Home Front: Your Design and Decor Dilemmas, Solved

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, Oct. 1, at 11:00 a.m. ET to take your questions and suggestions. Joining them will be Mark McInturff of Bethesda-based McInturff Architects.

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Terri Sapienza: Hi, folks. Thanks for joining us today. We have architect Mark McInturff with us today to answer your questions about the cool modern house he designed featured in today's setion or anything else you have on your mind. Looks like you guys have lots to chat about already, so let's get started.

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Herndon, Va.: Hi Mark. You did a beautiful job on the Zwerdling-Rothschild house! Do you have any advice for someone thinking about rebuilding their home from scratch? What are some important things to consider? Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: The Perfect House, Take 2 (Post, Oct. )

Mark McInturff: I would start with the relationship between the house and it's site, including views, site, sun, and the possibility of a private outdoor space. From there I would look closely at how your family uses space.

We start globally and work increasingly locally; from site, to room, to detail.

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Chevy Chase: Mark -- Do you do small renovation projects? Or does somebody just come to an established architect like you for major things?

Mark McInturff: Our office does all sizes of projects. In our books and on our website you will see a number of small projects. We only ask that the client has the right spirit.

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Kensington, Md.: This question is for Mark: As an architect, what you do offer someone versus using a design/build company?

Mark McInturff: In general, my feeling is that design/build emphasizes building over design, while working with an architect places design at the center.

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Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.: Hi Mark. What kinds of things do you usually discuss with clients during your first meeting? Should they know exactly what they want when they come to you? Amazing job on the house, by the way.

Mark McInturff: At a first meeting, I want to know more about my clients as people and how they live than exactly what they think they want. A number of our clients have changed exactly what they think they want as we go through the process of showing them what is possible.

What is most interesting in residential work is the uniqueness of each client and situation. That is what I want to find out.

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Round Rug: First - thanks for all of the advice a month or so about using the wallie's for my daughters bedrooms. They both LOVE their rooms. As a bonus, for the 13-year-old I found round dots that are dry-erase and her friends LOVE being able to leave messages on her walls! Now for the final step of her room. She'd like a round area rug (4'?) in either aqua, bright blue or bright green. I'd like to find one that's inexpensive so when she tires of it I haven't wasted a ton of money. Any suggestions? I found one an Amazon that's about $40 which is good, but I'd prefer to get one locally.

Terri Sapienza: I did a quick search on the Target website and came up with this 4' bright green shag rug for $129 (T-Shirt Shaggy Rug - Green). It might come in other colors, too.

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Bethesda, Md.: Good Morning Ladies! I picked up an armchair at an estate sale over the weekend. It's in great condition but I definitely need to have it reupholstered as it currently looks like it belongs in the 70s. Any suggestions on where to take it? Will this end up costing me more than if I purchased a brand new chair?

Jura Koncius: Congratulations on your score. While upholstering isn't cheap, you can shop around and also you might consider slipcovers, which are often cheaper. Depending on where you live, you can look for good workrooms on local online list serves, fabric store bulletin boards or classifieds. One new place someone suggested is M and K Upholstery, 301-670-0325. One way you can save money is to find your own fabric for the job, hopefully at a discount place. We always hear good things about Discount Fabrics in Thurmont, Md.

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Milwaukee, Wisc.: We have had no success finding UNscented candles in fall colors. We'd like a few short (3 in.) pillars. Any ideas (online sources are fine if the pricing is reasonable)? If not, can ivory/white candles be decorated? We are open to basic crafting approaches, although we don't want to spend a ton of time or money on this. Thanks.

Terri Sapienza: Another Target mention here, but have you tried there? I can't imagine they wouldn't have something as basic as an unscented white candle. You might also try Pier 1.

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Potomac, Md.: With cold weather approaching, I'm craving TUBULAR skylights in my windowless bathrooms and stairwell. I'm hoping you and fellow chatters will be able to share good (or bad) experiences with particular brands AND installers.

Mark McInturff: I have no experience with doing Tubular skylights, so unfortunately we cannot help you on this one.

I do think that natural light is very important and these seem like a very good way to bring light into a windowless room.

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Annapolis, Md.: Posting early... Ladies, please help me. My mother will be moving into an assisted living apt. next week and we have a chance to customize her paint color. Unfortunately she has one window with a NE exposure. The window looks out directly to another wing of the building that is red brick. I want to overcome the lack of a lot of natural light and the shadowy grayness that brings. The painters use Duron/Sherwin W. Please suggest colors. We can have a pale color with an accent wall. The ceiling is white. I will do the window treatment, but suggestions are welcome. Also, the carpet is a tan-ish color that won't show dirt. They want to start painting today or tomorrow. Thanks!

Jura Koncius: I'm sure you want this to be as cheerful as possible. So, you have a tan carpet and white ceiling - I might suggest something in the peachy family as that would be nice with the rug and the brick outside. What about Duron's Koral Kicks or Cosmetic Peach?

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Wilmington, Del.: Hello ladies! Love your chats. I am redoing a powder room and would like to put in a chair rail and paint below the chair rail in a coral color with tan above. Any recommendation for good Benjamin Moore colors that would fit this scheme? If you think that is a bad idea, what about two shades of green -- darker below and lighter on top?

Terri Sapienza: Unless you are also installing wainscoting, I think I would ditch the chair rail idea and just paint the walls one color, especially if the room is small. The coral color sounds like a cool color for a powder room.

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Downsizing: What advice (or referrals/resources)can you offer to someone who is downsizing from a large home to a small apartment? It seems daunting. How does one dispose of all the housewares and furnishings? Are there good local services that handle this sort of thing? What should we look for?

Jura Koncius: Downsizing is daunting! First of all, if you have grown kids, have them come and take whatever they want of their past - books, college papers, mementos, trophies, stuffed animals - whatever is in boxes in your attic and basement. Decide what items you really want to take with you and be ruthless about shredding old papers and documents you no longer need. Local charities are struggling these days and may be thrilled to come and pick up your unwanted clothing, furniture and kitchen items. You can find local estate sale companies online who will come and sell off on-site everything you don't want, unless you want to run a big yard sale yourself. Good luck.

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Springfield, Va.: Ladies, I'm looking for the perfect bath towel. Price is no longer an option as I have spent countless dollars on towels that get scratchy after washing, fray after use, or never seem to dry out. Any suggestions?

Jura Koncius: Yes. I am addicted to the thick Turkish towels at Restoration Hardware. They sell them in the stores and have more colors online. They are exclusive to them. They are really absorbent and very high quality towels. Men love them!

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Rockville, Md.: Love the chats. I am going to the beach this weekend; would you be so kind to post the link to the article you did on stores in Rehoboth Beach? Thank you

Terri Sapienza: Sure thing. We'll get that up in a minute.

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Alexandria, Va.: Mark, where did you get the inspiration for that staircase? I love it!

Mark McInturff: the clients felt that all four levels of the house were important, so we felt that it made sense to make an open relationship between the levels, which is the reason for the open stairwell. Having made that relationship, the perforated walls give intriguing views and vistas as you more throughout the stair.

Terri Sapienza: .

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washingtonpost.com: Shopping by the Sea (Post, May 21)

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washingtonpost.com: Triage for Dated Tile (Post, Jan. 25, 2007)

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50s bathroom: We're moving into a house with a 1950s blue tile bathroom. I know you've talked about ways to minimize the color of the tile before. Can you give me some links to those chats or offer the advice again? Is there a wall color that would compliment (for lack of a better word) the bright blue?

Terri Sapienza: No problem. We'll post a link to the tile story, too. Lots of great paint suggestions and tips from designers.

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Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.: Got a paint question here...I own a terrace level condo (I know, big mistake...bought it during the real estate frenzy) with an open living room/kitchen floor plan. The builder painted it from floor to ceiling in Duron's antique white -- it almost looks like a really light khaki. Anyway, they did it in a flat paint and now it's showing five years of wear and tear. I'd like to repaint it in an eggshell so I can clean it if need be, I was thinking of going with the same company/color. I wanted to get your opinion on that and see if you had any other color recommendations for a large room that doesn't get a ton of outside light.

Jura Koncius: Yes. Definitely do eggshell. I think your neighborhood is very cool and fun so be thrilled you got a piece of real estate there! What about Duron's Convivial Yellow - its sort of the color of olives - I really like it.

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for Round Rug: FLOR.com sells fun modular round rugs in many colors. To purchase locally, check Amicus Green Building Supply in Kensington.

Jura Koncius: Fabulous.

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Boston, Mass.: I was wondering what your thoughts are on interior finishes for doorknobs as well as lighting fixtures in a hallway. We're looking at rubbed bronze or pewter finishes to replace the current shiny brass. This is a center hall colonial home. Thanks!

Jura Koncius: I think I would go with the bronze. I also like nickel.

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D.C.: Hi, Mark. What are some common mistakes you see people make when they are designing houses?

Mark McInturff: I think too many people think of exterior space- gardens, terraces, decks, as an afterthought, so there is no integration of interior and exterior.

These things should not be an afterthought, they should be the first thought.

The house in the Post today, and all of our others, began with that in mind.

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Candles: I had a good experience ordering candles for a wedding reception from Crafted Candles. It looks like they have unscented short pillars in a ton of colors crafted candles and also a cheaper one that burns quicker if you look for "textured" pillar.

Terri Sapienza: Great. Thanks for the tip.

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For Downsizing: Our local high school (Wootton in Rockville) is doing a flea market. You can buy a parking space to sell your stuff for $20. If you don't have enough stuff for a yard sale, this might be a good thing for you! Or, you can consign your nicer things at local shops. Congrats on the move! You'll love having less to clean.

Jura Koncius: What a GREAT tip. When is the flea market? We all might want to get tables!

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Glass Shower Doors: I know these are often discussed here, so I thought this would be a great venue to ask my question. What is a good way to clean the track that doors sit on? I was cleaning my shower the other day and noticed it getting gross along the track but short of removing the doors are there any tricks?

Jura Koncius: What a good question. What about vacuuming it with a hand held vacuum, scrubbing with a brush and then blow drying it clean and getting all the bits of dust out of there? Any other ideas?

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Springfield, Va.: Can I get some suggestions for a buttery yellow for a kitchen? My husband is a contractor and prefers NOT to use Behr paint but if you have color suggestions, that would be fantastic. We have an open floor plan so the buttery yellow I picture in my head would need to go with a taupe-like color on the adjoining walls. Thanks.

Jura Koncius: We've been on a Duron roll this morning. What about Butter Up by Duro or Benjamin Moore Golden Honey?

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Baltimore, Md.: I hope last week's questioner knows that when Barbara Barry suggests "linoleum" for her son's room she means the real thing, not sheet vinyl!

Jura Koncius: Well said.

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Redecorating living room: Hello. I love your chats. I am redecorating a small living room space and would love your advice. We have purchased a brownish gold toned couch for the room. Do you think putting chairs that are blue/green paisley would make the room to dark and thus small. If we did put chairs in this color -- what would you suggest for a rug? I am really struggling with these decisions. Thanks.

Terri Sapienza: Hmmm...not sure I'm liking this combo. Does the pattern on the chairs have any of the brownish-gold of the sofa?

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Frederick, Md.: Hello Ladies --

I recently purchased a lovely old duplex in historic downtown Frederick. I need to paint one of the bedrooms which the previous owners used as a nursery -- it's baby boy blue.

I love the soothing neutrals, beige-on-beige look, but I'm having trouble picking the right shade. I pick out paint samples, but when I get home I see pink or yellow undertones. I want something that will go with brown, tan and green. Can you make a suggestion?

Jura Koncius: Let's see. Brown, green and tan - what about Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green or Sherwin Williams Shagreen?

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King George, Va.: Good morning! We purchased a new construction with an enormous Great Room (it's what sealed the deal for us). We are struggling, however, with a good lighting solution and a way to integrate the various focal points in the room. Our ceilings are 17' with one entire wall of windows. The focal points, as I see them to be, are the window view (woods); a fireplace (same wall as the windows); and a wall with the television. We have a ceiling fan with a light but that is definitely not enough. We use the space to not only watch TV and gather when we have company, but I like to sit and read, write, etc. I'm not sure that various floor lamps will work. Are sconces around the room good lighting solution?

Terri Sapienza: I think multiple types of lighting is your best bet. You already have a light source in the center, so you could add four recessed lights (one in each corner) for ambient light and a combo of table and floor lamps for task lighting.

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towels that dry YOU and then GET dry: I wrote in a long time ago asking for source for Indian woven towels. My friend had some that were fantastic, but brought them from India and didn't know where to find them here. Unlike thick terry towels, the Indian ones don't stay wet and mildewy in a humid house... probably because in India they figured out how to handle humidity a long time ago. Anyway, Kara Weaves has them! They are not your typical American thing but they really work well.

Jura Koncius: Cool. Check out www.karaweaves.com.

Thank you.

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Washington, D.C.: Comment: Mark McInturff had remodeled part of the first floor of a home my wife and I owned from 1994 to 2002. 9615 Culver St, Kensington. The photos in the article today reminded me of the home. We thoroughly enjoyed the open floor plan, the large floor to ceiling window onto the back, the same patio format and the natural bonus for us of a cherry blossom tree raining pedals every spring. I would sit at the dining table and read by natural light. Some people thought the house too modern but we enjoyed it. I remember a teenager on Halloween looking inside and saying "cool house." Architecture that impresses teenagers is itself impressive. Thanks for the article.

Terri Sapienza: Sounds lovely. Thanks for your input.

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Flea Market, October 17th: The Wootton flea market is 10/17 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and the deadline to submit your form for a table/space is 10/7. You can get the order form on the school's main page (link is on the right): WOOTON

Jura Koncius: This is a great opportunity! Thank you so much. Start cleaning out everyone!!!

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RE: glass shower doors: Lysol makes a great hand-held steam cleaner. I use it for things like the shower door. Its really powerful. I used it to steam the built-up dust on my molding in the kitchen. It also blew all of the gunk that has collected under the quarter round trim out really well. Its great getting into tight places.

Jura Koncius: thanks.

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Restoration towels: Women like them too! I buy them from the outlet store near me. Discontinued colors.

A question about curtain rods: the previous owner of my home, or somebody, carelessly dripped or brushed white paint on many of my curtain rods. Is there any way to get this off - scraping, solvent? I can't really afford to replace them, and the paint is kind of unsightly and annoying. Thanks.

Jura Koncius: I don't know what your curtain rods are made of, but you could take a Q-tip and dip it in a little paint thinner and see if it take off the paint without damaging the finish. If your paint is water based, a little scrub with a tootbrush and soap might do it.

And yes, going to the Restoration Hardware Leesburg outlet or another of their outlet stores might snag you some great towels at a bargain price.

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Loudoun County, Va.: A business question for Mark. I remember reading in the Post a few months back how the recession was really hurting architects and architecture firms. Is his firm doing well? Is business picking up? Are people doing much smaller projects overall?

Mark McInturff: We are doing fine.

I have been at this a long time, and many of my clients have come back over and over for additional projects- a new bath or a new house.

I do feel fortunate.

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Tysons, Va.: We are thinking of turning an area of our garage into a mudroom area -- any suggestions for how to do this? We live in a townhouse and the door from the garage opens into our basement. I am looking for a way to contain coats/shoes/misc stuff in a way that gets it out of our basement family room area. I have 2 preschoolers.

Jura Koncius: Yes! Go to visit the new Designer Showhouse in McLean called Gorgeous Goes Green that is being staged by Charity Works. www.charityworksgreenhouse.com. I visited it yesterday and it has wonderful ideas for everyone including a fabulous Mud Room/Laundry Area/Powder Room done by Custom Design Concepts Architecture & Interiors Miriam Dillon and Rebecca Foley. They call it the Family Vestibule. The house opens on October 10 and closes October 30. You'll read about it in next week's Home section too.

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Marriage counseling: Loved the article today. Husband and I are in preliminary discussions for redesign and expansion of our circa 1940s center hall colonial. Right now our visions seem far apart. (I want airy, he wants cozy; I want simple, he wants statement!) How adept are architects in dealing with husband/wife dynamics or should we duke it out ourselves before calling a professional? Are we going to be problem clients?

Mark McInturff: We deal with this every day. In many cases, the" tension" creates the opportunity to something entirely new.

You don't have to figure it out, that is our job.

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washingtonpost.com: GreenHouse

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Sofa colors: Hurray! We finally got an oriental rug for our living room and are ready to replace our 40-year-old hand-me-down sofa and chairs. We want to get a sofa and a loveseat. Should they be the same style or could they be two different styles that look good together? Also, should they match in fabric and color or could we choose two different fabrics that pull out colors in the rug, perhaps a blue and a brown? Your guidance is much appreciated!

Jura Koncius: Using two different fabrics or at least two different textures in the same color family would be a nice look. If you do a brown sofa, you could do a tan loveseat or vice versa. You can also use pillows to bring in more colors from your rug.

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Sandusky, Ohio: I was struck by the black exterior of the Zwerdlings' home. Was that their choice, or the architect's? Any particular reason for it?

Mark McInturff: We started with a different color but settled on black because it can be so complex. It is never actually black as soon as light hits it.

Black buildings are common in other cultures-Holland, England and Japan all come to mind right away.

I have done a number of houses with some black on the exterior- I love it.

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Washington, D.C.: What can you suggest as some high impact changes I can make in an apartment that will have the lowest cost (not allowed to paint my rented apartment)? I NEED a change! But can't afford to move...or buy new furniture!

Terri Sapienza: It sounds simplistic, but the first thing I would do would be to give the place a really good cleaning (windows, too) and declutter. Then I would add some colorful accessories, like pillows and area rugs, and some great art, which doesn't have to be expensive. You could blow up a photograph you like or take pages from a coffee table book and frame a series of them or frame some large pieces of wallpaper that you like.

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Towels: May I pass on a hint from a sales woman at Bloomie's? Wash and dry your towels, from Restoration Hardware or elsewhere, separately and WITHOUT any fabric softener, liquid or sheet. They will keep their fluffiness that way.

Terri Sapienza: Yep, we often hear that advice from many experts. It's a good thing to remember. Thanks for reminding everyone.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: My husband painted my five-year-old son's room a blue that when I go in the room, I feel like I'm in a hospital or asylum. It just has an institutional feel to it. He wants to stay in the blue zone. Can you suggest a blue for a boy's room that fits a young kid's personality.

Jura Koncius: Well, you could go a deep navy - that sure doesn't feel like a hospital. Behr has a deep deep blue called Daring Indigo - I also like Ocean View by Behr.

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Washington, D.C.: Why on earth are people asking paint questions when Mark McInturff is here taking questions?! Mark, how have "green principles" affected your designs, and how can homeowners incorporate those ideas into home renovations? Thanks.

Mark McInturff: Hey, I love talking about color, but that's okay.

Green is critical to all we do, from site selection to house orientation ( the house in the Post today faces south, for good solar gain AND pretty light.) to material selection and on and on...

Its a new world, and about time.

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Towels: My favorite, which is pretty cheap, are the Simply Vera bath sheets at Kohls. And they are always having a sale.

Terri Sapienza: Great tip. Thanks.

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Vienna, Va.: I live in a townhouse and am planning to make some major changes --such as expanding the half to a full bath -- on the ground level. I would like to get a designer or architect to look at the room and give me the best layout possible but I'm worried about the expense. Is there some less expensive way to get such design assistance --possibly from a student?

Mark McInturff: Having taught for many years at Maryland and CUA, I love students, and their energy, but I am not sure that is the way to go unless you can get one with a little building experience.

You might try someone a few years out of school.

But I still love students.

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Arlington, Va.: Hello ladies! There is a window in the bathroom shower, and I am not quite sure what to do with it. It currently has a blind and then a thin, shower curtain-like drape over it and a wooden sill. I really want to get rid of the blind and drape, which take up so much space and tend to cling to wet skin, but then still protect the sill. I also want to be able to still open the window. Should I just get those cling film type things and not worry about the sill? I just don't want water to accumulate and rot the sill. Thanks!

Jura Koncius: This question comes up a lot - I agree that it's great to be able to open the window. The cling window coverings are probably your best bet.

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Sconces: Hi. What is your opinion on sconces in a family room? Our family room has an overhead light and 4 sconces. I am considering removing the sconces and just using lamps, but was wondering what your opinion is on sconces.

Jura Koncius: It's nice to have many options for lighting and have dimmable switches for all. I would not remove the sconces. They are a very popular decorative type of lighting right now.

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If you REALLY hate the bathroom tile: I'm not particularly handy, but I stripped a whole bathroom of its tile in a couple of hours with a chipping hammer from Home Depot. Cost about $100 for the rental plus cleanup bags and tools, etc.

If you have really heinous tile, the house was probably built back when they used plaster, so patch, paint, and be happy.

Jura Koncius: You rock.

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Bethesda, Md.: How have your designs responded to the current financial situation?

Mark McInturff: We designed and built this before the "recent events" but I can just say that in all of our work we try to prioritize goals in line with the budget.

This can make for hard chioces.

Here is my guiding mantra:

Build Simply, and Build Well.

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Terri Sapienza: Looks like we're out of time, folks, and this pregnant person needs some lunch. Have a great weekend, and chat with you next week.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi Mark. I loved the house today. Do you only design modern houses, or would you take on a client that has more traditional tastes? Thanks!

Mark McInturff: Words like "Traditional" and Modern" have lost all meaning, so we try to get people to talk more about the feeling they are after - See Dannys use of the word "Cozy" today.

Then we can avoid the style trap

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Mark McInturff: Thanks for all the great questions. Washington is a great design city.

Sorry I couldn't get to all of them- I type rather slowly.

Here is what is important about today's house-Danny and Barbara put heart and soul in to it. And it shows. Energy and spirit trump budget and ostentation every time!

Mark

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

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