Interior design chat—1/31/02
HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's hosted chat room. Today's host is Kitty Bartholomew, interior designer and host of Kitty Bartholomew: You're Home. Just a reminder... please try to include as much information about your design dilemma as possible, such as all the colors in a room, how much natural light is available, style of home/decorating preference, use of the room (kids/animals/formal), etc. The more details you can include; the better picture Kitty will have of your room. Thanks! Welcome, Kitty! Thank you for joining us today!
Kitty Bartholomew: Thank you for inviting me. I really always enjoy connecting with the viewers in this fashion and always love to hear positive comments about what you like to see more of or less of!
Question: What can be done to refinish or disguise a bedroom set that is cheap black lacquer finish in an art deco style? I hate it... I really prefer Italian, French, or even a gothic style.
KB: Well, there's no way to turn deco into gothic! It certainly can be painted, I would definitely recommend spray painting it. Rent a professional spray painter from a good paint store. Spray it off-white, perhaps you'd like to highlight any of the design features with a contrast color (country green, for example). After the paint has totally dried and cured, at least 72 hrs., take a fine-grade sandpaper and lightly sand over the corners edges of drawers in the contrast color if you choose to do this. This will give it a "it's been in the family a long time and happily preserved and updated" look. Good luck!
Q: Kitty, help me. We are military and settling into our "final" home. Afraid to decorate since I will have to live with it forever. Advise PLEASE!
KB: Nothing is forever! If you think that way, of course, you'll feel frozen about making choices. Choose pieces that have a lot of flexibility, like mirrors that can go in an entry, bathroom, etc., same with chests, side tables, sofas. Avoid really large-scale pieces that can't be moved from one location to the other. If you feel like you're going to be there for decades, it always feels fresh to be able to rearrange furniture. Don't make yourself crazy when it comes to paint colors, because that's the easiest thing to choose and easiest to redo cheaply. Study decorating magazines for looks that you love, pretending price is no object. Rip those out and circle... also pay attention to rooms in magazines that you feel you could NEVER live. This is important b/c it helps to educate your eye as to looks, arrangements and colors that you are drawn to and should avoid. Good luck!
Q: I love the chintz fabric with the birds that used to be on the chairs in your workroom. What is the name of this pattern, and is it still available?
KB: I believe it still available... It is a classic chintz by Rose Cummings and comes in about 4 different color ways.
Q: I am crackling my kitchen cabinets, doing a sponging on my counter tops and some wallpaper and border throughout the whole kitchen with ceramic tile in between the cabinets. The ceiling is a drop with metal tracks, and I painted them and dry brushed with bronze. My friends say it will be too busy, but I love busy. Kitty, what do you think??
KB: Sounds a little busy to me! Do the major things first, the cabinets, sponging the countertops seems like risky business... Why not tile them? Painting the track and the ceiling makes a lot of sense. If the wallpaper that you choose really ties in all these different techniques, it actually could have the effect of taming it and not really looking too busy at all. It's hard for me to judge without seeing.
Q: Kitty, I am interested in the basement remodeling done by Heather Hill which u featured in your show the first week of January. Is it possible to get a copy of the video so I can show it to my husband? We're planning to refinish our basement.
KB: HGTV doesn't sell videos of shows at this time, except for certain specials. That episode is not currently scheduled to re-air... but please check back periodically with the online programming guide. Contact Country Sampler, www.sampler.com, for more information.
Q: Kitty, we just purchased an 1800's farmhouse, and I want the kitchen to look like a farmhouse kitchen. Do you think it is better to go with maple or cherry cabinets, or maybe paint them and put a glaze over it to make it look old? I just don't want the kitchen to look too trendy
KB: Nothing is more classically country, in my mind, than painted cabinets. You didn't mention if the house currently has cabinets that have been updated. If there were in the '50s, chances are it's really going to be tough to make them look classic country and you may need to replace. I really like the look of finding a corner or an area and giving a built-in look by purchasing an old cupboard that doesn't match. Even if it's a different color... Don't forget to pay attention to the hardware. That alone can enhance the classic feel of old country. I'd avoid maple and cherry. If you replace, consider pine. Again, either waxed naturally but painted somewhere, i.e. in the island or in a corner to imitate a china cabinet. Hope this makes sense... I'm trying to use my hands to describe but I know you can't see them!
Q: I painted a dining room set, blue with black glaze over it, circa, 1970's what can I do to bring it up to date, and loose that 70's antiqued look
KB: I'm not really sure what look you're after without knowing what the chairs are like or the style of your house... if you like the classic, shabby-chic look, an off-white that's been sanded on the edges would bring it up-to-date. For more ideas, I need more information.
Q: What do feel is the most common decorating mistake?
KB: I guess it depends on what age... I think a lot of people regret having bought entire "bedroom set." A lot of women depend too much on the opinion of their husband who can't usually picture something finished like we can, i.e. show them tiny wallpaper designs and makes the final decision. Also, large cumbersome entertainment centers that often look dated within five years. And can't be moved to a different room. Also, too much leather! Living with white walls for years b/c they can't decide what color to use, not making small changes b/c one believes they have to have a certain budget and redo a room all at once and so live unhappily in the meantime. I could go on and on and on.....
Q: A long time ago you had a show with a lady named Annie, a friend of yours, who use to be an actress. She decorated her home with architectural and garden items, metal flowers, etc. This was my favorite show ever. Is the video available? Or when will you air show again, so I can tape it?
KB: No, HGTV does not provide videos and the guest is Annie Schedeen. That show is KIT-308 and is scheduled to air again on March 25, 3:30 PM EST.
Q: Can you recommend a decorator in the Tampa area?
KB: Wish I could! Don't have a clue... However, I would shop at the top and inquire at your favorite antique or furniture store who they would recommend, also pay attention to showcase houses... They're usually in the spring and I know that Tampa often has great ones. Get ideas of names from the showcases houses... It's one of the best sources for matching personalities, looks, etc.
Q: How can I get the instructions on the tablecloth and napkins on your show today?
KB: I'm sorry but the instructions are not available....
Q: I'm doing my daughter's room Victorian. Any suggestions?
KB: How old is your daughter? And also the best source is Victoria magazine... Romantic Homes magazine... Those two magazines always have very clever and visual variations for the Victorian look today.
Q: I have seen some really nice looking drop ceilings, but the only ones I can find to purchase have the plain white tracks and traditional tiles. Where is a good place to look for brass tracks and a wider selection of tiles?
KB: A large home center, like Lowe's or Home Depot, usually has many options. If you can't find what you like, note the manufacturer's name of a resource from a local outlet and contact their Web site and ask for their catalog. Remember, not every retailer can stock or display the man styles offered by a manufacturer. Also, check model homes in your area. Builders often opt for special looks and I'm sure they would share the manufacturer's name, etc..
Q: You had a show a couple weeks ago called English Country. Will it be repeated at another time?
KB: It's not scheduled right now, but please check back with the online programming guide. Chances are it will be repeated...
Q: My garden club would like to visit Delores' home and garden located in Penn. Please let us know if we can be in contact with her to arrange such a visit in the spring. We greatly admire all that she has done.
KB: We don't have contact information for her, sorry!
Q: I have a dark taupe bedroom with white trim what color bed spread and carpet would you suggest light or dark. windows have tortoise shell blinds and hard wood floors
KB: First of all, do you mean carpet or area rug? Sounds like you're on the verge of British Colonial...you could go with sisal on the floor, a contemporary pattern, an Oriental or needlepoint. You're off to a great start and with the items you've chosen don't feel restricted by any particular color. Determine how much floor you want to be seen. Then start snooping around for a rug you like... The bedspread should come after that and you will know it when you see the right look.
Q: How long do you expect this "island" look to be in? My husband wants to buy Tommy Bahamas furniture for the family room. We have traditional with heavy oriental influence in the formal areas.
KB: I happen to love the Tommy Bahama line and don't really consider it "faddy." He offers what I consider flexible pieces that should tie in well with the look that you already have going.
Q: I am recovering my nook chairs and the fabric I chose has French words. Should the words be readable when you sit?
KB: I vote to see the words... It should be a fun conversation point. Make sure if you don't speak French, you know what it says or come up with your own humorous translation, i.e. he who sits in this chair pays for the wine!
Q: We move often with my husband's job. I never feel attached to a house, which in my opinion makes it feel like home. What is the best decorating advice to warm up a house with little investment?
KB: OK, living things!! Nothing makes a house feel more alive than the things that are alive! Purchase a metal baker's rack and you can have a portable garden "room" or corner in every home. Fill it with plants and flowers. Why don't you collect vessels that would coordinate, i.e. all blue and white, all Fiestaware, all Tole, etc. etc.... Use bowls of lemons, apples, purchase trees and place easy to grow plants like philadendrum on top of bookcases, wall units, etc. Also, nothing feels like home more than being surrounded by family. Have a nice collection of picture frames and ancestor's pictures. These can be hung in a hallway, placed on a mantel, etc...
Q: Kitty, I have dark oak cabinets in the kitchen w/almond appliances. I don't want to paint the oak but want a more updated look. I thought about glass inserts in the upper cabinets. What do you think about adding decorative molding painted and antique it?
KB: I love the idea of adding glass in the upper cabinets. Why not consider changing the hardware as well. Spare the expense of painted decorative molding and paint the back inside of the glass-fronted cabinets a bright color., i.e. country blue, red, yellow or wallpaper in an interesting pattern.
Q: I need help I would like to take fabric and make a picture out of it I purchase a canvas because there are no frame big enough please help
KB: Well, there are DIY framing kits that come in all different widths and lengths. Consider looking at a second-hand store for old mirror frames. If the mirror is broken or scratched they will usually sell it cheaply. If this won't work, you could use the fabric to cover cardboard rolls, i.e. that would be inside wrapping paper or large rolls of vinyl. Check with your hardware store, they may be able to give you their old cardboard rolls when they've sold all the fabric or screening material. Cover the frame using spray adhesive with the fabric and secure. I'd love to know how this works out! Good luck!
Q: I would also like to put a finish if possible over the fabric what do you suggest
KB: Out of curiosity, what would the finish do? Is it to make it stiff? In which case, you can buy a product called Stiffy at craft stores.
Q: I love the mural wallpaper you did in your own kitchen makeover with the lion, etc. Do you know if that is available somewhere to order?
KB: This is your lucky day! I just put my finger on the catalog! It is made by Bradbury and Bradbury, phone number 707-746-1900.... in their Arts-and-Crafts collection, called Lion and Dove Frieze, style # LDF-001.
Q: Have you done any books on decorating?
KB: No, but I'm gearing up to think about doing that! Needless to say, people have been after me for years, but I don't like to sit still and I don't know how to type. In the meantime, enjoy the show!
Q: Kitty, I love the style of your slipcovered sofa and chairs on your set. Are they Mitchell Gold "Judy"?
KB: No, it's a classic design that I had made in 1979.
Q: Last year you did a show dealing with faux beams. I am interested in getting some, but have not been able to find them. Any suggestions?
KB: If you're referring to the show on Faux Ceiling Beams, which is KIT-404, those were made of Styrofoam and the instructions are on the Web site.
Q: Want to do a show on home's being redone? I would volunteer mine it's near sunny Tampa.
KB: I don't really do that kind of thing, but Oprah often does at least once a year. Contact her Web site and leave your information. I know this b/c I redid three rooms for her last year and she got the rooms off her Web site.
HGTV: Thanks everyone for joining us today, but I'm afraid we've run out of time. Kitty, it was great talking to you . Thank you for taking time to answer all of our questions!
Kitty Bartholomew: Thank YOU. I had a ball today... I loved the questions and hope to hear from you again. I will return February 28, 4 PM EST.
