Home Front: Spring Cleaning, Curb Appeal, and Bathroom Vanities

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.

Staff writers Annie Groer and Jura Koncius take on 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....I'm solo today as Jura and the whole staff are at what we think will be a cool, but small, Design House in Georgetown to benefit Children's Hospital. This is the inaugural year. Click on www.DCDesignHouse.com for details. It's at 3014 P St NW. And read those parking signs carefully when you come.

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washingtonpost.com: Time to Clean (Post Home section, April 10)

Annie Groer: Here it is...Read it and dust!

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Alexandria, Va.: Another great "home-made" cleaner is rubbing alcohol and water. Great with everything. Appreciate all you both do... thanks a bunch!

Annie Groer: Thanks a bunch. I didn't have enough space to write about lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide as good cleaners either.

Will post today's mega-piece I wrote on cleaning...

Annie Groer: here it is...

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Bugs in the Dishwasher: A few weeks ago, someone wrote in about having bugs in their dishwasher. We had the same problem so I asked my uncle, who's an exterminator, how to get rid of them.

Apparently, there is a small space between my dishwasher and my counter. It's warm and moist - a perfect home for bugs. (Ewwww!) We bought Combat Gel and squeezed it in the space between the dishwasher and the counter and we haven't had a bug since. It works!

Annie Groer: Go Uncle Plumber. And you're right. Yuck.

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Vienna, Va.: I loved today's House Calls. Their deck is nothing like ours, but the designer's suggestions nonetheless gave me some good ideas.

washingtonpost.com: Today's House Calls (Post Home Section, April 10)

Annie Groer: We on the Home Staff all loved today's House Calls. And since the sun is shining, we all want to go hang out in such a place.

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Arlington, Va.: Any alternative exterior colors to a very dark red brick house? The previous owner had cream trim/siding and brown shutters. I'm looking for something a little more colorful. I've driven around and all I ever seem to see on that same dark brick is black shutters or that same current colors. Currently the windows are white and will probably need to stay that way.

Annie Groer: How about a rich, dark green? Benjamin Moore's Historic Colors include Lafayette Green and the slightly sprucey-r (this cannot be a word but you know what I mean)shade called Silver Pine. Or consider some of Ben's historic blues, such as Buckland Blue or Philipsburg Blue, both of which a have a shot of gray.

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Speed Cleaning: I had to speed clean one night this week when my husband called at 6:00 to let me know our realtor was coming by around 8:00 to have us sign some paperwork. After all the complaining I did about the lack of cleanliness in many of the homes we looked at with him, I did not want him to see our place looking horrible. Since we're moving soon, we've been neglecting the cleaning lately to focus on packing and downsizing "stuff," so our place had gotten pretty bad. Balls of cat hair, a thick layer of dust everywhere, cat hair on the sofa, junk laying around, dirty kitchen and bathroom. In two hours, we had to clean the house, as well as make and eat dinner. When he got home, my husband did the bathroom and put a lot of clutter away. A few items ended up in the bathtub, with the shower curtain drawn. I vacuumed, dusted, then cooked dinner. I am amazed at how much we got done in such a short time - but it's tiring after already putting in a full day of work. The only thing I didn't do was wipe up my kitchen floor, since I just recently threw out my mop and haven't replaced it yet. What a great idea to wrap a wet towel around a Swiffer. I'll remember that one next time - I probably could have gotten up a few spots quickly that way.

Annie Groer: Good for you. After all my research, the quote I loved most was "order produces order" from Cheryl Mendelson. My guess is you'll keep it that way for a while. My financial advisors, with whom I was going to meet somewhere midway between his office and my condo, tells me he'd rather come to my place Saturday afternoon. So I feel like the dinner-party person, except I don't have to cook. So I'll re-read the piece and get cracking.

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Frederick, Md.: Hello Home Divas! Mine is not a paint question: you recently had an article on alternative yarns. As a wool-allergic wannabe knitter, I wonder if you can tell me if these soy and bamboo yarns will 'felt"? I see all the felted bags and hats everywhere but cannot go near them without itching, and I would like to make felted pillows for my home office. Thank you both.

washingtonpost.com: Eco-Yarns from the Kitchen (Post Home Section, April 3)

Annie Groer: Send me you info at home@washpost.com and I'll pass it on to the writer, who actually makes felted purses. She, better than I, can answer that question.

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Gettysburg: Hello! I log on every week for your chats. I am looking for a deeper-than-robin's-egg blue paint. I would prefer Behr, BM, or something from Lowe's. Thank you!

Annie Groer: Try Behr's Sea Rover or Martha Stewart colors at Lowe's...Summer Day or Open Sky.

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Children and spring cleaning memories: My mother would have us clean all the windows, Venetian blinds, remove and hang up the summer curtains, clean all of the fine crystal and china in the china cabinet, turn beds, clean rugs, defrost the freezers, dry clean slipcovers, clean out kitchen cabinets, pack up the winter clothes, etc. All five of us would do the industrial cleaning all homes need. We were "Merry Maids" before it became a business.

Another childhood neighbor would take off a week to spring clean. She said she could get more done with her family out of the house at school and work.

I am tired just thinking about it!!

Annie Groer: Whew. So am I. These are things, however, that we don't forget. It's the rolling up of the rugs and taking them outdoors to beat the dust (sometimes coal dust) out of them that makes me want a nap.

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Curb appeal designer?: Your house call today reminded me of something I have wondered for awhile. You know the HGTV show Curb Appeal? They always bring in a "designer" to design the exterior of the home (separate from the landscape designer). What kind of designer is this? And where does one go about finding one? Hey, would you all consider a "curb appeal" style house call?

Annie Groer: I know that several seasons ago, one of the owners of Apartment Zero, the hip contemporary furnishings store in DC's Penn Quarter did a few exteriors. I'd probably start with a landscape firm, a nursery or an outdoor furniture store. If you're in the Washington area and want some help, send us pictures of your house front. Maybe Kat Hom can find someone to help you.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm a complete novice at painting and am looking to paint my studio a blue/gray color (fairly unspecific description, I know!). Any great color recommendations or other general tips for someone who's never painted before in her life?! Thanks so much -- love your chat!

Annie Groer: Preparation is key and neatness really counts. Move stuff out of the room and cover the floors with a drop cloth. If there's no place to put it all, at least group everything in the center of the room and cover with old sheets or more plastic drop cloths. Do the ceiling first so any drips on the walls can be painted over. Clean fingerprints and scuff marks off walls, light plates, etc. And if you really want to paint like a pro, remove switch plates and outlet covers so they don't get painted over.

If you think the current paint is oil based, then cover it with a coat of Kilz so that today's latex will adhere. Use painter's tape between the ceiling and the walls so you can cut a straight line.

And see if you can get a friend or two who has/have done this before to help. When it's over, break out the beer and take them out for dinner.

Blue gray? Try Dutch Boy's Big Sky Blue or Bluegrass Melody.

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Potomac, Md.: hello. We are in the process of fixing up our 1970's contemporary house for sale next spring. We are thinking of focusing on the kitchen with new granite countertops, as well as refinishing our hardwood floors. What are the features that you think home buyers are looking for today? Where do you think we should put our energies and finances into?

Annie Groer: Kitchen and bathrooms usually provide the biggest returns on investments. And yes, refinish the floors. Paint the walls light neutral colors, and declutter, declutter, declutter. If you'll be selling next spring, plant some flowering bushes and mulch liberally for a nice, neat look.

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Curb appeal designer: HGTV has done some Curb Appeals in the DC area. I know for fact that some of them involved Merrifield Garden Centers (saw the name on shirts and trucks). Definitely garden centers would be a good place to start.

Annie Groer: Thanks. You all are so eagle-eyed.

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Rockville, Md.: Hi Annie,

Hope you can help me!

I want to paint my living room/dining room/front hall. It's a large space, gets good light from large windows, same hardwood floors throughout (medium tone, slightly reddish).

The only room I have anything in at the moment is the living room. My style is Art Deco. Sofa is black & grey; chair is black. Tables are black/brass with glass tops. Art work is mostly mirrors & cut glass, with some black & rose accents.

Any suggestions of what color to paint the walls?

Thanks.

Annie Groer: Even before I got to the part about rose accents, I was going to suggest mauve (a very deco hue). If Sherwin Williams' Mauve Finery is too dark use that for an accent wall or two, and go lighter with Wallflower in the large rooms. For the entrance, which tends to get very little light, try the even paler Mauve Tinge.

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Alexandria, Va: All knowing ones! Please help --My mother says the hall paint needs to contrast with the bedroom paint. I've never heard of this. My hall is C2 bees knees--a pale yellow. I love green and I want a bright pale green for my bedroom. My mom thinks the ones I like looks too much like the bees knees. What are the rules for color flow. You cannot see into the bedroom from the living room. The bedroom has southern exposure and I want a light cottage feel to the room. I love green, dislike blue and light tans. If it matters it is my condo. thanks

Annie Groer: The last sentence says it all. It's your condo. Gently tell Mom you like Bee's Knees and the very similar green and that the only "rules" are those that work for you. Then give her hug and tell her you love her.

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bedroom taupe: Hi there - I apologize for asking a question you've answered before, but I can't find it searching the archives. I'm looking for a nice warm tan/taupe-y color for a good sized bedroom -- not too dark, but enough of a contrast to the white ceiling and trim to notice. Duron would be great.

Thanks!!

Annie Groer: The risk you run asking us a question again is that I will give a totally different answer. That's the kind of chat this is. So, the color du jour is....drumroll, please....is Duron Latte or Nomadic Desert. I'm also a big fan of Perfect Greige, which is a tad on the gray side.

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Felting: Sorry, you can only felt wool, and only the kind that's NOT "superwash."

Annie Groer: Thanks. You all are so smart.

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RICHMOND: I was thinking the same thing for the dark brick house: hunter green shutter and a few tones lighter for the trim, a dusty sage/olive? There's a house on my block with this color scheme and it looks classic yet distinctive.

Mine is turquoise door and dark brown trim, a little more daring. People were afraid the turquoise wouldn't match the brick, but I like it.

Annie Groer: Thanks. Love the brown and turquoise. Check out the April 20 Sunday mag. I've written a piece about funky-out there exterior that's pretty festive, if I say so myself.

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Arlington, Va. I love the cleaning article and it is perfect timing. I have a move out inspection tomorrow morning and I'll be doing a rush clean tonight! Thank you!

Annie Groer: Excellent. We love to help.

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Lexington, Va., U.S.: I have an unusually long hall and am looking for a mirrored folding screen to place at the end of the hall. Do you have any suggestions as to where I might find a small screen? It needs to be about the width of a door.

A second questions pertains to my small great room with very poor lighting (4 ceiling lights). Do you think track lighting might work for the 2 kitchen area ceiling lights?

THANKS!

Annie Groer: Our brilliant and very creative chat producer, Elizabeth Terry, suggests you get one of those screens from Linens 'n' Things with built-in photo frames and swap out the glass for mirror. You can get the best deals on custom glass cutting at a hardware store or auto-glass place, but any glass place can do it.

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House Calls: Loved the deck! Great job incorporating her existing patio set. Can they do my balcony next?

Annie Groer: And my roof terrace. Boy, this is the first House Calls in ages that is a clear home run.

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Curb Appeal: I'd recommend a certified or registered (depends on the state, Va. or MD) Landscape Architect. They have the horticultural knowledge of a landscaper, plus the structural knowledge for decks, simple building exterior features, porches, porticos, hardscapes, etc. Get 2 professionals for the price of one.

Annie Groer: Thanks. When the going gets tough and job is complex, we agree...

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tan-y taupe: I'm currently in love with my living room, which I painted in Behr's Arabian Sands.

Annie Groer: Thanks. We love at-home romance.

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Who knew?: Bees have knees?!

washingtonpost.com: Yes, and cats wear pajamas!

Annie Groer: And your divas have divine junk jewelry, which should come as no surprise.

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Deck Furniture: My new townhouse has a small rectangular patio in back. It's currently devoid of furniture, and there's not room for much. I'm debating between a table and four chairs with umbrella, or the "outdoor living room" type of furniture - coffee table, sofa, 2 chairs. Since I've never had a deck or even a balcony before, I don't know what I'm going to get better use of. If you could only have one, what would you do?

Annie Groer: Start with table, chairs and umbrella and see how much time you actually spend out there. Also check with neighbors, too. It would be a shame to spend all that money on something you won't really use. I have found for a small space that a bar-height outdoor table and tall chairs with relatively high backs make everyone feel less hemmed in and draw the eye upward. And get a very large umbrella so you can be out there at all hours.

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Fairfax, Va.: Does anyone have any information about the quality of Pottery Barn bathroom vanities? Any suggestions as to other sources for vanities?

Thanks

Annie Groer: Okay, gang...chime in. I've always loved the one-of-a-kind look achieved by converting a small chest, sideboard or cabinet into a vanity and giving it an interesting paint job. It can save you money and give you a totally original look.

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Richmond, Va.: Our wood-siding house is painted a kind of a tan-grey-olivey color with white trim. Not a very pretty color, but I'm trying to deal with it. The shutters and doors are painted this strange dark greenish black. I'd rather not mess with painting the shutters just yet so would it be tacky to paint just the front and side doors? I was thinking a really fun, bright color like people sometimes do in Richmond. Maybe a coral or rust red? While the house is pretty neutral, I'm not sure what really goes with the shutters. Thank you!!!

Annie Groer: Love the contrast idea...Go for a really rich red rather than coral -- Benjamin Moore has a gorgeous historic exterior color called Heritage Red. For russet try Country Redwood.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a question that involves cleaning. My roommate has a dog and usually keeps the door to her room closed during the day, so the dog smell is noticeable when she has the door open. Is there anything that I can do when I clean her room to lessen the smell?

Annie Groer: Open all the windows. If there is a rug, have her clean it regularly. Many of the cleaning experts I talked with love Febreze room sprays. Not I. There is also an industrial spray that is said to get rid of odors (it's been around since the 60s when removing the aroma of certain burning herbs was essential -- Ozium I believe).

But since I am the pet-less one and Jura isn't here, I am happy for suggestions from all of you.

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Another wool-allergic knitter...: I'm glad to see there is another knitter allergic to wool. Whenever I worked with wool yarn I'd get little blisters around my fingernails. It took me forever to discover the culprit. When I stopped using wool and went strictly to synthetics the problem cleared up. I hate 'yarn snobs' who turn their noses up at synthetics. I stopped frequenting a shop when the owner said "I'm no fan of acrylic but it has its place." Well, la de dah!

Annie Groer: Exactly. La De Dah, indeed. And good for you for taking your business elsewhere.

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Yellow paint -- really tough!: I concur on the article re yellow paint being tough. I painted a room "peaceful calm" which looked great in my sister's dimly lit dining room w/dark wood furniture. But looked sickly/disgusting in my living room with cherry furniture and a big bright window. I ended up with "homey cream" -- which still looks almost too yellow when the sun comes in!

Annie Groer: That's why it's essential to test paint on large pieces of posterboard in all kinds of light. My living room, Benjamin Moore LemonShine is the color looks orange in the fandeck but is a glorious (ok, screaming) mango on the walls. I love it.

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bathroom vanity has a sink, right?: There's a beautiful one at Lowe's where the sink part is suspended in a wrought iron base.

Annie Groer: Thanks for the tip. When you convert a piece of furniture, you will have to cut into the top to make room for the sink. Did I not make that clear? Probably not. Hey, it's already Thursday. And I'm anxious to get over to the G'town designer house.

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Kitchen and bathrooms usually provide the biggest returns on investments.: This is so true. When I was looking to purchase, the kitchen and bathrooms were the first things I wanted to see. If those were not okay, I didn't want to see the rest of the house. I either wanted to see them updated, or at least in good shape and neutral enough that I could live with them until I could make them my own.

Annie Groer: Thanks. You are so right.

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Alexandria, Va.: This is an exterior question, rather than interior. We have a red-brick and white siding exterior split-level, very boring. Do you know of any other types of siding or colors that would make it look it look not-quite-so 70s? Thanks!

Annie Groer: Sage green, a rich gray or buttery yellow,

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Bethesda:

Hi,

What colors would you suggest for painting the floor and walls of an old sunporch? The porch has older slatted windows, and a wood (though painted) floor. I am thinking of doing the walls a pale yellow, and maybe using an eggplant color for the floor. Any thoughts?

Annie Groer: Love the eggplant floor. And the walls. You may find you'll need a rug to brighten up some of the floor, but you can have great fun with this. Then pick up some of that dark purple in your accent upholstery, pillows, curtains, whatever.

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Anonymous: I live in a small apartment but you would be surprised how messy it can get! I agree that cleaning can be extremely tiring after a full day of work so if I know people are coming to visit I tackle a certain room each night after work. Also it helps to gather clutter into piles that go by room, that way you are not running back and forth (or up and down the stairs) putting things away.

Another tip - I use lint rollers on the lampshades - it actually gets up the dust and brightens up your room.

Annie Groer: Excellent. If I give you the address of my small apartment, will you pay a visit? Just kidding.

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Annie Groer: Boy, you can tell the spring decorating urge is really upon us. I've left a ton of unanswered questions (Jura, come back, all is forgiven...)

I just want to say before I sign off that after last week's question from the poster who was considering a Craigslist club chair but wanted to know about the cost of reupholstering it in Belgian Linen, Jan Jessup of Calico Corners dropped us a note to tell us about a $650 neo-classical sofa she bought on eBay. It had three seat cushions and was covered in a rather ugly striped fabric.

Long story short...linen, at $35 a yard $525. Labor, including making one large seat cushion with a Dacron wrap, $1,275. Grand total -- $2,450, which does not cover sales tax or picking up the sofa. She says buying one new in that style would be $3,000. Hers looks great. But it wasn't cheap.

Until next week, all.....ta ta.

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