Jul 23, 2016 3 min read

Lighting is magical. The simplest setting is transformed with a flickering flame or soft shimmer of lights. Because we all love the look, there are many ways to create the glow. Lanterns are your best bet for outdoor decor, as the glass protects the flame. The timeless lantern design is always popular and can be lit by candle power, as well as the new LED battery-operated candles. Pottery Barn’s Malta Lanterns demonstrate how you can pump up your indoor or outdoor decorating theme by inserting ornamental and natural materials around the candle base inside the glass. Twine wrapped and finished with a nautical knot, seashells or pretty pebbles create a sea or lakeside mood. Small sticks, bark, flower petals and leaves echo nature’s surroundings. Or for a fun, sassy theme, try colored glass balls, marbles and any non-flammable trinkets. The Malta Lantern comes in four sizes, from small to extra-large. Pick sizes that will enhance your table setting or mantel. Line them up on the deck or front steps.

Cafe lights have appeared in style this year. String them from tree branches, around the deck or swag them along the porch. The appeal of naked light bulbs is a natural accent for the industrial chic trend. But swag lighting is also festive; it gives the feeling of being strung up to celebrate outdoor parties. You’ll discover more outdoor lighting options online at www.potterybarn.com. Their cafe lights are fashioned with galvanized metal and come in 7-inch and 21-inch strings. Their Hyannis Lattern is reminiscent of large canning jars and have a rope handle. Lit Colorful Orbs with a 6-inch or 12-inch diameter in pastel blue or green glow with string lights inside the globe. All illuminating ideas for your outdoor living.

Q. I have an old piano that is quite badly marked. What type of paint can I use to refinish it? – Rose

A. My advice depends on the look you are after. If you want the wood to have a silky-smooth factory finish, I suggest you have the job done professionally. I imagine you have an upright piano, and there are many sections or panels to cover, including the ones that meet the keyboard. You can tackle it yourself as long as you take the time to protect the workings of the piano. Remove any panels you can and paint them separately. Proceed as you would with refinishing any wood furniture. Fill in any gouges or deep scratches with wood filler. Build up the filler, applying small amounts, letting dry and sanding in between applications. Prime with a high-adhesive primer that is meant to cover and seal a glossy finish. Once dry, choose any good quality acrylic paint. Use a brush, as spray paint becomes airborne, not good for the piano strings. There are now paints available that can be applied straight onto sealed wood without using a primer. Ask your paint store about them. For additional enhancement, you can buy cut pieces of molding and scrollwork at your lumber yard to decorate or frame the music stand. If it suits your style, decorate the sides with stencils, stamps or any whimsical paint finish. You will find examples of painted pianos on the internet that will get you inspired.

Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.