Home Front: Give Your Space a Beachy Cottage Feel, How to Carpet for High Traffic Rooms, Should I Keep That Set of Silverware? and More

Every week, Washington Post Home Section writers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza help you in your quest to achieve domestic bliss. They were online Thursday, April 23.

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

Submit your questions and comments before or during the live discussion.

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Terri Sapienza: Hi, Everyone. Thanks for joining us today. There's lots going on in the design world these days: the DC Design House, the Georgetown House Tour this weekend, Kips Bay Showhouse in NY and the Spring Design House at the Washington Design Center, which Jura and I will be previewing this afternoon. If you've been to any of the above or plan to attend, we'd love to hear from you and what you thought. Okay, let's go...

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Baby's room paint question: Hello, I am really hoping you will be able to take my question today since I need to decide by tomorrow on my baby's nursery color! Has anyone recently used the no VOC paint from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child? About a month ago I ordered several sample cans and I really like their "cloud blue". We typically use Benjamin Moore paints, and I know they have a new no/low VOC paint called Natura, but I like RH's "cloud blue" and cannot find a similar BM color. I'm hesitant to ask BM to match the color plus I have heard good things about RH paints. Any info or experience with using the RH Baby & Child paints would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Terri Sapienza: I don't have any personal experience with the RH Baby & Child paints, but I have painted with their regular paints and love them. Can anyone vouch for Baby & Child?

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Olney, Md.: What do you think of the taupe, brown, and robin blue/turquoise color combination?

Terri Sapienza: I love it. But that's me. Lots of people think the blue/brown combo is "out." But I don't think so and I don't care anyway, and neither should you. If you love it, go for it.

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Suburban Md.: Building upon the Post's articles on fine china, I was wondering if you had any advice on crystal. I want a heavy, diamond cut pattern with a lot of facets (a bit overmuch, yes), but I can't find any other maker other than Waterford (Baccarat is far too expensive). Do you have any suggestions as to how I might broaden my search?

Jura Koncius: Check out www.replacements.com. They have hundreds of crystal patterns you can browse through. Also go to yard sales and consignment shops. I personally love Brierley Crystal -- and you can sometimes find those used.

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Alexandria, Va.: I have a crystal cruet set that I recently filled with raspberry vinegar. Now it is stained! Is it possible to stain crystal? I don't own a dishwasher and have always washed by hand -- which means that I don't have the ability to get in there really well and scrub so maybe it is just dirty(?). If that is the case, is it safe to put a crystal cruet through the dishwasher at work?

Jura Koncius: What about using some Polident tablets and then using a small brush to fizz away the stains?

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Piano placement: Is it weird to put a piano in the dining room? Our house does not have very many open walls for furniture placement, and we have now acquired a spinet piano. It takes up a lot of wall space in the living room that we'd rather use for bookcases. My husband has suggested putting it in the dining room, on an inside wall (important for the piano's health and well being). There's enough space and it does "go" with the dining room furniture (dark woods). But would this look odd?

Terri Sapienza: I don't think so. In fact, if it fits I think it would add lots of character to the room. And, I'll bet it would encourage guests to sit down and play when you have them over for dinner. I think it could be really fun having a piano in the dining room.

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Beach House Tour: Well, in the hour before the chat started, I read Terri's beach house story and then happily played on the Sherwin-Williams link. Good plan: I found the perfect color for a powder room -- appropriately named "Beach House" and serendipitously a color that the site coordinated with a color I've already painted the adjoining living room. Hurray!

Jura Koncius: Hurray indeed! Loved all the color choices and the fact that the article provided them.

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Olney, Md.: Solutions please! My hall coat closet is a disaster. I do rotate coats seasonally, so I have enough hanging space. But the floor! It is covered with gear bags and baskets. Help! I need to store them someplace handy to grab and go. What to do?

Jura Koncius: We have a small closet too. We have two shelves on the top of it and on one, I put baskets for all three members of my family for things like scarves, gloves, etc. On the floor, I have a basket for umbrellas. Can you keep the gear bags somewhere else? Like a trunk or big basket in the hallway or in the foyer or mudroom? Rotating coats seasonally is good and go through your family's coats regularly to pull out what isn't being worn and donate it to a shelter where coats are always needed. Buy a new set of wooden hangers that match -- that will make your closet look better.

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Alexandria, Va.: On Saturday, May 2, 2009 there will be a BIG sale at the Habitat ReStore. Members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) are donating high end materials ranging from lighting fixtures, furniture, fabric, and other decorative elements.

This is an event you will not want to miss. The ReStore is located at 7770 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306 and is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Jura Koncius: Fantastic.

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Elkridge, Md.: I also love the idea of putting your piano in the dining room. Don't box yourself into furnishings belonging in certain rooms. Hats of to your husband for thinking outside the room!

Terri Sapienza: I completely agree!

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Annapolis, Md.: Last week you recommended Barkeeper's Friend to take rust stains from a sink. When I tried a new cleaning product on an old tub, what a disaster! Rust stains everywhere. I called the 800 number on the package, and the help desk person told me to mix equal amounts of Bon Ami cleanser and Cream of Tartar with enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Apply it and let it dry, rinse and voila! Worked like a charm! Now I use it to take lots of difficult stains out of everything -- including white t-shirts. I recommend it.

Jura Koncius: Wow. Thanks.

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Alexandria, Va.: Submitting early here. Visited D.C. Design House last Saturday. My favorite "room" was the master suite. Master bedroom and adjoining sitting room and bathroom -- two different designers for the spaces. I loved both of their styles. Why weren't these profiled along with the other rooms mentioned in the Home Section? The kitchen was also nice to see. The laundry room -- cute, but hardly the best thing in that house design-wise (e.g., the powder room was cuter). In any event, thanks for alerting me to the D.C. Design House at all. It was my first time visiting one and I look forward to attending them in future years.

Jura Koncius: We wish we could do more rooms, but we have limited space. I'm glad you went to the house and thanks for sharing your views.

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Concrete front porch: Hi! I am looking for suggestions on what to do with my concrete front porch. It has been painted (over and over and over again) and the paint just keeps on chipping. I am afraid to sand the paint off, because it likely contains lead. What can I do improve the look of it? Are there any products that can be used to cover it?

Thanks so much!

Jura Koncius: Have you used a special outdoor paint? I know lots of people who had had this same trouble with their porches and patios. The paint just doesn't last. Without taking off the many layers, which I understand why you don't want to do, it's going to be hard to keep more coats of paint on top. You could have it professionally done.

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Austin, Texas: In response to last week's question on glass shower doors, I am a wholehearted fan of frameless glass doors on showers. I remodeled three bathrooms about five years ago, and changed one from glass block to frameless clear glass, expanded one to include a new standalone shower with frameless glass, and left the third with a shower/tub combo and shower curtain. The third is my only regret. The frameless glass presents none of the mold/cleaning problems of sliding door tracks. Using a spray cleaner after most showers keeps them spotless with about 30-seconds-a-day effort. (I can buy the cleaner at every supermarket in town.) But the transformation in each bathroom was amazing! There is far more light, a sort-of anti-claustrophobic pleasure in feeling like the shower is the whole room, and a feeling that everything is cleaner since I'm looking at sparkling glass instead of opaque and possibly molding shower curtain. I would not go back!

The only down-side I can imagine is one that doesn't affect me, since my husband and I have the luxury of separate baths -- if you're sharing a bath, all is on display when one spouse is in the shower and the other is using the sink!

Terri Sapienza: Thanks for this comment. For those who weren't with us last week, I asked chatters for opinions on frameless glass doors for a shower, which I am considering. This pro-glass door comment is very compelling. I still have yet to decide.

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Logan Circle: My partner and I have recently combined households and I don't think we are doing justice to our art. Is there anyone (individual? business?) who can help us? We have graduated away from framed posters and have been collecting small prints and local artists. Unfortunately, I think we've been guilty of hanging stuff too high. We also need some help with grouping and placement.

Thanks.

Jura Koncius: You might consider hiring a designer by the hour to help you. You could find someone at www.weredesign.com. Or you might try calling the local chapter of ASID 202 488-4100 to find the names of designers in your area who hire by the hour.

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Enterprise, Ala.: RE paint matching: Why would you be hesitant to ask for color matching? Don't they do it with a machine? I have had color matching without incident. Go with BM if that is what you know and like!

Jura Koncius: Thanks, Alabama.

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DC: Question on the D.C. Design house -- does anyone know what those gorgeous trees are in picture #10 in your gallery?

washingtonpost.com: Take a Picture Tour of D.C. Design (The Washington Post, April 16, 2009)

Terri Sapienza: I believe you are referring to the living room designed by David Mitchell and the fiddle-leaf fig trees he used to flank the French doors. David said he bought them for $160 a piece at Merrifield Garden Center.

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Alexandria, Va.: Our basement is unfinished: concrete floors and cinder block walls (both painted) and exposed rafters in the ceiling to see the underside of the hardwood floors upstairs. Can you recommend any resources or links to make the space more friendly without major home improvements? We don't have money in the budget right now to finish the basement or even put up drywall.

Jura Koncius: I have the same exact "look" in my basement. I might look on your local list serve for names of local handyman or carpenters who might tackle a small low-budget project. Finishing your basement can get very expensive and we have had estimates that have been ridiculous. Painting the walls and the floor in light colors and decluttering seems to help. Perhaps you could build in a small folding area with shelves and a counter near your washer and dryer. Visit open houses in your area to see what other houses like yours have done with their basements.

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Ellicott City, Md.: Having to post early, kids off school on Thursday and that does wreak havoc with my schedule. But, my son has chosen a new bed from Ikea. It is a frame that lies on the floor. Very simple -- until you see the price, $499. My daughter's bunk bed from Ikea was only $269 and I paid $275 for an Ethan Allen Sleigh bed at a consignment shop and that is my price ceiling. Ikea usually sells beds are reasonable prices, but I can't see paying $499 for the frame that lies on the floor!! Suggestions or alternatives for a 12-year-old boy? thanks! Love Home Front!

Jura Koncius: That does seem like a high price. Have you tried Pottery Barn Kids? I hear they are having a sale. Also used furniture places sometimes have great twin beds from farmhouses. Also look at JCPenneys and Sears.

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Elkridge, Md.: Re: concrete porch question -- if you have a professional strip the paint, you might want to consider having it professionally stained. Can create a beautiful look.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Piano placement, again: Sold! Into the dining room it goes. Thanks much!

Terri Sapienza: Great! Be sure to check back with us after a few weeks and let us know how you like it. We'd love an update.

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La Vista, Neb.: Have you or any of your readers had experience with Samsung Staron Tempest countertops for kitchens? Can anyone tell me if it is manufactured in the U.S.? Thank you.

Jura Koncius: Anyone?

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Piano in dining room: My grand piano is in the dining room, and it works very well. It adds a lot of character, and there is plenty of room for the table, etc.

I want to comment about the idea that pianos should always go on an outside wall...it's not the case. You don't want to put a piano next to a radiator or other heat source, for example. And an outside wall is usually subject to more changes in temperature, which can effect the piano negatively. It should go in the most stable place, free from changes in temperature as much as possible. And of course you wouldn't want an upright piano to block a window.

Terri Sapienza: A pro-piano in the dining room comment. And a good tip. Thanks!

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Olney, Md.: Hi, I have a family room that is long and narrow with a sliding glass door to the yard. It's the room we spend the most time in but the dimensions are off. How do I make the room seem wider?

Terri Sapienza: If you hang a large mirror on the wall, it will give the illusion of more space. Hanging it opposite the glass doors would be ideal because you would be reflecting the outdoors and the natural light.

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Arlington, Va.: I have a half-home, half-Carolyn Hax question for you: I live in an apartment with two other women and we've been there for almost two years. Last fall the roommate who owned most of the furniture moved out, and the continuing roommate generously brought in furniture that her parents had for our living room. The problem is, I really hate it. It's outdated and not my taste, but I don't have enough money to replace it all, and I'm sure she would be offended if I did. Any suggestions on personalizing the space so it actually feels like my living room too?

Jura Koncius: Wow. This is a really interesting dilemma that I'm sure occurs in many group houses. Do you have any idea whether your roommate who brought in her parents' furniture loves it or is she just using it as a placeholder until she can buy furniture that she loves? I might convene a decorating meeting of your apartment and discuss how you might update your living room. Everyone might be asked for opinions. You might look on craigslist and freecyle for free stuff. I might start by focusing on one piece in the room that you really can't stand and trying to find a replacement for it. You must remember that your friends realize this isn't your own home and the taste doesn't reflect you since it is a group house.

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Re: piano in dining room: That's where my piano lives, for all of the reasons you have mentioned. I don't think it looks that out of place.

Terri Sapienza: Thanks!

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Heavy crystal with facets: Try Crystal d'Arques Longchamp. I think Target carries it (at least they used to). Very faceted, durable, and inexpensive. If someone drops one, you can easily find replacements (even at thrift stores). My mom and I have both used this line for years and we love it. Everyone always remarks on how lovely it looks. People don't need to know it's inexpensive unless you want them to.

Jura Koncius: That brand has been around for years and it's a good basic.

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For Stained Crystal in Alexandria: I've seen the How Clean Is Your House ladies put uncooked rice into similar vessels, add water, and gently swirl/shake. The rice acts as an abrasive to cut through the muck. Hope that helps.

Jura Koncius: Muck be gone.

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Maryland: Does anyone have experience with FLOR tiles as a large (21.5 foot x 12 foot) area rug? We are looking to replace the area rug we have and need something durable to deal with a high traffic area, a large dog, and an active toddler. Thanks!

Terri Sapienza: I've never used FLOR tiles personally, but we hear rave reviews about them all the time. In a story I did last year about decorating with children and pets in the house, one homeowner replaced her dining room area run with light-colored FLOR tiles and it looks fantastic. She also had the seats of her dining room chairs covered in a white faux-leather -- also fantastic.

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Frederick, Md.: Help! I painted my dining room the wrong color. It's currently painted a sort of dark gold color, which I loved on the swatch, but now does nothing for the light green upholstered chairs and especially the very expensive silver-plated chandelier. Table is a dark cherry. Adjoining kitchen has white cabinets and deep rust colored walls. Great room visible from all has sage green walls. Help (again). Can you suggest a color?

Jura Koncius: Could you stand Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore? I also have a silver chandelier and in my dining room that color really sets it off.

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Ashburn, Va.: My mother-in-law gave us the dining room suite that her grandfather built 70 years ago. It consists of a breakfront, marble-topped buffet, dining table, and chairs in the Federal style and a mahogany stain. Our dining room is very bright, with a southern exposure and four large windows. My sister suggested a green color for the walls, since the room is so bright, but I don't know just how dark is too dark. I want to avoid very light lime or mint greens. What color(s) do you suggest?

Terri Sapienza: Take a look at Hancock Green from Benjamin Moore, which is a nice green and not at all lime or mint. Home section editor Liz Seymour used Hancock in her living room recently and loves it. She also has her bedroom painted another BM color, Hollingsworth Green, and also raves about it. Another Home section favorite is Palladian Blue, which can look blue or green depending on your room. I believe Jura's dining room is painted this color and it looks great.

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Sea Girt, N.J.: Lurker for years with my first question -- please, please tell me everything you know about painting a ceiling darker than the walls!!

I want to try it in a bedroom where the white ceiling feels lower than it is, but feel like I need to know more before committing to this. I HATE painting, ceilings most of all, so to do it twice would be wretched. (No, I can't afford to hire someone -- the paint's a splurge already -- but I can't live another second with the toothpaste color the walls are now.)

The wall shade will be something like a very, very pale robin's egg or Tiffany blue (inspired by a piece of sea glass). How to pick the ceiling color? What visual effects will it create? Any links for more info? I feel like one of your guest decorator chatters mentioned it a lot without giving any real info.

Thanks for your help!

Jura Koncius: Welcome Sea Girt! I know where that is -- nice place. Anyway, you have a good question. We called Washington designer Sarah Wessel to ask her advice. (www.sarahwesseldesigns.com.) Sarah did the library in the current Design House in Georgetown -- that article will be posted shortly. Sarah said if you paint the ceiling darker than the walls, it will feel like the ceilings aren't as high. It also might feel like you are in a cave, if the ceiling color is darker than the walls. Sarah suggests thinking of halving your wall color -- that means use the same blue you pick for your walls, but mix it with 50 percent white paint.You can even do 25 percent if you wish. That would give the ceiling more interest than plain old white.

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Ikea bed: Do a search on Craigslist for that style. You'll get a price range.

Terri Sapienza: Yes, I was going to make that very same suggestion. There are always lots of great deals to be had on Craig's List.

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Silver Spring, Md.: For the chatter looking for inexpensive kids furniture, a friend recently bought her daughter a bed from JCPenney and it is VERY nice. All wood and inexpensive. Also, I saw a tip on a blog about PB Teen lamps, they have a few options that seem very stylish and are very inexpensive. On basements, I went with Palladian Blue in mine and I love the color! I have to say that I think one can of it was slightly different than the other, an odd problem but overall it's lovely. I bought a brown couch from Ikea (blue/brown combo) but went back and got a white slipcover. Probably a bad idea with kids, but the brown was so dreary!

Jura Koncius: Hey Silver Spring you have a ton of great tips. Thanks.

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Bedding: Hi Home Front. A month or so ago there was an article about how to care for your towels and bed sheets. That was so helpful. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for where to go to upgrade what I have. Ideally, I'd like my bed to feel like a hotel's bed, similar to the heavenly bed at the Westin. Since my budget can't afford something that luxurious, do you or the chatters have recommendations on where to go to get good deals? Thanks.

Jura Koncius: Hi -- below is the article that you mentioned which was by Terri -- it was about the fine linen shop Valerianne in Vienna (www.valerianne.com) and president Aimee Wedlake's tips on laundering. My favorite tip to pass along from my own reporting over the years is DO NOT use dryer sheets when drying towels. Towels won't be as fluffy.

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washingtonpost.com: Proper Care Can Extend The Life Of Linens (The Washington Post, January 8, 2009)

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Clifton, Va.: La Vista, Samsung is a South Korean company, so I seriously doubt the countertop is made here in the U.S.

Jura Koncius: Good point!

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Elkridge, Md.: Another source for designers.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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New Bedroom!: I need some ideas to make a small bedroom have a nice clean beachy feeling!

I just moved to a new rental with a much smaller bedroom. It just perfectly fits my bed, two side tables and dresser. There is about four feet of space on either side of the bed to the wall and the dresser sits in front of the bed. The dresser has two side-by-side mirrors above it that take up most of the wall. The headboard is up against a window (with mini blinds), which it partially covers. The walls of the room on the side of the bed are long and completely bare!

The carpet is a silvery light navy blue, and my bedding is all white (West Elm's pin-tuck duvet). The walls are also white. Furniture is simple, clean mid-tone wood, platform style bed.

What can I do to achieve a clean beach inspired look? What do I do with the window? Also, I am struggling with the empty walls, and I feel like I need a punch of color. Ideas? Thank you!

Terri Sapienza: You're in luck. Our Home section cover story today is about the owner of Russell & Mackenna, a custom, beach-inspired furniture company. She's decorated her Annapolis home in beach house style and offers tips on getting that same style. I'll post the story in a second.

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washingtonpost.com: D.C. Design 2009 - Our Favorite Spaces (The Washington Post, April 16, 2009)

Jura Koncius: Here is last week's story on the Washington Design House in Georgetown and you can see Sarah Wessel's library among other great rooms.

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Silver Spring, Md.: For the person looking for green for the dining room, I recently saw Grecian Green BM in a magazine and it looked great, although it's sometimes hard to tell from the pictures.

Jura Koncius: Merci.

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washingtonpost.com: If You Can't Have a Beach Cottage ... Bring the Beach to Your House (The Washington Post, April 23, 2009)

Terri Sapienza: Today's story on beach house style.

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Ikea Bed: My 15-year-old son wanted that same Ikea bed for his room (and his birthday in January). But we were barely past the holidays, and we weren't sure about the quality for the money. But lo and behold, the bed was put on sale for half-price on one day only (we got a flier in the mail), and we caved. The earlier poster might ask somebody at the store if they anticipate the bed being on sale again in the future. Ikea seems to pick a loss-leader like this every once in a while to get people back in the store.

Terri Sapienza: Good tip. Thanks.

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Mantle help: I want to replace my fireplace mantle with a simple modern shelf (with no fancy moldings). I was thinking an invisible-hardware mount shelf would work (think IKEA's LACK series), but I can't find one long enough. So, two questions: 1. Anyone know where I can find longer shelves with invisible hardware? (Must be over 80") 2. How would it look if I lined up two or three shorter shelves end-to-end? I'm sure you'd see the seams, but if they were positioned symmetrically, it may look deliberate and even add interest, no?

Jura Koncius: I recently did a story about a designer who had used the LACK series of invisible shelves in her own home. She cautioned that they aren't as sturdy as you think and can sag. Have you considered looking for a mantel at a salvage shop? Or having a carpenter make one?

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IKEA bed: Which model is it? I can't find anything that expensive on their site, and I'm wondering if the price includes one of their more expensive mattresses and mattress toppers.

Jura Koncius: Let's see if we can find out...

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RE: Painted Concrete: Sherwin-Williams has some great products for cleaning and priming concrete -- and also great colors for staining the concrete once that's done. We just finished our front porch this weekend and it's absolutely beautiful.

Jura Koncius: I'm jealous.

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Arlington: Your comments about silver chandeliers sent me yearning. I want a silver chandelier, but not one that is actual silver with the coating (they don't always last). I want it to look like a candelabra with no crystals -- ornate and heavy looking. I can't find what is in my imagination. Has anyone ever seen such a thing?

Jura Koncius: I think I have one!! Mine came from the Georgetown Flea Market a few years back. Try The Brass Knob .

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To Flor Tiles: Ever considered an Oriental rug? They are super durable and the intricate designs hide a multitude of sins. In that crazy large size you're looking for, you could probably get an excellent deal because of the market. And, when you're ready to redecorate, the rug would have a resale value which the tiles would not.

Terri Sapienza: These are all good points, but an oriental rug is much more expensive than FLOR tiles. And if there is a bad spill or stain on the rug, you can always replace the one (or more) tiles that have been ruined, which is very appealing.

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More on Shower doors: I got the impression from last week's chat that those who oppose shower doors are those who have them installed on tubs. For a stand alone shower, a glass door that swings out to open is not that hard to keep clean, and can really open up the space. We have a 99 cent squeegie from IKEA, and do a quick swipe to get the water droplets off after the shower. Looks fine and our shower only gets cleaned every 2-3 weeks. Also, on cost: we're replacing our shower enclosure when we re-do our master bath. One company was almost 1/2 the price of what the other 3 places I called were. I don't remember their name right now, but they are recommended by Mosaic Tile Co.; I saw their enclosures at the Mosaic showroom, and they are quite nice.

Terri Sapienza: That's a great tip. Thank you! I feel like I am being heavily swayed over to the glass door side of this decision...

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two parter sort of: 1) Crystal d'Arques Longchamp. Love, love, love it. My mom used to get their tumblers for people as wedding presents. As a little girl, I thought they were so fancy. Macy's has a bunch different styles of their glasses and they always seem to be on sale. Also I was in Treasure Trove in Springfield yesterday. It's a thrift store and the money goes to Inova Fairfax Children's Hospital. They have some really pretty cut glass bowls, trays and wine decanters.

2) While I was there, I got a pretty ceramic dish with flowers on it that I am going to use to hold jewelry, but apparently it's called a "celery dish". I've never heard of that. Were they really just used for celery?

Jura Koncius: Yup. Celery. Great idea. Thanks.

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Elkridge, Md.: Ellicott City bed -- try our local craigslist.com for affordable finds.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Arlington Va.: What type of window treatment would you suggest for a bathroom window over the tub? The frame is tiled, but we need something so that we are not putting on a display for the neighborhood. The treatment will need to be able to get wet, but I'd like it to look pretty, too. I'm a bit concerned about having to drill into the tiles and would rather avoid doing so.

Jura Koncius: Can you do a tension rod with maybe a Sunbrella fabric?

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Bethesda, Md.: I need help with my 'search process.' I want some built-in cabinets around my fireplace and a couple walls of shelves in the room I've deemed the library. I didn't think it would be so difficult to identify carpenters who would do such work (for a reasonable price -- I'm reasonable too!). The "great" carpenters who did my friends' shelves have all retired or moved to Montana. I tried Google searches, trolled through Angie's list, tried a search on Washingtonian's site. In short -- I've tried! Can you either recommend a couple good carpenters or guide me in how to do a more effective search? Thanks SO much.

Terri Sapienza: Have you tried your neighborhood listserv?

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Re bedding: I have a set of Chris Madden sheets from JCPenney that are really nice. I've heard others say good things about them, too. So the person wanting to make her bedding look and feel "upgraded" without seriously upgrading the price might want to check them out. Chris M. also has an outrageously-wonderful-feeling blanket she might like.

Jura Koncius: Chris Madden's things are really nice. I like her spa towels for JC Penney. Thanks.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi, ladies. I'm hoping for your help with a paint color issue. Our bedroom is pretty large (18' x 15') with a vaulted ceiling. It's currently a cream color and we would like to paint it something close to BM Aura Constellation but paler -- perhaps something like BM Polar Ice or Glass Slipper? Something in a light robin's egg basically. We're anxious about painting such a large room and then possibly regretting our choice. Would you have any recommendations for other colors in this family? We're open to any brand. Thanks very much.

Jura Koncius: Both of your colors are nice choices. You might try painting a large posterboard with the color and keeping it propped in your room for a few days so you can see it in various lights and times of day. You also might cut your color with a bit of white, if you are nervous about that much color in the room, so it will be toned down somewhat.

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University Park, Md.: LOVE the "beach" house featured in today's Home. Any idea where the starfish pillows on the living room chairs came from? They are not on the R&M website.

Also -- thank you for your Blogwatch feature! I have been SO inspired by many of the blogs I found there.

AND, I am a big fan of my frameless glass doors. Could you also hang a curtain just in front of the doors if you really like that look? They are SO much easier to keep clean. A squeegee is key!

Terri Sapienza: I love those starfish pillows, too. In fact, asked Lauren Russell where she got them because I wanted a pair. They are actually another Russell & Mackenna prototype, so hopefully in the near future we'll be able to buy them off their website.

And thanks for the nice comments about Blog Watch. Glad you are enjoying it and getting inspiration!

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silver chandelier: I went on their website immediately! No luck. Is yours big and double tiered? Want to sell it to a fellow Gonzaga mom?

Jura Koncius: Dear Fellow Gonzaga Mom! Love that school and miss it!

You know, I was just thinking the other day that I want to get one of those big lantern-like rectangular glass modern chandeliers like from Williams-Sonoma Home to replace our silver number. No budget right now though. Maybe we should set up a bartering side to our chat!

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Green Dining Room: We went with Duron's Grazing Field above the chair rail in our dining room, and the next darker (or 2 darker?) shade below. Both were in the Millenium collection, if you can find anyone with that set of colors.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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re: Logan Circle: Do you have a creative friend that can help? As a museum professional, I would love to do something like this for a friend. It's creative and fun. Plus, the decision making should very much include you and your partner because you have to live with the hanging.

Jura Koncius: Good suggestion. Join a museum membership group and start making friends.

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Front Door Color, Md.: Good morning, ladies! I loved the kitchen of the Russells' home this morning. So cheery. I have painted my front door the first coat of my favorite color, aubergine. I don't like it though, and find myself stumped on an eye-catching, fun color for my house. It's a 70's split foyer with cream color siding on the top half and red brick on the lower. I will take into consideration any color you suggest. Thanks!

Terri Sapienza: If you loved the Russell's kitchen colors so much, why not try one of those cheery shades for your front door? I guarantee it would make you happy every time you drove up to your house. You can find her color palette in the story.

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Re: bathroom tension rod: There are some very decorative and nice-looking tension rods out there nowadays. Try Bed, Bath & Beyond. It doesn't have to be the ugly, boring white kind...

Jura Koncius: Fantastic.

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bathroom window: I had a friend who had one like this -- she used a piece of a cute shower curtain hung on a tension rod. No sewing necessary -- she used Stitch Witchery. It was really cute and she could wash it if need be.

Jura Koncius: Great product.

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Re: Flor: I have Flor in two rooms of my home, and while it's wall-to-wall, I have used it for smaller temporary rugs near doors and in hallways. I think it's great as a rug. It really stays in place, the tiles are heavier than they look, which makes them very secure, and they are designed to interconnect very well. Also, in one of my rooms, the doorway transition from the wood-floored hall to the Flor gets lots of traffic and has never budged.

Jura Koncius: More on Flor...

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Olney, Md.: Just one more comment about the glass shower doors. I completely agree with the previous positive comment and the ways to clean the glass.

If you have some extra money, installing two shower heads as a custom feature would make the shower experience even more enjoyable. And you don't need to have both flowing all the time.

Terri Sapienza: That would be nice. Unfortunately, our shower is tiny, so no room for more than one shower head.

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Silver City: I liked the feature you had on people using their good china, but do you have any suggestions for silver? I have a HUGE trunk full of silver that used to belong to my great grandmother. It is currently sitting in my garage because I have no storage space in my house for it. It looks like something that belongs in a castle, so I don't know how I would display it without it looking weird, and also dread having to clean it if it were out. But my mother would KILL me if I were to sell it. What to do?

Jura Koncius: Slowly start getting rid of the really ornate pieces. You are NEVER going to use them and they take up a ton of storage space. Just keeping them polished is a job for a butler. Pick a few that you do like and display them or use them for a fresh flower bouquet.

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To Bethesda bedroom paint: I agree, "test" the color in the room before painting the entire space. If you use boards make sure they are flat against the wall when you look a them - the way the light hits the color has a huge impact on how it looks in the room so you want to view it on the wall. Happy painting!

Jura Koncius: Happy painting, indeed.

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Terri Sapienza: We're out of time. We'll be back next week and can tell you about what we saw at the Spring Design House. Have a great week.

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