Home Front is an online conversation between two Washington Post Home Section writers and their readers about the best way to feather the nest. Every week, Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza help you in your quest to achieve domestic bliss. They were online Thursday, August 7.

A transcript follows.

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

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Terri Sapienza: Hi, everyone. Thanks for joining us today. We have some fun stories in the Home section today, including one about the paint colors art galleries use for displaying works of art and my story about blue painted porch ceilings. I wish I did this story last year when I was trying to pick a color for my porch ceiling - a decision which proved to be much more difficult than I anticipated. I ended up with a great blue, but one that has a little more green in it than I would like. Now, of course, after the fact (and lots of reporting), I have an entire list of great colors to consider. Perhaps there will be some re-painting in my immediate future. Oh, the hazards of having this job! Okay, let's chat...

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Syracuse, N.Y.: I recently painted my new laundry room Day Spa (Behr), a very pale blue, and installed blue-gray linoleum that looks like slate and the room has a very peaceful, Zen-like quality to it. Great motivator for folding clothes!

Jura Koncius: Love more spa-like paint and decorating ideas. We all need sanctuary in our lives!

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Portland, Ore.: Could you suggest some paint colors for a bedroom/bathroom that is currently taupe with taupe and black accents (black furniture). I want to change it but still keep it in a range that would be agreeable to my husband. A friend suggested a lavender that you had been writing about previously but I am not sure -- I like the idea but want to make sure it's a man's lavender. Any color suggestions would be welcome.

Thank you for all the good ideas.

washingtonpost.com: How They Make The Most of Lavender (Post Home Section, May 3, 2007)

Terri Sapienza: Are you in search of a color for the bedroom or bathroom? If it's the bathroom, what color are the tiles? In the meantime, here's the story on lavender with lots of paint suggestions from designers.

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Tired of eating in the dark in Alexandria: Alas, I've missed the last 2 chats due to conflicts and so am submitting super early. Can you suggest shops or websites to look for a mid-century modern type lighting fixture for our eat-in kitchen/dining room? It would hang over a mid-century modern Paul McCobb table and chairs and sideboard that I received from my uncle. When we moved in 5 years ago, the space had a ceiling fan/light and we couldn't afford to replace it. Now the ceiling fan has died and so we finally have a reason to get something better! We don't plan to replace it with another ceiling fan. Thanks!

Terri Sapienza: One of my favorite mid-century shops is Fifteen Sixty Nine in Georgetown. The website is great and is constantly updated with new pieces, so if you don't see something that works now, check back often: www.sixteenfiftynine.com.

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Follow up on Man Room: I think I was the first one who mentioned the man room "cave" last week when asking a question about my diplomas.

Yes, I am allowed in the room and so are the children but it is geared for my husband at the moment. He plays guitars and has amps and foot pedals... as well as TV and Xbox and then his computers (and yes more than one - my husband is a tech geek)... we call it the office but really it is let's put everything down here that I really don't want to look at elsewhere in the house. His guitars hang on the wall and actually have their own spotlights (the contractor loved that and referred to it as the guitar wall... he told everyone about it), it does look cool. My daughter has now added her bean bag chair and I have a son who isn't very old yet but I am sure they are going to be adding stuff to the room. So right now it is a man room (easier to refer to it as this) rather than calling it the everything I don't want to look at room.

Jura Koncius: Wow. There are a lot of things in there!! If you want, send me an email so I can follow up with you - maybe we should do a story on Man Rooms. If anyone else has one, please email me at konciusj@washpost.com. My home is too small for a separate Man Room. My poor husband has hardly any place to call his own.

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Columbia Heights, D.C.: The common areas of my small four story condo building needs sprucing up. The carpet is purple and needs to stay. Looking for paint colors for hallway and foyer, and art for the walls. There are also two pillars in the foyer with big vases of sticks. The board is ok with anything as long as it doesn't cost any money!

Jura Koncius: You could put out a call among the residents for artworks they might want to donate to the lobby. You could get some inexpensive floating frames at Michael's and ask the kids in the building to have an art competition and then put up their work on the halls. Purple is indeed a strong statement. I might pair that with chocolate brown. For walls, I think I would stick with white.

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Home Depot or Lowe's Kitchen Designers: I would presume it really depends on the person designing but has anyone used either of these services and were you satisfied with the process? I was thinking it might be a little cheaper than say high end kitchen design places but I could be wrong.

Terri Sapienza: Can anyone offer an opinion on this?

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Ceiling Light Fixture: Look on Craigslist, there's a company in Dulles that advertises mid-century and vintage all the time. This week they've listed a couple of lighting fixtures. Of course, you can always make your own if you don't find something that speaks to you in the interim.

Terri Sapienza: great tip, thanks!

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Blue porch ceilings: I only saw the online picture of the enclosed porch; are open, front porch ceilings also painted blue? I am considering this for our 1950s red brick/white trim rambler. Currently, the bead board on the front porch ceiling has a dark stain. Your thoughts?

washingtonpost.com: These Homeowners Are Happy to Have the Blues (Post Home Section, Aug. 7)

Terri Sapienza: Yes, open porch ceilings are also painted blue. I think it's a great idea and, in your case, would likely really brighten your space.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi,

I need advice on where to get a well made sofa, eight way hand tied, etc., that is allergen free. E.g., no down or feathers, and no dog or cat contamination. Prefer one with a tight back, slightly curved arms, and two cushions. I really liked one that had a double camelback. No fussy pillows or overflowing skirts.

I saw one I liked at Danker in Pentagon City, but then saw a customer carrying around a dog that was spraying everything with its dander, saliva and god knows what else. Due to pet allergies, that is unacceptable.

Went to the Mitchell Gold store on 14th street; I was disappointed that they had so few of their sofas to view in person and the staff was not helpful. Looked at a couple of the other 14th street stores, but they smelled musty - not conducive to clean furniture.

Thought about trying Norwalk, but saw they are having money troubles/closing. Macy's doesn't seem to have the quality I want, nor does Hamilton Sofa gallery. Not bothering with Marlo or Room Store for the same reason.

Hoping to get something more original than Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel.

My next stop is Colony House, but that store seems to have gone down in quality since it was sold. I'm concerned that Baker is outside of my price range and the down pillows would be mandatory. I have only 3k budgeted for the sofa, plus some for side chairs.

Any other ideas about places that want my business?

Jura Koncius: Wow. You have made the rounds. I have the perfect place for you. Go to www.naturallee.com. Lee Industries is a terrific source for environmentally friendly upholstery. It offers upgrades that include pillows of recycled bottles and frames bonded with soy resins. You can get all kinds of cushion fillings. Also have you tried Arhaus in Tysons Corner.

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Dallas, Tex.: Our 15-year-old son has inherited his older sister's room, which is currently painted an MS periwinkle shade. He wants to change it, of course, and is looking at shades of gray. But the room, while large, has only a small north-facing window. What gray (SW or BM) would be best for a room that doesn't get much light?

Terri Sapienza: Your son has great taste! I love gray and I think it's a great color in just about any room, but an especially nice choice in a boy's room because it's a neutral that he'll likely not tire of over the years. It goes with so many colors and furniture finishes that you could change the decor easily without re-painting. As for colors, take a look at BM' Classic Gray, which is nice and light. If you test it on the wall and it's too light, try the next color down in the paint deck: Balboa Mist. Good luck and let us know what you eventually choose.

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Turntable - 16th and U: My stereo turntable is broken. Can you recommend someone public transportation accessible to fix it? Thanks!

Jura Koncius: Wow. This is indeed a terrible problem - one from another century almost! I have this name in my files. Strauss Photo Tech, 1240 Mt. Olivet Rd. NE 2002-7802. 202 539-3200. Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 1:30 pm. They have detailed instructions when you call on transportation. I could not get someone on the phone right now, but if they can't fix it, they will know someone who can. They are terrific.

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Man caves and chick digs: Last week there was a lively discussion on "man rooms." Someone brought up that there aren't "woman's rooms." Well, I am the proud owner of a woman's room. The walls are a lavender-white with wide, vertical purple stripes. It houses my sewing machine and other crafty materials. My husband never goes into it, except to drop of things I buy. And since its the very last door in the hall, I can leave my projects out. Its wonderful!!

Our guest room is a sedated blue (like a beach house blue). I figured if/when kids come along, we won't have to wrestle with paint colors, we just lose a room of another function. (And I would secretly hope for a boy so as not to give up my wonderful room).

Jura Koncius: Wow. What a great idea!!! You could actually have a guest room that is a combo Woman's room too. Any more of these out there?

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Alexandria, Va.: For the person looking for an allergy friendly couch - think leather. Any cloth couch will eventually be full of dust mites because of the porous nature of the cloth. Leather is the best choice by far.

Jura Koncius: Very true. Thanks for that.

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sofa: Why not just order a new one of the model you liked at Danker? You don't have to buy the floor model (all of which are "contaminated" in some way anyway).

Jura Koncius: Hmmm. Good point.

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Beltsville, Md.: Hi Ladies, After 5 1/2 years and much wear and tear, I am finally replacing the builders-grade carpet in all 4 bedrooms. Question: Is shag a good choice? Recently had it installed in my family room and love its durability and comfort, but was wondering if I should continue w/it in bedrooms or just stay with a typical plush type carpet? Many thanks!!!!

Jura Koncius: I think stick with plush for the rest - but LOVE the shaggy look for living room.

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Pennsylvania: This question might belong in Carolyn Hax's corner, but here goes. My husband and I are expecting a baby in January. I'd really like to get started on getting the nursery prepared, but my husband is digging in his feet, saying we have lots of time. I know it might seem like that now, but the months are going by quickly. We have very different working styles -- I do everything well in advance, he's up until 2 am the day of his deadline. I don't want to turn into a nag, but I really don't want to do this in December.

Are there any tips out there for getting a reluctant husband moving on a decorating project? Thanks much...

Terri Sapienza: Well, I'm with you on getting things done sooner rather than later, however, since expecting a (first?) child can be an exciting and stressful time and everyone has different ways of coping, maybe you could compromise. Over the next month, you could gather your ideas about how you would like the room to look (tear out pages from shelter mags and catalogs, pick out paint chips, etc then present the ideas to your husband in September. Perhaps if he sees that all he has to do is implement a plan rather than formulate it, a little of the pressure will be off and he'll be more willing to get started. Good luck! and Congrats.

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Ceiling Fan Rewire: My husband and I bought a ceiling fan from Home Depot about a year ago. The fan is 60" but will only take 3-40 watt candelabra bulbs. This is in no way near enough light for the small morning room where the fan is located. We really like the fan, but are considering having it rewired to take a larger wattage bulb, any suggestions?

Jura Koncius: Hmmm. Is this really worth it? It could be unsafe. The cost of fans these days is pretty low, would you just consider replacing it and selling the old one? Or could you find another source of light, not from above?

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Enterprise, Ala.: Re: sofas - Clayton Marcus makes a great sofa and the fillers are listed as polyesters if natural fillers are an issue.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Arlington, Va.: I need advice on brightening a dark basement entertainment room with wall paint and well placed lighting. Are there any rules of thumb for how many lamps you need in a room?

Jura Koncius: The main thing to remember is that keeping paints and furnishings to light colors will make the space seem larger. Basements usually have low ceilings. A combination of overhead lights and lamps is the best approach. If you have small windows, you might consider having them done in glass block, which gives a lot of light and does not require window treatments.

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm trying to decide whether to get hardwood floors installed on the bedroom level of my townhouse. I have hardwood already on the main level. How common is it to have hardwood on the bedroom level? I plan to be in the townhouse for at least a few more years (3-5 or longer). Is it worthwhile? I have two cats and think hardwood is a thousand times easier to keep clean of pet hair and other debris. Plus, I think it's a warmer look in general.

Terri Sapienza: I think having hardwood floors installed is a great idea and investment. Hard flooring can always be softened up in a bedroom with area rugs. If it's in your budget, I say definitely go for it. And I recommend keeping the stain consistent throughout your house. Whatever you have downstairs, get the same stain upstairs.

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turntable again: Thanks for your help. I just tried the number you posted several time and kept getting the not in service recording?? Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Correction on the number: it's 202-529-3200. (not 539)

Jura Koncius: Oh sorry! A slip of the finger! I know it's in business because I called there this morning. Thank you Elizabeth.

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Pigtown: Hi Terri...

Since spam filters got in the way, I did a little piece about your article on my blog and posted some of the photos of the blue porch ceiling at Tivoli House in Baltimore where I work: Blue Porch Ceilings at the Post (Pigtown Design blog)

Terri Sapienza: As always, thanks Pigtown!

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Ashton, Md.: Lowe's is a good choice for basic kitchen design and lots of cabinet choices. Most important is to do your own homework first. I'm in the last stages of my remodel and saved oodles of money by being my own general contractor. Used Lowe's for high-end cabinets and granite at great prices compared to specialty kitchen outfits. Hired own highly recommended local contractor to do all installation except for new wood flooring (flooring company). Shopped for stainless appliances and got price matching from excellent local store with delivery. Best of all, we are in the final third of the work and it's been less than 2 weeks since demolition!!

Terri Sapienza: Another great tip. Keep them comin!

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Washington, D.C.: Help! I need window covering assistance. I live in a condo and am trying to figure out what sort of window covering to get for my two front windows in my living room. They are different sizes, recessed, and both have a nice white sill and border. My room gets a ton of sunlight, the walls are an off-white and my primary furniture is espresso colored wood and a sectional sofa that is sort of a burnt orange. I'd like to find some window coverings of some sort that offset the orange a bit and I'm open to wood shutters or fabric shades. Any suggestions?! I am at a loss and would be forever grateful!

Jura Koncius: What about tortoise shell blinds or roll-up shades? They would look nice with your color scheme.

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Rockville, Md.: Any suggestions for something to keep a cherry-framed wood 6' sliding LR door from looking like a black hole at night? Lovely tree view in summer, but winter view is of neighboring house. Decor, such as it is, is vaguely southwestern, with lots of natural cherry and oak wood. Door is flanked by bookcases, with very little room to spare.

Terri Sapienza: Do you have any kind of window treatments on the door?

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mid-century modern source: For the mid-century modern fan, there's a blog called Modern Capital where she might find useful local suggestions.

Terri Sapienza: another mid-century source...

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Ashton again: P.S. on kitchen remodeling: was able to coordinate closely and recycle old wood cabinets and donate refrigerator in excellent condition to Habitat for Humanity Restore. Trying to be green as I upgrade to Energy Star and glamour!!

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Manly lavender: Our bedroom is a lovely shade of lavender. I'm afraid I don't remember the name (it's Duron), but for a man-friendly lavender, definitely get something on the gray end of the lavender scale. Also, we have dark gray linen curtains (West Elm) and dark wood furniture in the bedroom, which keeps it from looking too "little girly." I would definitely avoid white furniture with the lavender paint, unless you want it to look like a six-year old girl's room!

Terri Sapienza: Great advice for decorating with lavender...

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Arlington, Va.: Hi. In the last year or two, the Home Section did an article on different types of designers - designers vs. people who redesign with the stuff you have. Can you post the article? We are interested in someone who can help us rearrange the stuff we have. Thanks. I look forward to the Home Section and this chat every week!

washingtonpost.com: Using What You Have (Post Home Section, Feb. 21)

Jura Koncius: Thank you, Arlington. That article was very enlightening even for me to find out about the different professions out there who can help people with different needs for decorating and organizing as well as painting.

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House calls: No criticism of this week's House Calls. Does that mean that, for the first time that I can recall, the designer got it right?

washingtonpost.com: Whoa! House Calls: Family Planning (Post Home Section, Aug. 7)

Jura Koncius: Well, let's wait and see...the chat isn't over yet!

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Dayton, Ohio: My college student daughter and her roommate are moving into a basement apartment in Chicago. At least three of the rooms of this large, cheap place have odors of cat and/or mold. Understanding that the optimal approach would be ripping out carpet and addressing any underlying causes, are there any helpful substances that could be sprayed to mask these smells for a year?

Jura Koncius: Yes. Two very effective products you can spray are www.odormedic.com and www.urinegone.com. Lots of chatters have used them. Washing all the surfaces with disinfectant and shampooing the carpet is a good place to start.

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Baltimore, Md.: Re the ceiling fan with the too-small lights: the owner should buy another light kit for the fan, no internal re-wiring needed. I've seen the wiring in my chandelier and my ceiling fans, they're all 16-gauge wire.

Jura Koncius: Thank you Baltimore.

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Washington, D.C.: House Calls. Ummmm, Where did the TV go? I know designers like to have a nice, neat room, but people like to watch TV.

Jura Koncius: TVs are so 20th century, don't you think? Do you know people who don't have anymore?

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Atlanta, Ga.: I am moving into a new apartment in a month. Do you have any tips for decorating in a hip, sophisticated way without breaking the bank? Any stores that you recommend? Unfortunately, painting is a no-no.

washingtonpost.com: Time to Decorate. Where to Begin? (Post Home Section, June 19)

Jura Koncius: apartmenttherapy.com is a great website and has a great new book. Take a spin through stores like Ikea and West Elm for great ideas you might copy. Get some Domino magazines. Figure out what kind of look you want and what colors you like. Check out freecycle.com for stuff.

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Lowell, Mass.: Thanks for taking my question/comment. Today's House Calls does a terrific job with paint and window coverings to coordinate all of the nooks and crannies in the space. One question - what did she do with the TV? Is it to be competing with the fireplace for the focal point? I think we all struggle with TV placement in a room with a fireplace, and have discovered placing it above the mantle creates unexpected neck aches.

washingtonpost.com: House Calls: Family Planning (Post Home Section, Aug. 7)

Jura Koncius: Well, here is someone else asking about the TV...

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Terri Sapienza: I'd like to take a moment to defend the designers who do House Calls because I feel like they often get unfairly criticized for their designs. When a designer takes on a project for House Calls, they are working from photographs only and they have no contact with homeowners whatsoever. In addition, due to space restrictions, lots of their comments and verbal suggestions never make it into the paper. I know that some readers take issue with some of the prices of the pieces suggested by the designers, but the purpose of the feature is to not only provide design suggestions, but to also provide inspiration for your own spaces. The circumstances that the designers are working under for House Calls are not exactly ideal for them and not the way they typically work with clients, so, in the future, I hope that's taken into consideration when reading House Calls.

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Dason Springs, Ky.: I am redoing our kitchen in our house. Our house flooded out back in the spring. We have painted all the wood work. Everything when we built it was stained. It was pretty dark stain. I am painting my kitchen and bathroom cabinets. My knobs I do want to change. I used to own a ceramic shop many years ago. I would like to make mine. I am having trouble finding much. Can you tell me how to locate knobs to make? Anything on making a area rug? I do not want a rag rug. Something that will not slip on the floor also.

Jura Koncius: Try www.myknobs.com. You should be careful about making a rug because it won't have a rubber backing. You could buy a pad of course. I do not happen to know much about weaving rugs. Does anyone have a website to suggest for Kentucky?

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Second vote for Lowe's kitchen services: I used them 2 yrs ago, was very happy. Now, I knew what I wanted, knew quality features to look for (wood box construction, dovetailed drawers) and wasn't changing the layout at all, so no moving of drains, gas, etc. I got to know the design manager and store manager really well, when we had some scheduling problems, so I suggest getting names of managers if you go this route. I saved a ton, and my kitchen looks much more expensive than it actually was.

Terri Sapienza: Another vote for Lowe's...

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Turntable followup: They repair turntables - I can bring it in anytime. THANKS! You come to the rescue again!

Jura Koncius: Oh fun! I loved this storefront when I went to it - they look like they could fix ANYTHING. The real thing. Save the address...I'm so glad for you.

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Re: Man caves: My husband has an entire floor of our townhouse as his own domain. After living for 20 years in a house where his study was separated from the living room by French doors, and all of his clutter was visible through them, I am happy to have him up on the fourth floor where I never have to see his stuff unless I choose to go up there. Even the dog waits for him at the bottom of the stairs!

Seriously, he has a great space with a full bath, built-in bookcases and a huge closet. And he never has to hear me complain about how he doesn't put things away. He keeps it much neater than he did in the old house where everything was visible from the living room! As for me, I have a drawer in the kitchen where I keep the bills...

Jura Koncius: You get a drawer, and he gets a cave! Well, if you are happy that is great! It sounds like a great arrangement.

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Re: Nursery Decorating: Consider also passing along to your husband the following:

-once the baby arrives, count on DIY projects taking 3-5 times longer than they used to (we were efficient DIY-ers until our little one came along; 2 years later we've learned to adjust expectations);

-you're pregnant, your hormones are kicking in, and could he please indulge you on this one, you're willing to meet in the middle;

-here's your list of prioritized tasks, and how long they may take, how can we make this work?

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Roller blinds: I got killer roller blinds form District Shade Shop at 16th and U. They make them themselves, measure the windows for you - and they weren't all that expensive. I recommend them for anything - my mother also used them. It's more expensive but you get great customer service and brainstorming.

Jura Koncius: So glad to get that suggestion. I drive by there all the time but have never used them.

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Oak cabinets: We have natural oak cabinets that are fairly new and in good condition in our kitchen with rather sad-looking beige-patterned laminate counters. What would be your opinion of replacing the counters with a laminate in an interesting color (say, purple, or something equally fun) vs. playing it safe with another neutral? We're not sure about spending the money on granite or solid surface with these oak cabs. We also need a backsplash. Appliances are white. Floor is off-white sheet vinyl, which could also be changed. The thought of spending a few thousand dollars and ending up something that at least makes me smile for a few years is appealing.

Jura Koncius: Why don't you do a color on the backsplash but keep the counters neutral. You could find a textured surface that you might like that doesn't look boring.

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Portland, Ore., Taupe and Black again: Mostly concerned with the bedroom but might take it into the bathroom (tiles are white, fixtures chrome). The rooms aren't connected in a way that color needs to follow but I like to coordinate spaces.

Love the lavender story but if there are any other colors that come to mind I would appreciate the suggestion just in case of the knee jerk reaction to lavender from my husband.

Terri Sapienza: How about a nice, soothing cream color? I'm currently crazy for Farrow and Ball's Pointing (White Tie is nice, too). But F and B is pricey, I know. For less expensive options, take a look at Benjamin Moore's Linen White and Navajo White and start from there.

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baby room, husband: You may want to point out that 20% of pregnant women are put on bedrest at some point and if you get put on bedrest, he is doing the whole darn thing by himself. You may also want to point out that most nursery furniture takes 8-14 weeks to order (curse them!) so you need to at least get things picked out for ultimate delivery.

Terri Sapienza: Oh... really great advice about starting on the nursery NOW!

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Rockville: Hi. My husband and I recently purchased a home with a partially above-ground basement. The windows that are exposed to the outside are not large enough to make the bedrooms be classified as actual bedrooms. For resale, we'd like to enlarge them and encase it in a window well. The one window where this is an issue looks directly onto the driveway. So who do we call to do this? There'd be considerable concrete work and then the putting in of the new window. I have no idea where to start in the yellow pages. Thanks!

Jura Koncius: Try a carpenter. And have you considered putting in glass block as I suggested to someone earlier?

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Washington, D.C.: Re-weaving straw basket: I have a very old, fairly large straw basket that needs re-weaving -- some of the straw pieces are broken or missing. Do you know anyone/any company that does this type of work? Thanks.

Jura Koncius: Wow. I would go to a country fair - like the one in Waterford - and find a basket maker that could help you. You could try www.longaberger.com. Any other ideas out there?

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Rockville again: No, we have no window treatments (actually have none on the main floor - lots of glass with tree views) on the 6' Pella cherry slider. In daytime we don't feel the need - it's just the black hole appearance after dark that's bothersome.

Terri Sapienza: Well, you may not need them in the daytime, but your "black hole" issue seems to indicate that you nee them for night time. I would consider some sort of shade (roman, roller natural woven) that could be pulled up during the day so you have your view, then lowered at night so you no longer have to look at the black.

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Dupont Circle: Hi Ladies, I'm renting a plain basement room in an apartment after living by myself for a few years. Do you have suggestions for how to keep things out of sight in such a small space? Also, any simple suggestions for how to brighten up the room without investing too much in a space I won't be living in for too long? Thanks!

Jura Koncius: Storage ottomans are a good idea. Pottery Barn has some very cute ones - square with tops that come off. Buy attractive woven storage baskets at places like Target or Container Store and keep things in those on shelves. Create a filing system and don't leave papers lying around.

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No TV: Yup, we essentially don't have one any more. It has no reception, and we just watch DVDs on the computer (granted, we have a lovely Apple monitor...).

Jura Koncius: You do have a beautiful computer to watch them on..

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That basement bedroom: They can't use glass block; they need the egress for a bedroom. Call a general contractor to cut the masonry and install a new header and new window.

Jura Koncius: Did not know if there was a door in the basement anyway leading outside - there usually is. Thanks.

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House Calls--KUDOs: I think the designer did a stellar job with a really tough room. The curved couch is a brilliant idea, and the contrast wall works.

But someone ought to shoot the architect/builder. A two story, square, chopped up series of walls and windows and balconies and pass-throughs and a FIELD STONE fireplace and, and, and...

again to the designer: Great job on the part of a professional!

(I'm assuming the TV is in a corner opposite the couch...)

Terri Sapienza: Yay! Kudos for the House Calls designer...

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Oak Cabinets: I'm seeing faux light terracotta marble with shiny/goldy speckles on the counters. It would enhance the lovely cabinets and lighten and brighten and bring together.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Terri Sapienza: We're out of time for today, but come back next week to continue the chat. Thanks for joining us and for all the fantastic tips. Have a great weekend.

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