With the walls and millwork lightened, Golden now faces the task of incorporating the intrusive column (figure A) into the design plan. She first uses paint to lighten the paneling covering the column, then decides to make the structure the room's focal point -- by turning it into a bulletin board. Here are the steps she follows: - Working with one side of the column at a time, first add a layer of batting.
- Cover the batting with burlap, pulling the fabric tight and stapling at the edges.
- Glue rope over the seams to cover the raw edges and the staples.
- Crisscross leather lacings over the column. This technique -- which creates a type of display area known as a French bulletin board -- allows photos and postcards to be secured under the lacings rather than with thumbtacks or pushpins.
The base of the column is treated to a coat of paint; its carpeted surface is upholstered in a print fabric to create a narrow seating area. Now the formerly unattractive column is an integral component of the family's game room (figure B). Along one wall of the room is a fireplace with a woodburning stove. Golden enhances its mantel, which is in excellent condition, by adding a row of decorative upholstery tacks placed 2" apart across the front edge (figure C).
RESOURCES :
The New Decorating Book
Model: 0696213818
Author: Better Homes and Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens Books, May 2001
Better Homes and Gardens Books
Website: www.bhglive.com
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