Working Around Window Problems
We have just purchased a new builder home. It is spectacular in many ways, but does present some real window problems in our living room. If we use curtains, we will cut off the wonderful view and work against the architecture. However, I worry about the effects of the sun—the damage it can do to the furniture and the high energy costs—if we do not. Since we have this dramatic architecture, it seems a shame to convert the living room into just another ho-hum room.
Patricia Gates
San Francisco, California

This is a much more common problem than you might think. But now, there is a new and practical solution. Judging from your picture, the windows are important to the architecture and do make a statement. Also, it looks as if there is a good view and privacy is not an issue. There is a product on the market called Vista Window Film that is applied directly (and professionally) on the glass; it will solve most of your problems. It filters out ultraviolet rays, thereby reducing the damage to fabrics, rugs and woods. In addition, it holds heat inside in the winter and keeps the interior cool in the summer. The product does need to be applied professionally, but when you consider the costs of recovering furniture or of having curtains made, it really is a bargain.


Warming Up A Guest Room
We have a guest room that I would like to make more warm and inviting. I have a queen-size bed in wood and two bureaus in a warm cherry, but it somehow seems cold and low on personality.
Jeanne Grippo
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Well, you’ve got the bones...now to add the things that will make it your own. I would first look for a comforter with a coordinating (not matching) bed skirt, which can easily be found in any linen department of a store or home center. Try a floral comforter with a check bed skirt and pillow shams to add pattern and interest. Pull out an interesting color from the print for the walls. It seems that you’ve a lot of wood. What I feel is essential for a guest room is an upholstered chair and ottoman, or a chaise to provide a nice sitting area and take the emphasis away from all of the wood. Do this up in a coordinating plaid or small geometric texture. If matching sheets are available, use them to make table drapes. (The forms are available at most linen and department stores and home centers, and are very inexpensive.) Also important in a guest room is good lighting so your guest can read and relax. Swing arm lamps by the bed are nice, as is a good standing lamp, preferably one with a fabric shade to give ambient light to the room. It really is important for a guest (and the hostess) to have time away and to be alone.


The Bathroom Blues
We recently contracted for a house in a retirement community. It is lovely, with grand views of the golf course, rolling hills, etc., but it does have a few problems, particularly in the bathroom. We have a choice of tiles and fixture colors, but unfortunately not a choice on their placement: The view from the tub is terrific... but so is the view into the room.
Any suggestions?
Sara Porter
Wilmington, Delaware


First, instead of the traditional off-white or pastel for the tiles, try choosing a dark color -- it will create a dramatic decorator effect. Dark green or dark blue will give you a custom look without using a custom-made tile. There are many exciting colors in standard bath tiles that can do the job. on the flip side, I am a firm believer in white fixtures; they will provide a striking contrast against dark tiles. Paint the walls a light color (pink is always excellent and flattering); use white blinds and you will have an interesting and unusual bath
The windows are another problem that developers and builders these days do not think through. Hunter Douglas has come to the rescue with new blinds like the popular wooden ones, but with some built-in pluses. Called WoodMates (TM), they are fade free and warp free (important considerations in a bath). With the adjustable veins, you can have just the amount of privacy that you want. Additionally, they have none of the bulk and limpness associated with curtains. The tiles with the blinds will create a distinctive, custom-look bath.

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.