Home Front
With The Washington Post Home Staff
Thursday, May 1, 2003; 11 a.m. ET Every other week, the Washington Post Home staff talks about various ways to improve your home. Find out easy tips to fix up your home, what the new home trends are, upcoming antique shows and how to re-upholster your furniture. Ask the Washington Post Home staff -- about these and anything and everything related to home and garden. The transcript follows. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Washington Post Home Staff: Good morning! We are here to chat about houses, paint colors, window treatments, contractors and any other stuff you want. Send in your questions.
Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.: Can you recommend a lighting store that would provide me with a wide range of light fixtures, products (not Home Depot-like); design help; installation, electrical connection help. I want to do something special with lighting in my living room -- up lights, downlights, spotlights. My decor is Asian modern and I would like to have lighting with a lot of variation that can possibly be keyed to switches -- a romantic lighting switch, a dusk switch, a general task lighting switch, etc. Thanks for any direction you can provide. Washington Post Home Staff: Yes. Try Illuminations, 415 8th St. NW 202 783-4888
Oak Hill, Va.: Third time asking about wicker! Hope you can answer this time! I'm looking for a loveseat and am concerned about quality. There is such a wide variation in cost. I'm considering ordering one from Orvis. What do you know about their products?
Thanks...love the chats.
p.s. this will be for indoor use only. Washington Post Home Staff: Orvis has a very good name. I would think their quality is good. But what about shipping costs?
Washington, D.C.: Do you know any place to find attractive yet affordable rugs? I have hardwood floors and not a lot of money! Washington Post Home Staff: Ikea and Target are two places that come to mind. Also check out www.capel-rugs.com.
Washington, D.C.: HELP! I bought a couple of those moroccan style lamps (with the cone-like spiral shade) where the light socket hangs down. I've been looking for candelabra bulbs but every bulb I see says not to hang the bulb upside down. I went to Home Depot, Sears, Safeway, Harris Teeter, CVS and Rite-Aid last night looking for the bulbs. It seems like everyone only stocks the same GE bulbs everywhere. I know, I know. Too obsessive. But, it's driving me nuts not being able to find the right bulbs. Any advice? Thanks. Washington Post Home Staff: Go to a lamp store like Gaylords in Bethesda; Reed Electric in Georgetown and Dominion Electric at various locations.
Somewhere, USA: What's your favorite taupe paint color? I'm looking for a color to flow through my first floor (very open floor plan). Most coordination needs to come in the living room, where we have couches and chairs slipcovered in natural, a deep chalky red, and sage. Dining room furniture is dark wood, so anything will look good there, and I'm not sure if I'm going to paint the kitchen taupe or do something brighter in there (white cabinets and terra cotta Pergo floor). All trim is glossy white and will stay that way. Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: We really like the taupe at Restoration Hardware. They offer a limited selection of just the right shades. The deeper color is called Latte and a slightly softer side of it is called Cafe Cream. Benjamin Moore's Sag Harbor Gray is good too.
Bethesda, Md.: OK, I've ordered the navy sofa - now what color of pale yellow should I use for the walls? It's a small living room, light from picture window, no cross windows. For one chair, can I order the armchair in the same navy fabric, and also a contrasting occasional chair in a solid yellow or a yellow print? Washington Post Home Staff: Try Gentle Yellow SW 1675 by Sherwin Williams. Or a really pale look - Duron's Delicate Cream 7720W. One caveat - yellow can take several coats - meaning three as opposed to two for good coverage.
Palo Alto, Calif.: My bathroom has a tub/shower combo with a window (approximately 22 inches wide, 33 inches high) in it. The walls and window sill are tiled. My landlord had termite inspectors come, and they advised putting a curtain over the window to keep water from leaking into the wall. Do they even make waterproof curtain for this purpose? I've been envisioning using a tension rod and cutting a shower curtain or liner to size, but if there are any brilliant and fashionable ideas out there I would love to hear them! Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: That is a good question. A tension rod sounds like a good idea. You can waterproof fabric by the yard at some fabric stores. I don't know any particularly that are in Palo Alto. This sounds like something that you have to do yourself - you won't find waterproof curtains on the market we don't think. Does anyone else have any ideas?
Also - make sure the window is caulked properly.
Arlington, Va.: How do you feel about painting the main portions of a house with paint that has an eggshell texture instead of flat ? Washington Post Home Staff: Yes - you mean inside, right? Decorators often suggest eggshell because it is easier to clean and has a livelier appearance.
Alexandria, Va.: I'm sure you're asked this almost every chat, and I have got some info for your archives. I'm looking for a nice buttery yellow for a bedroom. I have samples of yellows painted all over the room but really don't like any of them so far - too bright, too gold, too pale etc. Can you suggest some please? Washington Post Home Staff: Yellow is sure popular today. Well, here are a few ideas that fit your criteria! Silk Sails 114-2 by Pittsburgh Paints. Yellow Chiffon by Pratt & Lambert is Number 1740.
Bethesda, Md.: We are thinking of remodeling (and probably waterproofing) our basement. All we want is a nice space for kids to play and watch TV Although it was a "finished" basement before we bought the house, it is so musty and dark that we rarely venture down there. Other than some chipping/erosion in the cinderblocks in the foundation, no major problems. Our budget will be $10-15k MAX. Is this realistic? Where can one get ideas on basement designs? Or, do we need an architect in addition to a contractor? Seems like not much is written about basements these days unless you want to create a fancy wine cellar. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks! P.S. I loved the preview of the Georgetown house tour in last week's Home section! washingtonpost.com: Georgetown House Tour (Post, April 24) Washington Post Home Staff: Dear Bethesda: Painting a basement white and carpeting it is what most people on a budget to. With only $10,000 to spend, you won't be able to afford much of an architect's time except a consultation. But a competent contractor/carpenter can usually handle a basement nicely. YOu are right, we should write more about basements.
Alexandria, Va.: Can you recommend a silver paint shade that would work in a bedroom. I'm not looking for anything metallic, more greyish without being grey. Years ago I toured an old southern home that had a silver paint in nearly every room and it was gorgeous. I don't know if that effect can be recreated in just one room....Thanks for your help. Washington Post Home Staff: Hmmm. Maybe Sherwin Williams Crushed Ice SW1010 or Mineral White SW1011. Or Duron's Blizzard White 8530W. These all seem to have some life in them.
Washington, D.C.: Hello, Love your chat! I feel like I have my own personal team of designers. As a fourth generation Washingtonian, the Monumental dining room at the Washington Design Center's Spring Design House inspired me. Do you know of any shops where I can buy quality photographs of landmarks around town that are suitable for framing. I loved their displays, but do not have a couple grand to spend to pay tribute to my beloved city in my dιcor. Thank You Washington Post Home Staff: How about the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.:
Any clues on home to get a burn mark off of a parquet floor. I tried sanding it and now I have a burn surrounded by light wood (just like the sofa stain cleaned improperly in today's Post!) Thanks washingtonpost.com: On the Spot (Post, May 1) Washington Post Home Staff: Wow. That sounds like a pain. Does anyone out there have suggestions for that?
Arlington, Va.: I have an oval oak dining room table (with windsor chairs) -- one of those tables with absolutely nothing interesting about it. So I'm looking to replace it. The problem is that I have several cool Oak antique pieces in the dining room (like an unusual china cabinet) that I plan to keep. I don't necessarily want to purchase an Oak table to go with those pieces, but if I don't, what kind of table should I go for? Any other varieties of wood tables that would look right with oak? Other non-wood options? Washington Post Home Staff: You could certainly do another wood or another material for the table. What about a slate top table, tile top table (like country French) or a metal base with a marble top. Mosaic is neat too.
Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: My wife and i just had a small brick patio installed in the back of our row house. Right now, it's just looking like a blank, rectangular space, and I'm hoping to get some ideas for things I can do with it from somewhere. Can you recommend any businesses or web sites which can get me started? Washington Post Home Staff: Have you been to Garden District in your neighborhood? It's at 1801 14th St. NW 797-9005. Its a great little resource for plants, garden design, installation, maintenance and lighting for gardens. By the way, the block of 14th between S and T Sts NW is looking so urban hip these days. Next week, the Home section will be featuring yet another cool home furnishings shop that has opened there, just down the block from Garden District.
San Francisco, Calif.:
These chats make me miss DC! Just bought a small condo here in SF. it's cute, but the living room gets very little light -- and it's small. Any tips on how to make it seem brighter? I've already painted it yellow and have installed a big mirror on one wall. what else can I do? Washington Post Home Staff: Wow! Your place sounds like it has great Feng shui. The main thing is not to keep the place too cluttered - and go for a smaller number of big scale furniture pieces rather than a lot of little furniture. Wall to wall carpeting makes a room seem larger too.
Somewhere, USA: Is there still an Orvis store near Tyson's? Maybe they stock furniture, or can have it shipped there at no cost to the purchaser for pick up. I've not purchased their wicker furniture, but my relatives have been pleased with the quality of their other furniture lines. Washington Post Home Staff: There is an ORvis at 8334A Leesburg Pike, 703 556-8634. www.orvis.com lists all the stores around the country. Thanks for your info.
Re: Rugs on a budget: Try Home Depot. We're in the same boat and found that they have a good selection for decent prices. We bought an 8x11 area rug there for a little over $300. Washington Post Home Staff: great idea.
Reston, Va.: I'm looking for a couple things for my house. One is a standing bookrack, the kind that sits on the floor and is 4' or 5' tall, preferably in cherry wood. The other is a set of 10 small tables, 12" by 12" and 34" high. Telephone stands all seem too short, and plant stands either too short or too tall. Cherry wood would be fine, as would metal and glass, or most other materials. Do you have any idea where I could get these things? I've been looking for a while now. Washington Post Home Staff: Have you tried Storehouse, Workbench, Hecht's? Also try and get a copy of the West Elm catalogue - they have great little accent tables. www.westelm.com
Gaithersburg, Md.: Any suggestions for a "hot" neutral color for foyer which opens up to family room (suppose I'll paint the same color)? Visited a BM paint dealer yesterday and was overwhelmed. Also, what would go nicely with this neutral color for LR, DR and kitchen? You can see the kitchen from family room. Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: Have you thought of apple green? Green Pear 7181W by Benjamin Moore; Sparkle Green 7201W by Benjamin Moore or
Tart Apple Sw1694 by Sherwin Williams is also cool.
Virginia: I am thinking about putting silestone countertops in my kitchen. Will this hold up for the life of the house (as expensive as this is, I don't want to do it if I'm going to have to replace it in 10 or 15 years anyway)? Also, what is a good price for this material? Washington Post Home Staff: Silestone is 93 percent quartz, comes in 43 colors including cobalt, and the company claims to outperform other products on scratch, scorch and stain resistance including sealed 100 percent granite. The web site is www.silestone.com. It lists dealers nationwide, more than 2000 retailers sell it.
Washington, D.C.: How do I make a long narrow room look cozy? The fireplace is close to the midline, rather than at one end. A decorator suggested breaking the space into three smaller seating arrangements. A great idea, but I don't want or need that many chairs. Walls are a great shade of yellow with bright white trim. Thanks for your help. Washington Post Home Staff: I think we agree with you. A lot of chairs tend to look like a herd of chairs in a small narrow space. You can provide extra eating with a giant comfy ottoman or a pile of large square cushions (if you are young enough and we some great ones in the Pottery Barn teen catalogue). Do you have nice window at one end ? If so you can put your sofa there. At the Kips Bay Show house, Susan Zises Green, a New York designer, put the sofa at one end, a chaise longue on one side of the hearth and a nice table with a couple of upholstered chairs and a loveseat where you could play games or eat or work. You really don't have to have a formulaic living room any more.
Washington, D.C. Metro Rugs: Macy's is having a big sale this weekend on rugs - I think it's only Saturday and only the Springfield store -- and this is not an endorsement, but I've heard ads claiming 50 -75% off, and hope to check it out. Washington Post Home Staff: Happy to pass along news of a sale.
Washington, D.C.: Is it a bad idea to redo kitchen floors without updating counters, appliances, etc? My linoleum floor is driving me batty, but I can't update everything just yet... Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: No not at all. If you even do one thing to perk up your kitchen, you will enjoy spending time in there. Do what you can now, and save up for more.
Southern Maryland: Dumb Question: I have a bay window. What is the appropriate window dressing for it. I currently have a swag over the top of the window, and I like that. But I would like to supplement with a mini blind of some sort for added privacy. Would it work to have three separate blinds to mimic the shape of the window, or do manufacturers even make a single mini blind to cover the shape/angle of the window. Or is there a better alternative out there? Washington Post Home Staff: Dear Southern Maryland. We have several views on this. I have two bay windows myself and I have three separate Duette shades that telescope into a practically invisible container at the top. It is a pain to have to draw three shades every morning and every night. You can have one custom made shade that fits the contours of your bay, but it will be more costly. I also have a small swag just grazing the top of the bay - window treatments for bays are hard to come up with without being fussy.
Louisville, Ky.: If you are looking for area rugs and have a TJ Maxx, that's where I've bought several, 100 percent wool good rugs for very good prices. Also Tuesday Morning stocks them, but watch to make sure you get wool for durability. Synthetic is probably OK for non-high traffic rugs, though. Washington Post Home Staff: Hurray Louisville. You are absolutely right!
Silver Spring, Md.: For good rugs at reduced prices, you might try the Mastercraft warehouse sale this weekend, Saturday and Sunday. I found a very nice 6x9 wool rug for about $300. Washington Post Home Staff: yes. great idea. thanks silver spring.
Cheap rugs: www.kohls.com is having a big sale on area rugs right now. Also, we got a pretty nice area rug for our apartment at Home Depot for less than $30. They had higher quality ones for more expensive too, but I think you could do better than $300! Washington Post Home Staff: yeah!
Waterproof curtain: My super put one in my bathroom, so I assume you can buy them fairly easily (and inexpensively, knowing my landlord!) Washington Post Home Staff: thanks
Cheap but nice rugs: Crate & Barrel Outlet in Old Town Alex. Washington Post Home Staff: you go ...
Re: Palo Alto: Uh, why isn't your landlord dealing with this? Washington Post Home Staff: good question
Yellow living room, again: Please help with the rest of my question -for one chair, can I order the armchair in the same navy fabric, and also a contrasting occasional chair in a solid yellow or a yellow print? Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: yes - but what about a small print in navy and yellow - or a stripe with those colors...
mosaic furniture: You mentioned in response to a previous poster about mosaic tables. Any idea where to find mosaic furniture in general? Washington Post Home Staff: A great shop we know of is called Maison 14, at 1325 14th St. NW. They have Moroccan and French style tables with mosaic designs. Also French Country Living in Great Falls.
Burke, Va.: Have any of you ever used a trompe l'oeil ? I am not sure if "used" is the right word. I like the idea of a window, or even french doors on a bare wall. Is it hard to do? Some say that they can be easily removed - unlike wallpaper. Any good sources? Do they really look as good as they do in the catalog? Washington Post Home Staff: Dear Burke: Trompe l'oeil is is not an easy thing to pull off, if you are talking about the idea of French Doors on a bare wall. If you put it on a canvas, you can take it off easily.
Re: San Francisco: The poster asked how to make the living room "brighter" because of little light - not bigger. Washington Post Home Staff: Okay. Sorry. Tiny little track lights mounted on the ceiling can add some sparkle and aim light at the places you want. Try an eggshell finish on your ceiling paint, which should probably be white. Bright colors or accents like chartreuse, pink or turquoise may add interest; shiny white trim on the woodwork will also make the place gleam.
Re:Lovely Taupe Colors: I recently used Tinderbox from Duron in my bedroom and just love it. In fact I'm going to use it in the hallway too. Washington Post Home Staff: Oh great.
Petworth, Washington, D.C.: I have a Washington Room in my house. I found great stuff at:
The Building Museum
The Library of Congress
The DC Historical Society
The Rare Print Wagon, at Eastern Market I also have some DC-focused movie posters that I got from that little movie poster shop in Georgetown that I forget the name of. It's on Thomas Jefferson St, just below M St. Washington Post Home Staff: Wonderful! Thanks so much for writing in. Send us snapshots of it if you want!
Arlington, Va.: You can find waterproof window curtains out there. My parents have the same situation. Hit all the big box stores, the Linens-n-Things, etc. and you'll eventually find them. Don't expect a big selection though. Washington Post Home Staff: Arlington, thanks for informing us.
Somewhere, USA: Designing for the Sexes: Can you suggest a window treatment that is not too feminine or too masculine for a bedroom? Additionally, my husband and I need privacy and light control (south facing windows). Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: How about wide-striped fabric curtains, floor to ceiling, on little black rings on a a thin metal rod. Also tab tops, like those from Country Curtains, are inexpensive and come in nice duck fabric in colors like taupe, white or navy.
Silver Spring, Md.: I have a sun room that faces east and south that I want to pant. I've decided to pant the sloped ceiling "sky blue" and the walls "sunny yellow." Do you have any suggestions for paint colors that fit this description? Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: Okay for the blue, how about Sherwin Williams Blue Dahlia SW1500. And for the yellow, Provence Creme Benjamin Moore 2021-60.
Fairfax, Va.: Do you know if sheer curtains come in bright, jewel-tone colors? I keep seeing white and pastels (plus one maroon sheer at Bed, Bath and Beyond). I am looking for royal blue or bright red. Washington Post Home Staff: try Anthropologie in Rockville. Or www.countrycurtains.com
Alexandria, Va.: The house I just moved into has a bathroom straight of of the 50s - pink tub and small pink and black tile. Gutting and replacing are not an option right now. What would you do to make it look decent in the time being. I guess I should try to embrace it as "retro" but it's a stretch!
Thanks Washington Post Home Staff: Yes embrace this adorable 50s look of black and pink. Go with hot pink or black towels, pink soaps, a monogrammed pink shower curtain, black rug. You will love it! Poodles would be nice somewhere..
Yellow Living Room person: Consider covering the occasional chair in a toile de jouy pattern. I like the yellow-on-white, but the blue-on-white is more conventional and also very attractive. I have also seen blue and yellow-on-white! Washington Post Home Staff: Good ideas.
Washington Post Home Staff: Thanks everyone. Sorry we didn't get to all your questions. See you in two weeks.
washingtonpost.com: That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion. © Copyright 2003 The Washington Post Company | 
