Applause for Sunday concerts

Press, 24 July 1986, Page 20

Applause for Sunday concerts

The only merit of winter as far as I am concerned is the beauty of the snow-covered mountains that I can see from my upstairs rooms. Like many, I am inclined to hibernate and long for the warmth of summer.

The Canterbury Regional Opera Trust and the organiser- of the performance times of the “Magic Flute” are to be congratulated on having a three o’clock session on Sunday afternoon. The Town Hall foyer proved a warm and a wonderful place to meet people. Coffee was available while we waited.

People around me were particularly well and warmly dressed, and it was agreeable to know that we would be home before the cold really set in for the night. The performance itself was so excellent that the final curtain at 6 p.m. came all too quickly. Pamela Maling, the wardrobe mistress must be congratulated on her costume designs and colours. They were quite outstanding. May we have more Sunday afternoon shows in the winter.

QAfter enjoying your column for so long I would be grateful if you would give me some help. I enclose a plan of my bedroom with a sample of curtian material. The walls are at present painted ivory, and the curtains do not look right against them. Can you give me your suggestions for: (1) Colour of walls and ceiling. (2) Duvet cover. (3) Sheets, pillow slips, etc. 7

“Living Space” by

PRUDENCE ROTHENBERG

(4) Cover for bedroom chair.

(5) Celling and bedside lampshades.

The window frames are brown aluminium, and all the joinery including wardrobe doors are of a dark-stained finish. A. S., Cust.

Alhank you for your plan and sample of curtian fabric. A very pretty, large floral in blue, pink, and green, it should perhaps meld a little with your walls and that is why you do not enjoy it against the ivory paint. Although your bedroom is a warm room I would bring the soft pink out, and paint your walls and ceiling in Resene, Provincial pink.

You could have several changes for your duvet cover — pink, soft blue, or white. In fact, white could be quite charming with wide cotton lace edging. Take cushion colours from your florals jp the deepish blue, pink, and

soft turquoise. Your chair cover will require to be a plain fabric. Bring out the blue with Wilsons, Cambridge. This cloth is 137cms wide and 100 per cent cotton with Wilgard finish. The colour is C 1929, Wedgwood. The lampshades either cream or white will give the maximum light. For your sheets, I would

choose either pink or white. Blue and lemon are not the most flattering of colours if you are not feeling well. Blue can also make some people feel blue and “Blues” songs are invariably sad. The psychology of colour is particularly interesting. Colour does have an effect on the temperament, and has be-, come a science. The use of correct colours in factories can increase production and reduce accidents. Hospitals and schools should be using colour to increase alertness and response in patients and school children.

Enjoy your room. I am sure the soft pink walls will make you feel quite happy and “in the pink.”

C?My whole house needs carpeting and I am considering laying cork tiles instead. They are cheaper, more durable, and easier to clean They also insulate against heat loss. Given that I choose suitable colours and textures for the walls and furnishings, how would the over-all effect compare with carpet? J. H. Christchurch.

Ayou have no doubt been into this subject very well, and will realise that you must have a perfectly flat floor to lay cork tiles

successfully. I am not sure that you are quite correct about the cost as cork is the equivalent price of a reasonably good carpet. Cork, as you say, is a very good insulator but it does need to be sanded back and resealed every few years. The effect is not as warm as carpet, nor do you have the choice of colours. You

will require interesting rugs to give this appearance of warmth., ■/' Readers’ queries on home decorating, should be addressed to Prudence Rothenberg, “Living Space,” Home and People Page, “The Press,” P.O. Box 1005, Christchurch. Replies can only be given in this column.