Home Front

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius
Washington Post Home Staff
Thursday, October 27, 2005 11:00 AM

Every week, the Washington Post Home staff talks about various ways to improve your home. Find out about new trends, upcoming antiques shows and a variety of how-to help.

Ask Post staff writers Annie Groer and Jura Koncius about all things home related.

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Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Good morning to all. Jura is just back from the High Point Furniture Market and ready to reveal all. Yes, Martha looked fab. And her furniture was good looking as well.

This morning, don't miss Jeff Turrentine's very well done piece on Staying Warm and Saving Money in the HOME section. Great tips. It's chilly today in D.C. What's the weather where you are?

And Welcome Charlie.

Here we go.

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Washington, DC: Help! I'm redoing my bedroom and want pale blue walls -- but I'm wary of any hues that will look too gray, too icy or too "nursery blue." Any suggestions?

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Have you checked out our favorite Palladian Blue - that wonderful Benjamin Moore Historic Color?

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another paint question: I'm looking for a nice orange...nothing too bright, but nothing too subtle either for a two year old boy's bedroom. Any ideas? Ben Moore and Duron, prefered. (And please feel free to tell me if you think I'm off doing orange in a two year olds room)

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Dear Another:

Well, orange is a very hip color. And also unisex. It might keep him up during his daytime nap, but give it a shot. How about Benjamin Moore's Gold Mine or Desert Sunset.

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Adams Morgan, Washington, DC: I have a wool-blend, woven rug I bought at Crate and Barrel about 2 years ago and it is overdue for a cleaning. It's not terribly big and not terribly valuable, but even so I want it cleaned by someone experienced enough that it won't be warped or anything when I get it back.

Where do you recommend I take it?

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Try Hannna Ayoub Rug Cleaning Co. in Silver Spring. 301 562-4088. They've been around a long time. Call them for their hours.

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Fairfax County, Va.: We've bought a second home 550 miles away. Thinking about buying LL Bean's lightweight leather furniture...sofa, 2 chairs and an ottoman for the great room. One reason is that they will deliver and another is that I'm thinking it will be easy-care and durable. Do you agree and also, is that too much leather for one room? We'll add small tables,antique sewing machine, etc. from here at home. Thanks!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Congratulations on your weekend getaway. No, it's not too much leather. And leather feels so luxurious and is long lasting. LLBean's stuff is well made. Enjoy.

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Alexandria, Va.: What, exactly, is a rice bed?

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: The originals of these beds were found in South Carolina. They are classic Low Country beds. The posts are carved with depictions of the rice plant.The real McCoys were made in the 18th century, and are familiar American four poster beds. They are kind of low to the ground, they mainly have a tester or canopy on top. Sometimes mosquito netting was hung on the sides. Reproductions of these beds are still being made. Thanks to our Richmond friends for helping us on this one...

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Laurel, Md.: This is a question about a faded Oriental rug which needs color restoration; I have heard of a company in the area which specializes in rug and carpet dyeing; do you know their name and where they are located? Anne K.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Dear Laurel. We called Mark Keshishian, a third generation rug expert in Bethesda. He said his shop doesn't like to do this because "it's a pain in the rear end.'' Thank you Mark for your honesty.

They will touch-up worn places but it is extremely time consuming and expensive. Has anybody out there had experience with this - write in asap. Thanks.

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Boston, Mass.: Hi -- I love your chats. We are looking for a grey/lavender color for the bedroom. Nothing really purple-y but we still want something pretty and not too too dark. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

thanks!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Dear Boston - are you flooded up there?

Try C2's HUSH or something a little grayer, Pratt & Lambert's GYPSUM.

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Arlington, Va.: Would a chocolate brown be too dark for a small foyer with no windows? If not, could you recommend a brown? If so, could you recommend an alternative? The living room it opens up to is neutral with purple and green accents.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: No - we love chocolate brown - milk or dark chocolate?

How about Duron's Timber Trail or Kayak Brown?

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Alexandria, Va.: I have very tall windows and need curtains that are around 105" in length. Ikea does not offer a lot of variety. Do you know of any other store that offers extra long curtains on the cheap?

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Try Storehouse. Crate & Barrel just added a new line of draperies. Curtain Exchange is pricier - but their curtains run to 120 inches long and they are gorgeous - www.thecurtainexchange.com. Silk Trading Company curtains are also very long. www.silktrading.com.

Any other ideas out there???

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Washington, DC: What do you think of Restoration Hardware paints? I like the colors but don't know anything about the paint quality (for a kitchen). Also, do think their Silver Sage is too dim in a small kitchen with white cabinets, light gray speckeled silestone countertops, hardwood floor, and stainless appliances? Thanks.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Silver Sage must be one of the best selling colors at Restoration Hardware. It is such a classy color - says Annie as she is whipping it out of our color box. It is a fab color and you can't go wrong.

For the purpley-gray person - here is another great lavender/gray - and it is from Restoration Hardware - it is called LILAC. It's yummy. Check it out.

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Clifton, Va.: Be careful with leather furniture. Dogs or cats claws can penetrate the leather. Also remember the better quality the leather the softer it is and the easier a claw can go through it.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Ah yes. The claw issue. Meow.

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Washington, DC: Hi! Sisal? I'm thinking of buying for my living room a large sisal rug, with a black border. My fear (well one of them) is that sisal is better in warmer weather, will look out of place in an older DC building, and will not be comfortable to walk on. But I do like how affordable and versatile it seems to be. The room currently has simple crate and barrel furniture, hardwoods, and a fireplace. What do you think? THANKS!!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Sisal seems to be the floor covering that never goes out of style. It turns up again and again in shelter magazines, show houses and homes of everyone from college students to the beautiful people. Don't forget, there is sisal, coir and seagrass to choose from. Give it the barefoot test before you buy. Wool sisal is also very popular but will cost you more. The black border could look dated in a few years. Traditionalists would do a plain border.

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Washington, DC: I'm at a loss for ideas to renovate a basement guest bedroom and bath in a 1920s era rowhouse I'm moving into. I worry about installing carpet because of dampness (though I plan to install a dehumidifier); tile would be another option but can be so cold. Maybe warm colors would be a good start. What would you do? I want it to feel as little like a basement as possible without completely breaking the bank.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: You might do linoleum or tile and do an area rug on top so if the dreaded flood waters rise, it would be easier to clean - or dump as the case may be. Light colors are a must down there.

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Arlington, Va.: What are your opinions on reupholstering versus buying new, any guidelines? I have a hand-me-down sofa, nothing antique about it, but it has a great shape and wood frame. I always hear "they don't make 'em like they used to," but is it worth the expense (over $1000 at one estimate), or should I be looking at new sofas? If so, can readers suggest the best places for good quality but mid-range priced sofas?

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Spending $1000 on this sofa may not be the best idea, unless you are really in love with it or it has sentimental value. For mid-price pieces, look at brands like Mitchell Gold, Rowe or Lane. Stores like Storehouse, Arhaus, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn are a good place to start.

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Arlington, Va.: I read the article today on lowering heating costs. What advice would you give to a person renting an apartment?

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: It was a fab piece. Turn down your themostat - if you are able. Wear sweaters like Jimmy Carter did. Get an electric blanket. Cover your floors and insulate your windows with blinds, curtains and whatever. Let the sun come in during the day and cover up at night. Draft dodgers - those funny looking cloth snakes - are good too for eliminating those dreaded hallway drafts.

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Falls Church, Va.: Hello! My husband and I are starting to prepare a nursery for our first baby. Do you have any suggestions for less expensive places to look for a dresser? We're interested in one that would do baby duty for 2-3 kids, but that doesn't have to last much beyond that. Thanks!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: We assume you don't need a changing table but just a dresser. You could buy a used dresser and paint it white. Pottery Barn Kids has a wide selection of dressers, some tall, some not so tall. We would advise getting the largest size that fits because kids have a lot of stuff these days. Go to www.potterybarnkids.com and check out the finishes and prices. Some are even on sale.

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Curtain? Question: I absolutely love your chat. Thanks for taking this question.

I need to put something on my French doors but I'm in a dilemma on what to do. They're in the eat-in side of my kitchen which is open to the family room. The doors open onto a deck and face the west. The view is gorgeous when you're not blinded by the afternoon sun. What would you suggest for window treatments on doors that get a lot of use?

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Sounds lovely. You can do a hinged rod with a curtain hanging down. So when it is daytime and you want the fab view, you can swing them away. When you need privacy, move them back.

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overstock.com furniture: have you ever bought anything from them, and if so, did you find the quality decent or lacking? they seem to have a number of cute pieces at really good prices, I just don't know if they will look cheap once you get them home.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Dear Overstock. Our Design Czarina - who is a stealth cyber-shopper is a big fan of overstock. She has bought fab items from overstock.com such as a watch, a truly magnificent orange leather tote, a gold bracelet and two more bags. We better not list ALL she has bought because it could be embarassing. But she has never purchased any furniture - the Czarina says she would not hesitate to order furniture from them. Have any of you bought furniture there?

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Crofton, Md.: Another thought for the person buying Sisal...it is not too animal friendly. If Fido or Ms. Kitty has an accident, it is very hard to clean it all out. All Sisal is sometimes used for scratching post. Of course, all of this is a non-issue if no pets are in the home.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Thank you Crofton. We have a lot of pet lovers on our chats.

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Curtains: Believe it or not, JC Penney has some great curtain selections, in lots of lengths. I got some very nice muslin-lined ones there, for the summer when I get too much sun in my bedroom, that handled the very tall windows I have.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Oh yes! We love the Chris Madden curtains there.

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Curtains: I really like Country Curtains for special lengths. Many of the styles are simple and moderately prices.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: We forgot them!!! Yes - they have very very long lengths. It's a great idea!!!

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Curtains: JC Penny has a decent selection of ready made and made to measure draperies.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Yup!!!

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Urbana, Md: Help! I'm freezing!

Can window draperies really help with insulation? If so, what is the best kind to get? I have wood blinds on all of my windows right now.

Thanks!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Dear Urbana. We will all be freezing soon. The English have the right idea on curtains. They sew flannel linings into their wonderful window treatments. This really helps keep out drafts. Casa Fiora and The Curtain Exchange curtains are usually made this way.

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Oriental Rug: I love Oriental Rugs and just bought one to put on our (wood) living room floor. It's red and quite lovely. My husband isn't too jazzed about it. We have no furniture in there (yet) - do you think I should make him wait it out and let it grow on him? Thanks.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Wow. This is a very complex question!!! Does he really really really hate it??? If so, maybe you should start over. If he really isn't sure, wait until you get some more stuff in there...

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Baby Furniture: Check out Craig's List -- last Spring we sold all of our baby furniture -- someone got a great deal!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Yes. Yes. Yes.

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Washington, DC: Re: baby dresser

If nothing used looks good, buy unpainted wood and paint it. We had fun years ago with this. Did basic case in white, and drawer fronts in different colors -- repainted once or twice to go with new curtains, bedspreads, etc. Also, a piece of 1" thick foam covered in plastic on the top (try a plastic tablecloth if nothing else appeals) will serve as a changing table, and then can be removed later.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Great idea...

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Washington DC area: Palladian blue is a nice color, but have you looked at the home decorating and bedding catalogs arriving in the mail lately? Palladian blue is out and atmospheric sky blue mixed with various shades of brown is in. Palladian blue is stylish, but it's not as serene as a true light blue with less green in it and true light blue offers more decorating options this season.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: You are very well informed.

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Maryland: You seem to mention Benjamin Moore paint at every opportunity. Am I just seeing things or do they sponsor this session in some way?

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: No. No. No. Nobody would want to sponsor us!

The reason you see it so much is because it is the favorite mid-price choice of the design community. It is available all over the country and has a large palette to choose from. Some paints are regional and and some don't have that many stores.

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Woodbridge, Va.: Hi,I don't know if you can answer this but...is it safe to lower your thermostat to 55 degrees during the day if you have a pet inside the house, alone?Thanks!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Dear Woodbridge. What a wonderful question!! Jura has worried about leaving Gus in a cold house even with his nice brown fur. We called our friends at Friendship Animal Hospital in Northwest Washington. Roxanne, who works in the front office and pharmacy, told us that 55 degrees is okay for some animals because they have lovely fur coats. But if animals are hairless breeds or if they are old and sickly you may want to put a little sweater on them and they should be fine.

And you are in luck! We just received multiple review copies of a book by Kristi Porter, a knitwear designer, called "Knitting for Dogs" $14.94 published by Fireside, a division of Simon & Schuster. We are now waiting for the sequel - "Afghans for Cats."

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Re: Overstock: I would be careful ordering furniture from Overstock. While I've ordered non-furniture items and been happy, I've been having the worst time with a rug I ordered. It looked NOTHING like the picture, so I sent it back (getting bigger pieces ready to be sent back is a pain) and three months later they haven't completed the return yet. If it's an item that you are interested in because of the color, I would be very very careful.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Thanks for the caution.

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Arlington, Va.: Thanks for the inspiration! Many times you advise people to just go with an existing color scheme when change is not an option - such as a tiled bathroom. My 1950s ranch has an all-blue bathroom - not too hideous, but I HATE blue (would have been a deal-breaker for me but husband talked me out of that). After years of trying different accent shades to distract from the blue, I just gave in and purchased beautiful towels, rug, and curtain in shades of icy blue - it looks awesome! You ladies are the highlight of my week.

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Good for you.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, DC: Not a paint-specific question REALLY--oh, well, yeah, I guess it is.

Renting an apartment and to our delight, landlord says we can paint! But only "light" colors, nothing that would be too hard to paint over when we leave.

Leaning toward earth tones, but not sure where to start. Apt has living room, bedroom, bath and kitchen--should we do all one color? Complimentary? Help!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: No. Don't do one color. Too boring. But do a series of colors in the same pale family. Why not do a Martha Stewart Everyday Colors suggestion - these four colors work well together, according to Martha. Hollyhock Red, Coffee, Tea Bath and Urs Major. The red is vivid, but use it in the smallest room - you might have to paint over it before you leave.

Another foursome from Martha that is soothing is Meadow Way, Everyday Green, Tall Taper Green and Lily of the Valley.

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Manassas, Va.: We've just installed beautiful hardwood floors on the first floor of our home and would now like to replace the carpeting upstairs. Any recommendations for the best looking and most durable carpet? I am hoping something like a berber carpet would hide dirt better - especially on our stairs. Also - our foyer and upstairs hallway is painted 'crisp khaki'. Current carpet is gray - but I think a tan would be much better. Any advice here on color and style??? THANKS!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Try wool sisal in a tan color. We are afraid Berber is too light for a stairway that really takes a beating. Also, don't get Wilton-weave carpet for your stairs - Jura did that two years ago and it is THREADBARE and her stairs look just awful.

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Alexandria, Va.: Painted the living room of our colonial in C2 Scout. Love the color- rich warm chocolate. Two windows have thick, white moldings. Furniture is espresso leather and walnut. Floors are oak... we are torn on curtains and rug colors. White feels too stark. Maybe an oaty taupe? Or richer, like a dark sage so the room doesn't feel too brown? Help?!

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Sage sounds good - what about Sagey by Behr. Or Silver Maple by Glidden.

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Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: We had a lot of great questions today. And lots of pet owners who had queries. It was fun. See ya next week.

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