questions when I was at the Interior Design Show in Toronto. The company is called Camouflage Heater, and their heaters use safe, clean and healthy radiant heat (www.camouflageheater.com). Camouflage Heater’s radiant heat is like the sun’s rays without the harmful UV rays. “The radiant warmth generated by our heaters warms up people, animals and objects – floors and walls – that it encounters, not the air around the room,” explains Manon Delorme, the company’s marketing manager, “so you can keep your thermostat low and still be comfortable while at work or play.” Clean, quiet and dust-free, they run on low wattage as there are no fans, and can be plugged in anywhere, on walls and ceilings in any room in the house. For the bathroom, choose a mirrored finish and enjoy the dual advantage of heat and practicality.
This innovative heater is a designer’s dream come true. Available in standard colors and dimensions to fit small and large spaces, the heaters are flat and can be hung like a flat-screen TV. They also have a stunning collection designed by artist Julie Hawkins that transforms the heater into an exciting piece of modern art. And if you prefer to design your own image, that can be done too. Shown here, a photo of a wallpaper pattern has been burned onto the heater’s glass front. The personalized result is non-fade, durable and easy to clean.
Q. I have a traditional house with framed pictures on the walls. I see many pictures with no frames that I would like to put up. Is there a decorating rule that says I can mix both framed and unframed pictures in the same room? Thank you. – MaryAnn
A. There are no rules at all. I like to create long, narrow shelves, about 3 inches deep, with a small lip. Beloved pictures look fabulous standing in your gallery whether framed or not. Many larger paintings are sold frameless, simply wrapped around wood frames. These can be positioned alongside traditionally framed pictures as well. Take some time to move your pictures around – easier to do on the floor – and you will find a pleasing display that enhances all your art and photos.
Q. I am 80 years young and still like to decorate my house. I usually have artificial flowers in my living room — nice ones. What type of arrangement would you suggest between Christmas and spring? – Helen
A. As they say, 80 is the new 50! Glad you love flowers. I think it would be lovely to replace artificial ones with spring bulbs such as daffodils or crocuses. If you prefer artificial, there are some fabulous realistic grasses that will look fresh and are multi-seasonal. Lay down some stones, crystals or sand at the base of your arrangement. Tiny birds and forest creatures are also cheerful additions.
Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.