Home Front: Paints to Go With an Unexpectedly Green Sofa, Appliance Store Recommendations, Brightening a Dark House, Modern Light Fixtures 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 12.

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. Before we begin, just a quick reminder that we are looking for your thoughts on your favorite movie interiors (two of my favorites are the houses in Unfaithful and What Lies Beneath). Send your favorites to home@washpost.com and we'll publish the best rooms and why you like them in next week's section.

Okay, onto picking out paint colors...

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Narragansett, R.I.: Hi, We are getting ready to put our home up for sale. Some of the rooms have wallpaper. Should we remove it and paint the walls a neutral color? The house is the basic starter Cape and is dated. I'd like to fix it up without spending a lot of money. Thanks for your help. I look forward to the chats.

Terri Sapienza: I think the less dated you can make the house look the better, Especially if you can do it without spending lots of money. I think taking the paper down and painting is a good idea.

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Jura Koncius: Hi everyone. Remember a few weeks ago we had a very lively discussion about formal china and if we all use it? Well, our savvy producer Elizabeth came up with a great scheme. Why not start a mission to get our readers to dine on their formal china more than just at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Why not start this Valentine's Day, unless of course you are being taken out! Post a photo of you or your family enjoying the good stuff - china that is - at www.washingtonpost.com/home. Tell us what you are eating or drinking and why. And tell us about your china and where yout got it whether as a wedding gift or from a relative. Tell us why you love it - or hate it! We will share photos and do a photo gallery beginning in several weeks and for several weeks to come. Our editor Liz is going to show us her amazing idea for reusing a third generation demitasse set!

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No. Va.: I thought the dining room in today's House Calls was pretty, but yikes, the cost of some of those items! Has the news about the recession not trickled down to the design industry? It was nice to say shop around but the table alone was almost four grand...

Would you please, please consider alternating the house calls column with another feature, maybe once or twice a month, where a consultant simply spiffs up someone's home using (mostly) stuff they already have? Or maybe impose a $500 limit or something so at least they could paint and get new linens, you get the idea.

It's an interesting concept but honestly, just about useless to those of us who are trying to have a nice house on an IKEA budget. Thank you.

washingtonpost.com: House Calls: French Country Dining (Post Home Section, Feb. 12)

Jura Koncius: We will pass your thoughts along.

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Great Falls, Va.: Hi there; I recently bought a large sectional sofa. The swatch color was "Pewter" and looked to be a neutral greige, perfect for the sunroom I envisioned being painted a very pale blue. However, once the sofa was delivered, I realized the color is actually a greenish-gray-olive, veering strongly into green territory. Now my dream of pale blue walls is over, as this would look horrible with the green cast of the sofa. What color do you recommend for walls and rugs to downplay the green and play up the grey/beige undertones? I am just sick about this as I can't return the item. Thanks for your help.

Terri Sapienza: Oh, buyer's remorse is such a terrible feeling -- I'm sorry. But, how about painting the walls a light, neutral gray? It sounds like that might go well with your new sofa and it's close to the pale blue you were first envisioning. good luck. Let us know what you decide and how it works out.

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Fluffy Towels: How do I keep towels as soft and fluffy as when they were first purchased? We don't use fabric softener in the wash and it's only been about two years since they were bought. But I can definitely feel a difference -- scratchy and rough when it used to be soft and luxurious.

washingtonpost.com: Proper Care Can Extend The Life Of Linens (Post Home Section, Jan. 8)

Terri Sapienza: According to experts, a good way to remove residue that has built-up on towels is to wash them with vinegar (no soap) and rinse them well. Here's a story we recently ran with lots of great advice for caring for your linens.

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Jura Koncius: Want to add my two cents on towels. Do not ever use dryer sheets when you dry them either.

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Ridgewood, N.J.: Now that the Holidays have passed and the seasonal decorations have come down, it seems too early to put out my "beachy decor" that I temporarily stored -- no fish nets, just blue/aqua accessories and a couple bowls of shells and coral. It feels too soon to put that out now, and too late for pinecones and pomegranates, etc.

What is a nice way to spruce up my family room before spring hits? Thanks!

Jura Koncius: That is a good question -- too late for pinecones and too early for seaglass. You know, forcing some branches of forsythia or picking up some pussy willows (I actually bought a lovely bunch for $3.99 at Whole Foods last week here in DC) is a nice touch. Bowls of artichokes and lemons are pretty too. What else do you guys suggest?

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Arlington, Va.: Hello Jura and Terri, Please help if you can! I tried dyeing a set of draperies that were beige to dark black with Rit dye. I performed the procedure in the washing machine three times and they only turned to grey. Is there a trick or is there a better way commercially? I have a matching set to still do. Thank you so much

Terri Sapienza: I have no experience whatsoever with dye. can anyone else chime in here?

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Arlington, Va.: I'd like to buy bamboo or cane (something natural) Roman shades for our dining room. Can you recommend some stores where I could find some at a reasonable price? Thank you.

Terri Sapienza: Try Next Day Blinds. They have options in a range of prices.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hello,

Thanks for taking my question. I'm hoping to replace most of my house's light fixtures (a chandelier, a few pendant lights and wall fixtures). I'm looking for clean, modern lines and not too expensive pricetags. Where do you think would be a good place to shop in D.C. or northern Va. (or even Maryland)? The few lighting stores I've visited (including lighting sections of Lowe's and Home Depot) seem to mostly offer traditional-style pieces. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Jura Koncius: Have you checked out West Elm? Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams at 1526 14th St. NW has nice lighting too.

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Alexandria, Va.: Two rooms in my home have mismatched trim due to newer repairs and upgrades by previous owners. In the family room addition, the floor, window, and doorway trim is nice wood, whereas the wall of built-ins and ceiling trim is painted to match the walls. In the kitchen, the door trim and a section of floor trim neay the door is painted to match the walls, but the floorboard trim by the cabinets is maple, which matches the newer custom cabinets.

I need to paint these two rooms, and am wondering if it's OK to keep the moldings a bit mismatched, in order to preserve the nice newer wood trim, or should it all the be the same (in which case I'd have to paint over some nice wood)?

Terri Sapienza: I think it's just a matter of personal preference. What looks good to you? I personally prefer that the trim in my house match, or at least be all painted or all unpainted (mine is painted). But you should really just go with what makes you most comfortable. if you like it, than it's OK.

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for Great Falls: Sounds like a lavender would be pretty and I think it works well with grey/green.

Terri Sapienza: a suggestion for the olive green sectional.

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Fairfax, Va.: Speaking of using your good china regularly... is there anywhere you can get chips polished off the rims of fine crystal glassware?

Jura Koncius: Yes. The Restoration Center in Potomac. 301 340-2624. 10 Overpond Court.

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Washington, D.C.: I noticed that the Washington Design Center is having a Public Sample Sale this Saturday. I've never been to the Design Center but know that it is primarily for designers/decorators. What kind of prices should I expect at the Sample Sale??? Are we talking $10,000 sofas that are marked down or something more reasonable?

Jura Koncius: No. There are definitely things for a few hundred dollars. Some people line up every year - they just love the sale. Have any of you been there recently?

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Silver Spring, Md.: I've got some money for a kitchen renovation but am looking for a good deal on quality semi-custom cabinets. I know many people love IKEA cabinets but I'm not into particle board and stapled corners. Can you provide any potential sources for good cabinets at a fair price?

Terri Sapienza: Have you looked at Ikea cabinets? They are much better quality than you are describing.

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Re: formal china: I have some formal china and a set of silver that I have never used. I would like to sell it. Any ideas as to where I should do this? Auction house, eBay, Craigslist, consignment shop, or what? It was all purchased about 8 years ago. The china is Mikasa, so not super fancy. The silver is very nice and still in its orginal box.

Jura Koncius: You could check out the prices at www.replacements.com. I might take it to a few of your local consignment shops and see what they might offer you for a price - you would have to give them a commission of course when it sold - Christ Child Opportunity Shop in Georgetown often has china sets for sale.

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modern lighting on the cheap: don't forget IKEA

Jura Koncius: true

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Sarasota, Florida: Moving a several weeks and I have a black and white guest room (a toile spread and distressed white furniture, beach retreat from Lane) that I adore. Currently the room has pastel grey walls and it has been lovely. The new room will be sunnier, and on botton floor of a townhouse. I want some "wow" factor and am thinking of green walls with major punch, a kelly or emerald type green...too much? Suggestions? thx!

Jura Koncius: Yes - fun idea to add something bold like green. I like Rosemary Green or Tequila Lime by Benjamin Moore.

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Arlington, Va.: Does anyone have suggestions on where to buy kitchen appliances? We plan to remodel our kitchen and are tring to get great prices where we can on the large appliances. We are looking at GE Monogram and would be open to other suggestions too. Thanks, I love your chat!

Terri Sapienza: How about the new Sears appliance showroom in Tenleytown, DC? We'll try and post the info we ran on it in a second...

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Olney, Md.: My kitchen is old and I'd like to replace it with some changes. Would it be efficient if I move my stove (now is at the end of the other wall, w/out counter space on one side) to the same wall where there is the sink and dishwasher? Would it be a better placement if I placed it on the other wall across from the sink and move the refrigerator where I want to place the stove? Please help. Thank you.

Terri Sapienza: I think this is a question best asked to a professional kitchen designer or a contractor.

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Great Falls, Va.: Thanks for your suggestions re: greenish sofa. I'll try samples of both pale lavender and silvery gray. And next time I'll ask for a larger swatch!!

Terri Sapienza: Good ideas. But I would go toward warmer shades of gray as opposed to a silver shade. A light yet warm shade. Good luck.

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washingtonpost.com: Sears Returns to D.C. With Appliance Showroom (Post Home Section, Jan. 1)

Terri Sapienza: here's the info on the Sears appliance showroom...

thanks, Elizabeth

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RE: Silver Spring, Md.: I've got some money for a kitchen renovation but am looking for a good deal on quality semi-custom cabinets.: Try Lowe's!

Terri Sapienza: thanks!

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Re: natural shades: For non-custom sizes, try Pier One, Target, and World Market (maybe IKEA, too). They all have several sizes and types of natural blinds/shades. If the size they offer is right for your windows, it's a great deal. And remember to be flexible when desiding where to mount -- I've mounted these on the trim, inside the trim/frame, and even on the ceiling to get the right fit and look.

Terri Sapienza: great advice. thanks.

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Falls Church, Va.: Where can I buy a durable, but not pricey, sectional sofa? Also, any ideas of fabric choice? I hate twill and microfiber.

Jura Koncius: Try Desi at Pentagon City.

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To Great Falls with Olive Grey Sofa: I'm a painter, and I actually like olives and sages with blue. Grey, too. So you're talking about preference, not what is "correct" in a general sense.

Optical effects are an option. All colors "read" brighter or more muted, according to adjacent colors. if you want to neutralize the sofa green and push it into greige, one trick is to choose a greener wall color. The more vivid your background color, the more muted the sofa's color appears, and vice versa.

Try this with color chips. You'll see.

Or, if you hate the idea of brighter walls, put really bright-colored throw pillows on; they will make the sofa appear more neutral.

Don't be crushed. Olive/sage/grey is a lovely timeless color. It might grow on you.

Terri Sapienza: Some great color insight and advice from an expert. Thanks!

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Washington, D.C.: Hello All: I live in the Petworth area of D.C. and my problem is radiators. I would like to rearrange my living room furniture but the radiator seems to be an obstruction/distraction. I have two front windows and the radiator sits just under them. Any suggestions?

Terri Sapienza: How about placing your sofa in front of the windows, so that the radiators are behind it?

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Sarasota again: thanks! do you recommend those tiny samples from Ben Moore where you can "try" some color? I don't want the green too neon. Would you comment on Richmond Green or Kiwi or Grassy Fields from Ben Moore? Am I in the right territory? many thanks...

Jura Koncius: I prefer Kiwi myself!

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House Calls: Today's House Calls room could easily be duplicated for under $2,000. All one would have to do is shop estate sales, second hand shops, and Craigslist. Everything chosen is classic, readily available second hand. A little new fabric, polish and maybe refinishing and you have the same room.

Jura Koncius: Interesting thought.

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Vienna, Va.: For dyeing stuff black, check out this. Granted, this was directed to Goths, who wear a lot of black, but the advice applies to anyone.

washingtonpost.com: "I see a red door and I want it painted black..."

Jura Koncius: Ha!

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Arlington, Va.: I have an armoire that is not the style I like (it is French country and I am more classic/contemporary). The armoire is in the guest bedroom, which is a small room with a lot of light. Any ideas on what to do to make it fit more in the style I like?

Terri Sapienza: How about painting it?

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washingtonpost.com: Break Out Your Fancy China -- and Show Us! (Post Home Section, Feb. 12)

Jura Koncius: More info on our China Challenge!!!

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washingtonpost.com: New Model For the Remodel Business (Post Home Section, Feb. 12)

Jura Koncius: Here is some info on the what's going on in the remodeling business for you who are asking about kitchen and bathroom jobs...

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Semi-custom cabinets: Kraft Maid... now available at Home Depot. I put Kraft Maid cabinets into a little rancher in 1983, and when I sold that house in 2007 all I had to do was spiffy handles. No sags, no chips, no drawers broken. And it had been lived in by the renters from Hades.

Kraft Maid.

Jura Koncius: Wow. My semi-custom cherry cabinets were by Plato in Minnesota. After ten years, they look fantastic.

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Washington, D.C.: The greige sofa sounds lovely, Benjamin Moore's new colors for 2009 show a room featuring light blue and green, beautiful! Gossamer Blue and Brookside Moss.

http://www.benjaminmoore.com

Jura Koncius: Cool.

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Frederick: IKEA has a great selection on cleaner lined, more modern light fixtures. I bought a kind of round ceiling fixture with little tips of silver holding up the round glass. It goes great with my mom's old 1950's end table that is now a bedside table.

Jura Koncius: More Ikea fans...

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House Calls: Just my $.02 but I don't think the items in today's House Calls were particularly pricey. It isn't as if they had a perfectly functional dining set that was being trashed for a new trendy look. They were buying something that they might keep for 25 years.

Jura Koncius: Thank you.

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Gaithersburg, MD: I'm getting ready to remodel my bathroom and I'm trying to find someone who can do the work for me. I'm completely daunted by the process, and I'm afraid that everyone who gives me a quote will be far out of my budget. Is there any way to estimate costs before getting an estimate, or is it OK to get the estimates before knowing I can actually afford the remodel? Do contractors give estimates knowing that there's a good chance they won't get hired?

Terri Sapienza: the only way to find out how much the remodel is going to cost is to get estimates - and you should get several before making any decisions (i.e.: if you can afford the project, which company you want to work with). Contractors know going into an estimate that they are likely competing with other companies for the job.

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For Arlington, Va.: How about Glebe Radio Appliances on Lee Highway? They specialize in GE, are family run, and great customer service. They were very accomodating when we had to return our refrigerator due to our kitchen designer's mistake.

Terri Sapienza: Great tip. Thanks.

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non-particleboard cabinets: Ahhh -- I hate using chains. Now would be a good time to check out some of the small businesses for your kitchen. Those places are really hurting. You'd get personal service and I bet a good price.

Jura Koncius: Okay...

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Bathroom remodeling: My bathroom desperately needs a full remodel. I've been putting this off for too long. I've heard from two friends who have used Metropolitan Bath and Tile (MB-T) and were very pleased with their service. I went to their showroom last March and was pleased with what I saw. How can you tell with a company if their prices have come down? Can I ask for a price break at all? I know MB-T sends out those flyers for $600 off a full remodel, but was just wondering if overall prices have come down?

Jura Koncius: These days, just ask if you can get a discount. This economy is making everyone bolder.

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Ack!: Terri, I challenge you to go back and count the number of times you have recommended painting a room gray. It's getting to be awfully predictable! And boring! Let's branch out a little!

Terri Sapienza: And I would love for anyone to count the number of times we get requests for suggestions for a nice, neutral paint color that is not beige or white but goes well with every existing color in a room. not exactly an easy question to answer, especially when we've never seen the space.

But thanks for the comment.

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Dupont: Growing up, my aunt would wake me up at 6 a.m. to take me to yard sales every Saturday morning. Now that I'm grown and hundreds of miles away from her, I've been thinking about her and I'm itching to go to some yard sales. Any ideas of where to look for yard sales? I feel like the DC area sticks to Craigslist. Thank you!!!

Jura Koncius: You are so right! I think in this time of economic woe, yard sales are going to be everything this spring, as soon as it is warm enough to hang out outdoors. Drive up and down the streets of your favorite neighborhoods on a sunny Saturday morning before 9 a.m. Sign up to be on the list serves of various neighborhoods where sales may be announced. Some streets have block sales. Have fun!

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Bathroom Remodel.: Metropolitan Bath does great work, however, their prices are sky high. My Mother spent $3500 for a new vanity, sink, faucet and light fixture. The style was pretty basic. Just a thought.

Jura Koncius: Passing this along...

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Herndon, Va: Any ideas on creating a noise-free space?

Jura Koncius: Do you mean you live in an apartment and you are trying to keep noise from bothering your neighbors? Fabric soaks up noise. Carpet every floor and consider wearing headphones when you listen to music!

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Arlington, Va.: What color would you suggest for the armoire? Bright white?

Terri Sapienza: Not necessarily. Since your room gets a lot of light and you say you like contemporary, you might consider black. Sounds dark and perhaps harsh, I know, but you might be surprised. Look through some magazines and try to notice painted pieces. The dark colors often look great. you could also paint the inside a fun, brighter color, too. Or wallpaper the inside.

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Arlington, Va.: My house is dark. It is surrounded by trees, doesn't have very many windows, the ones we have are small, and has a north-south orientation. How do I brighten up my home without a major renovation? Putting in sky lights isn't possible now.

Terri Sapienza: Well, the easy and most cost-effective answer is: paint. What color are your walls currently?

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Getting estimates: When getting estimates on a remodel, let the contractors know that you are getting multiple estimates. Contractors appreciate knowing that.

Jura Koncius: Good advice.

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Ben Moore samples: I've used a lot of the Ben Moore samples and, in the process, also figured out this tool: I bought a "tablet" of small canvas sheets at an art supply store and painted each one with a BM color I had around. When it was dry, I penciled the name of the color on the back. Now I have a "book" of paint colors that I can easily attach to the wall when I'm considering paint colors for another room.

I also recommend looking at a small book that House Beautiful put out called "Colors for Your Home." It puts all those paint swatches they typically show in the magazine into one book, and also groups them by color family and even rooms. It's very fun just to leaf through for ideas.

Terri Sapienza: what a great idea! And, yes, the HB book is terrific. A great resource.

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Alexandria, VA: Re: China - We plan on using our china to dine on our favorite pizza for Valentine's Day, maybe even serve it on one of the platters we got!

Sectional: We got ours, though microfiber, at Macy's. Ask about any upcoming sales too. Our is a sectional with a chaise and pullout sofa.

Jura Koncius: Thanks. You are right - ask the salesperson about upcoming sales.

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Silver Spring, Maryland: What is the best way to install a staircase runner on top of a carpet? Every time I have tried, the nails or staples loosen and the runner loosens too -- it looks pathetic, and of course can cause slipping. I do not want to remove the carpet on the stairs so I need to work with it. I'm handy and would like to do it myself

washingtonpost.com: What if you installed those carpet rods that hold the runner at the base of each stair?? -- Elizabeth

Jura Koncius: I would suggest you ask an installer from a carpet store about doing this yourself. You must be very careful as you could easily slip on this and do damage to yourself falling! Are you sure you don't want to remove the carpeting and put in a runner by itself? I think it would look better personally.

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Alexandria, VA: Re the appliance question from Arlington - Bray and Scarff is a good local place, they have showrooms around the metro area.

I also have a wall paper question. Can you recommend good online or local sources for higher-end wallpaper (other than the Washington Design Center)?

Terri Sapienza: A good local resource, other than the Design Center, is the Color Wheel in McLean. One on-line source for fun wallpapers that I really like is a California based company: http://walnutwallpaper.com/

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Frederick: My husband and I found a company on the Internet that built unfinished maple cabinets that are great. We bought five, one being a sink cabinet. We spent under 800 dollars. I stained them myself. Did the inset in the doors light, then a dark stain all over. They look great. The company was up in Baltimore and we just drove up and got them when they were done. I'll try and find the name of the company...

Jura Koncius: Yes, please try and find the name...

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Enterprise, Ala.: For the dark house, large mirrors will bounce light around.

Terri Sapienza: yep. that works, too.

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armoire redo: Select an accent color for the armoire, and consider painting the interior in a contrasting color. A very traditional armoire can look modern depending on the colors you use. Also consider lining the shelves and the back of the interior with fabric.

Jura Koncius: Good thoughts.

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Suburban MD: Do you know where I could buy a scrap of de Gournay wallpaper? I'd like to frame one as a small panel.

Terri Sapienza: why not call the company and ask them to send you a sample? You could also try searching eBay.

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Hanging art: I have a large matted photo. I don't want to frame it but I do want to hang it. Are there clips and wires that I can use for this?

Jura Koncius: Go to Michael's or another craft or hobby shop like A.C. Moore.

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Arlington: I have an grayish-olive twill sofa in the middle of my living room. I painted an accent wall behind it with Caramel by Benjamin Moore and like it. Enough of a contrast and warms the room up a bit.

Jura Koncius: Sounds lovely.

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For the dark house: Perhaps Solatubes might work. They let in natural light and are far less expensive to install than skylights because they go between joists.

Terri Sapienza: thanks.

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Frederick: The unfinished cabinet company is Highlands Designs.

Jura Koncius: Terrific.

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House Calls comments: As homeowners who bought most of our furniture second-hand (including our full antique dining room suite for $1,000) I agree that the House Calls room could be replicated for less than buying "new." But at the same time, I agree with the comment that more than lip service should be given to the economic conditions we're facing today. When you run an article about cost-efficient updates that add real value to your home's cost basis, but then, in the same issue, have a dining room suite that runs $6,000-plus - it struck me as a little bit of disconnect.

Just my two cents.

Jura Koncius: We are trying to report the news on all fronts.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I wanted to share my experience at the Sloan and Kenyon auction this weekend! It is quite something and makes me think that no one should pay full price for antique-ish pieces! I was only there for a short period of time but most things were going to the low end of the estimated range or well below.

Jura Koncius: Sloan & Kenyon in Bethesda is a great source for stuff. I agree - check it out because lots of people are unloading some fantastic furniture.

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Rockville: Hi there. We are having our bathroom redone this very second (!). It is only a stand-up shower and has a door on it. We're having it removed (it opens to the wrong side and we just don't like it). Is the only other option a shower curtain? Do they make them for the tub-less showers? Thanks!

Terri Sapienza: I'm not sure I understand your question. If you're asking if there are curtains for stand-alone showers, the answer is: yes. they are the same ones that you use for tubs.

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armoire colors: my friend has one in her living room. she painted the inside the same color as the opposite wall in the room. looks really cool.

Terri Sapienza: oh, that's a nice idea.

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lamps : I've gotten two beautiful Tiffany "inspired" lamps from Overstock. Incredible price, and very hefty pieces, very substantial and beautiful.

Jura Koncius: thanks

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Clifton, Va.: Have used McQuire Applicances in Falls Church for 10 years. No one can beat their prices or service.

Jura Koncius: Thanks Clifton.

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dyeing drapes: I think manmade materials don't take dye very well. We remember dyeing cotton and it went fine, but a lot of new blends don't take dye well.

Jura Koncius: so true

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hanging photo: another option might be those hooks you can buy to hang curtains. Depending on the photo, it might look lovely.

Jura Koncius: Yes.

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Terri Sapienza: okay, that's all the time we have today. thanks for your questions, comments and great tips. remember to send us your thoughts on favorite movie interiors: home@washpost.com. Chat with you next week.

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Re: House Calls: I respectfully disagree with the comments about House Calls. Personally, I see enough cheap stuff everywhere I go on a daily basis (Target, IKEA, JCPenney, etc.). It's the nicer things and higher-end design that I don't have exposure/access to in my middle class, daily life. I love seeing what designers are doing, what brands they are buying and recommending. To me, that's inspiration enough to try to replicate on my own, no matter what my price point.

Terri Sapienza: a pro-house calls comment I wanted to share. thanks!

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