Annie Groer and Jura Koncius
Washington Post Home Staff
Thursday, March 27, 2008
11:00 AM
Every week, the Washington Post Home staff talks about various ways to improve your home. Find out about new home trends, upcoming antique shows and a variety of how-to help.
Ask Post staff writers Annie Groer and Jura Koncius about all things home related.
The transcript follows.
You may also browse an archive of previous Home Front discussions.
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Annie Groer: Good morning all....And to those of you in the DC/Metro area, whooopee, the cherry blossoms are popping. Lucky us.
Okay, on to more important matters.
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LOVE today's house calls: Not just because I think it's a beautiful room... your designer actually gave the homeowners what they wanted (storage for books/toys, computer that can be put away) WHILE being stylish. Also, thanks for choosing a not super large room to which many of us cannot relate, and a situation to which we can: a converted room that served multiple purposes! Bonus: many of the items are replicable on a lower budget.
Jura Koncius: Thanks!! We will tell Kat.
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Fairfax County: On returning from a four-night trip last week, I thought our house had a very musty smell, both in the basement and in the kitchen. It's gotten better since we've been back, but I still notice it in the mornings. How would you go about figuring out what's causing this?
Annie Groer: If you've got a fireplace, give it a good sniff. Often that is the culprit - a result of rain mixing with deposits from wood-burning to create that funky odor.
Consider having the chimney professionally cleaned and deodorized. You may want to have some extra deodorizer left for you to do some touch up if needed. You might also want a chimney cap to keep critters and birds out.
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Oh No: I see that the Landover C-Mart is closing and I still haven't made the pilgrimage over there. Do you think it is worth braving the going out of business madness to check it out?
Annie Groer: Yes, it's definitely worth a trip. I was at the C-Mart opening (it was completely insane). Go with a friend or two who are shopaholics. This will not be for the faint of heart.
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So. Md.: LOVED TODAY'S EDITION! Any suggestions for interesting lampshades? I'd love something in toile or a check or print or ?? but can't find anything at the stores. Any online sources? Thanks decorating divas!
Jura Koncius: There is a fabulous website www.justshadesny.com that has a wonderful selection. And if you are in NYC, go to their store at 21 Spring St. It is amazing what they have. They have some with squiggles, stripes etc. It's a favorite source for Manhattan designers.
Also, Anthropologie sometimes has them. Any other ideas out there?
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Washington, D.C.: I have a beautiful, long-haired cat who has the run of my 1-room apartment all day and night. She doesn't destroy furniture, but she manages to cover everything with her light orange hair. I'm used to rollering it off of my clothes, but for the life of me, I can't get it off my duvet cover.
Just washing it doesn't work, and I've driven myself crazy trying to lint roller the whole thing.
Is there some magic secret that you can pass along??
Jura Koncius: Our colleague Terri Sapienza is currently testing the Dyson Pet Vac and is going to report on that in the HOME section very soon! She has a Dalmatian who sheds everywhere. OH MY!! She is showing me her fleece jacket which is covered in tiny white hairs!!! Our main advice to you would be first, brush your cat early and often to get loose hairs on the brush and not on your furniture and linens. Then, keep a plain sheet the same cover as the duvet on your bed, so that can be washed more often without struggling to get it off the duvet itself each time.
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Laurel, Md.: I'm hoping you can help with a decorating issue. I have an old leather chair that I received from my grandmother that I really like. It's like a slightly brown-orange color, and it fit in with our other living room furniture (a green, red, yellow plaid sort of couch and green ottoman) all right, but we really need a new couch and are having trouble imagining matching colors. Is it okay to have any other-colored leather in the room? Do we have to get a couch with orange in it, or should we try to stay completely neutral? We're totally lost.
Annie Groer: Don't panic. Leather now comes in such great colors -- from dark green to bright yellow to vivid blue -- that you shouldn't have much trouble finding something that goes beyond neutral. To help you choose either leather or fabric, take the old chair cushion with you if it comes off. Or bring home a large swatch of the prospective sofa fabric to test it out.
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San Antonio, Texas: Hi Gals!
What do you suggest to spiff up a Texas guy's den that will not send him over the ledge? Basic lime stone, wood and greys. No pink or green.
Bueno by,
Happy in San Antonio
Go Fiesta !!
Jura Koncius: Get the best looking reclining chair you can. Invest in the biggest flat screen TV you can fit in there. Install a fridge for beverages. And don't use too many pillows!
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Acton, Mass.: Oh you lucky ones, with cherry blossoms! Here in Mass. we are waiting for more snow tonight... which brings me to my master BR, which I painted BM four leaf clover several years ago. It is a large north facing room with windows only at one end. I was desperate for green (all grey outside) but it is a bit much. Any ideas for how to work with that color or should I just repaint? Not much other color in the room.
thanks!
Annie Groer: It's a great color, but as you say, intense. You can leave one of the walls as an accent and go way lighter green on the other three, i.e. Parkside Dunes or Grassy Meadows. Paint the trim crisp, semi=gloss white. And since we're speaking of the divine cherry blossoms, how about some soft pink on the bed and windows. Or you can keep it white.
And hang in there, spring will be coming your way eventually.
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McLean, Va.: I have an Ethan Allen French country armoire in a bleached beigy finish. French country is not really my style (I had it as a teenager) and I'm not fond of the color. Most of my furniture is classic, very clean lines, leaning towards the contemporary. Most of the wood in my house is dark brown (think wenge). I've thought of painting it a glossy white and changing the hardware but am afraid of ruining it because it's solid wood and actually very nice. I do use it for storage. Any ideas? Thanks.
Jura Koncius: Well, I think you have two choices. This is clearly a high quality piece of furniture that you paid a lot of money for. Ethan Allen is a very saleable brand on the previously owned market. You could try selling it online, at a yard sale or at a local auction. But if you decide to keep it, I think you should definitely paint it so that you like the way it fits in your more modern vibe. Glossy white is a good choice. I actually painted a the frame of a 1940s curved glass cabinet in white and have it in my dining room. It goes better and sort of blends in.
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Greensboro, N.C.: Here's a question: How do you clean a waffle iron?
Annie Groer: If the plates detach, you scour them separately with a stiff brush and warm soapy water. Do not, of course, submerge the waffle iron itself (which you will, of course, have unplugged and let cool off.) You may need to use a grease-cutting all purpose cleaner, but be sure to remove the cleaner thoroughly. Mr. Clean/409/Clorox Cleanup-infused waffles aren't my idea of a tasty breakfast.
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Ergonomic Computer Chairs for House Calls: I like that the computer station is made for that purpose, but a dining chair for the desk chair??? Setting up a computer desk involves the chair as well -- and I know what not having it ergonomically sound does to the body. I didn't have proper furniture and I've had 37 years of disabling chronic pain as a result. I can't be fixed. Why subject yourself to this if it can be avoided?
Annie Groer: Great point. And so sorry about the back pain. It's awful.
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Fancy French mat frame?: Sorry to be "that" poster but...sometime recently there was a small article in the Home section about a new shop that does framing with French mats. I can't recall the name or location of the shop but there was a wonderful picture with many different papers to choose from. Could one of you help me out with the name/location of the shop? Thank you!
washingtonpost.com: At This Store, The Mat's the Thing (Post Home Section, Feb. 28)
Annie Groer: Here it is. The story was written by JoEllen Murphy, our fab art director, who is also an artist and thus does a lot of framing.
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D.C.: Hope you can help. We just spent a boatload on pristine white cotton duck custom drapes for my guest bedroom. Sadly, a houseguest opened the drapes with her hands right after applying makeup.
Do you have any suggestions for how to get these stains off? When we ordered the drapes, the salesperson advised that we should only occasionally vacuum, and that when it was time to get them cleaned, it would be time to replace -- I think her point was that it would not make sense to bring them to the dry cleaners. A neighbor suggested we just spray Oxi-Clean and those spots will disappear. But I fear this will make it worse . . .
Thanks.
Jura Koncius: Yikes!!!
I would be a bit nervous about the OxyClean myself - unless you have a sample of the fabric and can test it. Here is a hint from Heloise Conquers Stinks and Stains - Because water based or powdered types of makeup are nongreasy, they can usually be removed by dampening the stained area, rubbing with white bar soap, rinsing and laundering as usual. If they curtains are white cotton, you should be able to wash them in the machine. But not put them in the dryer.
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Philadelphia, Pa.: Dear home divas, I have been painting rooms in my house with your bold color suggestions. It is great!! Now I need to redo my very small powder room. It has beige wallpaper with small prints, that I want to keep. The toilet and sink are almond colors. Under sink cabinet and mirrors are wood in cherry tone. What color scheme for the tile to make a bold statement? I don't want more beige in there. Oh, the room is very sunny. Thanks for doing this great chat, without it, I will end up in a blah house!!
Annie Groer: If it's really a small powder room, think about using a rich brownish marble tile. I don't know what's on your floor but you may want to do it in the same marble. Yum.
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RE: Dyson: Dyson is the best. I have 4 animals (2 longhaired) and the Dyson works like a charm. I used to have to buy one new $100+ vacuum each year because they all stopped working. I've had my Dyson for 3 years now and it is still going strong.
Jura Koncius: Interesting! Thanks.
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Gaithersburg, Md.: Good Morning. Can I please get your opinion on a paint choice? The painters are coming tomorrow to paint our newly finished basement. I wanted a light blue green and was just going to go for Woodlawn Blue because it was the designer's choice in last week's color article. Now I'm worried that it's a little too dark because I don't have any windows in the basement. I don't have time to do a test sample. Do you think I should go lighter? I'll do whatever you say! Thank you!
washingtonpost.com: Designers' Favorites (Post Home Section, March 20)
Jura Koncius: Yikes! That's a big responsibility. You know, I just looked at Woodlawn again. I don't think it will be too dark, it's a really classy color. I would say, go for it!
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Alexandria, Va.: I just moved into a condo with a Northern exposure. I get some sun but not the kind I like -- the sun streaming in and warming the entire room. I have honey oak floors, a white sofa and a beige and reddish Pakistani area rug. I guess I have to keep the living room painted white -- but which white? I don't like white linen by BM because it's too yellow -- unless you think that's the best bet for me. The dining room is very dark since it has no windows. What color for that room? Thanks so much for your help.
Annie Groer: Since you own the place, you really don't need to keep it white. Although it sounds counter-intuitive, you can paint a smallish, dark space a bright color...I'd do an accent wall in the L/R the same red as in the rug, and keep the rest of the L/R and D/R pale. I'm with you, Linen White actually is not clear enough. Try Sherwin Williams' Extra White, which has a tiny bit of gray in it. That should cure the yellow problem.
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Chevy Chase, D.C.: I am planning on painting the bedroom of my two young sons this summer and am trying to decide on paint that will go with a baseball bedding set that I love. The comforter has a chambray-ish blue and a darker royal blue, in addition to dark red and white accents. I am planning on keeping the trim and ceiling crisp white and need some help with the walls. Right now I'm thinking Old Glory by BM but am wondering if that will clash with the comforter. Any thoughts or suggestions? Perhaps something more Robin's egg-ish like Blue Dragon or Sunrise? Thanks!
Jura Koncius: Old Glory is quite bold - in fact, it's the color I have on my front door!
I would go for a chambray color. Maybe something like Little Boy Blue or Bluebelle.
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Waffle Iron: What if the plates don't detach?
Annie Groer: Then take a toothbrush and warm soapy water and carefully scrub away. Wipe carefully several times with a damp rag (paper towels may shred on the grids).
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Pet Fur: The reader with the pet fur situation didn't mention what type of roller she uses. For my two Finnish Spitz dogs, I have an Evercare-brand "Large Surface Industrial Size" roller - it's a foot wide and is attached to a broom-size handle. It's amazing to tidy up beds, living room furniture, and under stuff - it picks up ALL the fur! I also agree with all the points on preventive care - I wear a little Home Depot apron and ball up the fur as I brush the dogs with the awesome de-shedding tool, the "Furminator". My home is more spotless now with the dogs than it was before, thanks to all these great gadgets out there now.
washingtonpost.com: Had to see the Furminator for myself!!!!!!
Jura Koncius: Wow. Those are great product suggestions.
You know, we have heard a lot about the Furminator! I think it serves a huge need in pet homes.
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Alexandria, Va.: Cat Hair--take a new sponge. Wet it and wring it out as much as possible. It should only be very, very slightly damp. Use this to go over the pet hair. The slight damp acts as a magnet. I would only use this sponge for this purpose.
Jura Koncius: Oh terrific! Marvelous idea as well.
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Toile lampshade...: At one time the fabric stores used to sell "naked" lampshades. There was a piece of paper that you would peel off the lampshade. That would be your pattern for your choice of fabric (toile or whatever). The shade part itself was covered with sticky paper and you would just adhere the cut fabric piece to the shade. It was relatively easy (Yes, I did it) and you could doll it up with fringe, gimp, beads, trim, etc on the top and bottom if you wanted to. I saw them about 6 months ago at Joanne's Fabric in Springfield. I don't know if Joanne's or other fabric stores still carry them, but it is worth a shot. And no, you do NOT have to be the crafting queen to do this!
Jura Koncius: Wow. I have never heard of this. I feel that I would mess up something like this, but you seem to say that it isn't too hard to do. Have any of you tried this yourselves? Maybe we should test it and report on it!
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Albany, N.Y.: Paint question for you, the faboo two... I have an impossibly small 1/2 bath that is pretty much in the kitchen. There's a pocket door separating the two. Kitchen is sage, with pine cabinets and nickel hardware. Bathroom gets no natural light. Right now it's off-white, but I want to paint it a lighter gray with blue undertones, that will look ok with the kitchen. BM or SW paints, please. Thanks!
Annie Groer: Before I give you what you requested, think about having some fun in that powder room (that's what they're for you know...small, experimental spaces to amuse yourself and your nearest and dearest). Check out Ralph Lauren's Regent Metallics line of color. I think that given your nickel knobs, Silver Plated could do the trick.
Now on to what you want, not what I want...In Benjamin Moore, try Sterling or Silver Crest.
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McLean, Va.: Jura: Thanks for the advice on the French country armoire. Besides painting it white, do you have any other suggestions? Black seems like it would be wrong and harsh. My colors are generally neutrals with colors in the accessories. Thanks again.
Jura Koncius: I would say pure white would make it more contemporary looking than a cream color. Doing a bold color would make it really stand out in a room which is something you probably don't want. You could paint the inside of the shelves a different color if you wanted.
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Northeast D.C. Condo: My wife and I are looking for a good entertainment unit for our condo. We don't have a ton of space and live on the third floor, so we don't want some gigantic unit. However, we do have a sizable collection of DVDs, CDs, and books we'd like to store there. Right now we are thinking a console and a couple of bookshelves that match. Currently we don't have a flat screen TV, but we might get one in the future. We've got some money saved up and we'd like to buy one that will last a move or two, so no Ikea. Any ideas on what we could do or where we could look? Thanks for the help.
Jura Koncius: You know, Crate and Barrel has a great selection of these with lots of storage space. You can buy individual units or combine several different pieces with various sized drawers and shelves.
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Herndon: Updating smaller table I'd like to paint red. I'd like to get the effect of the Chinese Red you see on many prepainted furnitures. What red would you suggest for this?
Annie Groer: Try Behr's Grenadine in high-gloss. You'll have to sand and prime carefully. Get the primer tinted the color of the paint for best effect.
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Blocking Windows with Furniture: The windows in my townhouse are normal width, but the height is not what I'm used to - they go down to only about a foot above the floor. Works great in my larger rooms, but I've got a small bedroom I'm trying to place furniture in, and I can't seem to get away from blocking the bottom half of the window. I either need to put a short bookcase there, or a dresser. Is this going to look stupid?
Annie Groer: A short bookcase will look better than a sofa, and will not deteriorate or fade as quickly under constant exposure to UV rays.
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Cleveland Park: Hi all! We have a number of old glass doorknobs in our 1920s condo. The doorknobs and face plates are grungy and covered in years of paint splatters. We removed the hardware and have attempted to take off the paint by using a paint stripper. The only problem is that it seems that the coating on the face plates is damaged or just really dull. I think they were originally oil rubbed bronze. Do you have any ideas of how to restore the color of the face plates (without buying entirely new ones, of course!)? thanks very much!!
Annie Groer: Okay, this one I throw out to all you smart folks out there....
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Rosslyn: We just bought a home and have some beautiful large black and white photo prints of trees that have been gathering dust for a few years that we'd like to incorporate into the new pad. What wall color schemes go with pictures with black frames, white matting, and black and white photos? The reason they've been in the attic for a while is that black and white seems to clash with all but white walls to me, but maybe that's just my faulty eye for design. Not a fan of the cold sleek modern look either - prefer warm, muted elegance. Any suggestions?
Jura Koncius: They sound lovely. I actually think that black and white would go with ANY colored walls. Sort of like black and white tops and skirts or pants go with any color jackets. Your tree prints would look smashing with a color like Martha Stewart for Valspar's Blue Aster, Sugar Cone, Pumpkin Pie or Vintage Map. And, the vision of your framed prints gathering dust in the attic makes me think of all the stuff I have gathering dust in MY attic. I should either display it, give it away or throw it out, or repurpose the frames!
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Accokeek, Md.: Morning Ladies, I painted my bedroom a neutral color (Barefoot Beach by Behr) because I change my bedding often but I failed to take into consideration curtains. Do you have any suggestions on what color curtains I could get that would also be neutral and go with all of my different bedding? Thanks.
Annie Groer: I'd go with curtains as close to the paint color as possible, paired with a set of white sheers. I love the idea of changing your look with bedding. Good for you.
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Best Vacuum: Actually, Kirbys are the best. You have to buy them directly from the dealer and they are expensive, but they are the absolute best quality and they will suck up anything. I've had mine for 10 years and it still looks and runs like new. You pay a lot up front but you really do make up for it in the end. (I haven't had to buy a vacuum cleaner for 10 years!)
www.kirby.com
Jura Koncius: I have heard of Kirbys. Thanks for the idea.
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Annapolis, MD: I need a suggestion for some paint colors for our new kitchen. The floor is a yellowy beige, with toffee cabinets and a green/black granite counters. I was thinking something like a cream with a warm yellow undertone. I am going over to Benjamin Moore on my lunch to pick up samples.
Thanks!
Annie Groer: Check out Vanilla Ice Cream or Cotton Tail.
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Gray powder room, again: Oh, to have fun in the room! I'd desperately wanted to paint it aubergine, but that was vetoed by the nearest and dearest. Love the Regent Metallic idea, though - thank you!
Annie Groer: Happy to oblige.
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Leather chair: Does anyone have any suggestions for leather upholstery repair in No. Va.? I'd like to repair my parents' split cushion (if it can be repaired) but I don't live in the D.C. area so I would have to arrange it remotely. (Can split leather even be repaired? And if not, can it be matched? I don't want to reupholster the whole chair and ottoman.)
Jura Koncius: Go to www.leathermedic.com.
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re: sizeable DVD Collection: If you are not attached to those DVD cases, you could buy a large DVD album and store just the DVDs there. I have very limited space and kids' DVDs took up a full huge drawer. Now, they are in a book hidden inside our coffee table. We didn't care about the cases.
Annie Groer: Excellent solution. I just did that in my car. I now have two albums of great tunes. But I saved a bunch of the jewel cases (it's in the box in the trunk with the emergency roadside stuff) because in summer when the car gets hideously hot, those plastic sleeves can stick to the CDs. Not pretty.
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North of Capitol Hill: I don't know if you handle home problems like this, but I think we may have a bug infestation in my condo's dishwasher. Every time I open the dishwasher door, there are 5-10 bugs crawling around inside. Sometimes I'll find them on the counter, but they are almost always in the dishwasher. Any suggestions or is it time to call the exterminator?
Jura Koncius: Well, this is a creepy problem. I'm sure you have already run your dishwasher on the HOTTEST water setting and the HOTTEST dry setting to try and fry these babies. Otherwise, you should probably take the dishwasher out of the cabinet and thoroughly clean the area all around it - you may want to use a bug spray or Boric Acid - or you may want to call an exterminator!
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Toile shade (more): I checked the Jo-Ann's web site and they are still available at least there. Hancock Fabrics may also have them. In any event, this is a link to the adhesive lampshade.
Annie Groer: Thanks. Toile is so much fun.
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re: blocking windows: Get the blinds that come down from the top. When you leave them half open, you can't see from the outside that furniture is there. And, you get the light from the top portion open.
Jura Koncius: Good idea.
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NW D.C.: I have a great brushed nickel lamp I got at a great price from Overstock.com. The only problem is that the finial holding the classy-looking brushed nickel shade is a cheap black plastic ball. Is there anywhere to get a more interesting replacement finial?
Jura Koncius: Oh definitely. Head over to Gaylord's Lamps and Shades, 4620 Leland St., Chevy Chase. 301 986-9680. And bring your lamp with you if you can so you can make sure it is in the right proportion. They have a large selection of finials and it does make a big difference.
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Melanie in Alexandria: Hi -- Hopefully quick question:
Just ordered a beautiful medium grey suede couch from Vastu and need a rug for our living room. One wall is crimson red and the rest are ivory. What color rug should we get? We prefer contemporary style. (I should note we also have a black lab -- so it needs to be pet friendly and not all white).
Thanks! All advice is greatly appreciated!
Annie Groer: How about red shag? Yes, shag is back and hip, but since you've got a dog, pay attention to all the postings about vacuums. Or even a red flat-weave. Check out www.rugs-direct.com
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Bethesda: Thanks ladies in advance for taking my question. Have a meeting during the chat so look forward to checking in later.
Our 1951 contemporary house has an extremely narrow stairwell - 30 inches wide - all drywall. There is no handrail. All the wood ones (with brackets) stick out at least 5 inches - making the stairwell 25 inches wide. Plus we don't like the typical, blah rail. Any suggestions for finding a metal railing? And something that will be as close to the wall as possible? I tried TW Perry and a few other hardware stores. No help.
Thanks!
Jura Koncius: You might think about having one custom made. Woodies Welding and Iron Shop 202 543-8009 or City Ornamental Iron 202 882-9411.
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So. Md.: Thanks for answering my question about lampshades. I have used the adhesive shades another poster mentioned. The end result was fine for my son's bedroom but I felt the look was too casual and a bit homemade looking, not the sophisticated look I wanted. I did a good job with it, added trim to the top and bottom but it still did not look like a professionally made shade in spite of my efforts.
Jura Koncius: Hmmm. Just as I feared!! Mine would look VERY casual if I made it! I might only be able to display it in a dark closet!
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Dallas, Tex.: For the black-and-white photograph poster, I can vouch for Martha's "Vintage Map." I used it as a background for displaying ... vintage maps!
Jura Koncius: How cool! I think it is a very beautiful color.
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Cat Hair: Try a rubber brush. I have one just like this and it is WONDERFUL for getting cat and German shepherd hair off the furniture and linens. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop the German shepherd from chewing up my quilts, just her hair collecting on them. -grumble-
Jura Koncius: Hair removal is a lot easier than trying to stop chewing or scratching...
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Allentown, Pa.: Hi girls! We're doing a combo bathroom/laundry room in white subway tile on the walls, and a black-and-white classic hexagonal tile floor. We are clueless as to what color to paint the walls. Any suggestions as to what would go well with the retro tile?
Annie Groer: Gray, red, yellow, blue, pink...the list is endless since white with black is such a blank slate. And since it's a chore-space, the more festive the better.
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Rockville, Md.: Paint suggestion please! Pecan colored cabinets, granite counter tops (blue pearl-mostly black with blue and silver tones), dart slate floor. I am stumped for wall color. Walls are currently white - as are the appliances and I think I need more color.
thanks
Jura Koncius: What about finding a slate color that would look good with your floor? Or a golden yellow that would go with the pecan. Now that I have the Valspar Martha Stewart fandeck open, what about Pignoli or Sharkey Gray.
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Anonymous: To the person whose guest wiped makeup on the curtains: I would try "Zout" (an oxy type foam you can get at the grocery store) on the area. use a clean white towel to rub the foam into the stain and do it until you get it out. I would not wash the entire panel in the machine because it may shrink and certainly never look like the other panels. yikes!
Jura Koncius: yikes is right.. make sure if you are a guest, only use tissues for your makeup - and always wash your hands after applying it...
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Get the Dyson!: I've had the Purple Monster (aka Dyson Pet Vac) for two years and with two cats and two dogs it's been a lifesaver.
Jura Koncius: Yeah!
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Window treatment quandary: OK, I got rid of the aluminum mini-blinds, finally. I have gorgeous striped drapes at the ends of my very wide (total 150+) window, with sheers through the center. At night, though, the sheers are too sheer. What would you suggest to put behind the sheers...I'm thinking woven roller shades? I don't like Roman shades because they hang down too much and I want to maximize light/view. As bad as they were, the blinds stacked up to almost nothing.
Thanks!
Annie Groer: Or you can put those opaque paper-like shades that roll up or down. They compress fairly tightly.
I understand your longing for the invisibility of mini-blinds. I can't bear to part with mine because in summer, I get so much direct sunlight that when down, they turn my condo into a cooled-down cave. When they're up at night, they vanish. I went for bold colors to match my walls...metallic gold in my mango living room, red in my crimson dining room and metallic silver in the kitchen, to match the stainless appliances and cabinetry. You can always add curtains for a decorative touch.
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Reston, Va.: Last year I had the central hallways in my townhouse painted BM Oklahoma Wheat. I love the warm yellow color but the trim and doors were painted BM White and it's, well, too white, I'd like something a little warmer. What BM shade of white would work better? Thanks!
Jura Koncius: Cameo White or Bone White.
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Bethesda, Md.: For the Northeast Condo - couple looking for entertainment center. I also live in tight quarters, I just purchased an entertainment center from Room and Board called the "Stow." I got the smaller size, it is gorgeous and also quite roomy and in my opinion, didn't cost an arm and a leg. Pottery Barn, even Scan when they were going out of business, were 2 times the cost.
Jura Koncius: Great tip. Thanks.
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Ridgefield, Conn.: Greetings! My husband and I live in a 1940's Cape Cod that has not had any major updates or remodeling done to it. The downstairs bedroom is just off to the side of the center stairway opposite the living room. The previous owners removed the doors (there is a second door in the back of the room that opens to the kitchen) but left the frames. I'm trying to do a New England casual (think: weekend getaway for urbanites) with a mix of mid-century furniture, neutral tones, etc. We want to turn the room into an office/guest room. Traditionally, people would use frosted multi-pane doors but what do you think of louver doors, stained to match the wood floors?
Annie Groer: I think if it works for you, it works for me. My first apartment in Adams-Morgan had louvered outer doors that provided great summertime ventilation while locking for privacy and security.
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Beltsville: Submitting early:
What would Annie and/or Jura recommend for dressing-up a large Bay Window? The window has a ledge large enough for a cushion pillow; but I don't want to encourage window sitting. Also, I have a 'low-back' settee placed in front of the window. I am not a Knick-knack kind of person. Husband wants plants, because his mother had plants on every window ledge in their home. I would like a less cluttered look.
Thanks,
blt
Jura Koncius: Husbands always want what their mother's had in the house!
Window seats are so attractive - could you do a cushion and then a line of interesting pillows? I agree that plants look nice but can be clutterama if you don't watch out. What about just one HUGE nice plant like a big orchid?
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Herndon, Va.: New Stove. Would it be terribly bad to get a new stove in white instead of the popular stainless? Love the stainless, and would prefer it, but am not ready to change the dishwasher and fridge, which are white.
Annie Groer: Yes, go with white for a unified look. You can add touches of metal in cabinet hardware, countertop appliances, etc.
You could also go stainless, but if the mis-match bothers you in theory, it was probably also bother you in reality, after you've spent a lot of money on that shiny stove.
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Anonymous: I'm remodeling my kitchen which is open to the dining area and living room. The cupboards are hickory and the floor will be DuraCeramic tiles. I'm looking for a wall color that will work with all three rooms. I'd prefer Sherwin Williams. I read your column all the time and you offer such good advice. Please help!
Annie Groer: How about a sagey green...SW's Honeydew or Baize Green. If you want a bit of drama, maybe think about painting the kitchen an even darker shade, such as Great Green.
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Annie Groer: Thanks everyone. And try to make some time this weekend for a peek at the cherry blossoms, either in DC or the suburban neighborhoods with lots of the fab pink trees.
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