Ask The Experts - Interior Designer Antiques in Transitional Dress By Lois Macaulay   The current focus is on antiques refinished to compliment modern interiors. The makeover could be called “antiques in transitional dress”. By using textural linen, velveteen and silk in neutral tones, classic pieces are redesigned to blend warmly into minimal rooms. In a traditional interior, these pieces add freshness without disrupting the elegance of the design.   The pair of hand-carved walnut sidechairs, for instance, is upholstered in the royal court tradition of backs with squared-off banding. The important design trend to textured linen is acknowledged in the dark unbleached linen canvas from Primavera with bands of velveteen in the same grayish neutral.  Trim from Brunschwig & Fils looks like antique silver, the antique wood frames are touched with silver to catch the light, and tie them in with modern silver sconces. Diane Watts mirror.   The shellform bergere is almost identical with one from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ collection. The new interest in nature in general and shells in particular gives new importance to this Louis XV shape. Chair and feather seat cushion are covered in a citrine shade of velveteen also favoured by Jackie, only $2,400.   Dramatic 10 foot bench has cabriole legs deeply carved in leafy forms. Retrieved from Budd Sugarman’s basement, it has been transformed from a probable armoire base into a striking daybed. To be inspired by nature leads to differentiating the seasons! The bench has a summer linen cover in ‘dirty white’ with tonal silk piping. Grayish stoney white tones are gaining in popularity in Europe, in California, and here in style-conscious Yorkville. The winter cover is Fadini Borghi silk in bluish grey white with gold embroidered waves. This dressy cover appears on the Lois Macaulay website at www.loismacaulay.com. Covers and bench, $3,250.                                                                 For bright colour there’s a popsicle silk salon chair or two or three, antiques of solid brass at $400 each, or two coral branch pillows, or one of many other signature-luxe items.   All Photos by Julie Le Gal Lois Macaulay Design Showroom   Yorkville designer Lois Macaulay opens her office/showroom at 30A Hazelton Avenue every Saturday for browsing. Located adjacent to Hazelton Lanes' east terrace, the showroom, which serves as the office for her design practice, offers stylish furniture, accessories and garden decor in an uncluttered residential atmosphere. Prices are moderate, pieces are constantly changing, the design mood is always progressing.   You are cordially invited to stop by on Saturdays from 11 to 5 for the weekly open house. Lois also welcomes weekday appointments. Location: Lois Macaulay Design Showroom, 30A Hazelton Avenue, main floor.  Phone: (416) 921-1043 Office     Lois is the feature designer in October Chatelaine. Her modern furniture appears in Style at Home Magazine. Credits include This Small Space, Decorating Challenge, and currently Design Match on HGTV, articles in Hilary Magazine and lectures on design. She has just received the President’s Citation from ASID for her work as Communications Director in transforming their newsletter and website at www.asid-nyu-ce.org