Home Front: Paint Dilemmas, Coffee Pot Talk, 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, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Browse an archive of previous Home Front discussions.

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Terri Sapienza: Hi, everyone. Thanks for joining us on this gray D.C. day. Looks like you have lots to discuss today, so let's get going.

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Rockville, Md.: I just wanted to say that I thought today's House Call was terrific. The changes are great and many of the choices were very cost conscious.

Jura Koncius: We will pass that along. Thanks!

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Springfield, Va.: I have an older Stiffel lamp with what appears to be a raw silk lampshade. After attempting to clean it, I think I've made it look even worse. I'd like to use the existing frame and have it recovered. Where can I find someone who can recover this shade? Would any interior designer do it? Thank you!

Jura Koncius: Try Gaylords, which has been serving Washington's lamps for decades. 4620 Leland St., Chevy Chase, Md. 301 986-9680.

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Florida chick: My teen's room will go from lemon yellow to light watermelon this summer; the trim, doors and closet door will remain (barely) off-white. Her large closet, with white mesh closet system, will be a bear to dismantle and paint. I was thinking of painting this 4-foot closet interior the white trim color -- leaving the pinky coral on the walls that show. It would be easier to touch up and if she doesn't like the pink it can remain as-is. Is this a good idea?

Terri Sapienza: I think it's a fine idea to keep the closet interior white. Painting the inside is always a nice touch, but it's not something that's necessary. Plus, you're smart to keep in mind a teen's changing tastes.

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washingtonpost.com: On the Hill, an Architect's Dream Home

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Silver Spring, Md.: We are buying a second home on the eastern shore with no money to furnish it. Any ideas for consignment stores, etc. to buy all the contents necessary to furnish a house--but not junk.

Terri Sapienza: I would check Craigslist and Freecycle on-line. For actual places, I suggest Miss Pixies on 14th Street and local flea markets like the ones in Georgetown, Arlington and Eastern Market.

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In Search of Bath Towels: I'm looking for bath towels that are very saturated in color; rich turquoise, pink and/or orange to be exact. Anyone have any sources?

Jura Koncius: Have you tried Company Store? Also Bloomingdale's own private label brand. Any other ideas?

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Elkridge, Md.: I loved House Calls today! Great color pallet.

Jura Koncius: Thank you.

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Washington, D.C.: I LOVE the neutral wall color in the Degarma rowhouse featured today but have no idea what brand or the name? Why isn't that listed in the article?

Jura Koncius: Which wall did you mean? I did mention in the article that all the paints were by Donald Kaufman Colors.

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Washington @ Work: I love the makeover of Todd DeGarmo's home on the Hill. I own a house in Upper NW built in the 1920s and I would love to add some restorations that are in line with the original design, which has been chopped up a bit since then. I know little about architecture or interior design, so what are resources you would recommend to find what home like mine looked like back then? Thank you!

Jura Koncius: Try to go to open houses in your neighborhood that look like your home's vintage. They might provide clues. Contact the historical association in your area - I know there is one in Chevy Chase. Also check out National Trust for Historic Preservation and go to Brass Knob in Adams Morgan for more clues.

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Columbus, Ohio: House Calls looks fabulous today. I recognize a lot of the accessories from places I shop and it's helpful to see them in the context of a room, and they're affordable, too! I only wish the designer had included more details about things like the rug and lamps. Would have been nice to see what her inspiration pieces were for those items.

Jura Koncius: We are limited by space, but glad you liked most of it.

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Alexandria, Va.: Where can I find tall cabinets with shelves and doors for storage in the basement? I'm having trouble finding items that don't look like a typical office metal supply cabinet. They don't have to be high quality.

Jura Koncius: Have you check out Ikea?

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Cheverly Paint Dilemma: Design gurus, please help my paint dilemma. I'm in a quandary over paint colors for a small LR/DR in a 1940s colonial. Need the colors to be light, so as not to close in the room. Can you recommend a pale green, pale beige (w/more brown) and pale dovey gray to coat my white walls and all blend together? I'm having the hardest time with this.

Terri Sapienza: Try taking a look at these colors, all Benjamin Moore:

Green - Hollingsworth Green and Hancock Green

Gray - Wickham Gray, Horizon

Beige - Manchester Tan

Good luck!

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Alexandria, Va.: My sister is driving up here from lower Alabama. She's a big gardener and wants to take a stone St. Frances back with her. She said she's surrounded by Baptists and they aren't too interested in putting saint figures in their yards, so she's hoping to have better luck up here. I've checked the Nat'l Cathedral shop, and the big garden centers/Merrifields with no luck. Can you think of any stone carvers, other garden stores that might have such a thing?

Jura Koncius: Check out Country Gardens in Gordonsville, Va. 540-832-9860. Cute place at 101 S. Main St.

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On the hill:: Love the ceiling fan in the featured townhouse redo article. I have a friend that is re-doing her four square house in downtown Frederick. She would flip over that fan for her sleeping porch.

Jura Koncius: It is very handsome.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Quick comment on last week's discussion on microwave/vent combo's: Consumer Reports assessed that the best microwave/vent combo was not as good at ventilating as the worst separate ventilation system, vented to the outside.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Logan Circle, D.C.: What's your opinion of vibrant colors for a baby's room? I am not a fan of pastels as wall color but I'm afraid it would be overwhelming. The room is a good size, plenty of light and high ceilings. What do you think?

And because I know it's come up in chats before, I wanted to pass along a few sources for nursery wall stickers/decals I've come across recently: Velocity Art and Design and Janey Mac on Etsy.

Terri Sapienza: If you really love vibrant colors but are worried about it being too much, why not go with an off-white or other neutral in the walls and bring in the colors you love with bedding, upholstery, window treatments, area rugs and other accessories?

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Falls Church, Va.: Good morning ladies!

I'm looking for a place, preferably online, where I can find cute artisan accessories from all over the world. Something like Pier One or World Market, but more individual. And fair trade.

Do you know anything like that?

Terri Sapienza: This is one of my favorite sites for international accessories.

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Jura Koncius: A colleague pointed out an error in a posting last week for a great site. The correct link is: decorology.blogspot.com.

Really nice info on hanging photos and working with fun, fresh colors.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hello,

I bought blinds (in woven bamboos) whose appearance I really like. Unfortunately - and I probably knew that already when I bought them but I liked them so much! - they let too much light in. And I like sleeping in a dark room. I'm thinking of adding a lining that would keep the light out when unfolded. Any advice about what kind of material to use and where to get it? Thanks in advance

Terri Sapienza: Yeah, that's the problem with many woven shades. Depending on where you bought them, they typically offer a liner option, but it doesn't look nice from the outside when the windows are down. If that's not an issue for you, I would call the place you bought them and ask about their lining options. Otherwise, you could also hang drapery panels on either side of each window, which will add a nice layer to your treatment and give you the option of closing them over the shades at night.

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Color towels question: OOH, I am interested in colored towels, too--but I want towels that won't fade in color! Every time I have gotten colored towels, I get fade spots---EXCEPT with Costco towels made by Martex, but they don't have the colors or patterns I want.

Thanks!

Jura Koncius: You might need to clean your washing machine - The recipe for doing that from Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook is: add 3/4 bleach and 1 tablespoon powdered laundry detergent, fill the washer with warm water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then drain and rinse with plain water.

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Re Bath towels: I love HomeGoods for towels. They have a great selection and the prices are great. The store in Mount Airy is worth the drive. It is always clean and orderly.

Jura Koncius: Great tip.

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IKEA question: Does anyone have any input on IKEA's leather couches? I like some of their styles, and the price is right. In their other furnishings, dressers in particular, I've found the quality/look to have improved over the past few years, and wondered how the newer couches hold up and look...

Jura Koncius: Anyone?

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Arlington, Va.: Good Morning,

My grandmother just got a new bed and has moved her old bed upstairs and is looking to replace her old box spring with something lighter and that won't raise the height of the bed too much. Any suggestions?

Terri Sapienza: Call a place that sells mattress and ask about their low profile box springs. I believe they go as low as 9-inches, but could be wrong here. Anyone know?

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Washington, D.C.: So this may be more of a Heloise question, but here goes: how do you remove mildew stains on caulk? The nice white caulk has changed to gray recently, and no amount of scrubbing with bathroom cleaner works. Suggestions? Thanks!

Jura Koncius: Try Bon Ami - and a toothbrush.

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Coffee Talk:: I need to get a new coffee pot. Iv had a Cuisinart for about 7 years now. Its one that grinds the beans then drops the grounds for brewing. Anyone have any ideas for a new brand for me to try??

Terri Sapienza: This is an interesting question. I also have a Cuisinart (without the grinder) and love it, but would love to hear from others who have other brands they recommend. My sister -in-law swears by Mr. Coffee.

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Vinyl vs/"real" tile: I'm renovating all of my bathroom floors as they all have 1960's hideous linoleum. I'm been thinking about vinyl tiles as opposed to "real" ceramic or other stone tile. Some friends have vinyl in their kitchen and it feels so WARM underfoot (nice in the winter). Any experience with high quality vinyl?

Terri Sapienza: I don't have any experience with vinyl floors. Can anyone else chime in here?

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Fairfax, Va.: I have several pieces of furniture I would like to paint but am completely stymied as to the color. I am obsessing and would like some suggestions. I am thinking of white but there are so many shades of white. I would like to give them a Swedish antique feel, but again -- what color? I would like to be able to use the furniture in several different ways so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I intend to use the Ralph Lauren tea stain on them too. Love the chats, I learn so much and get so many ideas.

Jura Koncius: One thing you might do is visit places like Lenore Winters Studio of Decorative Painting of Interiors, Furniture and Murals, 4911 Cordell Ave., Bethesda 301 654-6004 to get ideas. Ralph Lauren specialty paints has a number of interesting finishes you might consider.

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Re:Falls Church: If you could do a trip to Frederick. Great stuff by Paul is fantastic for interior decor. He also has some furniture.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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World Accessories: Try the Sundance Catalog, Ten Thousand Villages, vivaterra.com, and uncommongoods.com. Stores/websites that emphasize Fair Trade or Eco--friendly items often have things from around the world that are made with care by artisans in small villages, etc.

Terri Sapienza: Yes, all good suggestions. Thanks.

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warning: Many HOAs require that garden statues be approved by the Architectural Review Commission (which is reason a zillion and one I hope to never live in a new subdivision with a HOA). I'm sure they discriminate again all religions: the ST. James statue will be treated the same as a Buddha statue.

Jura Koncius: Hmmm. This could make an interesting story.

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Reston, Va.: Hi! Looking to replace my rotting out wooden shutters. Can you or any chatters recommend a place for good quality but not too expensive vinyl/composite shutters? I have 83-inch tall shutters which I have found out are custom (yeah) and I figured I would have to pay extra already for the size.

Thanks!

Terri Sapienza: This is a great question and one a friend of mine recently emailed me about and I couldn't help him. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas to share?

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St. Francis: Might call Sam's Farm in Falls Church to see if they have a St. Francis statue. (703) 534-5292 They have a lot of yard statuary, and the owners are Catholic.

Jura Koncius: Bless you.

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IKEA Leather couch: We got a leather couch from IKEA this past fall, and really like it (Ektorp model). We had a cloth Ektorp for 10 years before this one, and it's held up pretty well, only needing a new slipcover because the cats had clawed it, and became our basement couch

Jura Koncius: All hail Ektorp.

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For the Falls Church world artisan: Check out Ten Thousand Villages online.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Baltimore: Hi There! I have a bit of a dilemma. The walls in my living room are a deep red and the floors are a honey colored wood. I currently have an off white area rug, brown micro fiber sofa and dark furniture. I need the to replace the rug since it's gone from off white to dirty white since the room is pretty high traffic. Do you have any suggestions for a rug color or design? The husband wants a red oriental (like) rug but I think it would be too much. Thanks for your help!

Jura Koncius: I agree that a red Oriental would be too much. Have you thought about picking another accent color? Pale blue? Sage green? A rug in either of those colors might be nice with a few pillows in the same hue. What about a rug the color of the floors?

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Washington, D.C.: We're closing on our first condo at the end of the month and I'm very excited to start painting and decorating. The kitchen/dining/living area is one big open space and there is an island with an island in the kitchen. We're going to be painting the walls a light blue-grayish color. I'm wondering if I should also paint the island which is drywall with a granite top. If so, should I paint it the same color as the walls? Could I paint it a darker shade of blue for contrast? Thanks!

Terri Sapienza: I would use a different color because it sounds as if you'll have enough of that blue around already. You don't mention the color of the granite. Depending on the style of your home, if the base of the island is drywall, it might be nice to cover it with beadboard and then paint that white or something other. I think it would add a nice detail.

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New Baby: Ladies, I'm desperate to find a pale, creamy yellow to paint our little one's nursery. So far, everything I've brought home screams more "lemon" than "butter." Any suggestions for a color that will put me at ease during those late night feedings? Bonus points if it's a Home Depot line. Many thanks!!

Jura Koncius: Behr's Custard Cream or Sweet Corn?

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Laundry-Doin' Husband: I recently found Woolite detergent for dark clothes. It costs a lot more than standard detergent, but I wish I had found it before my best Hawaiian shirts had faded (not to mention those nice dark business-casual shirts).

Jura Koncius: Good tip. Also Tide Total Care.

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IKEA leather experience: We bought an IKEA leather sofa set 3 years ago and the leather has held up well. The only compliant that I have is the sofa stuffing does not seem to be of the best quality. There are permanent imprints now in the spots where we usually sit. I'm guessing they use some kind of cheaper foam stuffing...

Jura Koncius: Wow. Good to know.

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Rockville, Md.: Nice photo gallery today for the Capitol Hill Victorian Redo. Any idea what the paint colors are in the dining room and 2nd floor bath?

Jura Koncius: Todd is in a meeting but I will try and post them next week. They are all Donald Kaufman Colors.

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Washington, D.C.: This is late, and I haven't read through everything else, but looking for a St. Francis statue should check out the Basilica next to Catholic U's campus (same metro stop). They have everything you could possibly imagine (dealing with Catholicism) in the gift shop on the lower level.

Jura Koncius: Our prayers are answered.

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follow-up: It's called Worldstock Fair Trade (the section on overstock with Artisan work from the world)

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Richmond, Va.: Overstock has a separate Ethnic/Developing countries (fair trade to some extent?) section.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Awning source Please: Ever since your article on awnings last year I have been seriously considering them. Tom DeGarno had them in photos featured of his house today. Can you share who supplied his awnings?

Jura Koncius: We can't find an article on awnings in the Home section from last year. But maybe we will do one! Todd DeGarmo is unavailable right now but I will ask him and post the answer next week. His awnings looked very elegant at the back of his screen porch and they were great in the hot sun and gave that old fashioned look.

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Falls Church, Va.: Hello -- And help! I desperately need window treatments for our master bedroom. The two windows are very standard, but the huge problem is that one window directly abuts the perpendicular wall. The window trim touches the wall corner. So there is no wall space on the left side of this window. Thus, a two-panel style treatment is out because there is no place for the left panel. Even hanging a rod would be difficult. Am I stuck with blinds only? And what to do about a valance? Do I need a pro to come in? I am so frustrated...thank you for any advice.

Terri Sapienza: I have this very same issue in my master bedroom and have been using shades only for a couple of years but just recently bought panels, which I can't wait to hang. You can buy a rod with a finial on one end and a simple end cap on the other, which will abut the wall. When you hang your panel it will probably hang in the window slightly, but I think that's okay. It would be helpful to have a pro come in and just do it for you, but I think it's something that you can do yourself. I would take a photo of the offending window, then bring it into a place that specializes in window treatments and get their advice. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

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Dupont Circle: re Box Springs: I bought a "half" box spring when I replaced my set because the very deep mattress and full size box spring made the bed way too high for this vertically challenged person! These are widely available.

Terri Sapienza: That's what I thought. Thanks.

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Fair trade artisan & craft products: Try the Ten Thousand Villages store on King Street in Alexandria. Great place, mostly staffed by volunteers, I believe.

Jura Koncius: Yes. That is a wonderful store.

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Re: Vinyl tiles: If the questioner is considering the peel-and-stick vinyl tiles - DON'T DO IT. They are impossible to keep clean, peel along the corners, and just look so temporary. On the other hand, a friend of mine just had a vinyl tile product (marmoleum?) installed in her kitchen which is really lovely. It is installed the same way as regular ceramic tile - placed in mortar and grouted between tiles - but the actual product is warmer to walk on, has some "give" so you're not afraid of dropping dishes and shattering, and is more comfortable overall. I'm sure you could go to a flooring store and ask for more specifics on this this product.

Terri Sapienza: Some thoughts in vinyl...

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Vinyl in the kitchen: We re-did our kitchen a couple of years ago. Tiles seemed cold and hard. Looked into real linoleum, but it did not come in the color we wanted. Ended up with Congoleum sheet commercial vinyl(little speckled pattern) and I love it. Looks modern, is nice on my feet, easy to clean, and when I drop something there's a chance it won't be a complete loss!

Terri Sapienza: a pro-vinyl comment...

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Vinyl vs... Tile: A good vinyl is a reasonable alternative to tile, but remember that if you drop something sharp (knives in the kitchen) you could end up with a slice in the vinyl. A new alternative is laminate that looks like tile.

Terri Sapienza: yes, good point.

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Reconsider vinyl, please: It is a truly nasty and polluting substance to produce, not to mention the offgassing (odor) once installed.

Real linoleum, made from linseed, is ecofriendly and, in my opinion, warmer on the feet. It comes in many colors. Go to www.forboflooringna.com for options and also info on the enviro. impacts of VCT (vinyl).

Terri Sapienza: Good tips. Thanks.

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Tying in tile and vanity: I have a half-bath with white tile, toilet and trim (whole house has white trim), but the vanity (a light oak) has a swirly off-white solid surface. What is a good way to tie these together? Right now the walls are a sort of dusty blue, but I was hoping to paint it some shade of red - would be happy to consider other colors, too!

Terri Sapienza: Do you mean tie the two shades of white together?

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Storage cabinets and caulk cleaning: For basement storage, Target sells pantry cabinets with shelves and doors that you have to assemble yourself. They come in black and white and maybe a wood color and often go on sale. I have two in a storage closet and they're sturdy, hold a lot and make the space organized. They're functional and not that hard to put together.

As for mold on bathtub caulk, I'd also recommend the Clorox bleach pen. The bleach comes out in a gel that doesn't run, and if you leave it on for a while, it can really get rid of the mold. It also has a scrubby end. Very handy for a lot of touch up jobs.

Terri Sapienza: Good tips, thanks. That Clorox pen sounds great, I'll have to try it. I am obsessed with my Tide pen, which I carry in my purse, and this sounds like a perfect home version.

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Enterprise, Ala.: RE coffeemakers: Cooks Illustrated says the best is the grind and brew but we have a Bunn that we love. It is faster quieter and easy to clean. Plus, the warranty got me a brand new one when mine leaked!

Terri Sapienza: That's a nice warranty! Thanks for your input.

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World accessories: My sister LOVES Abaca imports in old town Alexandria. She has gotten several larger antique furniture pieces there, but I've visited and they also have accessories. Nice to support a local business.

Terri Sapienza: Yes, another great suggestion. Thanks.

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Arlington, Va.: I got a IKEA VRETA leather sofa a month ago. I think the quality is very good. Question: I have a TV stand by itself (IKEA Stockholm TV stand if it helps). With a TV and DVD player and maybe Wii on it, you can just see the ugly mess of wire on the back of TV. What can I do to hide the mess? Thanks.

Jura Koncius: Ikea Vreta. We will add that to the list. As for the wires, wire management is a big issue in many homes. Go to www.cableorganizer.com or www.lifehacker.com.

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Tip for picking a buttery yellow: I learned this the hard way: when you want a buttery yellow, look in the beiges/creams section of your paint brand. The yellows never look creamy or buttery.

Jura Koncius: Thanks.

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Pigtown: For the person who wanted to know about keeping caulk clean, I just read that after you clean it, you can dab a little Neosporin on it to keep away the bacteria. Who knew?

Terri Sapienza: wow, this is very interesting. thanks, pigtown.

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Kaufman colors: Seem a tad impractical, since the site lists no retailers anywhere close. Going to NY for paint is not going to happen. Is that what he did???

Jura Koncius: You can order them by mail. It seems like a pain, but so many designer professionals swear by these colors that it is worth it.

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Washington, D.C.: For the person who wrote in about the graying caulk, I just had a mold guy out to check our bathroom, and he said mold LOVES to eat caulk and there isn't much you can do to get rid of it once it starts. He suggested we get some of the microban caulk from a home store, which we plan to do this weekend.

Jura Koncius: Great idea! Thanks.

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Pennsylvania: I live in heavily forested neighborhood, so my house doesn't get a lot of sunlight. We're getting ready to paint the interior of our house. How can we go about choosing colors that enhance what little light we have?

Terri Sapienza: Maybe a very pale green which will keep the interior light and also compliment ad reflect all of the trees that surround your home?

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Vinyl alternative: Look into cork - naturally anti-microbial and such. Slightly soft and warm on the feet. We've had it in our kitchen for almost 2 years and so far looks as good as the day we installed it. You can even get all kinds of different colors and patterns (it doesn't have to look like a cork bulletin board).

Terri Sapienza: thanks.

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Terri Sapienza: Looks like we're out of time today. Thanks for joining us and for all of the great tips and suggestions. Chat with you guys next week.

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