Guest designers
Joan Blutter and Janet Blutter Shiff have the solution
DILEMMA
Our family room layout forces the furniture to the center of the room. This causes problems with lighting because of exposed cords.
–Pamela Banks, Orland Park
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SOLUTION
When you have a wooden floor and furniture in the center of the room, you can’t have lamps with cords. The only solution is overhead lighting. If you have a ceiling that can’t take recessed lights, then you can do track lighting. If the ceiling is concrete, then you have to drop the ceiling to do recessed lighting. Sconces also will light the room.
MORE ABOUT BLUTTER/SHIFF. . .
Credentials: Blutter/Shiff Design Associates, a mother-daughter partnership, is headquartered at the Merchandise Mart (312-467-9054). Born and educated in London, Blutter is the founder of the 40-year-old firm, which has national and international clients; her daughter, Shiff, joined the firm in ’86.
Style: “It depends on the client. For Barbara Taylor Bradford (one of Blutter’s celebrity clients), it was all antiques and a French look. . . . There is not a Joan Blutter or Janet Shiff look. To me it is an insult to say so-and-so was here,” says Blutter.
“I’m more minimal contemporary–clean contemporary lines with accents of antiques, soft warm fabrics and upholstered sofas,” says Shiff.
Pet peeves: “Unrealistic budgets,” says Blutter.
“Not understanding (that) when things are custo it takes time.” adds Shiff.
Charges: Percentage of price of furniture purchased, and a $75- to $150-an-hour fee.
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To get free decorating advice, send your dilemma to: House calls, baiduhai, Home section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.