Matt Fox and Shari Hiller 02/17/2003

HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's hosted chat room. Matt Fox and Shari Hiller, hosts of Room by Room, are here to answer your questions about interior design, home improvement and the show. Good morning, Matt and Shari!

Shari Hiller: Good morning everyone! Hope you are making it through the snow or rain - we got a lot of snow, but we love it!
Matt Fox: So grab an extra blanket and let's huddle around the computer

Question: Hi Shari and Matt, It is so much more fun to watch the show since meeting you in Cleveland!! I feel like you're right in the room with me. I guess TV is the next best thing to reality. Shari, did Matt share those cookies? I had SO MUCH FUN that day!!! So glad I have pictures, it seems so much like a dream. My sister-in-law lives in Westerville. We are all planning to come and see you in Columbus. Hope the weather cooperates. Matt, would you accept homemade cookies? Shari, I have thought about making slipcovers for my couch for a long time. I finally have the courage to do it, after being inspired by one of your shows. I'm getting the fabric this afternoon. It's on sale.. I have 3 questions: How much of RXR is script and how much is ad lib? You 2 are so much fun to watch! Shari, can I get away with a 27-inch traffic area? it has to do with the placement of my piano when we redo my sewing room, which is also the front entrance to the house. I also want to know what you think of stapling fabric or wallpaper to the joists on my patio to cover the nails that show through. My husband thinks plywood would be too heavy. What do you think?
Matt: Share the cookies? Of course not! (Just kidding!) New cookies - of course! I never turn down cookies. And I would say most of the show is scripted so we can get all of our points across. But we always have the option to ad lib throughout, and scrapbook is all ad-libbed.
Shari: 27 inches is a little tight, but it'll be all right if you keep sending those cookies to us!
Matt: What about luann plywood or paneling, both pieces are only a 1/8th of an inch thick and fairly light. Fabric and wallpaper won't last.
Shari: Thanks for all the great questions this morning!

Q: I need some help with window coverings for my guestroom. The windows are 23" high by 53" wide. I've tried valences, but they made the windows look too small. Should I try regular length curtains with no valence? I have guests coming this weekend, so I have to get this room finished soon. Thanks.
Shari: Yes, a valance which also runs horizontally would only accentuate the unusual size. If the windows are high on the wall, a full-length drape might look odd, however, we did do just that same thing in a family room with similar-sized windows. We used a decorative metal rod and an embroidered sheer drape that tied to the rod and the finished look was quite nice. Hope that helps.

Q: I'm lucky enough to be getting a larger home office, but with the extra space I need more furniture. How can I paint mismatched veneers so that the office has a professional look.?
Matt: Veneer can be painted easily. Wash with warm water and soap to clean it up. Lightly sand it with a 220-grit sandpaper wipe off the dust, prime it with a bonding primer - Sherwin Williams has a great one - then paint it with the color of your choice, with a latex or oil-based paint.

Q: Hi. Love the show! Three questions...(1) How did you get into TV, and (2) What advice do you have for those looking to get into TV? (3) What do you see as the biggest decorating mistake people make?
Matt: 1. Groveling and crying. 2. Don't grovel and cry and don't listen to the word "no." Keep pushing forward. 3. Don't watch Trading Spaces. ;^) And you can look at our bios on HGTV.com for more background. I think the biggest mistake we see folks making is starting too many projects at once. It's best to go Room by Room - haha - finish one room and move on to the other. It's a good way to stay sane.

Q: I would like to put a "rogues gallery" of family and friends down my hallway (27' L by 43" W); however, I would like the arrangement to be flexible. How can I achieve this without a zillion holes?
Shari: There are a variety of answers. A picture rail mounted about a foot down from the ceiling that you could hook your pictures over, hanging them on wire, perhaps covered with ribbon, would be nice. Also, I think it was Pottery Barn that had an interesting metal hanging system for art that allows you to stack pieces and could go on as long as you would want. One last thought: if you use a heavily textured wall covering, like woven grasscloth, on your hall walls, it's very forgiving with small nails and tacks. Just thought you'd want to know.

Q: Approximately how long does it take you to complete one of your shows? And are the two of you married?
Matt: Shari's married - but not to me.
Shari: And we basically finished 26 rooms in an 8 month period. And, as you can imagine, several are going on at once. So at that rate, I expect you all to have your homes done in weeks! LOL

Q: Hi Shari and Matt, I have replaced the woodwork in my kitchen with 6" white baseboards and would like to continue this through out the house, but my husband's den has dark wood, including the door and trim. What should I do? Thanks!
Matt: Either don't do that room, or put those pieces up and go to stain and not to paint to match the existing woodwork.

Q: I have a California bungalow and want to be true to the design of the house, but don't really care for the dark Craftsman/Morris colors...what do you suggest?
Matt: When I lived in California, a lot of Bungalows were painted light colors. I don't think that would be a problem. As long as the architectural details stay intact, there is nothing wrong with a lighter color palette. It's more important that you enjoy the space rather than stay true to the home.

Q: Hello guys, I enjoy your show and your unique decorating ideas. I need help in figuring out how to make a corded swag tieback for my drapes I made. I can't find any directions to help me. Any suggestions?
Matt: Thank you for watching the show!
Shari: If you have a JoAnn Etc., ask for patterns and books from the experts there on how to make those. We rely on the folks in the home decor department quite a bit for projects like these. But this is one project that we haven't tackled yet. But JoAnn, Etc. will be your best bet.

Q: Hey guys, love your show. I have a paint question. I am redoing my hunter green kitchen chairs to black. I have painted them a flat black but want to go to a semi-gloss or a satin. My question is what is the difference between these two finishes and do I have to use a poly when finished? Thanks for your help.
Matt: Since you have already painted them flat black, why not consider using a satin or semi-gloss polyurethane for a topcoat? That'll give you the sheen and protection you desire. Satin and semi-gloss are just a type of sheen. Satin being less glossy than semi-gloss.

Q: How does one go about having the two of you remodel a room in their home? And do you require a certain location and budget?
Matt: If you go to hgtv.com - on the home page - there is a link "Be on HGTV" - click on that for more information. If we have a need for rooms to be designed, it'll be posted there. We do, however, only work in the Cleveland area.

Q: I LOVE RXR!!!!!!!!! I would also love some advice on a moderately priced window covering that would replace traditional shades in my house. I have kids so it has to be sturdy and I can sew. This is such a thrill to chat with you!!!!!!!!
Matt: Wow - thank you so much - we're thrilled right back at you!
Shari: On one of our older shows, we made our own pull down shades using a kit. We found the kit at JoAnn, Etc. It comes with the roller bar and mounting brackets and instructions. This way you can use any fabric you like to work with your decor. It's just a matter of ironing and interfacing on the back of the fabric and cutting everything to size. It is easy, and the finished results are very, very nice. Hope that helps! And thanks so much for watching.

Q: I have 30 copper deck post caps that have turned black and would like to know how to get back the original copper shine. They have a protective coating, which was suppose to keep them from turning. I have tried copper cleaner but the protective coat want let the cleaner get to the surface. Can you tell me what to do?
Shari: That sounds like a product failure to us. We recommend you call the manufacturer and perhaps they can be replaced.

Q: Color Quandary. What wall color goes with Silver Metallic Border. I'm doing a vintage vanity item bedroom. Putting 20's-40's Vogue cover posters on walls. Perfumes, Purses, hats, etc.
Shari: I'm not sure if your border is up already or not, but I get this sort of Hollywood glamour dressing room feel. And it would be neat if the walls were a gathered, shimmery fabric, however, if the border is up, try Ralph Lauren Duchess Satin. In silver metallic, and maybe you could do a painting technique that would be cross-hatching or dragging - to continue that shimmery feel. That sounds like a neat room!

Q: I have wallpaper applied to raw drywall (no primer/release paint). The seams overlap by less than 1/16". If I paint over them, wont they leave a bump? Should I use a wide joint knife and apply joint compound to smooth it out or cut them out and fill the void with joint compound before painting?
Matt: I am so sorry for you! Been there, done that. If you are absolutely sure you can't get it down without doing damage, I like the joint compound answer. You do have to cut it out with a straight edge, then fill the gap with drywall compound. Then of course prime before you paint. Another option, after cutting out the overlap, is to use liner paper that you install horizontally instead of using the drywall mud. Make sure to butt your joints tight. Then paint.
Shari: And you won't see the lines - we've done it.

Q: My husband and I are both handicap. We use hospital beds and it looks like a hospital room. My husband has had 11 strokes and has not feeling from the neck down. He is only 58 and I am 48. I take care of him. Have you ever done a room with hospital beds? thanks.
Shari: My goodness - how are you handling all of this? We have not done a room with hospital beds, but I can picture what you are talking about. Is it possible to add long dust ruffles to hide some of the mechanics? And could the head and footboards be slipcovered with a fabric to add some softness? I certainly hope you have cheery walls and artwork to help keep your spirits up.
Matt: All the best from the both of us.

Q: I'm interested in doing the mission style paint technique that took lots of taping off areas - can you tell me what show that was so I can refresh my memory on how-to?
Matt: It's a Frank Lloyd Wright style of house. We're looking up the show number now. It's show #810. You can find step-by-step directions by looking up this show by the show number. It isn't scheduled to air again anytime soon.
Shari: And have fun! That is a great technique - just be patient.

Q: Hello! What kind of primer do you suggest in order to paint over a paneled wall?
Matt: A latex primer will do just fine. Just something to get the wall sealed and for the new topcoat to bite into.

Q: Is it safe to put wall coverings of material up with starch in a bathroom?
Matt: We've never tried it, but we've both been a little concerned about the high humidity. If it's a half-bath with no shower, then no problem.

Q: The guest bath in our new house has a one-piece tub/shower surround with "faux tile" finish. It's so WHITE. I would like to do random stencil or decoupage or something in a few of the "tiles." Is this possible? If so, what prep, what paint, what finish? Remember, it is used occasionally for showers.
Matt: There is tile paint available. If you have a Michael's or JoAnn, Etc. there is a tile paint meant for stenciling. I would suggest you do a practice tile first, or an inconspicuous tile first and see how it handles first. Do something in white - your practice color - to see how it wears.

Q: I have a split-level home. The upper level is a kitchen, dining and living room. How do I unify? I love cobalt blue & yellow.
Shari: Well, all three rooms need to carry the cobalt blue and yellow combo. It doesn't have to be equal if you prefer your kitchen to be yellow with touches of blue, and the opposite in the living and dining area - that would be fine. I grew up in that same split-level - I know what you are going through.
Matt: I grew up in a cardboard box..

Q: Hi! You guys are so fun to watch. I just have an idea to throw your way. I have a split-level entry home, and at Christmas time I didn't want my 7-month-old son eating Christmas tree needles, so... my husband graciously took down the ceiling fan/light and hung an artificial tree upside down. I decorated it with a plastic fork taped to a broom handle. With lights and gold beads and a few ornaments, it looked like a chandelier. I loved it, and can't wait until next year to do it again!
Matt: How cool! Did you make it go around in circles? That is a wonderful idea - and don't be surprised if you see it on our next Holiday special! LOL

Q: I'm looking for a scarf ring or hoop that can be attached to the ceiling instead of the wall above the window. You had one that looked like it would work on the "purple dining room" show that you got at Home Place. Since they're out of business - do you have any other suggestions?
Shari: We shop in a variety of different stores carrying drapery supplies, like Bed, Bath and Beyond, JoAnn, Etc. and J.C. Penney. If you can't find one in those places, how about a bathroom towel ring used for small guest towels. It might work as well.

Q: How do you attach buttons to fabric headboards. I have seen you make them but have not seen how the buttons are attached.
Matt: Nine-inch nails - LOL! :^)
Shari: You have to drill two small holes in the back piece of plywood in the location you want the buttons to be. Then we use a long craft needle from the plywood through the foam, to the outside of the fabric, slip the button on the needle, then go back through. Then we tie the tread on the back of the plywood. It's a little tricky, but it works great.

Q: Hi Shari & Matt. I love all you tips, techniques and inspiration. I am planning on putting wainscoting on the bottom half of my library/loft using cherry plywood. My questions is: how do I hide the seams where the plywood comes together? Also, I have a 25 x 25 family/media room that I need to darken the walls and ceiling so that we don't get so much glare from the projector. The carpet is burgundy.
Matt: I would suggest that you might want to enhance the wainscoting by adding decorative boxes within it. The decorative trim can be used to hide the seam of the plywood. If a little bit shows, I don't think it will matter. Joints in wood are a common occurrence. Best of luck! And what is wrong with painting the walls dark with an accent color? Make them burgundy and throw up a border or some artwork to make it interesting.

Q: Hi Matt and Shari! I loved the transportation themed boy's room you did. Would like to find one of those neat stacked tire toy boxes. Where could I find one??
Matt: I think that was from Little Tikes - we purchased that from a showroom. Little Tykes is a division of Rubbermaid. The website: www.littletikes.com. And just to advise you, that show was shot three or four years ago. Hopefully they still carry it.

Q: Our ranch style home here on the west coast has long horizontal windows across the front currently covered by mini-blinds. There are two bedroom windows, a large picture window and the garage window that show across the front. We're thinking of replacing the mini-blinds but still want a unified look and love the 2" wood blinds we've seen but to cover all the windows would cost about $2,000, wow that was a big estimate and serious $$, suggestions?
Matt: The blinds are the best look. It makes sense from the outside and for the amount of windows you have. Don't always go with the first quote. We shop many different places for the best price. Have you tried Hunter Douglass? Check out Smith and Noble. In the back of the magazines, there are tons of discounted blinds. Such as Better Homes and Gardens. Visit www.decoratetoday.com.
Shari: Good luck!

Q: My question is about putting texture into paint. Is it an easy thing to do? How much do I put? It's only for the top, where there was a border.
Matt: You want to start with a separate plastic pail. Pour in just a small amount of paint and slowly add the texture to get the consistency you want. That will be your formula, such as a cup of paint, and a cup of texture. Then, once you have your formula, you can make a batch big enough to cover the area. Practice on a piece of cardboard until you have the texture you desire.

HGTV: Well, everyone, our chat hour has ended. Thanks for joining us this morning. And thank you, Matt and Shari, for answering our questions.
Shari: As always, we had a great time, and you've had wonderful questions.
Matt: We hope all of you are safe and warm, and in a few months, we'll have sunshine again!
Shari: Except for all you southerners and southwesterners! Join us next time...and we'll decorate together....
Matt and Shari: Room by Room!