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Washington Post Home Staff
The Washington Post Home Staff
Thursday, June 12, 2003; 11:00 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're here to answer all those pesky questions about paint, wet basements, hardwood floors, and the rest.
So let us hear from you.
________________________________________________ Ashburn, Va.: Hi, I have a two-story family room with a two-story stone fireplace and two stacked windows on either side. I am at a loss for what style of window treatments to use. We are a casual family, so I don't want it to be too formal looking? Any ideas? Washington Post Home Staff: Have you considered plantation shutters or Roman shades? Also, a simple swag just along the top of the windows is nice. ________________________________________________ Centreville, Va.: What are your favorite sources for reasonably priced accessories for the home? Washington Post Home Staff: Accessories can be picked up at yard sales and flea markets - this kind of stuff has stood the test of time and is unique and inexpensive. The Crate & Barrel outlet in Leesburg and Alexandria has neat seasonal stuff and is well priced. Target is another source.
________________________________________________ Virginia: What's the real scoop on red paint? My husband is dead-set on a red wall behind our bed, but I've read on your chat how difficult red can be. Am I in for a disaster? HELP! Washington Post Home Staff: Red in the bedroom is a bit bold, but then is a passionate choice! Try Chelsea Prize by Pratt & Lambert 1014. ________________________________________________ Alexandria, Va.: good morning,
My husband and I own an old narrow townhouse in Old Town. The upstairs hallway in long and narrow with fairly high ceilings and no windows. We would like to find a nice white paint color to open up and brighten the hallway, yet not look too sterile or institutional. Could you recommend some nice shades? Thanks much! Washington Post Home Staff: A creamy white would be a good choice for you.
Pratt & Lambert has a free handout paint sheet called The Brightest Whites. Milk White 1661, Ivory Mist 1712FB and Museum White 22621FB all look good. ________________________________________________ Chevy Chase, Washington, D.C.: I have a granite counter top surrounding the sink in our new powder room. I have bought some fabric that matches the wallpaper. I would like to find a seamstress who could make the fabric into a curtain which hangs down from the sink. Any thoughts on someone local who would handle a small job like this? Washington Post Home Staff: Dear Chevy Chase:
I would go to your favorite dry cleaners and ask if their alterations might do a small job like that. Or lets throw this out to everyone else who lives in NW DC or Maryland - do you have a seamstress to suggest? ________________________________________________ Plano, Tex.: We are redoing our 10-year-old son's bedroom in a baseball theme. While I don't mind theme rooms, I don't want it to be over-the-top. Any fun ideas that are baseball-related but subtle enough to live with for a long time? Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: Dear Plano:
I know what you mean about that theme stuff. It grows old fast. My 13 year old son's room is now done in a Skateboarding theme. But its mainly posterson the walls. Actually that is one way to do it without getting into something you will want to undo in a few years. Do the room in neutral khaki and white, like curtains, dust ruffle, bedding, walls. And buy posters of old baseball stadiums or baseball players - you might find some through the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. That way, when your son tires of this theme, you could use the frames to display his next passion. ________________________________________________ Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: I have a basement apartment, but don't want to furnish it with the IKEA fare typical to my age group. I am in the market for a headboard for a full bed. Any creative ideas, or suggestions for places to look for discounted, nice wood furniture? Washington Post Home Staff: You might head out to Savage Mill, a 19th century textile mill that has been converted into a great shopping space for old and antique furniture. www.savagemill.com. Good for you for wanting to be different. ________________________________________________ Takoma Park, Md.: Still doing my spring cleaning. Can you suggest thrift stores that will take donations on Sundays? Washington Post Home Staff: The Salvation Army Warehouse, 3304 Kenilworth Ave, in Hyattsville is open from 10-5 for donations on Sundays. 301-277-7878 for household item donation and clothing.
Good for you getting rid of stuff - its important!!! ________________________________________________ Alexandria, Va.: Granite - What do you think of the ogee edging? Does it really make a difference compared to say, a bevel? Washington Post Home Staff: Ogee is a little more finished or elaborate looking. But it costs more. It depends on how formal your kitchen your kitchen is and how important detailing is. I have a bull-nose edge and I really like it because its smooth and eliminates sharp corners. It is plenty finished for me.
________________________________________________ Maryland: I've just bought my first house -- I'm so proud! -- and I've just realized that ALL of the furniture I own looks like dorm cast-offs. In particular, living room and bedroom are atrocious. I'd like to chuck all of it. I want my new home to be comfortable, but I can't afford to replace everything at once. Where should I start? How can I adapt what I have to keep for the interim to be less cast-off-looking? Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: Dear Maryland:
First of all, anything that looks really shabby and beat up, get rid of it. If its a matter of upholstery, some of those quick fix slipcovers from places Bed Bath and Beyond or Linens n Things can work wonders. Check out the Sure-Fit brand which is much more tailored looking these days. First of all, paint the rooms some fun colors and that will make you feel better. Head out to the new Ikea in College Park that opens on Wed the 18th. We had a sneak peak and it is full of inexpensive furniture and rugs with great style. A rug can pull together a room with disparate colors and patterns. Don't despair, and congratulations on your first house!
________________________________________________ Annandale, Va.: Where can I find bathroom tile that will not break the bank? Washington Post Home Staff: We would suggest Home Depot. Look for the Dal Tile brand. Individual tiles can cost less than $2 apiece. ________________________________________________ New York, N.Y.: Hi Home Staff, I am an ex-Washingtonian getting used to pint sized New York apartments. I am also planning for a pint sized addition to our family. How do you start planning for a nursery? We have only a teeny room in our new apartment, big enough for a crib and changing table and maybe a pretty rug. Should I start with paint color? Crib linens? Thanks for your ideas! Washington Post Home Staff: Check out the Ikea baby model rooms - they are full of ideas and adorable affordable products. Congratulations! ________________________________________________ Temple Hills, Md.: I have Queen Anne furniture in my living room with hardwood floors? I would like to know would I still have a formal look if I painted the walls Crush Velvet Red, by Benjamin Moore. I saw this in a associates home and would like to know your take on this? Washington Post Home Staff: Dear Temple Hills:
Crush Velvet is a beautiful cranberry color and it would go with your Queen Anne pieces and hardwood floors. This color has a bit of purple tint in it so be warned of that. If you want more of a red, sort of Chinese red, you might also look at Chelsea Prize by Pratt & Lambert (1014) or also 1015 called Cranapple. We are told that these are favorites of designers. ________________________________________________ Outer Suburbia, Md.: We are looking for a new sofa in a very contemporary style. I would like something with high quality construction, like hardwood frame, 8 way hand ties springs, etc. Something built to last. Who sells contemporary stuff like this? Scan had the style but not the construction quality, M Villency had both but for big $$. Any ideas? Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: B&B Italia at 1300 Connecticut Ave. has fabulous modern sofas. ALso try Vastu at 1829 14th St. NW or Vega, 819 7th St. NW or Apartment Zero, 406 7th St. NW ________________________________________________ Alexandria, Va.: The living areas of my condo need repainting. I want to keep the walls white, but now I need to pick a specific shade of white! Any tips on how to pick a specific white? I want a casual feel, which leads me to believe I should use a brighter white instead of a cream, because cream would make the room feel too formal. But how bright is "too bright"" When I look at paint chips, the brightest ones stand out, but I have the feeling it wouldn't look right to paint the whole place in Ultra Pure White. Washington Post Home Staff: One of the brightest whites is Benjamin Moore's Decorator's White. Pratt & Lambert 2337 Designer White is similar.
A lot of designers use Super White or White Dove by Benjamin Moore - these are softer without getting too yellow. THese are also available off the rack.
________________________________________________ Alexandra, Va.: Hello,
I recently purchased a simple, small Natuzzi armchair. Is it possible to have it converted into a recliner? And if so, is there anyone you could recommend to do the job? I love this chair however my small space does not have enough room for an ottoman.
Thanks. Washington Post Home Staff: That would be a very expensive job. We suggest you check out the Natuzzi line for a small recliner style you like. Also La-Z-Boy has a new line of more contemporary styles in recliners.
________________________________________________ Red Paint: I had the red paint question. Thanks for your quick reply, but what I am really concerned about is the difficulty of painting a wall red. Thanks again. Washington Post Home Staff: Okay. We should have mentioned this. Red requires a good tinted base primer and after that, multiple coats - we are talking 3 to 5. This is using good quality paint.
You might need more with a cheaper one. ________________________________________________ Arlington, Va.: Hi, thanks for all the great info. Does it matter what kind of paint you buy for a bathroom? Steam, etc. Also color? I am thinking Sage. This is a one bedroom condo and I am tired of white everywhere. Thanks. Washington Post Home Staff: Sage is a good choice and lots of good towels and rugs can be found to match. We like Acadia Green 2034-50 by Benjamin Moore. Whatever paint you use, use semi-gloss to deal with steam. Hope you have a bathroom exhaust fan - if not, crack your window open after showering. ________________________________________________ Silver Spring, Md.: I have a sunny kitchen w/cherry cabinets and white counters. I want to paint it and my husband will go for any color other than yellow. We're pretty much open to anything. What are some really fabulous colors you've seen kitchens done in? Do you have any particular favorites? Also, I'd love to get advice from any chatters who did their kitchens and really love the color.
Thanks. Washington Post Home Staff: Dear Silver Spring: My kitchen is taupe - paper bag color and I love it - it goes with my cherry cabinets and Pergo floors. I think it is Cappuccino 2096-50 by Benjamin Moore. Latte by Restoration Hardware is a good color in that hue also. Now, let us hear from others out there about their kitchen colors. Thanks. ________________________________________________ Sterling, Va.: We just moved into a three bedroom TH and need to paint the two spare bedrooms and bathroom. One of the bedrooms is a guest bedroom and the other will be an office until it becomes a nursery sometime in the future. Any suggestions on colors? Washington Post Home Staff: Dear Sterling:
We applaud you for thinking ahead. Yellow is gender neutral. But then so is green. For the Office/Nursey, we selected from the Martha Stewart Everyday Colors a pretty yellow E21 Climbing Rose. And a turquoise D27 called Batter Bowl Green.
We those would work well. For your guest room, how about Martha Stewart Everyday Colors C30 Himalayan Eyes which is a paleish- blue gray. I guess its named after Martha's cats eyes... ________________________________________________ Falls Church, Va.: Do you have any suggestions for stores that are "great finds" for the home that we may not be aware of? Washington Post Home Staff: We love Home Rule at 1807 14th St. NW and Go Mama Go next door. On King Street in Alexandria, we love My Place in Tuscany which carries great Italian majolica and La Casa Bella which has wonderful linens. In Bethesda, Muleh at 4731 Elm St. (its also at 1831 14th St. NW). And in Georgetown A Mano at 1677 Wisconsin Ave. NW. ________________________________________________ Virginia: Hello Home Staff. My seven-year-old daughter has grown out of her pink "baby" room and is now convinced that Periwinkle is the way to go. But, I don't want the walls too purply! Any paint suggestions? Also, what would you think of a very light pink on the bottom (below chair rail) and periwinkle on the top? Thanks. Washington Post Home Staff: No no no. Please do not do pink on the bottom!!! Periwinkle is a great choice for your daughter. Poor beleaguered Martha's periwinkle is a great shade - C22 Morning Glory by Martha Stewart Everyday Colors.
ALso check out Home Depot's new line from Behr - its by Walt Disney - they have fabulous fun colors and good ideas for decorating and color matching.
________________________________________________ Alexandria, Va.: We have little light in our kitchen. We have added a light beige ceramic tile, our walls are yellow and are adding black granite countertops. Currently our cabinets are dark and we want to paint them. What colors would you suggest to brighten up the kitchen and not contrast with the walls and floor? Washington Post Home Staff: We really think white is the only way to go. It will make the space open up more. But you probably should go with a creamy white so it won't clash with the yellow.
________________________________________________ Arlington, Va.: I am looking for a foyer fixture for a palladian window. With a foyer that is 10 feet wide and ceiling that are 20 feet tall? Washington Post Home Staff: Try Expo Design. That is a real challenge. ________________________________________________ Sterling, Va.: What are your picks for good, solid kids furniture? Washington Post Home Staff: We hate to keep promoting Ikea but the new store in College Park has amazing kids furniture - more disposable than stuff you will pass down for generations. But it is fun.
Also try Workbench and Storehouse too. And Ethan Allen. Also try www.mainecottage.com. The Maine Cottage line is colorful and well built. But it is more expensive. ________________________________________________ Shaw, Washington, D.C.: New IKEA? In College Park?! First I've heard -- where exactly is it located? Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: The new HUGE Ikea opens next Wednesday June 18. It is at 10100 Baltimore Ave. (Route One) in College Park. They will be open seven days a week. Hurray! ________________________________________________ Fairfax, Va.: The carpets on my stairs need to be replaced. My husband would like to install hard wood on the stairs,but hasn't done this before. Is this a do-it-yourself job? Washington Post Home Staff: Yuck. Why don't you just get new carpeting? ________________________________________________ Washington, D.C.: What do you think of Benjamin Moore's Semolina 2155-40 for a kitchen, with cabinets painted Decorators White? I have 6-inch white matte ceramic tile on the floor and 1980s almond appliances. It's a small L-shaped kitchen with one window. Any color suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Washington Post Home Staff: We hate it. It is much too ochery for our ornery tastes. Ditch the Semolina and try a Provence like yellow called Suntan Yellow 2155-50 ________________________________________________ McLean, Va.: What is the difference between Durabond and Joint Compound? Washington Post Home Staff: no. does anybody? ________________________________________________ Ashburn, Va.: Two-Story Family Room Lady again. Since the windows are stacked, there would we no way to operate the tall windows. Would it work to put no treatment on the top and just swag the lower windows? Washington Post Home Staff: No Ashburn. You need to drape all the windows. Otherwise, it will look like you cheaped out. ________________________________________________ Washington, D.C.: I'm getting dirty looks from my kitchen contractor when I tell him I want to use honed granite countertops for my kitchen. He says they stain more easily and cost more; I say I'll use a color enhancer that will help prevent stains, that I'm a single, neat, guy who won't make huge stains everywhere. Any experiences on honed (black) granite? Washington Post Home Staff: A lot of architects and kitchen designers suggest honed granite. It has a subtle matte finish instead of a shiny builder look which both Jura and Patsy do have. Hmm. But its true it will stain unless you have it sealed frequently or are a neatnik. Which you say you are. So do it. ________________________________________________ Washington, D.C.: I live in a rowhouse. I want to put down terra cotta floor in my living room and kitchen. I have the old hard wooden floors. I want to do this myself but I am a little lost. Help please! Washington Post Home Staff: Check Home Depot for its DIY lessons. Terra cotta is a nice look. We have seen it a lot in Florida and California houses. But personally, we would hate to do it ourselves. Grouting is messy. ________________________________________________ Baseball Theme: I did my son's bathroom with a baseball theme when he was about 10-12. I used a masculine cream and green striped wallpaper with a border of antique baseball equipment. Easy to change the border when he outgrows it, and it's not TOO, TOO! Washington Post Home Staff: Thank you. This sounds tasteful. ________________________________________________ Fairfax, Va.: Why isn't there any good bedding out there? The stuff at Bed bath Beyond and Linen's and things is garbage. Washington Post Home Staff: Not all of it is. There are high thread count sheets there and you just have to look. Tuesday Morning is a great source for high end linens on the cheap. Also you never know what you'll find at TJ Maxx and Marshall's. If you want to splurge go to Abrielle at Foxhall Square ________________________________________________ Alexandria, Va.: Any ideas on how I can snazz up a fairly blah chandelier? It's standard issue for my apartment and I am not looking to replace the fixture, as I don't own the place and I don't want to deal with an electrician or making the landlord mad It's got 5 or 6 arms, it's gold (looking), and there are fairly simple clear glass cuffs around the bulbs (which are the narrow, pointy type). Oh, and it's in the "bedroom" area of the apartment (a jr. 1-br). I was thinking of finding some bright, snazzy little lampshades for each bulb, but don't want to block out too much light. Any ideas?
Thanks! Washington Post Home Staff: Lampshades are a great idea. They sell great ones at Rugs to Riches in Ellicott City and Alexandria, on lower King St. Ballard Designs catalogue and online site has a good choice. Good for you for trying to work with what you have. ________________________________________________ Washington Post Home Staff: We enjoyed ourselves! And hope you did too. Our final advice for the day: Please don't use Semolina. ________________________________________________ © Copyright 2003 The Washington Post Company | 
