Home Front: Favorite Movie and TV Interiors, Modern Rugs, Furniture Sales, Home Repair Classes and more

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, February 5.

A transcript follows.

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

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Jura Koncius: Hi everyone. We have a request this morning. Our editor Liz has asked for ideas for a story she's thinking about doing just before the Academy Awards. Do you have a favorite movie set -- interiors of a movie that you just love? Send in your ideas to home@washpost.com.

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WHERE IS HOUSE CALLS. WHERE ARE THE PICTURES???????: I know it's not your job, but could someone please show any of us how to 1) find House Calls online... it's not on the front page, it's not under "home and garden"... and when we do find it through the search engine, log in to access it, then pretty pretty please how do we 2) find IMAGES?????? Lots of italics (like that's a real help to "see" a room!) And lots of links to the products... but NO PHOTOS. (then again, the photos have so much navigation stuff covering up the lower 1/3 that they are pretty ineffective some weeks at best)

Rant rant rant!

Thanks, I feel better... but I still can't find House Calls.

washingtonpost.com: Easiest way to find House Calls: in your browser, type in washingtonpost.com/housecalls and hit return. Voila!!!

Jura Koncius: Yikes. Hope the ideas from Elizabeth help!

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Alexandria, Va.: My loving dog vomited all over our couch cushions. We took them off and hand washed them but they still smell. I'm planning on using a steam cleaner on them this weekend, but if that doesn't work do you have any suggestions for getting the stink out? The stain itself is gone.

Jura Koncius: Have you tried Febreze? Also www.odormedic.com is a product that is highly rated by our chatters. Someone has also suggested Nature's Miracle. Any other pet owners out there with things that work on pet stains? My cat threw up the other day right on my needlepoint rug!

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NYC: I'm moving into an apartment complex that doesn't permit any painting of the all-white walls under any circumstances. Do you have any decorating suggestions?

Jura Koncius: If you love color, then you are going to have to work a lot of color in your artwork and your upholstery and rugs. Large trees or topiaries would also be nice to add green against the white.

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Frames online: Submitting early... For very reasonable and quite good frames, try Graphik Diminsions (pictureframes.com). They've outsized, museum, metal, wood, etc. The prices are reasonable, the turnaround is fast, and the quality is quite good. (I framed a 3 by 5 foot oil for $75.00) Museum quality prints still go to a real framer, and I've NOT tried their matting or glass-cutting, but for simple things, they are as good or better than Michael's on sale.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Early, Post: Have a meeting at 11:00 so I know I won't make the chat. Does anyone know of a good, reasonably priced place to get a piece of furniture reupholstered? It's in good shape, just has ugly fabric. Thanks.

Jura Koncius: Two places people have suggested are M&K Upholstery in Gaithersburg 301 670-0325 and Yi's in Rockville 301 770-3687.

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Capitol Hill: I LOVE the desk in Ondine's video. Just what I have been looking for. Can we find out where she got it?

washingtonpost.com: Video: Sex and Design in the City (washingtonpost.com)

Jura Koncius: I believe that desk is a vintage piece from mid century by Paul McCobb, an American furniture designer (1917-1969) whose pieces are highly sought after. I will post the story on Ondine Karady for everyone after this.

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washingtonpost.com: Top of Her Game: After a Bravo Show And 'Sex and the City,' Ondine Karady Brings Her Style to D.C. (Post Home Section, Feb. 5)

Jura Koncius: Here it is. Check out the photo slide show on our website too.

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Allentown Pa.: Speaking of finding things, where are the pictures of Michael Smith's designs online? I loved the article but would like to see his work!

washingtonpost.com: Photo Gallery: Michael S. Smith (washingtonpost.com)

Jura Koncius: Here they are! I recently read his first book Elements of Style which is a great compendium of his ideas and his look.

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Movie sets: I loved the apartment Meryl Streep lived in in The Hours (or was it just Hours?)

Jura Koncius: Yes. I remember that!

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Arlington, Va.: I am buying plantation shutters for my house but can't decide on the length of the shutters in the dining room and living room. Should they cover the whole window, just the bottom half or somewhere in between? Can I still use curtains or valances with the shutters or would that look overdone? Thanks a million!

Terri Sapienza: It just comes down to personal preference. I also have plantation shutters on my windows, but only on the bottom half because I like the look of my old windows and don't want them completely covered up by the shutters. I also have drapes on the windows, which I can close if I want to completely block the sunlight.

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Storage ottomans: I need extra seating in my family room and also storage space. I've been thinking of getting a couple of storage ottomans. But the ones I see are all ugly. Any suggestions on how to find a nice-looking ottoman that will also hold a few throws or pillows?

Terri Sapienza: Have you checked Ballard Designs? They have a tufted storage ottoman that is a nice choice. You can have it upholstered in one of their fabrics or one of your own. It's a designer favorite.

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Question about Desi store in Arlington: I visited the Desi living innovations store in Arlington last weekend. They have a major sale going on. Like a microsuede sectional for $1000 after 10% off and they are also throwing in a faux leather chair or bench if you spend $1000. I wonder if anybody has anything good/bad to say about this store.

I did ask them if they are going out of business and they said no. They also said their furniture is all made in Missisippi. The low prices confuse me -- why?

Jura Koncius: I have met the owner of Desi and he is a smart businessman who came from Hecht's. Enjoy the sale prices!!!

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Area Rugs: Where does one go to buy better quality area rugs that aren't Oriental rugs? I want an upgrade from my Ikea-grade living room area rug but the only higher quality rugs I'm finding are either solid color or Oriental.

Where are the good quality rugs in modern graphic prints?

Terri Sapienza: Try West Elm. www.westelm.com.

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Stores: Any idea if any home stores (chains or local) will be going out of business anytime soon or are they all holding tight?

Movie Interiors -- I loved the apartment set in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Was out last year. Fabulous Art Deco.

washingtonpost.com: Save Big At 2 Closing Furniture Stores (Post Home Section, Jan. 29)

Home Depot's Expo Heads for the Exit (Shop To It blog, washingtonpost.com)

Jura Koncius: It is a really tough time right now for retailers, especially those in the furniture business. With houses not selling and people holding onto their cash, it is hard to move sofas and chairs off the selling floor. I think everyone is holding their breath that they can make it until the middle of the year, when hopefully things might ease up a bit. It is a great time to buy furniture though if you have any spare cash...

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Rugs...: The Great Indoors has a nice selection. Maybe also Expo?

Jura Koncius: Good ideas..

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Rockville, Md.: I'm looking to paint my closet a bright green; my favorite color. I would like to stay away from anything fluorescent, pastelish, or what you would find in a kid's room. I'm in love with BM paint, and am considering Fresh Lime, but it may be a bit too much. Do you have any suggestions?

Terri Sapienza: Whoa...I think you're right about Fresh Lime being a bit too much. It looks pretty dark to me, which probably wouldn't be great in a closet, which is a dark space to begin with. Remember, paint will typically look darker on the walls than it does on the paint chip, so be sure to test any color you are considering before you begin. If you really like Fresh Lime, try the color just above it on the paint deck, Citrus Green. Spring Leaf is nice, too.

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Jura Koncius: Someone just mentioned shopping for rugs at Expo. You all need to know that Expo Design stores are in liquidation now -- I just called the Bethesda location and everything is 10-30 percent off right now.

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plantation shutters: What about having ones that break halfway up the window -- in essence two shutters -- that way you have versatility?

Terri Sapienza: It just depends on what you like. I didn't like that option because I didn't want to have to keep the shutters open in order to see my windows. For me, it was just too much going on and I prefer keeping things simple. But for others, it works perfectly.

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Dog cushions: Thanks, we tried Febreze and Nature's Miracle, and left them outside to try and air them out. Nothing seems to be helping.

Jura Koncius: Try the Odormedic.com stuff.

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more rugs...: Ten Thousand Villages has beautiful handmade fair trade Oriental rugs. They are all made by adults paid living wages. Their prices are comparable to the Oriental rug stores around here.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Expo: If you're going to Expo, hurry -- I was in one last week and they were taking the cabinets off the walls.

Jura Koncius: Wow!

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Del Ray, Va.: I love my Desi couch! Go for it...

Jura Koncius: Fab.

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Lusby, Md.: Jura and Terri, what's your thought on wood laminate in a bathroom??? My BF says no, he wants ceramic title that we have... I say it's gonna be cold with tile. Your thoughts ladies??

Terri Sapienza: I have to side with your BF here. I'm not a fan of laminate in the first place, but in a bathroom, especially, I think tile is the better choice. If you're concerned about warmth, add an area rug.

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rugs: Expo does have fun contemporaries.

SO DOES BLOOMINGDALE'S.

I can't remember the brand, but the reproductions of modern art (think Klee and Mondrian) are a great non-Oriental alternative.

Jura Koncius: Also IKEA.

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area rugs: I bought great area rugs, nice ones, from J.C. Penney (online) - Also window treatments. Penney's rocks! they always have a sale, but are relatively reasonable without (not cheap, not expensive, but juuuust right).

Jura Koncius: Yes. They do have a lot of sales.

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RE: Movie Interiors: The house in Atonement was pretty fine. Will a TV show do? I loved Bertie Wooster's apartment in the Jeeves and Wooster series with Stephen Frye and Hugh Laurie. And, of course, all those British country houses.

Jura Koncius: Love the British country houses.

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Takoma Park: On a cold day like today, it's nice to think about home decorating!

My New Year's resolution for the last 2 years has been not to buy anything new (except items for health and safety). I've had great experiences buying/getting great furniture on Craigslist, Freecycle, moving sales, etc. I just got a beautiful, dark espresso-colored, rough-hewn Markor dining room table for $50 on Craigslist (retails at Ikea for $300). Now I'm looking for 8 chairs to go with it. I've found some black wood chairs, also on Craigslist, for $10, but wanted to know if there is a way to "lighten" them slightly to match the dark brown of my table. (Neither have a shiny finish.)

Thanks!

Jura Koncius: Great resolution.

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Movie Set: Bogart's office in "Sabrina" -- best set ever!

Jura Koncius: Best.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi, I'm painting a bathroom Ralph Lauren's Modern Lights "Spa," which is a lovely light blue-green. The room has beige tile and fixtures. What color towels would best set off this combination?

Terri Sapienza: When in doubt, I always go with white. Actually, I always go with white towels anyway. But in your case, you could get white towels and have them monogrammed in a color that matches your walls. Or, have them monogrammed in a fun accent color that works with your existing colors, like maybe orange?

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Boston, Mass.: For the lime closet person, try Ben Moore's Pale Vista, a gorgeous but more sophisticated green.

Terri Sapienza: thanks for the suggestion.

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Pigtown: Just wanted to let everyone know that Restoration Hardware is having a warehouse sale up north of Baltimore off I-95. They said that they were stopping these sales in November, but there's been one almost every month since then. I have gotten some great deals on accessories... beautiful crystal snowflake ornaments which were originally $12.99 for $.49!!! Unfortunately, their furniture isn't the right scale for my 1880's rowhouse!

Click here for details and directions.

Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza: Worth the trip...

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Chicago, Ill.: Hi, ladies. What length window curtains should be hung when there is a radiator in front of the window? The radiators (covered) run the length of the window sills and extend about 12 inches into the room. I know you have recommended shutters or Roman shades for this situation, but I want curtains because I love the look, and I need the extra draft protection. I have this window situation in the living room, dining room, and bedroom.

Terri Sapienza: I also have radiators (uncovered) that run the length of my LR and bedroom windows, but I also have floor-length curtains. I think it works just fine and looks great.

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Movie set: It's been blogged and written about before, but the set of Diane Keaton's Hamptons house in "Something's Gotta Give" is amazing. Also, I hated the movie but liked the apartment in The Break-Up.

Jura Koncius: Liz loves "Something's Gotta Give" too!

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Greensboro, N.C.: Two things -- just heard Design Within Reach is considering "strategic alternatives" including an unsoliciated offer...

(2) a suggestion for white walls and an easy way to dress up apartments/small spaces, inexpensive ($30 kits) "better" quality removable wall stickers from Nouvelles Images, a company founded in France in 1957 by Jacques Blanc, one of the first to license artists' works for reproduction. We see a lot of new stuff here, but these really caught my eye: http://www.homeaccentstoday.com/blog/240000224/post/1610038161.html

thanks, Susan Dickenson, Retail Editor, trade pub Home Accents Today

Jura Koncius: Thanks Susan! Both fascinating items...

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Alexandria, Va.: Home Decorators has tons o'rugs! And a couple are identical to rugs I've seen in the Horchow catalog. I've bought a small one and it was decent quality.

Jura Koncius: Marvelous.

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Alexandria, Va.: Posting early, so I hope you will answer my question. I have some leftover stair runner carpet that I would like to have finished for a hallway runner. Do you know what kind of place would do that work?

Terri Sapienza: I think any carpet place would cut and bind the carpet to your specific dimensions. Just call around and find the best price.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hello,

Does anyone know where I could find new covers for sofa cushions that seem to be of a standard size? Having them custom-made seems too expensive and I'm not a good enough seamstress... Also, is there any place where I could buy sofa cushions separately (i.e. without having to buy a whole sofa). (I would use them as floor pillows.) Any place on-line or in the DC area would be great. Thanks in advance

Jura Koncius: You can buy foam and have covers made for new cushions. American Foam Center in Fairfax. 800-241-3626.

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Tenleytown: Patrick Bateman's apartment in "American Psycho."

Jura Koncius: Okay.

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rugs: Does anyone have any experience with CB2 - rugs in particular? I like a few of them, but with no store in the area I'm wary of ordering one. Thanks!

Jura Koncius: CB2 channels the Crate & Barrel vibe for a younger customer...They have stores in New York, Chicago and California... Their things should be good for the price.

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Ugly Betty: I love the 'Mode' set in Ugly Betty -- it really creates a world. In fact, love all the sets -- Ignatio/Hilda/Betty's home in Queens and Hilda's Salon -- fabulous!

Jura Koncius: Not ugly.

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Ashburn, Va.: I have fabric that I bought overseas and would like to have made into curtains. How do I go about finding someone to do that? Most places seem to require that you also buy fabric through them. Thanks!

Jura Koncius: Visit your local fabric store and look for seamstress referrals. Also, your local dry cleaner may have someone in the alterations department who does sewing. Designers usually have their own seamstresses or workrooms - if you know anyone in the design biz, see if they will share the name of their person.

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Bethesda: What are reasonable expectations for a paint job? I recently had several rooms painted by a high-profile company. Everything looked fine in the quick walkthrough before the painters left, but now I keep finding paint on switchplates and spattered on bathroom tile floors, small missed spots, and uneven edges. It's all little stuff, but enough to be annoying. I don't expect perfection, but how do you judge the difference between what is reasonable and what is sloppy and worthy of complaint?

Terri Sapienza: Why shouldn't you expect perfection? The job wasn't done for free, was it? I would call the company immediately and tell them what you just wrote to us (except the part about not expecting perfection). If they say there is nothing they can do because you didn't mention any of this in the walk-through, then you've just learned a valuable lesson: never use that company again. Good, reliable companies typically stand by their work and try to ensure that customers are happy with the service they provided, even if that means coming back to fix a few things. I had a floor refinishing company come back four times to fix things that weren't "perfect."

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cushions: Any dry cleaner's seamstress should be able to run up cushions for you with your fabric if you give the dimensions.

Jura Koncius: Yes.

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the death of Domino.....: I wasn't personally a fan of Domino - their layouts seemed kind of clunky and infantile. But I LOVE Elle Decor...LOVE it...and I will die a small death inside if they go out of business! I'm not a fan of Architectural Digest either - the decorating they feature seems so sterile.

Jura Koncius: We are holding our breath that no more design magazines fall in this horrible recession.

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Rugs: Overstock.com has a very wide selection and price range. Shipping is usually 2.95 and sometimes less (or free). But returning a rug by mail would probably cost a fortune, so make sure you like it (esp since computer screens can affect the way colors look).

Jura Koncius: Yes. Shipping rugs back is a pain.

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Movie sets: Haven't seen it yet, but I imagine "Revolutionary Road" has great mid-century modern furniture. And of course the Mad Men sets.

Jura Koncius: Love the Mad Men sets! I haven't seen Revolutionary Road yet.

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Greensboro, N.C.: While you're talking about area rugs, you gotta check out the designs of Bev Hisey. They are some of the freshest contemporary rugs I've come across in a while and I see lots of rugs. You can check it out here: http://www.homeaccentstoday.com/blog/1940000394/post/590040259.html -- Wes Kennedy, Art Director, Home Accents Today magazine

Jura Koncius: Okay, thanks a lot!

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Gaithersburg, Md.: This is a paint question that I would really like to know about by this weekend. You sometimes advise lightening or darkening a color (I assume by adding white or black pigments). I asked at my local Duron store and the mixologist (?) (really just a young guy behind the counter) said you would have to add an exorbitant amount to notice a difference in the color. How much black or white pigment would you need to add to a gallon to get a noticeably darker or lighter color? (Note: moving down the color strip will not help as I am already at the darkest bottom.)

Terri Sapienza: You should ask someone at the paint store that question because they will, presumably, know the color you are asking about and will probably be able to tell you if that would work in your case. Another option is to have the color you liked mixed at 75% or 50%, which will also lighten the color.

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Ohio: With my first baby arriving in May, I've decided upon a leaf green, pineapple yellow and white combo for the nursery. My crib and dresser are "Espresso," my bedding is white and leaf green, I have a green patterned rug and I'm having the glider recovered in the green/yellow/white palette with a narrow stripe. The room is fairly small but gets good afternoon sun. I'm desperate for suggestions on wall color. I keep thinking a pale yellow but the yellow I've chosen for the chair is so bold. Should I just stick with a fresh white? Thank you for your suggestions! I look forward to the chat each week!

Terri Sapienza: A very pale green might be nice. Otherwise, if it were me, I would probably stick with a warm white or off-white.

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Bethesda, Md.: Good morning! I just moved into a house with glass front cabinets in the kitchen. They are beautiful for dishes/glasses, but kind of odd with food. Any suggestions? Should I be thinking about decorative baskets or other containers? Thanks for your help!

Jura Koncius: Do you have to keep food in the glass fronted cabinets? In my kitchen I have two tall cabinets that have glass fronts, but the others are solid cherry. In the glass cabinets, I have wine glasses, blue goblets, pale pink dessert dishes and then serving pieces in my brown transferware pattern. If possible, try to keep food not on display unless you keep it very neat! You can put in baskets if you have to.

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Chevy Chase, Md.: I can't wait to see the set design of "The Road."

Jura Koncius: Yeah.

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movie sets/attention to detail: Your reminding me of Mad Men reminds me that they have the most wonderful attention to detail. Using a can opener to punch a hole in the top of a can of beer ... (like you do with Hawaiian Punch). Sigh - it's wonderful.

Jura Koncius: That is funny. Don't you love the way they have the bars in all the offices and they are always clinking in a few ice cubes with a splash of Scotch in a nice chunky tumbler.

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Rye, NY: For modern rugs, I don't think they come any more lovely than Angela Adams. (www.angelaadams.com)

Jura Koncius: They are beautiful, if pricey.

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Alexandria: Hi! I submitted this question last week but too late for an answer. Please help! My fiance and I desperately need to learn the basics of home repair. Do you know of any classes? Thanks!

Jura Koncius: This is an excellent question! I was just saying the other day that so many of us have never paid much attention to the DIY aspects of home maintenance! My Dad was fairly handy, but he also used a lot of duct tape to fix stuff. They no longer teach shop or home economics in most schools. Maybe a good idea would be to hire a professional handyman for a few hours and have them demonstrate some of the basic skills you need to maintain your home.

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glass-front cabinets: Could you just frost the glass? Or replace the existing glass with something fun like copper plate, the neat metal ceiling stuff (like in old bldgs), fine metal mesh, stained glass, etc.? It sounds like a fun place to me!

Jura Koncius: You could. But I do like the look of glass.

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Lusby, Md.: RE: Laminate... Terri, I know you just said you hate it. But, what's you guys' thought on it for my kitchen? I think it's better for me than real wood for the maintenance issue. Opinions, ladies???

Terri Sapienza: I never said I hated it, I just said I wasn't a fan. I recently had my real wood floors installed in my kitchen an because I like how they look and love the solid feel they have. They also added value to my house (I replaced tile that was there when we moved in). But, I also like floors that look used and worn-in so I won't be having them refinished very often. Other than that, I don't see any maintenance issues. But, again, that's simply my personal preference. I know people who have laminate flooring and like it a lot.

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Silver Spring, Md: How do you determine the right color for a stair runner? Should we coordinate with the living room colors (it's a side-hall colonial, so you don't -really- see the stairs), the wall color (off-white), the wood on the stairs, or just pick a color we like?

Jura Koncius: It could be any of these things, or none. You certainly would want something in line with the colors in your living room, unless you want the stair rug to make its own real statement. I went with black tweed.

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Rugs!: I have bought a lot of wool rugs at Overstock.com. They are very nice (much better than I thought they would be) and the reviews are helpful.

Jura Koncius: Lots of Overstock fans today.

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breakfast nook: Any ideas on where to get a nice upholstered piece?

Terri Sapienza: Try Ballard Designs. They have a nice slipcovered option.

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Home repair classes: Check with your local county or community college. I know that Montgomery County has had classes.

Terri Sapienza: thanks.

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DIY: Home Depot (and probably all those other stores) offers all sorts of classes, including some aimed at new homeowners.

Terri Sapienza: thanks.

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Jura Koncius: Thanks everyone. Send your movie ideas into home@washpost.com. Have a great weekend.

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Basics of Home Repair: Check your local community college's listings. My husband and I took a framing course at Montgomery College and then proceeded to finish our basement ourselves (other than the plumbing).

Jura Koncius: yup.

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rugs: We live in Massachusetts. Lots of rug opportunities at auctions here and probably there.

Jura Koncius: Wish I was there.

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Graphik Diminsions: I second the recommendation for Graphik Diminsions. I've used them multiple times and they are WAY better than Michael's, where my family has had many problems. Their mat cutting is always perfect. And I haven't used them recently, but their website used to have a feature where you could upload your photo and see what it would look like with the matting and frame of your choice.

Jura Koncius: thanks.

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