Disguising A Pullman Kitchen
I live in a large studio apartment. It is decorated in a casual style and is my country oasis in a big city. Unfortunately, the Pullman kitchen is centered on one wall and is an eyesore from anyplace in the room. How can I disguise it?
Janet Gilbert
New York, New York

You can create a wall or divider by setting a folding screen in front of the kitchen. This will not only cover the eyesore, but will also form another surface to decorate. Set a small table and chairs (or another piece of furniture) on the room side of the screen. Decorate the screen with wallpaper; paper border around the outer edges; or even hang small pictures on it. There are, of course, many kinds of decorative screens you can buy, or you can make your own by hinging together hollow-core doors.


Pulling Together Sun Porch Furnishings
The screened porch of our old house has a beautiful flagstone floor. It is a long, narrow room with a sitting area at one end and a dining area at the other. The dining table is glass-topped wrought iron with matching chairs. The sitting area has upholstered pieces of similar wrought iron with vinyl pads. How can I pull all of these leggy pieces together?
Ann Martino
Anaheim, California

Add one or two important things in each area to bulk it up and take attention away from all those legs. I suggest an area rug in the sitting section. It would be best to find one that is mildew-resistant, if there is a dampness problem. The dining area could have an interesting textured tablecloth and an important-sized light fixture. A big picture or group of pictures for each area would help, if you have the wall space.

Creating A Kitchen Work Island
The kitchen of our country house is small. The counter, cabinets and appliances are on two adjacent walls. There is no room for a full-size table, but enough for a small counter or island. I need the extra work space. Is there anything that can be bought? Have you any other suggestions?
Sophie Klein
Jacksonville, Florida

You can buy anything from an inexpensive, assemble-yourself cart to an elaborate one with a chopping-block surface and all kinds of fittings. These are usually found in kitchen catalogues or large department stores; it’s just a matter of looking. You have probably seen them many times not knowing what they were. They are almost always carts on wheels or casters. An alternate idea is to use a rectangular table (about small desk size). It will look authentically charming and will accommodate a small chair for sit-down work. Our photograph (right), courtesy of Waverly, is a good example.


 Alternate Use For A Tiffany-Style Shade
I inherited a Tiffany-style hanging lampshade. I already have a dining room chandelier and a hanging kitchen light. Is there any other way I can use this treasure? Would it be feasible to have it mounted to a table lamp?
Flora Simone
Atlanta, Georgia

I doubt you would ever find a lamp the correct proportion and weight to support your glass shade. I have the same kind of shade hanging from a long chain from the ceiling next to my sofa, over an end table. It is low enough to equal the height of a table lamp and it casts the same light. (The bottom edge of mine is about 22 above the sofa arm and table.) This arrangement also leaves the table surface free for any objects you may wish to place under the light. It is best to have it installed by an electrician. An alternate solution is to suspend it from a ceiling hook, trailing the wire over the ceiling.

Refinishing Mismatched Dining Chairs
We are just married and live in a small house. Being on a budget, we have to rely on imagination to decorate it. Your magazine has given us lots of ideas. We have a round oak table in the dining area. There are four mismatched kitchen chairs around it. They are in need of refinishing. Should they be stripped and stained, or painted?
Bonnie Stewart
Abilene, Texas

You will never match the table since the base wood of each chair is probably different and would take the stain differently. I would definitely paint them to point up the fact that they are accent pieces.




Editor's note: Michael Cannarozzi is a former senior editor of 1,001 Home Ideas , an editor of Woman's Day and a designer whose work has appeared in McCall's, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens and other leading magazines.

If you have a question for Michael Cannarozzi, please e-mail our office at countryletters@harris-pub.com.
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