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. They were online taking questions Thursday, May 1.

A transcript follows.

You may also browse an archive of previous Home Front discussions.

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Annie Groer: Good morning all - and achoo!!! Hay fever and pollen are killing us here in the home section.

Before we get started, Terri Sapienza has a request...If you have a screened-in porch that you love, or if you had one enclosed and now regret that you did it, please email her at Sapienzat@washpost.com

Now, let's decorate.

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Logan Circle, D.C.: Hello! Just bought a condo and am trying to do something a little more interesting with it than white walls and Pottery Barn. My aesthetic is distinctly contemporary, and I need some recommendations on where to source furniture for that.

People have already suggested West Elm (underwhelmed; not really looking for pseudo-Asian stuff), cb2 (website looks good, but no local store), and the old standby Ikea (a little more interesting design, please). I'm planning to check out Apartment Zero and Design Within Reach, but fear the prices of the latter and suspect I should fear the prices of the former. With that said, price is not a problem if I fall in love. Any other suggestions?

Also, if I may sneak one more question in here: I'm going to do a two-level thirty-foot accent wall in Benjamin Moore Lime Green (2026-10). All furniture, floors, and cabinets is either black or a very light beechwood, and I plan to carry through the lime green with other accent pieces (any ideas on lime-green curtains, by the way?) Do you think that's enough of a paint statement, and I can leave the other walls white? Or is there another color I should be looking at? (There are also two exposed brick walls.)

This whole decorating thing is a distinctly new experience for me. Thank you so much for your help!

Annie Groer: One long question is all you get today, as we're jammed.

Try Anora Home in Chevy Chase, DC - Phone: 202-363-3033

E-mail: info@anorahome.com

ADDRESS -- 5252 Wisconsin Ave NW...check the website www.cantilevermodern.com or make an appointment by calling 202-213-9768. They sell vintage but it's good stuff.

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Capitol Hill: Do you have any suggestions on durable, inexpensive patio furniture? I don't want to purchase something that will need to be repainted every year, that won't break the bank, and will still look good in five years. I'm looking into polywood furniture which is made of recycled milk cartons but I don't know much about it.

Jura Koncius: Hmmm. What about the Martha Stewart collection at Kmart?

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Chevy Chase, D.C.: Paint gurus ... what can you say about Farrow and Ball paint?

There seems to be something special (to my uneducated eye) going on with their pigments -- the colors just seem richer and more complex than the paints I've used over the years.

Better yet: how can I get those same perfect, deep colors for less than $90 a gallon? Can you think of a similar, step-down line? The guy at the Benjamin Moore paint store told me he wouldn't get a exact color match because Farrow and Ball's "ingredients" are just too different from Mere Mortal Paint that I actually can afford.

Help. I've fallen in love with Green Smoke. And Pelt.

Annie Groer: Actually, it's "only" $69.50 a gallon if you shop around and the reason it's so pricey is that it contains a high concentration of pigment (which like everything else, is rising in price). You may only need one coat (which is a good thing at this price). Maybe bite the bullet and give up Starbucks for a month, or bring your lunch to work. There's nothing better than a great paint job.

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House Calls and Design House: I loved today's house calls. I'm more than twice as old as the bedroom dweller and I'd love to have my master bedroom look like that. The headboard is fantastic! Also, I was sad to read some of the comments on the D.C. Design House. I went last week and thought it was beautiful. The master bedroom is gorgeous but I didn't care for the master bath. My favorite space was the little girl's room. But I am much more Lilly than contemporary.

washingtonpost.com: House Calls: A Room of Her Own (Post Home Section, May 1)

What We Saw at the Show House (Post Home Section, April 17)

Jura Koncius: Glad you liked it. We will pass it along. Where did you see the bad comments on DC Design House? I think we had maybe one last week - most comments on it seem very favorable.

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Chicago, Ill.: Hi, Annie and Jura - your column is wonderful. I am looking for a portable vacuum that I can use to vacuum books. Has anyone had experience with the Alessi vacuum - silver, 12" long and looks like a dolphin? Or any other portable that works well and isn't mega-heavy? Thanks always.

Jura Koncius: We will send this one off to our loyal chatters to see if anyone has experience with this. Thank you for your kind words.

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Annapolis, Md.: Hello ladies! I am stuck on a paint color for my soon-to-be remodeled kitchen, and I'm trying to work from the feature I most want to highlight: granny smith leather DR chairs (kitchen will be open to DR). White cabinets, black countertops, stainless appliances, honey-colored wood floors; DR painted Behr's Manhattan Mist (per a recommendation from this chat!) which I would love to keep. DR table is blonde wood. So, working from the green, I thought either a Vermilion red (opposite on the color wheel) or a darker green (Behr's Happy Camper or Painted Turtle)? Any other thoughts?

Annie Groer: As someone whose dining room is Vermilion, that's my vote. It's a knockout color, in daylight or artificial light. Makes everyone look great. Just make sure you get your primer tinted red to save yourself a coat or two. Second choice is Happy Camper.

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washingtonpost.com: High Design, Downscaled ( Post Home Section, May 1)

Annie Groer: thanks...

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Jura Koncius: Is anyone else out there having horrible problems with allergies? I guess it's the tree pollen. I have been given the advice of using air conditioning and washing pillowcases often to keep pollen away from your face. Any other ideas?

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Clifton, Va.: Someone in last week's chat from Springfield was looking for wood furniture. Have them go to the Solid Oak and Cherry Gallery in Springfield/Alexandria, behind Marlo Furniture, on General Washington Dr. off Edsall Rd.

Great prices and service and their Memorial Day sale starts soon.

Jura Koncius: Wow. Great tip.

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Washington, D.C.: Well, I'll venture my opinion on the two-story lime-green wall: with that much vertical green already, I think green curtains would put it over the top. I might be inclined to look for natural linen colored curtains, and pick up the lime with cushions, wall sconces, and smallish rugs.

Annie Groer: Thanks. We love our decor-driver posters.

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Rockville, Md.: Morning Ladies!

Can you give me a Behr equivalent of Sherwin William's Mauve Finery or tell me where I might be able to find a "translator" from one company to another? I love the Mauve Finery color, but the painter I'm going to use prefers Behr paints.

Thanks much!

Annie Groer: Excuse me, you are paying this guy. He should use the paint you want. He may have some contractor discount with HD he's not passing on to you. Why risk not getting an exact match?

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Restoration Hardware Couch: Hello ladies,

Posting early etc... Wondering if you (or other chatters) have any thoughts on Restoration Hardware's furniture. Specifically, I have my heart set on the "Baby Grand Roll Arm Slipcovered" loveseat. (Big enough for two, not so big that it will overtake my smallish living room.) Did I mention I have an active 3.5 year old and another on the way? It's a good chunk of money, but I'm willing to spend it if it's comfortable, well constructed, and sturdy. Thank you!

Jura Koncius: Check and see if it is made by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams or another manufacturer - sometimes you can lift up the cushions and see what the label is inside. If it is you can look up the construction at their website. www.mgandbw.com.

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Bethesda, Md.: This didn't make it in last time - will try again.

Anyone know of a good source for free-standing bookcase headboards (full size, to use with a platform bed)?

Jura Koncius: Hmm. That is not great feng shui. You might sleep badly because you will subconsciously be feeling that the books may fall down on your head!!! What do others think?

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Light-challenged in Va.: I'm looking at different bathroom wall sconce options - how do you decide if you want upward or downward facing? The upward opening seems like less potential for light bulb glare, but with downward facing seems like you'd get more light. Right now the bare lightbulbs are embedded in a row across the top of the medicine cabinet that needs replacing.

Annie Groer: Get rid of those uglies, yes indeed. I like down-facing light so I can see what I'm doing when putting on makeup.

You can get good-looking bar lights with stylish glass shades that don't look like a cheesy dinner-theater dressing room.

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Chicago, Ill.: I work with Electrolux and we have a new 2-in-1 cordless vacuum with a built-in hand vacuum - perfect for quick clean-ups and for getting in small spaces.

Annie Groer: Thanks for the pitch, and for disclosing that you work for the company.

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Has anyone used "Mystic" no-VOC paint: Have seen ads for it in a couple of design mags I recently picked up. Wondering if anyone has experience?

Annie Groer: Poster painters? Yeas and nays, please.

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Helsinki, Finland (previously Cap Hill): Re: Farrow and Ball paint - My husband and I painted our 1908 condo using only Farrow and Ball paints. It took only one coat and has lasted well since we painted three years ago. Yes, it does cost more, but it is more than worth it. And we receive comments about the colors all the time. I cannot recommend it more.

Jura Koncius: Greetings Helsinki!! Thanks for this great review.

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Furniture: I'm evidently in possession of some mid-century Italian ladderback chairs maybe by Gio Ponti but definitely in the style of Gio Ponti. Their somewhat banged up and fixing them is probably going to cost more than they are worth, but the modernist fan who told me what I had insists it's worth it. I actually do really like them, but what do you think about decisions like this?

Annie Groer: I think you've been given some good advice. Take some digital pictures of a chair from all angles, including the underside of the seat which may still have some identifying markings, and send it to a local mid-century furniture dealer for a more positive ID. Sollo Rago auction house in Lambertville NJ does a lot of mid-century sales and they may be able to tell you what you've got and what the chairs could be worth. Good luck. At the very least, if you're not willing to invest in fixing them, you might want to put them up for auction or sell them on eBay or Craigslist.

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Allergies - Alexandria, Va.: RE: Allergies. Try using saline spray to rinse out your nose (and all the pollen) - it will help you breathe easier. You can buy it at the drug store or use a Neti-Pot from Whole Foods. Also avoid dairy products - they cause heavier mucus production (which you don't need with allergies).

Annie Groer: Who knew? Breathe easier without that milk mustache? You all so rock. Talk about repositories of wisdom.

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Annandale, Va.: For the poster asking about matching paint to Behr's colors. I have painted every wall in my house and used to use Behr. Then I used C2 for my kitchen and saw a huge difference in coverage. I just completed a 2-story addition and my contractor uses Duron paints and they are fabulous -- I can really tell a difference from the Behr.

Annie Groer: Thanks for all that info. Behr is among the most reasonably priced paint, which accounts for its popularity. But coverage can be an issue, as you have discovered.

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Washington, D.C.: Good morning.

I recently inherited a wonderful Empire Period parlor sofa in wonderful condition.

It does need new upholstery. But more important, it needs new springs (it probably has the original horse hair).

Can you recommend a very reputable upholsterer who can re-condition the springs in this wonderful family antique?

It may not be a lounge-around sofa, but I want it be used and enjoyed, as it has been for the past 150 years.

Thank you.

Jura Koncius: Termini and Termini at 301 468-0660 has been suggested to us for good reupholstery in Rockville. Also Spicer's in Alexandria 703 751-0320.

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Design House - a follow up comment: I'm not the original poster but I laughed out loud when I read the letters to the editor in the Home section this am. I understood - though not necessarily agreed - with the gentleman who is apparently a more strict preservationist. After interning for a historical site, I realized I didn't have the stomach for the politics of true preservation vs. modern preservation.

As for the reader who wanted mid century modern (MCM). UGH! I am so tired of seeing Barcelona chairs everywhere. And it didn't look like many of the designers at Kips Bay took to the MCM look and that apartment is in a mid century building. Maybe I'm wrong since I haven't seen it in person. Jura?

I loved the DC Design House - loved the write up in the paper last week and loved the house. Feeling a little sad for Annie though - did she miss both Kips Bay and the DC Design House?!? Annie to the Milan Furniture Fair!

washingtonpost.com: Design House Critics (Post Home Section Letters to the Editor, May 1)

Annie Groer: Thanks for the sympathy. I did see the Design House in Georgetown (but since I had to do the chat alone while Jura, Belle, Terri and Liz popped off to G'town ahead of me, they took all the rooms.) And I also checked out the Design Center's color showhouse... And Milan? Your lips to the publisher's ears, I say.

Jura will chime in separately about all this.

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Jura Koncius: Answering the posting about the lack of mid-century or modern design at show houses - Kips Bay had no real prevailing style - you might call it fantasy with low ceilings. You make a good point that the designers didn't even go to a modern look even with a 1952 building!

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Bookcase headboard: I would try Home Decorators. I definitely see the appeal in doing something like that. Great space-saver.

Jura Koncius: Here you go.

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Allergies: OMG, I have never had allergies as bad as this year. I have found -- and this seems counterintuitive as we head into the more humid months -- that running my a/c, but keeping my cool-mist ultrasonic humidifier going helps keep them down. That, and tumble-drying my curtains on the "air cycle" of my new steam-enabled dryer has seemed to help... doesn't hurt that I finally banished all dust-collecting mini-blinds from our house, in favor of curtains. BAD pollen.

Jura Koncius: I keep checking the pollen count - today it is high for Oak Pollen. Hope that is nearing the end of its cycle. Thanks.

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Annapolis, Md.: I know you get a lot of paint questions, so I hope you don't mind another one. I am a bit desperate, and your help would be truly, truly appreciated!! I am looking for a blue/gray color for the walls of my master bedroom - it's already blue now, but it's not what I really wanted (first room we painted after buying our first house) it's too blue and too bright... I would love a soft grayish/blue that would flow well with the other lighter blues and natural colors I have throughout my home. Thanks again in advance for answering another paint question!

Annie Groer: Paint...the world's biggest decorating dilemma.

Try Ben Moore's Buxton Blue or the slightly lighter Yarmouth Blue. Both are tinged with gray as is the equally yummy Wedgwood Gray.

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Bloomington, Ill.: In response to the allergy question -- I'd like to offer a tip. I currently work with Arm and Hammer and we have premium allergen vacuum bags that are allergist-recommended and really help!

Jura Koncius: I'm going to buy some at lunch. Thanks.

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Alexandria, Va.: Re: allergies - see your doctor or an allergist - there is a large arsenal of medications (some very new) that are very effective for the long or short term in battling hay fever.

I am about to refinish most of the hardwood floors in my house - I have never done this before. Any tips (before and/or after) for dealing with the mess?

Jura Koncius: We have an entire arsenal of drugs already. Unfortunately, it is still awful.

If you are going to refinish your floors, get ready for a mess - and lots of dust. Make sure the firm you use is reputable and will help move your furniture and put it back and will use lots of plastic to keep dust out of the rest of your house.

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Inexpensive Durable Patio Furniture: Try Overstock.com. Got a great table and chairs from there -- really affordable -- look great and seems pretty durable so far.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Behr paint match: Take the chip you want to match to Home Depot. Behr has a scanner you can use to match colors.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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washingtonpost.com: There's No Keeping Pollen Out, But Let's Try to Hold It Down (Post Home Section, April 12, 2007)

Jura Koncius: Thanks. That is very helpful!

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Silver Spring, Md.: As long as the book cases aren't more than four feet high, I think using them as a headboard of sorts would be fine. My parents had a bed with built in cabinets for the headboard. All of the cabinets had sliding doors that opened and closed. If the person can find cube units with sliding doors (doesn't Ikea make some of these?) you get both headboard and storage. The units below the bed could be for rarely used items.

Jura Koncius: That's funny. My parents had two shelves with sliding doors in back of their queen size bed. They bought it in the 1950s I think and it's walnut. My mom still sleeps in it! But it's only one shelf and its closed so it doesn't seem like something is hanging above your head!

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allergies: Use a nasal spray. There are some prescription formats, or you can buy the Zicam homeopathic spray at the drugstore. Or even just plain old saline nasal spray, also available at the drugstore. A spray helps relieve allergy symptoms by washing away the irritating pollen particles which get into your nasal passages.

Gross I know but trust me it helps.

Annie Groer: thanks...

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Enterprise, Ala.: Change your furnace filters and dust and vacuum every day. Pollen season is getting better here now... dog isn't as miserable!

Annie Groer: More good tips. And such a nice distraction from paint.

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Allergies: And if you're a big allergy sufferer, remember to change your A/C filters more often in spring! Also, get the ones that are really accordion-like - they trap stuff better.

And wipe your pets' feet before entering the house. They bring in all sorts of pollen.

Jura Koncius: Gus isn't allowed outside anymore so thank goodness I don't have to wipe his paws. I do have those 3M $16 air filters. I wonder how often you should change them? They say every three months, but I usually do two months as they seem to trap a lot of stuff. It gets expensive though.

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re: Bookcase headboards: I've lived with a bookcase headboard for 15 years now. I don't love the look of it, but can't deny its practicality in a small home with a lot of books. And we've never had any books fall on our heads, so no worries there.

I can't help with sources, though. My husband made the headboard with the help of a carpenter friend of his at the time.

Jura Koncius: So, you can sleep with books over your head!

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Mt. Rainier, Md.: Paint color question with a twist. I have an older detached garage with wooden doors dying to be painted. I'd like to pick a shade of white, but I don't want it to be stark, bright, in-your-face white. I also don't want to pick a white that looks too gray and dirty. The building has dingy white asbestos tiles. Any suggestions on a basic shade of white that will blend in?

Annie Groer: If the tiles are dingy, almost anything you choose will look off. Why not go for a real gray, to make it look like a design statement...

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Chevy Chase: Allergies and related question -- I've read that an air filter or air purifier (don't know if they are the same thing) at night can help. Question -- I'm thinking of buying one for my daughter's room, and wondering if anyone has recommendations. I'd prefer not to spend too much, of course! Thanks.

Jura Koncius: Any ideas on purifier brands?

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Annapolis, Md.: What is the best way to clean solid oak doors on kitchen cabinets? I dust them, but I think they need a better cleaning. I don't want to use soap and water on wood, nor do I want to use anything that will leave a residue, such as wax or polish. They are about 20 years old and in excellent condition so I do not plan to replace them. I just want to keep them in good condition.

Annie Groer: Dear Annapolis - Try a soft cloth you have dampened with warm water and a bit of vinegar to cut the kitchen grease.

Then dry carefully. It will be fine.

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Pollen: If you can, take your shoes off outside the house (and leave them outside) and change clothes when you come in.

Design question: What basic design book do you feel every library should have?

Jura Koncius: Wow. It sounds like we should live like astronauts or something in indoor space suits with booties!!!

Your question about a design library is hard to answer. Don't know exactly what you want to reference. Two of my favorite design books are by Mark Hampton. Mark Hampton on Decorating and Legendary Designers of the 20th Century.

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Allergies: I'm allergic to dust mites. I wash my sheets in a "demite" solution I got from National Allergy. I've heard you can also wash them with eucalyptus oil.

Annie Groer: And what might the demite recipe be...I've also heard you can kill dustmites in pillows by putting them in the freezer over night. Just remember to put the pillow in a plastic bag first.

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Prettiest blue gray green ever...: BM Wales Gray - I just did my bathroom in it, and love it.

Annie Groer: Thanks.

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Bookcase headboard -- Bad Feng Shui: Agree, have having the books above your head might feel uncomfortable! Feng shui purists would say don't have books in your bedroom at all, but as someone who commiserates about saving space... I got some really cool pyramid-shaped tall bookcases from Pier One a few years ago, and use them as nightstands! These are like 3-D shelves, with openings on all sides, and the top houses lamp, clock, etc. But you might be able to use ladder bookcases instead... keeps the room looking more open than the 80's-looking bookcases flanking a bed.

Cheers!

Jura Koncius: Love the pyramid shelf idea! What I love about feng shui is that so much of it is common sense.

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Allergies: If this is a perennial problem, see if find a local beekeeper and get a chunk of the comb to chew on. When you eat the honey and comb, you get a concentrated, but digested version of your local pollen. Somehow, it's in a form that allows your body to build resistance, but doesn't cause a reaction.

Some years are worse than others. We've had droughts for two years. So this year, with all the rain, the trees are doing some extra celebrating.

Annie Groer: Adrian, our resident garden guru and rather accomplished beekeeper himself, says this is true to a degree because ingesting local pollen gives your anti-bodies a boost.

Bzzzzzz.

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Kitty Resistant Fabric Help Needed!: I have a couch that needs to be re-upholstered (not slip-covered) More importantly, I have two wonderful, energetic cats with claws. Several years ago (before the cats joined our family) I re-upholstered the couch in an upholstery fabric that is sort of a heavy twill. But the cats' claws have taken a toll. They use the scratching posts and generally don't use the furniture to scratch, but they are not perfect! So now, I need a fabric that will be a bit more claw-resistant. Any ideas? I hate micro-fiber (it shows everything and is hot in the summer). So, any recommendations on what type of fabric might be more sturdy?

Jura Koncius: This question comes up again and again and the sad news is that different cats seem to love different types of fabrics. Leather is something you might consider. Also velvet or Ultrasuede. But there is no guarantee!

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Alexandria: Only one problem I could see in today's makeover - that kid is NEVER going to want to leave home!

Beautiful job.

washingtonpost.com: House Calls: A Room of Her Own (Post Home Section, May 1)

Jura Koncius: Ha!

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi Jura and Annie,

Loved today's piece on the upside of the housing slump -- a tiny bit of good news amidst the gloom. I'm hoping to take advantage of that and repaint the inside of my basic Washington center-hall colonial.

I'd like paint my living room, which gets a fair amount of light, a pale yellow and am looking at Duron's Lemon Chiffon or Full Moon. I'd also like to paint a dark north-facing bedroom upstairs the same color to brighten it up. What do you think of those shades and what white would you recommend for the trim?

Many thanks!

washingtonpost.com: An Upside to the Downturn (Post Home Section, May 1)

Annie Groer: I vote for Lemon Chiffon, with just a tad less beige. For trim, try Pure White Or Extra White. And thanks for the kind words about my story. It was fun to research.

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Southern Maryland: Re: the project bedroom today and displaying jewelry collection. I had a problem years ago when multiple strands of beads and pearls were in fashion. My jewelry boxes were a tangled mess. I bought a couple of those expandable mug racks with pegs (I think I found them at Pier 1 Imports). I nailed them to my bedroom wall over the dresser next to a mirror and have my beads and necklaces hanging from them. The teenager with the bohemian taste might consider that.

Annie Groer: Great Solution. And if you want it to "disappear," paint it the same color as the walls.

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Filtrete by 3M: Speaking of Filtrete and allergies, you can reduce allergy symptoms by using HEPA vacuum filters, then loose particles are trapped in the filter (not the air).

Annie Groer: Good idea. It is also suggested that you wash your hair before you go to sleep at night to keep pollen off your pillow (and out of your nose and lungs.)

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allergies and filters: Here's some advice from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (I work for them).

http://www.ashrae.org/education/page/1455#4

There's more at www.ashrae.org/consumer.

Basically, you change the filter when it gets dirty, or else you block airflow as well - all depends on your environment. And get one that is MERV 6 or higher.

Annie Groer: Wonderful.

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Springfield, Va.: My apartment has a white refrigerator that sticks out like a sore thumb because it's in the middle of the wall (kind of by itself) where everything else is beige or darker in my combined kitchenette/living room/dining room. The ceiling is 9 ft.

I have 2 beige kitchen towels on the front panel hanging from magnetic clips. I have a basket of flowers on top and thought ivy might be less noticeable. I can't put my ficus tree in front of it because it would be in the middle of the floor.

Any ideas about how to make this refrigerator less noticeable?

Jura Koncius: Remove the magnetic clips and the towels. This is too obvious a way to try and hide this. Actually, the funny thing is, there is no way to hide something that big! Do not be embarrassed that it is white - it's okay! There is such thing as refrigerator paint if you are really serious about this.

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Tirana, Albania: Good Morning - though it is late afternoon here. I will be moving back to Maryland in June (yeah!) and will need to repaint most of the rooms in my house in Silver Spring. Have been using BM Linen White for years with BM White Dove for the wood trim. I want to switch from Linen White to a warmer and deeper white. I always have a hard time with whites - they all look the same to me. Do you have any suggestions. Has anyone tried the new Aura Paint by BM? I want to stay with the White Dove wood trim. Miradije! (which is thanks in Albanian)

Annie Groer: Wow...you win the prize for most exotic dateline today. Try Cameo White by Ben. And please tell us all how to say "you're welcome" in Albanian. We might as well learn two new things today that are not allergy-related.

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Falls Church: Help!! I just moved to a new apartment and now I need a new shower curtain. The curtains I've seen in Target, Wal-Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and World Market are all understated, tasteful numbers. I'm not a tasteful kind of girl though. I want colorful and whimsical, preferably with teal and orange and bright fishies swimming though it. Can you help me?

Jura Koncius: I got my last one at Bloomingdale's. They had some fun ones. Any other ideas? I agree that the ones at the chain bed and bath places are usually boring.

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Pollen: As someone who grew up in DC and now lives in Texas, where people who have never had allergies in their lives get them, here's my two cents:

1. Good drugs. I like Claritin D, despite the rigamarole you have to go through to buy it these days.

2. Keep washing those pillow cases! I'd recommend keeping white ones on the pillows so the frequent washings won't fade them at a different rate from the sheets. (Sadder but wiser girl, that's me!)

3. Wash, or at least rinse, your hair before you go to bed. An allergist told me hair picks up a LOT of pollen during the day and lying down on your pillowcase with polleny hair just transfers it to the fabric, where it will be waiting when you roll over!

Annie Groer: Thanks...I already addressed tip No. 3, but the more info, the better.

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Can I boast about my cat?: Who uses a plain old oak log from a tree my dad took down to scratch. It sits on its own little rug and he's used it for six years now. People's jaws drop when he displays his talents -- and because he uses it instead of the furniture.

Jura Koncius: You must be so proud!!! Amazing.

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Ashton: Over 30 years ago we bought Tropitone outdoor furniture like the ones at our neighborhood pool. They have the powdered finish metal frame and vinyl strapping. They live outdoors year round (uncovered) and are still going strong!

Jura Koncius: WOW! What an endorsement!

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Alexandria: For the bookcase-headboard person: if there is space, why not try a 30" or 36" bookcase on either side of the bed? Use the shelf nearest the bed height as a night table. You could then have a really useful height for the bookcases and not worry about the books falling on the head problem. For the headboard proper, maybe something creative with MDF? Christopher Lowell has some good ideas in his books.

Jura Koncius: Love that.

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Michigan: Allergies - just started using Veramyst for my seasonal allergies. LOVE IT!! It's a prescription nasal spray that takes care of stuffy/itchy nose and itchy/watery eyes. Give it a try! (And no I don't work for a drug company, I'm just someone who has struggled with allergies all her life!)

Jura Koncius: Coughing is our problem. Maybe it would help with that!

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Paint Help!: Hello,

I am looking for a paint color for my living room. three large windows, but no natural light due to a big tree in the front yard. BM Barley was suggested, but it is too dark. The color looks great with the furniture (dark moss green) and rug (shades of green, gold, and maroon oriental) but is too dark given the lack of light. Any suggestions for a similar lighter color? Thanks much!

Annie Groer: Looking at the fandeck, I see your point. Try Ben's Woodmont Cream or Simply Irresistible. But before repainting, try replacing every light in your room, including overheads with higher wattage bulbs (use CFLs to save energy). And take a good look at that tree. It may be possible to prune some of the lower branches or at least thin out some deadwood for a bit more sunlight.

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Air Purifier: The Sharper Image sells a great one. Linens and Things sells the same model for less. I have it and love it.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Not a DIYer: After 40 years, the laminate of my desk top has come off the base. Is there a place that will reglue the laminate? The top is 3 by 6 feet.

Annie Groer: You can call a handyman service. Or you can get glue for laminate, a couple of inexpensive clamps to keep it in place while it dries (or a lot of very heavy books.)

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Re: White fridge: What's on either side of the fridge? Seems to me that the best thing to do is decorate in a way that it is not out there all on its own.

Jura Koncius: Maybe a bookshelf so it doesn't look so lonely? A large white object is hard to ignore.

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Springfield, Va.: My husband is a contractor and very often painters prefer only certain types of paints, for various reasons. It is not an indicator of a bad contractor, just indicates his/her own preference. My husband, for instance, will not use Behr paint for the above mentioned "coverage problems." Just wanted to stick up for contractors here... sometimes they get a bad reputation.

Annie Groer: Thanks...You are right. And I wasn't trying to diss contractors, because I've had my share of great ones. But it is kind of like a waiter telling you how you want your meat cooked. He may hate well-done (or nearly raw) steak but it's your dinner.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm thinking of recovering the seats of our dining room chairs (currently velvet) with something more kid-friendly, like faux suede or vinyl. The velvet is not looking great - we have three kids 6 and under, so durability is key. Just wondering what your take on this idea might be. Is this doable? Do you have any other fabric tips?

We use our formal DR every day for meals, cherry furniture and all, and it takes its toll! What I wouldn't give for a casual eating area!

Jura Koncius: I'm in your same boat. We use our antique cherry dining chairs every single day. I bought some fabulous leather at Discount Fabrics in Thurmont and had it put on my seats for a small fee. I think I got a whole Argentinian hide for $200 www.discountfabricsusa.com. The leather is wonderful and has held up with kids, cats, relatives etc. I had been replacing fabric every year or so. It's the best.

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Ellicott City, Md.: I need to reface my wood burning fireplace and don't know where to start. I am thinking of tiling over the very sooty red brick. What kind of contractor can help me with this project?

Annie Groer: Anyone who has experience with masonry and stone. You might want to go to a tile/stone place to get some ideas (and perhaps the name of someone who does a lot of fireplace work).

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Baltimore, Md.: For the refrigerator problem, you might try using it as display space to cut the white. It doesn't have to be crumpled kid art, you can make a "mosaic" of postcards (or whatever) by taping them together and using a few pretty magnets to hold it up. This works on the side as well as the front and can cover as much as you want. Or what about an arty poster in a dark color?

Jura Koncius: More ideas. Just don't turn the thing into a sort of junk-drawer for recipes, notes, artwork and pizza coupons.

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Frustrated: I've tried to post design questions about 5 different times in the last 3 months, and my questions never get taken, yet you are posting things about allergies? What gives?

Jura Koncius: Allergies are huge these days affecting the quality of our lives in our homes. We try and deal with lots of issues that affect our home life including paints, pets, allergies, upholstery, discount shopping, fabrics, etc.

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Blue Gray: I was looking for the same color and have settled on Duron's Sleepy Blue. I'm about to put it in my dining room, very excited. No green undertones if that's what you're looking for.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Lemon Chiffon: My in-laws have this color in several rooms, with white-white trim, and it looks very nice. It's a nice clear yellow. For another Duron option, we have a more ambery tone (I think it's Morning Moon? Something beach? This is from memory so maybe something else) in our living room and hall since 2001, and I still really like it. Pale yellow, you can't go wrong.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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for Springfield: Would bringing some other tall white thing into the room (I'm thinking curtains) balance the fridge?

Jura Koncius: Maybe?

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Cats scratching: My kitty destroyed one arm or my sofa even though I have a scratching post she also uses right behind the sofa. I moved the scratching post to the side of the sofa and she hasn't touched the arm since. I'm so mad at myself for not doing that earlier. I didn't want to have to look at the scratching post, so I was sort of hiding it. Now, I just put it away when company comes over.

Jura Koncius: Ugly scratching posts are hard to incorporate as part of your decor, but if the alternative is shredded furniture we must all get a little more humble!

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IMPORTANT!! re: Zicam: Don't use Zicam! They have a class action lawsuit against them because it causes a some of people to lose their sense of smell, permanently!

washingtonpost.com: Paying Through The Nose (Washington Post, Jan. 31 2006)

Jura Koncius:!!!

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Cleveland Park: Loved the House Calls today - especially the headboard!

I think I've seen discussion in the past about furniture shopping in Frederick, Va. - is that the correct city? I am looking for places with vintage (though not antique) furniture (especially bookcases) at reasonable prices. Do these stores in Frederick offer shipping ever? Thanks very much!

Annie Groer: Actually, you may be thinking of Fredericksburg, Va. (Frederick is in Maryland). Both cities have large collections of antiques and vintage furniture dealers (sort of a step or two up from a flea markets). I'm not sure about shipping...Somehow, the savings you'd realize having someone truck furniture 50 or 60 miles would defeat the purpose. Also check out Gerstel, which sells used office furniture in three locations:

584 N Frederick Ave

Gaithersburg, MD 20877 - Phone (301) 840-5395

Primarily Contemporary

4511-A Rhode Island Ave (Rte 1)

Brentwood, MD 20722 Phone (301) 927-2215

Clearance and Warehouse

2928-G Prosperity Ave Fairfax, VA 22031

Phone (703) 560-9339

Primarily Traditional

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State College, Pa.: Hi: What is a good paint color for a large kitchen that gets saturated with afternoon sun? The neighborhood landscape outside is central PA farmland -- green rolling lawns, large hills in the distance, a vista with a glorious sunset. HOT in the summer!

Jura Koncius: You are so lucky to have such a wonderful view!!! What about a Provencal yellow - Benjamin Moore's Provence Creme would be lovely! Enjoy!

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Washington, D.C.: Good morning, Annie and Jura.

Is it a bad idea to use glass as my kitchen counter top surface? I know that it is becoming popular to install recycled glass counter tops, but those are pieces of glass embedded in a concrete surface. I have a vision of solid glass that I think would be beautiful. Have you ever heard of anyone doing this? Is it a terrible idea?

Thanks for your help!

Annie Groer: We will post this today and hope for some good answers by next week.

Thanks for a great (and info-laden) chat.

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