Annie Groer and Jura Koncius
Washington Post Home Staff
Thursday, May 29, 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.
Staff writers Annie Groer and Jura Koncius take on all things home related. They were online taking questions Thursday, May 29.
A transcript follows.
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Annie Groer and Jura Koncius: Good morning all....and let's start with breaking news.
After 13 years at the Washington Post, Annie is leaving -- and tomorrow is her last day. She joins more than 100 seasoned colleagues here who are taking an "early retirement" but this is not to say she'll be putting her feet up and eating bon bons! No way.
She's got some magazine work lined up, is threatening to develop a blog and Jura wants to stage a decluttering intervention at the storage unit of her apartment.
It's been a total blast here, first doing gossip as the Reliable Source and, for the past nine years, writing about design, decor, architecture, organizing (there's a joke), 21st-century manners and, of course, paint.
Next week Jura will team up with the divine Terri Sapienza, and Home Front will continue to rock. So keep those questions coming.
Now, let's decorate.
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Arlington, Va.: I was looking at your organizing feature and I thought I'd offer a helpful tip for those trying to organize books. My husband has thousands of books and finally agreed that he would store most of them, so he uses this program on his Mac to catalogue them. You just hold up the upc label to the webcam on the computer and it finds the book and will display all the information on it, including a picture of the cover, into a database for you. He now stores the books in plastic boxes in the basement and can retrieve any of them easily just by looking it up in the database. He did about a thousand books in 2-3 five or six hour sessions, so it's pretty quick.
washingtonpost.com: Liz Seymour and Caitlin Shear's attic organizing project continues (washingtonpost.com Home and Garden Section)
Annie Groer: wow....how brilliant is that. methinks he could probably start a home-based biz doing that for the book-laden, digitally challenged among us. and you save a ton of money on bookcases while liberating a lot of space.
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Jura Koncius: Hey everyone. The day has come. The Annie and Jura show is ending... I am SOOO sad that Annie is taking the Great Washington Post Buy-Out... We've had a great run together online, in print, on radio, and TV since 1999. Annie's going to be doing some wonderful new things. And I'm going to continue chatting with you all with my super colleague Terri Sapienza who will be joining us next week at 11 a.m.
Meanwhile, let's go.
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Annapolis, Md.: My question did not get answered last week, so I'm trying again. Several weeks ago, I asked if anyone had experience with Home Decorators Collection. In last week's House Calls, the designer actually used some products from Home Decorators Collection. Should I take this as a recommendation, and should I assume that the designer has experience with their products?
Jura Koncius: We will post this again. Home Decorators Collection is brought up frequently in our chats... people seem to like it and its prices. Anyone out there today want to chime in?
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Cleveland, Ohio: I look forward to your chats every week! Is it possible to paint a Formica countertop? I seem to think I've read this somewhere. Also, if I went with stainless steel countertops, what would be the care requirements?
Thank you!
Annie Groer: The answer is yes, but...from two authorities.
This is from paintstore.com.
Most plastic laminates can usually be painted, for a temporary inexpensive change of color, by lightly sanding and priming with a primer designed for hard, non-porous surfaces. Topcoat with a product suitable for the abuse the surface will take. HOWEVER, kitchen countertops and other food preparation surfaces where there will be direct food contact, should only be painted with coatings that meet the FDA requirements for use in these areas. These products are usually expensive, two component materials, so it's usually cheaper to just replace the laminate.
*Note from BobVila.com:
There are several options for food-safe sealers. A couple are formulated by a Canadian based company "PolyVal" and "Xymax." A USA distributor of their urethanes is in Chicago, IL. They have every type of special purpose urethane that the industrial/commercial resurfacing industry could ever need (even those for chemical containment areas). PolyVal/Xymax are the only company I know of in the North America continent that have the ability to add "Microban" to their formulations (that "prevents" the growth of recoil, salmonella, and other types of germs) on surfaces. If you would like to speak with their representative as to the urethanes call 800-203-9131. You can also find many safe sealers at the home improvement chains (Lowe's or Home Depot) Be sure to read the labels and insure they are graded for food preparation surface.
Now for stainless counters...I had them in my 50s house - put in by the builder - and loved them...talk about impervious. yes, they scratched a bit, but that only created a patina over the decades. And I never thought twice about putting down hot, heavy pots, slicing stuff without a cutting board, etc. If you can afford it, go for it. It's utilitarian and cool looking.
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Lusby, Md.: What type of maintenance is required for laminate flooring? I want to install it but I just want a heads-up on the routine maintenance. I have heard from co-workers that real wood flooring requires a lot of upkeep.
Also, should I go with granite countertops or a nice-looking laminate?
Jura Koncius: Laminates require just soap and water cleaning... they are very easy. Wood finishes can dull and stains can set in. But they are classy looking, no doubt. Granite vs laminate is often a choice made on cost. Granite is usually considered a top end choice with laminates just below. But some people like the look of laminates better than stone.
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Modern Shed: My husband and I saw them used on Small Space, Big Style first then in a recent edition of Ready Made Magazine. We would love to have one or two to put on some land we inherited.
Annie, you will be missed, here on the chat. I'm still decluttering and not shopping.
Jura Koncius: We will ALL miss her and her wonderful sense of style, her whimsical nature and her LOVE of STUFF!!!!!
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Chevy Chase: I moved to a new (to me) house in Chevy Chase last year, and have been a chat regular with numerous paint/decor/etc questions, so THANKS!!! Annie for the great advice and enjoy whatever you do afterwards. If you do start a blog, I hope Jura will let us know about it!
And I'm thrilled the chats are going to continue with the just as wonderful Jura!!
Jura Koncius: Yes, I will definitely let you know about it. Annie and I are friends for life.
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Leesburg, Va.: My project for this weekend is to paint the inside of the built-in bookcases in my living room in an accent color (BM Moroccan Red -- pretty brave for me!). I'm thinking I should only paint the back wall. Should I paint the side walls also or leave those their original cream color?
Annie Groer: Side walls too. I just came back from St. Michael's where I am doing a story on a really cool designer who painted her bookcase interiors vivid red, the backs and sides. They are a knockout. The sides give added depth, even though most of the color is obscured by books or tchotchkes. Go for it.
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Logan Circle: Good morning Annie and Jura! 2 things: First, I just adored today's House Calls. It was such a stylish use of the space and definitely the kind of guest bedroom/office I would like to both stay and work in. Kudos to the decorator.
Second, I have a paint question (your fave!). I'm trying to find a nice, "warm" white to go over the flat contractor paint in my apartment. I have 12-18 ft ceilings throughout so there's a lot of wall to cover, and I'd like to find something that will work well with the colors already in play; Behr's Flint Smoke, Oat Straw, Aubergine and a smattering of Wildflower behind an open-back bookcase. Any thoughts?
washingtonpost.com: House Calls: A Case of Split Personality (Post Home Section, May 29)
Annie Groer: Try Martha Stewart's Lemon Chiffon -- her Valspar paint line for Lowe's. It's creamy and rich and should work all over.
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Home Decorators: After years and years and years of getting their catalogues and contemplating purchases, I finally bought a bookcase from them. It's good quality for the price ($140-ish for a 60"x24") and was easy to assemble.
I suspect their products come from a wide variety of manufacturers, though, so I'd guess it's hit or miss.
Jura Koncius: That's good news.
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Home Decorator's Collection: My daughter has a Chinese chest bought from them about eight years ago when she was in college. It has survived five moves well and she still get compliments on it, inquiries about where it was purchased.
I subsequently have bought several items and have been quite pleased. They're a good source of value for the money. And let's not forget we're not out there burning gasoline to peruse their inventory!
Jura Koncius: Love the green aspect. Yes, shopping online does save gas, although the item does have to be delivered to your door through some means... The Chinese chest sounds cool.
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Arlington, Va.: Many thanks for your suggestion to contact Furniture Medic about restoring my grandmother's bedroom set. They did a wonderful job and were very easy to deal with. Now I need to find bedding for the four-poster bed. I'm leaning towards getting a bedspread instead of a comforter but I haven't found anyplace that sells bedspreads long enough to reach the floor on a four-poster. Or do I just have to get a regular bedspread and add a bedskirt? I'd love any suggestions.
Jura Koncius: So glad Furniture Medic worked out. I have a cherry four poster bed myself. I have a dust ruffle that was custom made by Calico Corners and I've had it for like 12 years now and still love it. It is in a Clarence House mocha colored floral chintz once used by the Duchess of Windsor, or so the story goes. But I digress...I think that the look of a bedskirt is the best for a four poster. Putting a bedspread that hangs so far would look a bit - well - sloppy. Dust ruffles abound if you can find one in the length of your bed, otherwise sew one yourself if you dare or get one made in a fabric you love.
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Lamp cord from last week: Just an update: my father thinks that a floor outlet is a marvelous idea to eliminate the lamp cord straggling across the floor, so thanks to the chatter who suggested it. (My parents have hardwood floors, so installation shouldn't be a problem.) Now I just have to get my contractor husband to install it in his copious free time! And they've taken up a couple of other rugs to keep my mother from tripping. Thanks much!
washingtonpost.com: Well, I for one am relieved to hear it.
Jura Koncius: Yeah!!!
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Silver Spring, Md.: Posting early because I have a meeting.
My boyfriend is completing a spare bedroom in his house which I hope to live in one day. He said he would prefer something with just a hint of green. I like the color used in today's office/guest bedroom makeover. In the picture it's hard to tell the true color same for online. Do you think the color would be good for a small bedroom with 1 small window?
Annie Groer: It's a bit dark. But if you like the olive undertones, go a shade lighter with Ben Moore's Mellowed Ivory or an even paler White Marigold, a flower which garden guru Adrian Higgins has never heard of so it probably doesn't exist.
Maybe in my next life I can become a paint color namer.
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For Lusby, Md: I work with Pergo and laminate floor is a great choice because not only is laminate floor easy to maintain but Pergo's collections also click in together for easy installation.
Annie Groer: Love the full-disclosure testimonials.
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Southern Maryland: To the poster in neighboring Lusby re laminate flooring -- I have had my kitchen/work area, bathroom, and living room re-done with laminate flooring and love it. It only needs a damp mop cleaning (not sopping wet, merely damp) to keep it clean. I keep a spray bottle of vinegar/water mix to do spot clean ups. There are several flooring specialty stores in our County -- I've dealt with three and have had good luck with all of them.
Hint for scatter rugs -- get one of those webbed rubber backing mats to keep them from sliding on you laminate floors.
In fact, I'm planning on getting the bedrooms done to get rid of carpeting and make the whole house carpet-free.
Annie Groer: Thanks.
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washingtonpost.com: Liz Seymour and Caitlin Shear's attic organizing project continues (washingtonpost.com Home and Garden Section)
Jura Koncius: I love this series. My attic is a MESS!! This will be my project when my son leaves for college in the fall. Liz and Caitlin are showing me what to do.
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Home Decorators, too: About ten years ago, I bought a couple of folding chairs from them to match our dining room chairs (the ubiquitous "harp" back pattern). They weren't cheap, but they've done really well for us.
Jura Koncius: Great. Thanks.
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Arlington, Va.: Sorry to see Annie go but wish her the best of luck. Is there any place to see a list of the other Posties who will no longer be with us?
Thanks.
washingtonpost.com: No comprehensive list I know of, but several are named in this recent article: More Than 100 Post Journalists Take Buyout (Washington Post, May 23)
Annie Groer: I am definitely in very good company, and very sad to be leaving those who remain, most especially the incomparable Jura. We're sort of like Cagney and Lacey podmates.
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Arlington, Va.: We have lots and lots of ugly metal railing in our townhouse and would like to replace it with wooden handrails and metal balusters. Do you know anyone who does this kind of work and where we could find the supplies? Home Depot does not have much selection and I am hesitant to buy this stuff online.
Best of luck, Annie!
Annie Groer: Thanks...try Smoot Lumber Company
(703) 823-2100 stockbuildingsupply.com
6295 Edsall Rd, #20, Alexandria, VA 22312
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Arlington, Va.: Could you recommend places in Arlington to purchase a rug pad for a large Persian carpet? When I lived in D.C., I use to go to David Zahirpour on Wisconsin Avenue but would like to find a place closer by.
Jura Koncius: I have ordered terrific pads online from Green Front. They have a store in Manassas and Farmville. www.greenfront.com. You can call in your dimensions, charge it and they will mail it to you. It is really great padding.
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Leesburg, Va.: Regarding the red bookcase interiors: Thank you so much! I can't wait to get started. Any idea when we will see Annie's story on the St. Michael's decorator?
Jura Koncius: soon...
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Experience with Home Decorators: I purchased a moderately priced 5 x 8 rug from Home Decorators about 8 years ago and still love it. It was purchased for a bathroom (really BIG bathroom) in a previous house and has migrated to other rooms in our current house. But the quality is good and I still love it.
Jura Koncius: Good reviews for this place today.
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Silver Spring, Md.: Just moved into a new (to me) house. Looking to paint the guest room a deep turquoise color to play off the dark wood "antiques" (hand me downs). Any recommendations from Behr? Is this too extreme for a medium sized guest room?
Annie Groer: You're asking a woman who is wearing a screaming turquoise linen shirt and aqua Lucite earrings today, so I say paint away. Check out Behr's Surfer, Tropical Tide or Shallow Sea. And make the trim a very crisp white white, with no yellow undertones.
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University Park, Md.: Loved the porch story! We have one, too, and have never been tempted to enclose it. Out house is not large, but outdoor-ish space is very precious.
Your House Calls story today hit home, too. We are losing a son (to an out-of-state job) but finally gaining a guest room. The question is whether we have to take down the wallpaper, which went up before he was born and is still in great shape. It's pastel but not nursery-themed; it looks like marker scribbles (blue, pink, yellow green) on white, in a geometric pattern. The ceiling is yellow and the trim is white. Can we keep the wallpaper, and use solid bedspreads and curtains? If it matters, the twin beds are mahogany and we're shopping for more furniture.
washingtonpost.com: A Breath of Fresh Air (Post Home Section, May 29)
House Calls: A Case of Split Personality (Post Home Section, May 29)
Jura Koncius: If you are using this place as a guest room and the wallpaper looks good, why not? Just pick out some colors to accessorize with. I loved the porch story too and I have screened porch envy.
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Pigtown: Annie... all of the very best wishes for a new and successful portion of your life. It's been great fun chatting with you all these years. I am very sorry to see you leaving, but know that your spot at the computer on Thursday mornings will be capably filled by Terri!
Bon Chance!!
Annie Groer: Ah, Pigtown...hail and farewell. It's been a blast yakking with you and all the other regulars (are you lurking, Alicia?) I've learned as much from all of you as you have gleaned from us. So we'll all just keep on feathering our nests.
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Austin, Tex.: You've previously suggested a vinegar solution for cleaning cabinets in the kitchen. Great idea, but I can't stand the smell of vinegar! I know it dissipates but -gag-. So, is it safe to clean my oak cabinets with a green cleaner, like Seventh Generation? Any alternative suggestions? Thanks!
washingtonpost.com: Here's a piece Jura did last year on "green" cleansers: Green is Cleaning Up (Post Home Section, April 19, 2007)
Annie Groer: Hope this helps.
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Fairfax, Va.: I have a long and somewhat narrow bathroom and am thinking of installing beadboard (either wood or vinyl) on the lower part of the walls. Would it look appropriate in a Colonial-style home? Also, do you or any of your readers have any negatives or bad experiences with beadboard?
Annie Groer: Beadboard is such a classic it will look fine. Okay, bathroom make-over artists, let's hear from you...
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"Little" Washington (N.C.): Annie -- bon voyage to you and a hearty thanks for your expertise and enthusiasm.
You and Jura have changed the way I approach decorating and especially in regards to paint.
There seem to be many of your readers who prefer a particular paint brand when they ask for your help. Here's a quick tip I use all the time.
Go to http://www.colorcharts.org. Use the search function at the top and enter "your color". It will return all the paints named that color by their manufacturer. Click on "yours" and then hit "match this color". You results will show all colors close to "your color" by percent match and brand.
The color renditions on monitors are not true of course but it's a great way to research at home before trips to retailers.
Thanks ladies for how much you help (and entertain) us.
Jura Koncius: Wow This is such a lovely message - and a terrific tip. We will have to print out this chat for Annie and laminate it for her scrapbook.
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D.C.: Good morning ladies -
I currently have carpet in my basement and am not happy with it. I would like to put down laminate flooring but question how well you think it will work in a basement. I guess tile would be best but it just seems too cold to me.
Jura Koncius: Does your basement ever flood? If so, we would suggest FLOR carpet tile...
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Where to get storage shelves?: I'm looking for storage shelves - the freestanding metal rack type that you see in garages and pantries. The ones at Container Store are too expensive for me (between $325-$500 each). I also tried Bed Bath and Beyond, and their shelves are too short. Do you know who else sells this type of shelving?
washingtonpost.com: Target?
Jura Koncius: Doesn't Ikea have this kind of stuff? I bought plain pine wood shelving at Ikea about 20 years ago and it is still sitting in my basement storing STUFF. Also Lowe's or Home Depot.
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Ceiling Fan Help, Please!: So we have decided to put a ceiling fan in our relatively small kitchen, to help deal with the summer heat as much as possible without air conditioning (hello summer heating bills!). Our challenge: finding a clean-line style of fan that also takes CF bulbs (why the romance with halogen bulbs, fan companies?), and is not more than 42" in diameter.
It would be nice if it didn't cost more than $150, either.
Is all of that too much to ask? I love the fans from Modern Fan Co (especially the Ball style, with light), but oh the sticker shock. Any tips? Or should I just save up for the perfect, expensive fan?
Annie Groer: If you're not going with A/C, I vote that you save for something fab, and justify paying the extra with money not spent on cooling.
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Alexandria, Va.: I'm submitting way early, but hope you'll take my question.
Do you, home reno mavens, have any recommendations for quality cabinet refacing companies in the Va. area? Or do your wise readers?
Thanks and LOVE your chats!!
Annie Groer: Ok out there??
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Madison, Wis.: Hi ladies -- love your chats, columns, and general expertise on home matters. Hoping you can help me out. I have a rectangular living room, about 18 by 14, open to the dining room, with three large windows. I can't decide between doing a white bead board topped with a light blue paint or a chair rail with a darker, royal-ish blue on the bottom and a lighter blue on top.
Thoughts?
Annie Groer: I vote for chair rail and two blues. It will be easier and way less expensive and time-consuming if you decide to change, update or remove the beadboard later.
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Silver Spring, Md.: Annie, we'll miss you!!!
I've passed your suggestion of Ben Moore's "Palladian Blue" to just about everyone I know. And it turns out to be perfect for them.
I look forward to the blog!
Jura Koncius: yeah.
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Leesburg, Va.: Want to replace my worn hallway stair carpeting. I want the new carpeting to be wool with a print (camouflages dirt!). I also like geometric design, Greek key, etc. Does anyone know of a source who has an extensive selection and does the installation?
Jura Koncius: Carpet Palace in Bethesda. They have lots of remnants they can use on your stairs. Lots of decorators go there.
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Enterprise, Ala.: RE: wood cabinets - Murphy's Oil soap is great! Sorry to see the Dynamic Duo of Decor split up!
Jura Koncius: Boo hoo. This is getting sadder and sadder.
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For Arlington, Va.: I work with Trex, have you ever thought of using composite railing instead of wood? Our Artisan Series Railing comes in a variety of colors with the look of painted wood. It is also low maintenance and is made out of recycled material.
Jura Koncius: Thank you Trex person.
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Paint Color Names: Help. I'm trying to find paint for bed and guest room and I find that I'm easily swayed by the names. Tahitian Blue will win out over, say, Madison Blue (I made those up) every time no matter that Madison Blue is more what I'm looking for. Is it just me, or are others living vicariously through paint color names?
Jura Koncius: My neighbors just put up an unbelievable shed made by Amish in Bucks County. They painted it James Brown.
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Kitchen cabinets: I just got two quotes to update my fairly small kitchen (no knocking down walls, just replacing cabinets, floor, and some appliances) and the quotes were about double what I want to pay!! In light of that, I'm considering two options -- first, the Ikea kitchen route, and second, keeping the existing cabinets, which are good quality but not lovely (white, probably from the 1970s or 80s). My question relates to option 2 -- are there companies that will clean, really really clean cabinets? I have a good cleaning woman, but this task may be beyond her.
Second, any input on Ikea kitchens would be helpful, particularly on the process and how to go about finding an installer. Thanks!!
Annie Groer: Question one...Many professional cleaning services will do a really deep clean. In fact, I've just hired one to totally scrub, dust and polish every inch of my condo as a gift to myself since I'll be working from home.
I've got an Ikea kitchen, and so does my Food Section colleague, Walter Nicholls. I used my own contractor, he put his together himself. With both love the product. Ikea may recommend installers, but I'd also check with friends, neighbors, your local list-serv to see if they can suggest a good contractor (many of whom are hungry for work in this housing bust).
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Clifton, Va.: My bro had Pergo installed in his kitchen remodel. I said with an 8 y.o. and a dog and a messy spouse who cooks, go with linoleum. She wanted Pergo. Well the Pergo scratched, dented, stained and warped and it's now gone and he has linoleum. Yeah, the real stuff. Real wood in kitchen would be easier to repair but has some of the same issues.
Know the downsides of your flooring choice.
Jura Koncius: Clifton... wow...
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Painting a bookcase: Sorry to hear that the Dynamic Duo is breaking up. Good luck on your new venture!
Regarding painting a book case, what kind of paint do you use and how do you keep it from sticking to books and thing long after it has dried? When we moved in our bookcase had been painted weeks before so we put things on the shelves, only to find that things would stick. Even some time later it is still doing it. What to do?
Annie Groer: Clearly, you need to make sure the bookcases are fully dry.
It may pointing a fan at them for a day or two (keeping windows open in springtime might just permanently coat the sticky paint with pollen). Or turn on a dehumidifier, A/C.
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Beadboard: We have beadboard in 2 of our bathrooms - the walls in both were a mess when we moved in and the beadboard covers a multitude of issues. We have one bath that is about halfway up the wall, and another that is 3/4 up. The 3/4 up has a shelf running across the top as well. The 1/2 wall just has chair rail molding. I'm going to do this in my Alexandria basement that just flooded. I'm curious about the vinyl beadboard. I hadn't heard of it before, but it seems well suited for a recently flooded basement. I've ripped out the soggy drywall, and will go up to about chair rail height with the beadboard. Seems like it would be easier to keep dry. How does that sound to you?
Annie Groer: Sounds good to me. Vinyl fencing, railing and other "wood looking" elements are really gaining in popularity. Two things to consider: It may not take paint well, or at all.
And it is a petro-chemical so it may cost way more than you might imagine. However, this is why we all recycle our grocery bags, no? So they become Trex decking and other plastic wood products.
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storage shelves: Target and Lowe's both have these and do have them as sale items with some frequency. I have seen the five shelf version (about thirty inches wide) for approximately seventy dollars.
Jura Koncius: good deal
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Germantown, Md.: Hi Ladies,
I've been replacing my appliances one by one and originally chose white. I'm left with the refrigerator on its last legs, and am thinking about the brushed stainless. Is that odd to have one stainless appliance?
Thanks for the input!
Jura Koncius: No not really. Stainless and white are neutrals in my book.
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Silver Spring: Annie, Annie... Please don't go! (Or perhaps take us with you???). I've spent a wonderful few years lurking.
On another note completely... I'm feverishly finishing a "minor" home expansion, and wondered if anyone has dealt with those cracks where beadboard meets pedestal sink? How did they eliminate the toothpaste-in-the-crevices problem?
thanks!
Annie Groer: By using a high quality caulk and a really good putty knife.
Or by custom-crafting and painting a wooden shield.
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Leesburg, Va.: Re: Painting the Bookcases -- Duron makes a particular paint for the shelves that is like an oil-based paint in that books don't stick, but it is latex so cleaning up is simple. I don't remember what it is called, but I do remember that it is more expensive, but worth it! The Duron guys knew exactly what I wanted even though I didn't know the product name.
For painting the inside walls red, I chose a satin finish over gloss because I didn't want any shine to reflect back at me. Can anyone weigh in my decision?
Annie Groer: This is why we love you all...The voices of experience.
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Antiquing in Frederick : Love your advice . . frequent lurker w/a question. Friends of mine just bought a fabulous antique mahogany table and chairs at a store/dealer in Frederick. I love the wood of their table and the quality of the construction but would love something more w/more modern lines. . Any suggestions about what to look for either at antique stores (i.e., what period of furniture) or good places around here. I really don't like many of the typical furniture stores as the quality isn't great and everything is so cookie cutter.
Annie Groer: There are a number of local places that carry mid-century modern pieces, which may interest you. In Tenleytown, check out
Good Eye 20th Century Interior
www.goodeyeonline.com
4918 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 244-8516
Go on line to www.cantilevermodern.com, which is run by two local dealers, and check their stuff.
Annie Groer: also check out
Metropolitan Interiors in Georgetown.
1531 33rd St. NW,
Washington, D.C. 20007
Hours: Thurs-Sun 12-5:30, or by appointment.
Phone number: 202.333.4663
Email: info@metro-interiors-dc.com
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Jura Koncius: I can't believe the end is near for Annie and Jura. But I did want to leave you with some news of Jura and Terri. Terri is a fab writer and has a real eye for great design. She grew up in Silver Spring and went to the old Immaculate High School and then JMU. She has been at the Post for 11 years. She describes her taste as classic and traditional at the core, but she loves pops of color. She says her fashion style is her home style. She does love neutrals and loves shopping. So she and I are looking forward to flipping paint chips together and giving you the best info we can on how to make your place look good. Also, I must tell you, I can't wait to get rid of the photo of Annie and me that has run for several years on this chat. Both of us look MUCH BETTER and YOUNGER than that. So stay tuned...
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Ceiling Fan Help Thanks: OK, thanks for the encouragement. I will work on talking my husband into The Perfect Fan. He likes the Modern Fans, too--shouldn't be too hard.
NOT that we'll be going without AC altogether--we're in North Carolina, and I am not that much of a glutton for punishment.
Annie, thanks so much for the informative and entertaining chats. I've lurked here for years to much pleasure and edification.
I look forward to more of the same with the new Home Front team
Annie Groer: And you'll get it. Terri is a star, and Jura, well what can I say. She is the reigning empress.
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Beadboard: It's great. We plan to use it on an upstairs bathroom. Go for the plastic, however, because toothpaste splatter, hair spray and other stuff will get stuck in the crevices and someone needs to be able to clean it out!
Jura Koncius: Hmmm.
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free standing metal shelving: free standing metal shelving: Sam's. Costco. BJ's. Lowe's. These are everywhere.
Jura Koncius: Super.
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washingtonpost.com: A Rare Pair Plucked From the Bargain Pile (Post Home Section, Oct. 25, 2007)
Annie Groer: Our divine chat producer, Elizabeth Terry, whom I already miss and still haven't left yet, just posted this link to Metro Interiors. Go ET!!
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D.C.: Soon-to-be first time homeowner here - we really like the Pottery Barn Benjamin Moore paint line but have a sneaking suspicion it's going to be pricey. Any suggestions for Benjamin Moore-like colors from another company? Thanks.
Jura Koncius: You know, if you like the color it's really not that much more money - you get a lot of coverage in a gallon. Behr paint is highly rated as well.
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For Lusby, Md: : In response to Clifton, Va.: Laminate is known for its extreme durability as well as realistic look. I am very surprised to hear about your brother's experience with it - this is not the usual case.
Jura Koncius: Thanks Lusby.
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For Leesburg, Va.: : I painted red accent walls in my apartment and also with a satin finish. I agree with your decision 100%.
Jura Koncius: Yeah.
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storage shelves: Gorilla racks from Costco (if they still carry them). Very sturdy.
Jura Koncius: Grrr..
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Silver Spring Md.: Hi, I'm sorry to see Annie go... I really enjoy this discussion and often come away with great ideas! I hope she will come and visit.
I also liked today's House Calls and the article on screened porches. We have an empty screened porch that gets lovely breezes, and we are on a tight budget. Any suggestions of how to make it cozy on the cheap?
I envision long naps on a couch and small dinner parties. But the couches and cushions with 'outdoor fabric' are quite pricey...
Annie Groer: Since screened porches are partially protected, you don't need outdoor furniture. You can check estate and yard sales, thrift shops, etc. And outdoor/indoor fabric can be bought at deep discount in several places...
Haute, in Middleburg, which ET is about to post a link for, and Discount Fabrics USA in Thurmont (www.discountfabricsusa.com) Take a friend of two to split the cost of gas.
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Is that odd to have one stainless appliance? : My mom has the opposite - all stainless and a white fridge. It looks fine. I think mixing stainless with white, or stainless with black looks good. It's when you mix black and white, or three different colors that it starts looking odd.
Jura Koncius: Agreed.
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Ashton, Md.: Laminate in basement: Major Red Flag! If you ever get more than a very small amount of water on the floor, you risk it seeping under the laminate, soaking the padding, and sitting there until your walls wick it up and mold invades. Have been through a major, major redo shortly after that big 8-inch rainstorm a few years ago, and it was an incredible nightmare.
Annie Groer: Oh, talk about feeling your pain. Thanks for the other side (the dark, dank side) of the picture.
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North Dakota: I have floor to ceiling oak bookcases. Not wanting to paint the wood, I cut tagboard to fit and painted that. It's removable and I was able to dry the paint outdoors for complete drying and no odor.
Annie Groer: Whoa, ND, there's a brilliant suggestion.
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Kitchen remodel: For the person who can't afford all new cabinets: I ordered replacement cabinet doors for my kitchen, and I applied iron-on edgebanding on the trim. It cost under $2000 for a small kitchen.
Annie Groer: Another excellent solution.
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washingtonpost.com: Sales Talk (Post Home Section, May 22)
Annie Groer: Thanks....good fabric source, and amazing trim. Alas, the sale is over, but her stuff is great. And if you don't want designer fabric, check out the inexpensive cottons and denims at all the major fabric chains. Think tropicals, stripes, plaids, florals, anything fun to perk up a porch and make it more homey. And don't forget, you may want to paint the ceiling a pale blue...an old Southern tradition for open porches and the interior roofs of Chesapeake Bay watermen's boats...the color is said to be a natural mosquito repellant.
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Antique-modern look: Try the Hunted House and a couple of other places in the U Street Corridor. Ruff and Ready comes to mind. It is open only on the weekends.
Annie Groer: Good places, all.
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Mom of Three Cats: Hey ladies, I know it's late, hope you have a chance to answer my question. I am moving in with my husband-to-be in a few months and he owns two pieces of leather furniture: a recliner and a couch. What suggestions do you have for anti-cat measures? Draping blankets over my non-leather couch works just fine, but I'm trying to come up with anti-cat measures that will not sacrifice the look of the room (too much). Any thoughts? Thanks so much.
Jura Koncius: Never too late for a cat question. Not all cats love leather. But you don't wait to find out when it's too late. I would introduce your cats to the leather and watch their reaction. Or you could get some of that anti-cat spray from the start to let them know they aren't to go near them. My sister keeps aluminum foil on her living room furniture to keep her cats off. It looks so charming, but I guess it works. Blankets are a good alternative and are more attractive.
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Bookcase paint again...: That's funny about the pollen. Seriously though, it has been a year and I am wondering if it is the kind of paint or the prep. We are thinking of repainting and want to do it the right way. Is there one kind of paint to use for bookcases? Do we use a sealer? This sticking happens in all kinds of weather and we don't have a dampness problem in the room.
Annie Groer: It may well be the kind of paint...Check the previous bookcase posting. If that is no help, consult your local paint store. A year is way too long.
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Jura Koncius: I think Annie will say her goodbyes in a separate posting. Just wanted to say that she has been an incredible colleague and friend over the years. She is a terrific reporter and witty writer - and she knows every flea market and dealer in town. I will definitely keep you guys up on what Annie is doing, as it's going to be fab. Meanwhile, I'm going to miss her terribly.
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D.C.: What's the difference between having a poster custom-framed, and just buying a correctly sized frame and putting the poster in it? Custom framing is so much more expensive, so what's the benefit from doing it?
Annie Groer: The difference is in the materials. A really expensive or cherished piece of art (including vintage posters, photos, drawings, paintings, etc) should be mounted on acid-free board with acid-free hinges, under an acid-free mat to keep the original work from discoloring or fading. And if you get any kind of sunlight in the room at all, you "should," say the experts, use glass or plexi that is specially coated to block out Ultra-Violet rays from the sun and from artificial light. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars doing this, compared to a fraction of that cost for regular paper, mat board, backing, adhesive hinges and window glass.
Hope that helps.
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Alexandria: Quick warning - for a screened porch, oh yes you DO need outdoor furniture! We adore our screened porch but when a storm comes up, nearly every bit of it will get rain on it. This is in the Outer Banks so those big storms come up frequently. Regular indoor furniture would be ruined in short order.
Jura Koncius: Good warning.
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Southern Maryland: Today's House Calls makeover would cost the Perez family over $15,000, not counting the Benjamin Moore paint job. Get real. How many people can afford to redecorate one room at that price? Oh, that's right -- the decorators get a cut from the suppliers and they really don't give a damn how much the furniture costs. And this is the Washington Post -- readers who drive SUVs, send their kids to private school, take their toddlers to a beauty spa for chemical peels and bikini waxing.
I certainly wouldn't hire Ms. McGough to re-do my house.
washingtonpost.com: House Calls: A Case of Split Personality (Post Home Section, May 29)
Annie Groer: I couldn't sign off without one last House Call complaint.
You're right, it's pricey. But once again, these designs are meant to be a roadmap on furniture placement, color possibilities and ideas that could translate to an Ikea/Target/Goodwill budget.
Thanks much for weighing in. It's what makes these chats so thought=provoking.
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Annie Groer: Okay gang, this is it. I'm outta here. It's been a blast.
Now, I, too, will become a Thursday morning lurker, so Jura and Terri, be warned.
Cheers,
A
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