 | Linda Warrington
has been in sales and interior design for 25 years, and employed by Horton's Furniture for l8 years. Linda has designed furnishings and murals for the Eaton Place in Wichita's Old Town business district as well as Chaucer Estates, Park Plaza West and Via Christi Executive Suites. Linda also owns her own mural painting business called 'Just You'. She can be reached by phone at (3l6) 722-5090, by fax at (3l6) 722-596l, or by mail at l09l5 W. Kellogg, Wichita, Ks., 67209. |
Interior Decorating
2002-04-01 16:17:00
Of rattan and wicker
Answer: Rattan comes from an Asiatic climbing palm with long slender tough stems, sometimes 600 feet long. Wicker is a thin, flexible twig. Woody strips are woven together and used to make baskets, decorative items and furniture. Most of the supply comes from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. These vines are environmentally friendly and unlike wood, replenishes itself after being cut and is ready to harvest after each seven to ten year growth period.Rattan is strong and durable, also lightweight, allowing for ease of movement. It can be stained or left natural, whitewashed or painted, from the lightest pastel to black. A quality piece will have a smooth, consistent finish. This furniture is suitable for any room in the house, but is most often seen in bedrooms and sunrooms. Another area where rattan is being used is in the hearth room. Manufacturers have a multitude of fabrics to choose from, and the colorful cushions can lift the mood on the grayest of days.Rattan and wicker are virtually maintenance free. In general all that is needed is a dusting with a damp cloth. If you wish to enhance the sheen of these furnishings, you may apply a light coat of lemon oil.Rattan, wicker and bamboo are used in abundance in the tropics due to problems with termites. While not as widely used in the U.S. It is certainly a viable option for today's living. There's no right or wrong here.Focus on what you love and what stirs your heart. From the living room to the sun room, express the you that wants to get out and shout…IT'S ME!Till next time…
