ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 14, 1996 TAG: 9601160005
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: antiques & designs
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
You should look at the furniture you choose as an investment. Hopefully, your furniture will be something you can grow with.
Large pieces - like a sofa, bed, dining table or piano - are your "root" pieces of furniture. They need the most space. Buy your "root" pieces first.
Next, you can fill in with chairs, tables, lamps and pictures. These are "floaters" because they can be mixed around.
When choosing a sofa; the camelback is more traditional for the French country look, overstuffed with throw pillows. The contemporary style could use either; it's the color and print of the upholstery that makes the difference there.
When you start out I find it helpful to choose a style chair that could be used in the living room as well as the bedroom. That way you can fill in where needed. You may also find that your taste might change as time goes by. You can always move the "floating" pieces around to satisfy the need for change.
With a little imagination, you can use a piece of furniture for several different functions. For example, a kitchen "Hoosier" cabinet can be used in your kitchen as well as in your baby's room. It has great storage areas along with a waist-high table that pulls out and can be used to lay your baby on while changing. It can also be used as a desk or as a bar in your den. I have used mine in the hall and placed towels, soap and tissues inside.
The cupboard is also very versatile. Besides being used in the kitchen for dishes, it can double as a linen press. In the living room it can become a bookcase or a place to put a collection of dolls, plates or quilts. In the bedroom it's great to store your sweaters or shorts. In the bathroom, put soaps, towels and bath oils inside.
You can get a lot of flexibility out of the "floaters" so look for furniture with several different uses.
Remember, start with the large "root" pieces then go with the "floaters."
Kathy Sue Grigg is an associate at Surfaces Inc. If you have ideas, questions or comments about her column, write to her in care of The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.
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