Interior design and home improvement chat—9/17/02
HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's hosted chat room. Today, Matt Fox and Shari Hiller, hosts of Room by Room, are here to answer your questions. Good morning, Matt and Shari!
Shari Hiller: Hi, everybody, hope you are having a great Tuesday!
Matt Fox: I hope your leaves aren't changing colors as fast as ours...
Question: The colors that I have chosen for my home are ones that I like, but I am having problems finding fabrics to match because my colors are not trendy. Any suggestions?
Shari: If you can't find your colors in fabrics, how about wallpaper books and certainly the paint color selector. If the backgrounds are in the colors you like, you could find solid colors or neutrals for your furnishings. You may even find accessories in your colors. If not, just wait it out—I'm sure it'll come into style soon!
Q: Problem—formal living has 12-foot ceiling, huge fireplace with mirror to ceiling. Anything I put on either side of fireplace looks dwarfed. Please come to Kansas and help me out!
Matt: We're not traveling to Kansas because your Chiefs beat our Browns—lol. (Just kidding). Sometimes, with a large mirror, you have to use a combination of things, such as wall sconces with candles in combination with some dramatic prints and artwork—it all depends on the size of the wall that the mirror is placed on. Hopefully, I'll get over my grief and come to Kansas to help you out!
Q: I have windows that measure 88"w x 56", one with mini blinds. What kind of window treatments will make the windows appear smaller, cozy with a warm feeling? I love your show!
Shari: For windows to appear smaller, the window coverings need to blend in with the wall color and not contrast. To give blinds a softer feel, add side draperies, but perhaps don't use a rod all the way across. You don't want to emphasize the large width. You want to emphasize height to make them seem less wide.
Q: I'm interested in having my kitchen cabinets refaced. What should I look for in builders, and what are the downfalls to having cabinets replaced?
Matt: There is no downfall, it's basically taking the old cabinet frame and doors and refacing them. It's as simple as that. It looks terrific and it gives you a brand new kitchen—so don't worry! You want a licensed, bonded builder and do ask for references. Call the references and speak with past customers.
Q: The show is absolutely wonderful...ever think of putting all of the projects and advice into a magazine series or a book?
Shari: We think about it daily!
Matt: We would love to have a book, and it is something that should be coming in our near future. Thank you for watching and enjoy the show! We do have one video, and we are producing three more this year! And, of course, many of our projects can be found on hgtv.com.
Q: I have textured walls. Can I use wallpaper / wallpaper borders on these? Also, what are some other treatments that I can do to textured walls?
Matt: Again, it depends on the size of texture. If it is a small orange peel, wallpaper can do a good job of concealing that. If it is a larger texture, you may want to consider using lining paper—do a test on an inconspicuous wall. We have used fabric on textured walls before using the starch technique. Check out hgtv.com for directions.
Q: Master bath question—stall shower, dual sinks, white cabinets, garden tub, picture window above tub, new construction with a 9ft x 9ft, toilet in another area. What do I do with the SOARING vaulted ceilings? Goes from 10 to 24 feet. Paint or paper? Wall colors?
Matt: Hmmm. I prefer paint for an area like that. For ease of application and cost. Especially with new construction, live with that paint for at least a year, and then make a decision on paint or paper.
Shari: You could put a border or decorative trim piece at a certain height, even a shelf, to break up the height.
Q: We have the wrought iron bottom of a sewing machine my wife wants to turn into a table with a marble top. How can we attach it so it is secure? There are holes in the stand we can drill up through. Can wood be glued to marble?
Matt: Yes, very good solution! You don't need us, you should have your own show. Use a two-part epoxy. Most are labeled for marble. And just make sure that it cures for a long time before attaching to the base.
Q: I think I want to paint my very large L-shaped great room burgundy and buckskin (light tan). Should I paint just the inside angle walls burgundy and the other walls buckskin? Or should I paint the lower part of all walls buckskin and the top half burgundy?
Shari: The first solution is more contemporary, and the second solution is more traditional. So decide on which you would like.
Q: My favorite color is blue. I like decorating with burgundy, and I like antiques. My husband’s favorite color is red; he likes to see decorating colors in forest green; he likes contemporary furniture. The master bedroom theme I would like is a seaside escape.
Matt: Maybe it's time to compromise because a seaside room uses soft, seaside colors: blues, greens and sand tones.
Shari: But I do think it could be either antiques or contemporary. Save your burgundies and forest greens for another room in your home.
Q: What would you suggest (as far as radiator covers) for a radiator that has it's vents only on the top?
Matt: I have built wooden radiator covers before, using metal screening on the sides. For your case, I would still vent the sides, but place a piece of screening at the top. There are many manufacturers of radiator covers. Several websites should be available to you that display those covers on the market. Here's a website: www.monarchrad.com
Q: Hi There I would like to know is there a way to paint over vinyl wallpaper I have a new mobile home and the walls are a terrible color. it was the only choose in mobiles
Matt: Yes, there is. First, make sure the walls are clean—warm water and a soap solution followed by a rinse. Use an oil-based bonding primer, which can be purchased at any paint store. Prime the entire surface, allow to dry 24 hours then you can paint with either oil or latex-based paint over that.
Q: How do I have you come to my house to help me with redecorating, and how much does it cost?
Matt: Most of the homes that we do are in the Cleveland, Ohio, area—so that we can spend more time with our families. But we have been known on occasion to travel. Visit hgtv.com and find the "Be on HGTV" area.
Q: Hi, thank you for your shows they teach a lot, my problem is my kitchen, and it's white Formica (matte). Could I painted to change the look and also install tiles on the counter, which is also Formica? Also, can you paint Formica (the shiny one)? Thanks.
Matt: If the Formica is not a work surface for cooking, then it can be painted. Using the same primer that I mentioned earlier (bonding primer) it won't take as much abuse, as if you had reformicaand#151;but it will work. As far as tiling over formicaand#151;prime the Formica and then use the same steps that the manufacturer recommends for any tiling project. You may need to add an edge to the countertop.
Q: This message is for Matt from beautiful Mt Blanchard (I know you know where that is). I am going to do a color wash on my foyer and want to know if I need to use a glaze with the paint or straight paint?
Matt: Well, hello, Mt. Blanchard! I haven't been through there for years—but what a lovely town. It's a lot easier to work with when you combine paint with glaze. 3 parts glaze—1 part paint. Smaller areas—straight paint will be fine.
Q: Hello: My colors are sage green, burgundy and cream. My couch is floral with these colors. What color should I paint my walls. And also what colors should I carry into the DR, Kitchen and Hallway? Also, you walk into my living room from outside that is 12x18. I have only one full wall to work with. How would I arrange two coaches, entertainment center, coffee table and one end table?
Shari: Sage green sounds perfect for the living room in that it isn't too bold but more interesting than cream. And you can blend these colors for an interesting effect. Burgundy in the dining room for added drama. And wallpaper in the kitchen that combines all three colors. A painting technique might be nice in the entry as well, to indicate your choice of colors for the rest of the home. Your entertainment center probably will have to go along the one wall. Create an angled "V" shape toward the entertainment center with your two sofas. Place the end table where the sofas meet, and we all know where the coffee tables go!
Q: Hello!! Love your show! I have a question... Have you ever done a show on Painting Industrial Tile Floors?
Matt: We've never done industrial tile specifically. But tile is tile, like vinyl is vinyl, and we have painted it. Using a porch and floor enamel paint followed by multicoats of polyurethane.
Q: Hey...any color scheme suggestions for a bathroom which has blue/gray tiles with black caps? Can't afford to remodel at this time. I hope you both NEVER stop doing this show...It is definitely my favorite!
Matt: Thank you!
Shari: We hope the same! I think you may want to look at wallcovering books for things that include blue-gray and a touch of black. If that becomes futile, find a stencil and paint your own border. Do a stripe or rag-rolling technique to blend the colors you have.
Q: Love you guys! I have two windows in my living room made out of glass block—5 blocks by 5 blocks. My style is contemporary, how could I dress these? Walls are sage green... Keep up the great informative work...
Shari: If the glass block enhances your contemporary style, you might want to try something somewhat unusual. For instance, hang a narrow panel of fabric above the 5x5-glass block window on a very contemporary rod, and it will just add some color and interest. And you won't lose the integrity of the window.
Q: Hi, I am a new empty nester, and I would like to make a guest room. I have hunter green carpeting and would like to paint the walls a warm inviting color. What color should I paint? I love your show.
Shari: Warm inviting colors include red, orange and yellow on the color wheel. Warm beiges, peach tones and soft yellows would be very pretty with the hunter green. Your best bet would be to find an inspiration piece with your green and a variety of other colors, and then work from there.
Q: I really enjoy your show and was wondering if you could help with some decorating ideas. I have noticed that most of your shows decorate in country themes and contemporary themes or Victorian. I have a room that I want to do native American and need idea my room is a family room with vaulted ceilings but not cathedral. The walls are off white and the fire place wall is bright teal stucco. I have two half walls that start from 8 ft and continue to 17 ft. I need ideas to decorate these.
Matt: As with any room we decorate, we start with an inspiration piece. Find something that fits the theme and pulls your colors together, be it a woven blanket, a piece of pottery, artwork, etc. And that will help you establish your colors. Native American art is so beautiful we would fill the room with as many original pieces that we could. That would actually be a wonderful topic for a future show!
Q: Hello, Shari, can you use any wallpaper for ripped wallpaper projects?
Shari: I'm sure you could use any wall covering ripped up in pieces, however, this particular paper rips in such a way that it creates a ragged, white edge. And it's this white edge that really gives the wall the incredible uneven and somewhat marbleized look.
Q: Hi! Love the show. My question is about my son's room, he is 9 years old. He has many interests, such as sports, animals and nature. How do I incorporate all his likes into his bedroom? His walls are now white and his rug is slate blue. Thanks!
Matt: The animals and nature are a nice combination. Again, an inspiration piece such as a comforter or pillow will establish your wall colors. To blend the sports in, maybe a knee wall or bookcase with shelves where his sports memorabilia and team items can be displayed.
Q: Help Sherri, I have an old home (80+ yrs.) with beautiful casement windows we have sheers currently with rods top and bottom but I need something new and fun that still affords us some privacy and light...I have photos I can download to you
Shari: If you are looking to replace the sheers, take a look at some of Hunter Douglas' new window shades. They have great pleated shades in beautiful fabrics and a lovely woven wood line. We use their products quite a bit, and you can't beat them for style and quality. Another quick option might be just to add some interesting toppers to the windows and hang onto your sheers for a different effect.
Q: My sixteen-year-old daughter would like to paint the walls in her bedroom. The room now has one painted wall and three walls with dark brown paneling. We are thinking about painting over the paneling. What advice do you have for us?
Matt: If you don't mind the panel grooves showing, prime with a latex primer and use latex paint. If you don't like the grooves, consider using fabric. Use a starch technique that can be found onhgtv.com that we've discussed. Either way, it will look great.
Q: My great room faces the east and I have three windows that are approx. 52w x 64h. What kind of drapes should I use.
Shari: Since the windows face east, your getting mostly morning sun. It might be nice to keep the draperies to a minimum. Perhaps a sheer or pleated shade for the first layer to tame the bright morning light. But if they could be opened or put to the side for afternoon light, that would be nice. Simple toppers in combination with side drapes could add some real style to your room and choose something that fits your colors and theme. Hope that helps.
Q: Shari and Matt—How about doing an RV? Matt would love it!
Matt: Actually, that would be a lot of fun for both of us!
Shari: You bet!
Matt: Drive up to Cleveland and let's get started!
Q: I was wondering if Shari was/is an interior designer and for how long?
Shari: Yes, I have a degree in Interior Design and worked in a design studio for a good, oh, nearly 10 years. And I've been decorating ever since...notice that I didn't mention any dates—but you know I have experience!
Q: Shari: I'm redoing my 3-yr.-old's room and the room is pink and purple with white canopy bed/furniture what to do on the two windows for treatments?
Shari: Sounds like the room is very feminine, and I find Austrian and Roman shades really perfect for a feminine room. Find a fabric that picks up your colors, and I'm sure you can get a pattern at your local fabric store.
Q: Shari I was wondering how you came up with 5'' stripes on the wall
Shari: If you are speaking about our Williamsburg bedroom, we determined that tiny 2-inch stripes although traditional, would just take too long to paint. Larger stripes, in the 8 to 10 inch width, seemed too contemporary, so therefore the 5-inch stripes seemed just right.
Q: My living room is 12x25 and it is long and narrow and I need a suggestions on how to make it masculine but yet make it feminine at the same time and keep the flow going
Shari: Too be both masculine and feminine at the same time, find an inspiration piece that does that for you. Find a fabric, a pillow, a piece of art that says both. Then use that to put the color and design scheme of the room together. The flow will automatically keep going.
Q: I have a blue couch that is not realistic to replace but want to do our living room in the new greens that I am seeing. How do I mix the two colors?
Matt: Have you considered a slipcover that can be purchased from any catalog of home decor. Pottery Barn comes to mind. Also try www.surefit.com.
Q: I really enjoy your show. I have a family room with one wall that extends approximately 20 feet. I do not want to paint that wall as a result. How can I bring color into the room using paint?
Shari: Strike a line that matches the height of the other walls and paint the lower area a color. Top it off with a border or some decorative trim.
Q: I have a 100 year old Victorian with all the wide trimwork and cornices. I like mission/rustic style. I have a mission recliner and end tables. How can I incorporate mission with Victorian? Do I paint trim lighter or darker than the walls?
Matt: If the trim is not painted now, do not paint it. You'll regret it down the road and it could even damage the resell value. But if they are painted, keep the walls and trim dark. The trim can always be darker than the walls.
HGTV: Well, everyone, our chat hour has ended. Thank you for joining us today. And thank you, Matt and Shari, for answering our questions.
Shari Hiller: You've inspired us to create a window coverings videotape! So look for one in the future...
Matt Fox: and we'll see you for our next chat next month, so we can come back and decorate together...
Matt and Shari: Room by Room!
