Matt Fox and Shari Hiller 6/25/2002

HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's hosted chat room. Tonight, Matt Fox and Shari Hiller, hosts of Room by Room, are here to answer your interior design and home improvement questions, as well as those about their show. Hello, Matt and Shari!

Shari Hiller: Good evening everyone! Staying cool?
Matt Fox: Hopefully we'll get some hot questions and give some hot answers!

Question: I would like to know the best product to use, to paint my concrete patio, which is in full sun. I have small children, and don't want anything slippery, but need to tone down the blinding white out of such a large concrete area
Matt: You need to use a concrete stain. A concrete stain will absorb into the concrete, not only giving you color, but protecting the concrete from wear and tear. The product I use is H & C Concrete stain and can be purchased at Sherwin Williams.

Q: If I take pictures from inside my house, could I send them to your email and receive tips on decorating?
Matt: As you can imagine, we get a lot of requests like that. So we're hoping the show will answer enough of your questions so that you can do those things.

Q: We are getting ready to redo our bedroom. We are going to use the faux painting technique (a golden color). My question is, how should we paint the ceiling?
Shari: Generally, I like to keep the ceiling trim and wall color the same temperature. In other words, with a gold colored wall ivory trim and anything from ivory through yellow through soft gold could work very nicely on the ceiling. Hope that helps!

Q: Thank you for your cheerful, clear and precise directions. I asked you a while back about adding color to my blue and cherry downstairs. Your reply "inspired" me. I added vanilla, and I love it. Where do you find the accessories for your projects? In a fullsweep or over a period of time? Thanks!
Shari: For the show, it's one answer, and in real decorating it's another. For the show, we usually purchase nearly all the accessories in a day or two (we just don't have the time to spend). In real life, it could take months or years to get all the right accessories because you are working for your entire family. We don't use any unusual sources, and we stick to the hometown stores, but we do try things you might not expect, boat stores, garden centers and stationery stores. Thanks for the compliment, and I hope this helps.

Q: Thank you, Matt and Shari, for all the inspiration. Could you describe the difference between "sunfade" and the pearl paint you used on tonight's show? It's hard to tell on TV.
Shari: Sunfade is like a whitewash. It gives a softening to a bright color. The pearl finish paint has a material in it that has iridescent qualities, and it is beautiful on off-white trim because it makes it look like the inside of a seashell. Most paint companies have a pearlescent finish now. I know if you try it, you'll like it.

Q: Do you guys actually do all the decorating work or just enough to get the camera shots?
Shari: I wish we were only doing it for camera shots -- we'd get done so much faster! But, no, we do it all, we want to keep the homeowners happy or no one would volunteer rooms for us anymore.

Q: I love your decorating styles on Room by Room, Matt and Shari. I also would like to thank you for all of your wonderful ideas, very inspiring.... keep it up!
Matt: Thanks, mom! LOL!
Shari: LOL!

Q: Do you have any hints about regrouting my tub where it meets the wall? I plan to do it myself. I bought a grout rake. Will you be near the NJ/NY metro area? I would take a "sick" day to see you! Thanks!
Matt: Thank you for wanting to come out and see us. We have nothing scheduled in that area. The closest we may be is in Boston in August. As far as grouting around the bathtub, there are kits that you can buy that do specifically that. It is actually a simple process, but you may want to consider using a caulking material around the tub instead of the grout. Best of luck!

Q: Can lighting be added to a tray ceiling that already has crown molding?
Matt: If you are talking about a box, you can do that, adding a box in the ceiling. When you get into a situation like this, though, it is a great job for the professionals. You may have to remove or lower the crown molding or have an electrical box placed somewhere high, so it's a good idea to allow lighting professionals to handle a job like this.

Q: Do you have any ideas for a little boys train room? I would like to use primary colors. I'm worried about the walls being too bright but I don't want white walls. Any thoughts? You make all of your projects seem Sew Simple! By the way, I'm your #1 fan!
Shari: Thank you for the compliment #1 fan. How about painting the train and track as a border about 30 inches up from the floor. Below the track you could paint a soft green and above a soft blue for the sky (green for grass) then combine your primary colors with green and something for the track in the train design that runs around the room. My son loves trains, too. Maybe I'll try that at home myself!

Q: How do you find people who want rooms redone, and who pays for it?
Shari: When our producers are looking for houses in the Cleveland area, we put the info on the "Be on HGTV" area of the hgtv.com website. The homeowner pays for most, but some sponsors will donate products from time to time.

Q: How do you know you when you have over done it with accessories?
Matt: When no one comes over to visit, because there is no place to sit!
Shari: I get sick to my stomach when there are too many -- sensory overload... It must be a gut feeling! LOL!
Shari: LOL!
Matt: It's just a feeling you get. When you begin to not focus on the room itself.

Q: I just moved into a newly constructed home, and I wanted to know when I paint my home on the inside should all the rooms be the same color?
Shari: If your builder is begging you for color choices, then start with everything the same color, so you aren't choosing colors under pressure. If that isn't the case, take your time, select your inspiration pieces that will pull the designs together. Then use a variety of colors. It just makes life so much more interesting.

Q: Matt and Shari, are you two married?
Matt: Shari is married -- just not to me.

Q: Hi Matt and Shari, I have a split-level home. How do I pull together the upstairs, which is one big room-kitchen, dining and living area? I love cottage country and lots of color.
Shari: If it truly is one great big room, then find a colorful inspiration piece and build on that. You could do different walls different colors, which is called color blocking. You can color block also with your furniture, if it is done in bold colors. Don't be afraid to mix and match things. And as long as the same three colors excuse me, same colors, are in all three areas, then the country cottage style will help pull things together. It sounds like a great area to work with.

Q: Hi, Matt and Shari! I love your show! We are moving to a new house and want to repaint. What type finish of paint should we use -- flat or satin? Thanks!
Matt: We use satin for everything and use a flat for the ceiling, so a lot of light isn't reflected. The great thing about satin is that it is washable and has a nice, soft finish.

Q: I have a question about the "Sunny Great Room" show on week #22 which they you decorating a home in Sarasota , FL. I would like to know where the beautiful area rug under the dining room table was purchased. Shari said it cost $300. Where can I get it?
Matt: It was Home Depot. It is probably only in their southern stores in that style, but it'll be good to check it out. Hold on, we just located that rug on the homedepot.com website.

Q: Please tell me where you got the BIG portfolio that you use at the end of your show.
Matt: The scrapbook that you are referring to is built by us. We use cardboard and black construction paper and build our own. And if you notice, about every two seasons, there is a new cover, so be looking for that! If you are looking for portfolios though, most art supply stores sell very nice portfolios that can actually be zipped up and closed.

Q: I would like to invite them to the store I work at in Westlake, we are a high end floral design shop, I think they would be quite impressed with all of our products and designs.
Shari: We'd love to stop in, email webmaster@hgtv.com with your store address and info, and we will stop by and see you.

Q: We live in a 1950's box of a house. What easy and inexpensive things can we do to add architectural details that will make the house look older and more interesting?
Shari: Certainly change to a more decorative molding.
Matt: Changing doors to panel doors is great. Things like switchplates, from plastic to ornate, have an impact. My number one choice would be to add molding. That always adds some pizzazz.

Q: Matt and Shari, you rock! My question is: Do you have any unique ideas for a bathroom sink? You know, along the lines of a stainless steel bowl, a garden pot, etc. I think I might do an Asian theme, but not married to that. Thanks.
Matt: If you want some inspiration, go to kohler.com. There are so many cool sinks that will stir your imagination. One of the stores we visited recently in our area is called the Great Indoors. So many neat styles and materials. The Asian theme sounds cool, but consider the cabinet, the way the sink is set up to further distinguish that space. Rice paper -- maybe a cabinet with rice paper doors would be very unique. Thank you so much for the compliment.

Q: I need some ideas for our bonus room which is currently being used for our home office and storage for extra sofa , chair and coffee table. We would like to make it more of a family/play room combination for our 12-month-old son.
Matt: One word: foosball -- think future! LOL!
Shari: A good family room / playroom has a variety of entertainment options. Matt suggests foosball, but if you have bookshelves, maybe with baskets to hold interesting blocks, toys and puzzles, the little one will be happy there for a couple of years. Add books that young and old alike can enjoy, and definitely find a spot for a table. It could just be the coffee table, but a place to have games and snacks together.

Q: Can you suggest a quick and easy painting technique to tone down a bright apple-green room? Any color suggestions?
Shari: It's possible that this can apply, when you want to mute wall colors, we use a couple of different topcoats -- either a glaze in a neutral tone or in a white that can allow some of the color to show through, but then cover as much as needed. However, it is almost just as easy to repaint. If you don't like the color, just start over. It's just paint.

Q: I just say the marble technique. Would this work if the top of the space is floral wallpaper?
Shari: Usually a marble technique has such a variety of color and intricate veining that it wants to be the focal point. I'm afraid that in combination with a floral you would have two patterns fighting for the focus. Try something geometric with the floral, like a painted stripe or a check wallpaper.

Q: I've been wanting to ask you a question for such a long time. Ever think of decorating a church? Our little church lacks warmth and character. We could really use some help.
Matt: Of course we would love to personally help you, but our schedule doesn't allow us to travel. The same ideas we provide for the home most certainly apply. Add color, softness and texture. Anything that would make it more inviting so that more people might attend.

Q: Shari, you mentioned a catalog where you can order drapes and bed linens. What is the name of the catalog?
Shari: We use many different catalogs. One is Pottery Barn another is Chambers. And I think another is called the Company Store. And if it is for children, check out the Land of Nod. www.landofnod.com

Q: What color goes with a house with 3 sides light gray vinyl siding with gray brick wainscot on the front and gray wood above to compliment the gray.
Shari: For the front door, trim and shutters? Usually when we have a gray home, we try to keep the trim white or a gray white to blend in. However the front door is a great place to add some color, and there are a wide variety of hues to choose from. Think about a man's gray suit, white shirt, and then what color tie? A bright blue, red, yellow? Even lavender. I'm sure there is the right color (tie) out there for you...

Q: I want to paint my linoleum floor -- it's a small room, and a high traffic area -- will it hold up?
Matt: You betcha. Just make sure the linoleum is clean, and you can use a porch and floor enamel. And if you want extra protection cover with a polyurethane. Try a painting technique, like sponging or splattering instead of just painting it.

Q: I have enjoyed all your painting techniques. What is your favorite?
Matt: Painting linoleum! LOL! My favorite is the rag roller I built out of chamois.
Shari: And I prefer doing murals. Because this is what we are each best at.

Q: Color question...in colors for kitchens this year?
Matt: Shari and I aren't really trend followers. We believe the color that you choose, the one that you best like, is the right choice. You have to live with it. You'll be happier following your heart than a trend. And the color can change as your tastes change. If you want to be up on the trends however, there is a website for you: www.colormarketing.org and www.trendcurve.com.

Q: Love your show. I need help with choosing lamps for my formal living room. I have white furniture with black wrought iron and glass tables.
Matt: If you get out and start looking at lamps, they come in every shape, size and design you could ever imagine. If you want to stay safe, choose wrought iron or perhaps a sleek lined exotic wood base. However, you can find anything from fire engines to ostrich feathers, you can find it online or at your local lighting store. A wild lamp is a great conversation piece.

Q: Last week I saw your "ribbiting" guestroom and loved the bedding....... where's it from?
Shari: The bedding came from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Q: I want to know if you have detailed instructions about the wall treatment with the starch and fabric to create a treatment like wall paper...
Shari: That info should actually be on the hgtv.com website.

Q: Any ideas to make paneled walls not look like paneled walls? They are painted already.
Shari: You can add a painting technique to try to hide it, like a combing or a stria technique, a whiskbroom or a comb. The vertical lines will hide the paneling lines. Or you can use the starched fabric technique from the previous questions and hide the lines completely.

HGTV: Well, everyone, our chat hour has ended. Thanks for joining us tonight. And thank you, Matt and Shari, for answering our questions.

Matt Fox: Certainly it is our pleasure -- it was a nice way to spend a sweltering evening- in Ohio -- not that I am complaining about the heat.
Shari Hiller: Join us again on July 24th at 11 am and until then we'll decorate together...
Matt and Shari: Room by Room!