Editor’s Note: Margot Gunther, ASID, is a designer who has worked on residential interiors, country inns and restaurants; her work has been featured in top decorating magazines, as well. Additionally, she has a great deal of experience in renovation and restoration and an extensive knowledge of all designer resources.

By Margot Gunther

Toile To The Rescue!

I want a classic country bedroom but have a problem. Everything that I find has flowers or feminine colors, and my husband objects. Is there any way to make us both happy?
Jeanne Smith
Elmira, New York


Whenever I hear this problem (which is often), I advise people to go directly to the toiles. There is certainly nothing more country, and your husband will not feel as if he is waking up in a flower bower. This picture from Waverly just came across my desk: The toile is black and white, and the puffy duvet cover and pile of pillows make you want to sink in and enjoy. The designer here has been clever in accenting the toile with a crisp black-and-white check, which sparks up the whole bed. The toile also has been repeated in the window
treatment and the wallpaper border. Even the next door dressing room/bath has a toile curtain for the height in coordination. Another coordinating trick is to cover a round table—available at home centers or discount stores—with a checked table drape and print topper (remember to cover the top with glass first) for a chic bed table, with ample storage underneath.


My husband and I have recently purchased an older home for retirement. There is a converted sunroom that the former owners built, which is paneled in plywood resembling wood. I truly dislike this brown wood, but with all of the other expenses involved in moving, etc., we would prefer not to have to do any major work on this room. My decorating style is country and I would prefer Ralph Lauren to motel rustic. Help!
Carol Price
Salem, Oregon

Help is at hand, particularly since you do like a country look. Why not paint the paneling an off-white to create a barn siding look? Country accents look terrific against white wood: bright prints, rustic
accessories, baskets, even lace curtains. In painting these pre-finished panels, it is important to remember that they have a slick surface and require a special primer to give your paint grip—ask at your paint store. Apply the primer first and then your flat paint. This look is much more effective when the final coats (notice I said coats, not coat) are off-white such as linen and have a matte finish. This room will make a terrific bedroom or family room, and I guarantee that if you let your imagination loose, you will have a room that you will enjoy for many years. Happy retirement!




I inherited a cottage that had belonged to my grandparents. It’s not a grand house, and we can’t spend a great deal on it at this time. The bathroom is particularly sad with old-time fixtures and it is dark and rather seedy looking. Can you help?
Pat Collins
Frankfort, Michigan

I have clients who are willing to pay a great deal for your old-time fixtures. Besides having style and character, they provide another plus. When fixtures are freestanding, it isn’t necessary to tile the floor and walls. In a bath such as you describe, it’s the perfect opportunity to let yourself go. You’re not destroying an architectural gem so enjoy yourself. This photo from York Wallcoverings’ Happy Trails collection is a good example of what you can do. Color and a sense of humor can be your best tools, and you can’t say this room is drab. If the ceiling is too high, use a border one foot below the ceiling and then use a coordinating print above. Use deck paint to paint the floor and add a horizontal stripe of a bright blue to create more interest. Repeat these colors on the bathtub (if it’s old it probably needs to be painted). Use bright accents and amusing towels and you’ll have a bath that you will be proud of and enjoy using.




I have a few good antiques that my husband’s mother gave us, and I am at a loss as to how to use them to their best advantage. We’re just starting out so I’m open to all suggestions.
Bobbi Ahern
Gloucester, Massachusetts

You’re lucky to have a few good pieces to build on to anchor your room and decorating scheme.
If your pieces are really good and distinctive, don’t buy reproductions but rather simple, classic pieces to set them off.
I have an old hutch and pie safe, and I opted for simple kitchen cabinets so that the antiques shine. Classic upholstery is always right and will create a great background for your antiques. Don’t get bogged down in curlicues and tricky
furniture—let the good stuff shine.