Home Front: Home Energy Audits, Yellow is In for 2009, Sectional Sofa Sources and Time to Toss the Poinsettia?

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, January 22.

A transcript follows.

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

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Jura Koncius: Good morning everyone. Here in Washington, we are a bit weary after all the festivities and are sick of cold weather. I'm proposing something drastic. I would like to declare today Toss out the Poinsetta day. Do you still have a sorry looking Christmas poinsetta on display somewhere in your home in a foil-wrapped pot? The holidays are over, why not invest in some nice new potted plant or put out a bowl of oranges or lemons to add a fresh touch? There is a really horrible looking poinsetta here in our office -- I may just trash it when nobody is looking!

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Washington, D.C.: No question, just a comment. Last week, you mentioned that Renaissance Tile has a good reputation. I was very pleased with their service when selecting my tiles. Then, I received a partially incorrect shipment. Fine, I understand that it happens, so I returned the incorrect tiles. Unfortunately, nearly 3 months later, I am still embroiled in a billing dispute with my credit card company because Renaissance Tile has failed to provide the refund as promised. It's not whether mistakes happen but how people/businesses handle them that's revealing (and in my case, extremely frustrating).

Jura Koncius: Well, we need to post all opinions. So here is another one. Do you all have names of tile places that you like that you can share with us?

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sectional: Help! I'm in the market for a sectional and planned to purchase from La-Z-Boy... until I priced them! YIKES $4300!!! Shocking! Any suggestions for where to go? I have two active kids and a dog so I need something that will last. Thanks -- and loved today's House Calls, particularly the new wall/storage area.

Jura Koncius: Try Desi Living Innovations in Pentagon Row and Rockville. Also Belfort Furniture in Sterling.

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Tenleytown: Compost that poinsettia, Jura!

Jura Koncius: Okay, promise.

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Greensboro, N.C. : for fun: "Obama Decorama" by Susan Pyle Dickenson at Home Accents Today... Obama Chia-Head, Obama Lava Lamp, First Lady Cheese Tray, etc... here's the link, enjoy:

Obama Decorama (Home Accents Today)

Jura Koncius: I hope to look at this after the chat!

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Arlington, Va.: Love, love, love the book you highlighed last year, "Colors for Your Home". It gives one confidence to jump in and pick a new color. Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation!

washingtonpost.com: Colors of Home (Post Home Section, Nov. 27, 2008)

Jura Koncius: Oh great!

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IKEA Cabinets and Water Heaters: From last week (or the week before): I would second the quality and durability of IKEA cabinets. I just LOVE assembling them and we had a good time installing them ourselves. They look great and provide a fresh, affordable look to a kitchen.

We just had a gas-powered tankless hot water heater installed on Monday. I was wondering if anyone had any words of wisdom on expectations regarding this technology. I understand there will be a bit of a delay in getting hot water out of the tap, as the unit heats on demand, but I waited 5 minutes this morning to get hot water for my shower (and it didn't appear until my husband turned on another faucet in the house to really rev the thing up). So, it appears to be malfunctioning. Any thoughts?

Jura Koncius: Can someone chime in here?

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Rehoboth Beach, Del.: Good morning Ladies!!

I am fortunate enough to have a rather large master bedroom and bath and was wondering if the paint colors should match, or is it okay to use two different complementary colors? Whenever I look in design magazines the bathroom walls always match the bedroom walls. What do you think?

Jura Koncius: I personally think they do not have to match.

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SoMd.: Loved today's Home Section. I'm sad to see my favorite magazines go under... Cottage Living and Country Home. I love to curl up on a cold evening and look at home and decorating magazines. Surfing the web just doesn't do it for me -- in my world a computer represents WORK. Not relaxing. Guess I'll have to find new favorites. Any idea what happens to our subscriptions?

Jura Koncius: we share your pain

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Curtains vs. Doors: Hi Ladies, Nice pic. I have a 1-bedroom condo that I'm preparing to sell in 1.5 years. Currently my master bath has a bathtub/shower combo with a shower curtain. I was thinking of replacing the shower curtain with frameless glass shower doors. Is that in? Will it increase the value of my condo? Thanks.

Jura Koncius: Although we love shower curtains, yes, it is true that those glass shower doors are all the rage. They are a nice clean look that will not go out of style. So go for it.

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Backsplash Question: I have a granite countertop with a standard 4 inch granite backsplash. I would like to use small glass tiles on the backsplash. Can I do it without removing the 4 inch piece and just tile above it?

Terri Sapienza: Yep.

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washingtonpost.com: I Need an Energy Audit, Stat! (Post Home Section, Jan. 22)

Jura Koncius: Read about my recent energy audit and my caulk-challenged spouse!

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Arlington, Va.: I am interested in going greener but concerned about costs. I'd like to have an idea of the costs to install solar for water heating or to heat the house (I have radiators).

Jura Koncius: I have the name of a firm - Ardently Green - which is focused on retrofitting existing homes. They will do tests on the energy efficiency of your home and health of your home and deliver findings to you in something called a GreenPrint - it will quantify the costs of making improvements and the associated savings expected - both dollar costs and carbon reduction. For more information, www.ardenthomes.com or www.ardentlygreen.com.

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Away at a meeting: Hi Home Front, I'm at a conference so I won't be online but I hope you'll take my question. It looks like I may need to replace my W/D combo and was wondering if you or the chatters had suggestions of good front-loading models that won't cost me a ridiculous amount of money. My current model sits above my dishwasher so ideally it should go there as my kitchen (and apt) is small. Please help! Thank you!

Terri Sapienza: Can anyone offer recommendations?

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Question Off the Normal Path: I realize this is an unusual question for this forum, but I am at a loss right now and hoping you and/or the gallery can help. My son has requested a Bakugan-themed party. Anyone know where I can find some decorations or how to make them?

washingtonpost.com: I just Googled it and Bakugan seems to be a Japanese anime-style cartoon and toy set. I would start with local comic book stores that sell anime stuff and see what they know. -- Elizabeth

Jura Koncius: Elizabeth you are on the ball here!!! Maybe you could call the Japanese Embassy cultural office for help!

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Sectionals: Try places you wouldn't expect, like Penney's or Sears. If you're looking for something dogproof and kidproof, there's no point in spending the big coin. You may also want to check the better consignment shops.

Jura Koncius: Yes. Upscale Resale comes to mind - 703-698-8100 - 8100 Lee Hwy, in Falls Church - they are getting lots of consignments from big houses with big sectionals.

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When Magazines Die: Most likely, your subscriptions will be transferred to another title from the same corporate stable. Be careful that you don't have an automatic renewal to something like the brainless "In Style" or worse.

Jura Koncius: Good thought.

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Hello, yellow: Thanks for the story on yellow! I'm not normally drawn to bright colors -- I've never met a neutral I didn't like -- but yellow has pulled me in during the last year or so.

That Provencey, sweet mustardy yellow is an especially warm color in this cold weather and is pretty nice in sweaters and accessories, too! I'm wearing yellow moccasin flats as I type, and they're a big mood-lifter.

washingtonpost.com: In Times So Mellow, A Burst Of Yellow (Post Home Section, Jan. 22)

Terri Sapienza: I'm also a lover of all things neutral and I was drawn to yellow last summer. For a while last year I had lots of yellow pillows and accessories in my house. Now, they're blue. That's the great thing about a mainly neutral palette in a home - you can change small accessories as your tastes change and refresh the look of your house without spending lots of money. But, yes, I agree: yellow is definitely cheery.

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Crofton, Md.: I recently had a free home energy inspection as well (Case Designs), and we had some similar issues as you. The most common problem was that we need to caulk just about every area where siding meets window/door/brick/etc. It sounds easy enough, but I'm sure I'll screw it up. However, it just seems to expensive for a pro; Case estimated about $100 an hour plus the caulking supplies. Are there reputable people who do it cheaper? Or, how hard is it to caulk?

Jura Koncius: This is a great question. Is there a "Caulkers'r'Us" out there???

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Don't Forget to Water the Poinsettia Day!: I have a beautiful poinsettia from 4-5 Christmases ago which which is thriving with new branches and pale green leaves all over the place. It really is very pretty, and many people remark on it when they visit my home.

I say hold onto it and be amazed! Lose the foil wrapping though.... :-)

Jura Koncius: I hope you keep it out of your living room...

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Suburban Md.: Hi, Am I the only one who thinks the metro rental market is bland and boring? I'm from New York, where even in new construction, people paint their walls. Renters have been known to gut bathrooms and install hardwood flooring! Here, everything seems to be the "builder's special" of oak, and I haven't met anyone who painted their apartment.

I'm looking for a new place and am a little discouraged over the lack of personality in the rental market. Am I looking in the wrong place? What do you think?

Jura Koncius: Wow. New Yorkers definitely have it going on in rentals. I think we are all told to keep it neutral here. What do you all have to say about this?

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Springfield, Va.: Hi Jura! Thanks for today's article about your Energy Audit. It was very informative. I can't wait to get caulking! :)

Jura Koncius: Can you come over and help me? Thanks!

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Store closing alert: I got a flier in the mail yesterday saying the Maurice Villency showroom in Bethesda is closing. It's not cheap but floor models are supposedly 70% off so there might be some bargains to be had.

Jura Koncius: Yikes. I got a postcard yesterday that Park Place is closing after 25 years. 5100 Wisconsin Ave. NW - lots of great deals in exterior and interior furnishings, lighting, accessories, artwork and more. This is sad.

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Sorry poinsettia: I "saved" one a few years ago from a chapel. And that thing blooms on its own every Christmas and is more gorgeous that any I've ever seen at the store. So consider a rescue...

Jura Koncius: Sorry, the death sentence has been issued.

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Logan Circle: Any advice on how to "soften" and warm up a hall 3/4 bath? It has marble floors, marble shower, and 11 ft ceilings. It's always so cold and echo-y and I have no idea what to do with it.

Terri Sapienza: How about painting the walls in a warm shade or, my personal favorite idea, hanging a cool wallpaper? Does the shower have a door or a curtain? Even if it does have a door, you could still hang a curtain in front of it, then add a plush bath mat and hang towels on the wall. Add some art or photos on the wall, too. Think about the bathroom like you would any other room in your house.

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Washington D.C.: Thanks for the advice on the energy audit... I called the city to have mine scheduled in a few weeks!

Question: Any suggestions for replacing a retaining wall (whether you can DIY or if not, a contractor recommendation)? Would it be worth consulting a landscape design firm?

Jura Koncius: Be careful. Replacement of some of these walls require a local building permit. Definitely consult a professional first. And I am glad you are getting an audit!

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Ashburn, Va.: I plan to refinish some auction-bought dressers, possibly looking to resell. Painting is the way to go with the pieces I have -- any color recommendations? I've had luck with white in the past, but wonder if that's overdone?

thanks

Terri Sapienza: If you're looking to sell, white is probably the safest choice because it's a color that works with a lot of interiors. But depending on the piece, black might work well, too. Or a nice, soft gray. You could paint one color underneath another and rub spots with sandpaper to give it a more weathered look, which is nice, too.

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Chantilly, Va.: Submitting early because I am swamped at work. I am looking for recommendations for installers of residential concrete floors. We love the look and need excellent durability -- we think this will work for us. Hoping you or one of the chatters can help! Thanks!

Jura Koncius: Yes. The people at Concrete Jungle, our best local source for concrete stuff, do not do floors but they suggested www.browns-services.com. Brown's Services in Springfield is 703-912-7711.

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Silver Spring: When I bought my house I removed the shower door. They may be "in" right now but, in my opinion, they are very difficult to keep clean. And if they aren't clean they detract from the look as opposed to looking good. And you can easily change your look with a new shower curtain.

Jura Koncius: Another opinion...

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Charlotte, N.C.: For new W/D, I am very fond of my new Whirlpool Duet washer. I have seen stackable front loaders at Lowe's so I advise this person to look around. (I'd avoid Maytag; I had a Maytag front loading washer that died after just three years. My husband and I were not happy.)

Several months ago, I started to clean out the caulking around my bathtub. It was old, cracked, and stained from mildew. My husband had to finish the job, which involved using his router to get the stuff out. He did the caulking, but I had to go back and fill in a couple of places where it wasn't deep enough. It's easy once you get the hang of it. My advice is to practice in places that aren't so visible and go from there.

Jura Koncius: I have fear of caulking.

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Former N.Y. Renter: One of the reasons I bought a condo was so that I could paint the walls! Most rental management companies or landlords explicitly state in their contracts (at least in Va.) that you cannot paint the walls. Some private landlords may allow painting, but require that you return the walls to a neutral color before departing. So it's easier not to paint at all!

Jura Koncius: Sad!

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Kensington: You asked for names of tile shops. We used The Tile Shop in Rockville for our kitchen tile (2002) and bathroom (2003). We were happy with the service and products both times.

Jura Koncius: Thanks. Their number is 301 610-5070

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Jura and Terri!

I have a decorating question... what do you think of the "faux fireplace"? I'm buying a home that is sans fireplace and I want to buy an antique mantle to put in my living room so that I can have a defined focal point that I can decorate around. I plan on putting mirrors on the interior where the "fireplace" should be (I saw it on HGTV). Is this a totally lame idea or is it brilliant?

Thanks! -- Fauxy Fireplace

Jura Koncius: Well, I like the antique mantel idea but I don't know about the mirror... what are other opinions...

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Decatur, Ill.: Oh lord, I hope there isn't going to be a tsunami of "Mimosa" painted rooms. Let's call it what it is -- taxicab yellow. And awful.

I am, however, looking for suggestions for a new color for my apartment foyer. It is BM Monroe Bisque, which is fine, I'm just bored with it. The foyer is small, has a chandelier but no direct sunlight. It opens onto the living room which is BM November Rain. Should I go warm or cool? Would coral be crazy? The architectural style is vintage 1925 with moldings.

washingtonpost.com: In Times So Mellow, A Burst Of Yellow (Post Home Section, Jan. 22)

Terri Sapienza: I think a bright, fun color in a small, light-deprived entry foyer sounds great. And if coral is your color, I say go for it. Just be sure to do a test patch first to make sure you like the way it looks with the LR color.

And remember: your coral is another person's mimosa yellow. We all have different tastes and preferences.

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Re: Shower Doors: As somebody who recently bought a house, I would have to say that the shower doors were kind of a turnoff to me. I just kept thinking that it was just one more thing that would require attentive cleaning. My two cents. Of course, if you will enjoy it for 1.5 years, go for it.

Jura Koncius: I would enjoy it and I don't have them!

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Bakugan: Wal-Mart and other toy stores carry Bakugan. My boys are obsessed with them as well. There are several toys available, though I don't know if that has translated to party-themed plates and things. If you have a Toys-R-Us, they carry that kind of stuff.

You could also bring a picture from a Bakugan set and have it screened onto a cake. They are these little balls that when set on the special magnetic card open up into an action figure. Bet you could replicate the little figures on a cake too.

Jura Koncius: Who knew?

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Yuck!: I have to disagree with the first poster about House Calls. The last thing I'd want in between my beautiful kitchen and family room is a doorless mud room!!! Would you really want to look at all that stuff every day? They could just buy a nice wardrobe and put it by the TV. At least it would look like a nice piece of furniture and it would hide all the junk.

washingtonpost.com: House Calls: Redecorating a Family Room (Post Home Section, Jan. 22)

Jura Koncius: Sharing this...

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Re: tankless water heaters: The poster's tankless unit may not stand up to the demands of his/her house. When we bought our house, one had been put in during a previous renovation. We came to learn, the hard way, that it couldn't handle the demands of our dual-showerhead tub. The two showerheads running at once outpaced the heater's ability. The plumber we had come in said that tankless units are best for small apartments (they're very popular in Europe for example), but if they need to heat multiple appliances or showers/baths, they usually can't do it. We ended up having to have a giant, standard water heater put in (lost a closet for it, too) to serve as a reserve unit for hot water. We are in a different house now and I would never use a tankless unit. My advice would be for the poster to contact a plumber with experience in tankless units (be sure to ask, they don't all!) and have a consultation about whether your unit can handle the demands of your house, and if not, what kind of supplementary steps you may need to take.

Jura Koncius: Wow..

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Bathroom Color Help!!! : Our master bath is in bad shape. After moving in (3.5 years ago), we stripped the wallpaper and were going to paint, but we decided to focus on the rest of the house first.

Well, now that that's done, we need to paint the bathroom. It's about 6' x 10' w/two windows (shuttered) as the only light. Part of the problem is that there's a 4' x 3' tiled box (for lack of a better word) that the builder put in to fill in the space. It's covered with light beige (think coffee and cream, but a tad darker) tile (as is the tub surround and tile in the shower stall -- which is in its own "room" w/the toilet).

I want to avoid stark colors, as well as whites... I want soft color that will help us get through the next few years until we can gut the bathroom and start fresh from studs.

We're open to color suggestions, but aren't sure what to match it with. I've heard that greens in bathrooms are no good for looking your best (FYI -- our bedroom is a soft sage -- VERY relaxing!).

Any suggestions?

washingtonpost.com: Do the Bath (Post Home Section, April 24, 2008)

Terri Sapienza: If your tile is beige and white, you have lots of options for color, I think. I would just pick a shade that you like and test it out.

You can also check out this story we ran last year with lots of paint suggestions from designers.

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Mt. Pleasant, D.C.: We're nearly done with our kitchen remodel! We just need to pick a paint color to go with our birch cabinets, white tile backsplash, white tiled floors, stainless appliances and pulls and grey granite countertop. Kitchen is open to the living room and hallway, painted a creamy white and mellow orange respectively. Any advice? Thanks!

Jura Koncius: I chose a sort of khaki/paper bag brown color for my kitchen and I just love it. Something like Behr's Oat Cake or Arabian Sands.

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Rocking Cha, IR: Hi ladies, I've finally selected a fabric I love to re-cover a much beloved rocking chair, but I don't have a clue where to find a reputable upholsterer. Do you have any recommendations? In or near D.C. would be a bonus. Thanks!

Jura Koncius: Try The Workshop in Hyattsville 202 232-4888.

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Former NYCer here too...: I hear what the poster is saying, but you can't really compare the markets. A huge percentage of New Yorkers rent for life, so many rentals there are much more like "home" than they are here. In D.C., it's much less likely that someone will live in a rental for a very long period of time, so there is less incentive to make it your own.

Jura Koncius: You have a point there. In New York, renting is a way of life. My friends up there who rent have lived in their places for decades.

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Faux Fireplace: The mirror idea doesn't sound like a good one to me, either. If funky is your thing, you might consider having your mantle surround the Gama-Go campfire pillow (easily Googleable). Fun!

Jura Koncius: Fun is right!

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Ann Arbor, Michigan: Thanks for the chat! My four year old son loves purple, and wants to paint his room that color. It's an fun but oddly shaped, small, not well lit room in our California bungalow. I'm not much of an accent wall person, don't want to use a dark purple because it isn't well lit, but don't want to go lavender or very light either - he wants a nice purple. Suggestions? I realize I'm being a bit indulgent, but he never really gets his heart set on anything and has been talking about this since we started house hunting last summer. Thanks!

Terri Sapienza: I really think painting a small, dimly lit room with a darker purple color would be a mistake, but I can understand why you want to and why you don't want to use a lighter lavender for your son. Is there any possibilty of convincing him that using purple accessories (bedding, pillows, curtains, lampshades, area rugs, etc) would be more fun? You could paint the room a nice gray to go with the purple accents, and that color would be one that could grow with your son as his tastes change.

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to Suburban Md. re painted rentals: My daughter and her roommates rented an apartment in Frederick where the managers actually told them they could paint anything they wanted because they wanted their tenants to make themselves at home. I figure that's a pretty smart move because it probably lowers the number of people looking to leave after they've made their own mark on the place. Check out Camden Clearbrook. They're less than 5 years old, spacious and beautiful.

Jura Koncius: Okay!

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Ohio: Antique Mantel: I have a tall oak one in my living room. It has columns, still-intact hand-silvered mirror, and some carving. We put faux brick on the wall inside the fireplace area and I found an antique, ornate old gas heating stove which now stands in front of it. Really cute to those of us who love old stuff. Before I got the stove, I had electric logs and a fireplace set, including screen standing in front of it.

Jura Koncius: Nice idea.

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Rug pad for rug on carpet: I missed the chat live last week (because of my schedule I most often read the transcript) but wanted to follow up on this topic. I bought a pad specifically for this purpose at Kohl's. It says "rug on carpet" right on the package. It is thin and tacky on both sides. I have used these for many years and only replaced them when the tacky wore out. Neutral color did not bleed into either surface. Very successful for me.

Jura Koncius: This is a great tip. Thanks.

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Richmond, Va.: Why the poinsettia hate? Perhaps you've never been to the Caribbean and seen them growing almost like shrubs along walls and fences...

Quick, somebody at the WaPo, save that poor plant from Jura's angry intentions!

Terri Sapienza: I'm sorry, but I have to side with Jura on this one. I just came back from the Caribbean and the resort I stayed at had a wall of red poinsettias in beautiful, beachy containers. It looked weird and out of place, in my opinion. Not a fan.

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Flintstone, Md.: I'm looking for an energetic paint color for my exercise room. Do you have any suggestions? Or a dusty rose color that doesn't remind you of Pepto Bismol? thanks!

Jura Koncius: I don't think I would do dusty rose. An energetic color would be a nice yellow or aqua. What about Cornsilk by Behr or Jamaican Aqua by Benjamin Moore?

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Painting Apartments: Another factor may be that with rent control, tenth-generation sublets, and other reasons why people don't deal with their landlords much, they might feel freer to paint.

Jura Koncius: True.

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Boston: Thanks for Jura's article on home energy audits. For those of us who don't live in the District, could you please advise how/where to find a qualified energy auditor, and how much it might cost? I'd like to do this but don't know how.

Jura Koncius: Contact your local utilities - gas and electric companies. Also check out this website. www.natresnet.org/directory/raters.aspx. It is the Residential Energy Services Network's Certified Rater Director. 760-806-3448.

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Caulk: Caulking the exterior of your home isn't the least bit difficult. The only real issue you may come across is accessing second levels if you have a two-story home.

Case is expensive regardless of what they are doing. If the poster doesn't feel comfortable trying the caulking him/herself, any handyman or painter can do it. He/she might want to go the handyman route because a painter might charge an "I really don't want to do this" price.

Jura Koncius: Thanks. Caulking should be something taught to all high school students.

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Arlington, Va.: We've been looking for a sectional (contemporary, comfortable, neutral) for our family room for a while. I saw one at Arhaus that fits the bill in terms of style, but here is my dilemma: we have to spend about $4000 -- for a piece that is not 8-way hand tied construction and there is no option to upgrade the cushions. Arhaus does not inspire confidence in me in terms of quality but it seems like there are fewer and fewer places to get good furniture at affordable prices these days. Any opinions on Arhaus quality or other suggestions? thanks!

Terri Sapienza: Have you considered Room & Board? Unfortunately, they don't have a store here (the closest is in NY), but you can look on-line. Lots of designers use their furnishings. Locally, Mitchell-Gold might be a good place to look - they're known for their quality and sectionals - many chains sell their furniture, too, including Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and, I think, Restoration Hardware.

But to answer your question: I don't have any first-hand experience with Arhaus. Can anyone else chime it?

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Energy Audit in Va.: Hi Ladies!

Jura, your article was great, does Va. (Fairfax County) offer such a (free) program?

washingtonpost.com: Lots of info here on options elsewhere around D.C. area and beyond: Free Services (Post Home Section, Jan. 22)

Jura Koncius: Kat Hom did a survey of local jurisdictions and it appears as a sidebar to my story. I am happy I live in the District on this one!

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Purple room: we had a similar issue with my youngest and compromised on painting the room a creamy white with the darker color (purple in the poster's question) in a large lightning bolt sort of design across the room. added somewhat matching duvet cover, too.

Jura Koncius: Love lightning bolts.

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Northern Virginia: Ref: Rentals

My experience has been that it is best to not change anything in a rental.

My husband and I rented for a year, and three months before the lease ended, the rental agency sent us a "move out" checklist... that included a multi-page itemized list of charges and fees.

You may want to ask your leasing agent for a copy of their move out checklist with fees and charges before you agree to lease an apartment.

Jura Koncius: Good ideas.

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Purple again: I know I sound indulgent, but he has loved purple for years, and really, the kid will eat, read and play anything, but wants purple walls. I was also thinking of using a neutral color for the entire wall and painting a wide purple band around the middle of the room. Have you ever seen that done well? Does it sound crazy? Otherwise, I think we will go with a lighter neutral color - I can't imagine a purple cave for a room.

Terri Sapienza: If you really want to use the purple, I think a band is a good compromise and doesn't sound crazy at all. It just sounds like you're a thoughtful mom. (consider a light gray for your neutral color to go with the band)

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RE: Logan Circle cold bath: Try a Runtal towel warmer radiator. (I'm not affiliated with Runtal.)

Jura Koncius: runtalnorthamerica.com

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Columbia, Md.: I have a large 2-story family room that always seems dark, especially this time of year. It's painted Restoration Hardware Latte, with warm colors from Provence: reds, mustard, blue. It gets strong morning sun, with a back wall of windows, but from late afternoon on, too dark. We have 2 table lamps, a floor lamp, wall sconces, and a ceiling fan with a light, but no other overhead light. Any suggestions, please?

Jura Koncius: I think this time of year, every room feels dark. It is a depressing time of year, especially when it is brutally cold outside. You could light candles, put out a bowl of lemons, buy some fresh flowers, get some light colored pillows...

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RE: tankless water heaters: I just wanted to chime in that our last home had a tankless heater and we LOVED it! We had a 3500 sq ft home, and we are a 3 person family. Even with guest staying and taking shower, NEVER a problem with hot water, even if 2 showers were going at once. Some homes do best with 2 tankless heaters, depending on the circumstances, but if it weren't for the fact our current home came with a conventional water heater that is only 1 yr old, we'd rip it out and put in a tankless. I highly recommend it!

Jura Koncius: Great.

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Ann Arbor (last time): I'm off work with my sick purple-loving son today, and he LOVED the lightning bolt idea! I have no idea how to do it, but I'll figure it out. Thanks for the suggestions. It made his day, and it's been a rough year for us.

Jura Koncius: Love hearing that!

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Arlington, Va.: Hi, I have to post early or I will forget again like I did last week. I am looking for something stylish to store CDs in, preferably a dresser/chest that is not as large as a standard dresser/chest of drawers. I've looked everywhere so I'm hoping you two can think of a place that I haven't. And please don't suggest the large, blue big box store as my CDs are currently housed in something from that store that is essentially a piece of junk. Thank you.

Terri Sapienza: What about searching flea markets and consignment shops for something other than a dresser or chest of drawers? You could find a cool, old trunk or something similar that you just love when you see it. Try thinking outside of the standard dresser for storage.

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Room and Board?: Funny you mention it, my husband and I are in love with a granite couch in their catalog, and have not found anything else we like. We're considering, given their flat-rate delivery, of just ordering it, but we've never done that before. Does their quality tend to be high? We also like that the furniture is generally made in the USA. as long as I'm asking, what color walls with a granite couch? We were thinking caramel-y.

Terri Sapienza: I don't know from personal experience, but from what I've heard through designers, is that R&B's quality is really good. And we know that the Obamas have shopped there, too, for what it's worth. It's a tough call to order something without trying it out first, though, I understand. Why don't you try giving the NY showroom a call and ask if they have their furnishings anyplace near DC? We've heard talk that they are considering opening a DC location, which would be great. If you do go that route, let us know how it goes.

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Jura Koncius: Well, if you don't want to toss your poinsettia, at least treat yourself to a nice bunch of tulips this weekend to remind you that spring is coming. Thanks everyone. Lots of good topics today. Hope you all come back next Thursday for more good conversation.

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CD storage : The catalog "Home Decorators"(web site same name) has lots of excellent options.

Jura Koncius: thanks

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Ithaca, N.Y.: Tankless - we recently built a new house and specifically installed a tankless because we really enjoy our large jetted tub. While it takes a few minutes for the hot water to start, the capacity is excellent. It is very important to have a unit that is properly sized tho. Ours is quite large and handles the tub as well as simultaneous showers/dishwashing.

Jura Koncius: thanks to you too

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dark rooms: Add a torch-style lamp or something that projects the light upward. Big help!

Jura Koncius: yup

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