Home decorating and design

Am I the only one receiving double posts? Susan

Hi.....I hope I didn't "intro" myself yesterday...forgive me if this is a repeat! :) My name is Terri and I live in Michigan with my son, age 17 and dh. We just moved into our new house....I'm so excited. I've never built before so this is very exciting to me! I am in search of creative yet inexpensive window treatment ideas. I actually have only 4 front facing windows that need to be "covered" at night. All other windows in the house face the woods so...only top treatments will be needed for these. I like "different" type things...also like the style of Pottery Barn and/or Crate and Barrel. I also have a slider door that I would like to cover, especially in the winter to keep out the radiating coolness.....but I would like to find something other than traditional "blinds". Any ideas???? Thanks for your help!! Terri

I'm moving soon and my future living room is 16X23. Of the 23' walls one has 3 single and seperated windows; the other entry from front hall (with a railing) and entry to dining room. This is also sunken. I have a buffet (I use for my TV), sofa, chair and ottoman to be place. I need to buy tables. I need lots of storage places so I thought of a large square sofa table with drawers. Help.... I have ideas but they are just not IT If there is web site that can help me with placement ideas that would be great. TIA, Maria

We are re-doing our downstairs bathroom. It was sooo ugly and falling apart. Everything is out, except the floor, and that will come out this week too. Before I get to my question, here is some background info - we live in a 1929 Spanish style house - flat roof, boxy, etc. The inside is not spanish style, but rather just "old house" style, lol, crown mouldings, lots of windows, high base boards, plaster walls. Now the question - I need some help with a color scheme in the bathroom - it was pink before and had that little pink tile all over the place - uglY! I would prefer it to be more vintage, so we are getting a pedestal sink. The bathtub will be modern, as my dh wants a whirlpool type tub. We plan on covering the portion of the wall were the tile was with bead board, but I just am not sure what colors to paint the walls, or what colors to do the floor and tub tiles in. I like almost anything, except that pink! So, what colors were popular in the late 20's early 30's? (oh, my dh WILL NOT go for wallpaper!) Thanks, Susie

Hey everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend after Valentines Day. I took advantage of the sale on paint at HoDe and got the paint for my gameroom but that is about as far as I got with it. Anyway, I have a new thing I need some help with. My DH did the most wonderful thing for me for Valentines Day. He gave me a card (sort of)that he made. It is the top 100 things he loves about me. It was pretty much the best thing he has ever done. He typed it up on the computer in descending order with the number one reason being "you're a better woman at 40 than you were at 20 and baby, you were great then!" Isn't that the best thing in the world to hear? Anyway, I want to do something special with this but don't know what. I want to frame it or something and display it in my room (even though some of the things are of a sexual nature and probably would make some people embarassed) It is on 4 pages so I can't figure out how to make it look good and display it at the same time. Any suggestions? I'm afraid if I keep carrying it around in my purse it will get all torn up and it really is lovely. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Terri F.

In a message dated 2/18/02 10:17:33 AM Eastern Standard Time, missyb@... writes: << That really sounds cheerfully classy and warmly colorful! Pleas show us pics when you get some, can you put that sewing machine on the little waal behind and to the lef of where the loveseat is? Missy Missy, I have an end table there. I want the actual sewing machine to be displayed. I don't want to drop it into the cabinet. I may take a small white bench from the entrance and put it there. I am not too happy with the location, but have no other ideas. I really think it would be awesome with the right textile in it. Susan

has any one ever seen the expoxy / sand coating that s available thru commercial installers being installed?? how do they get it flat.....roll it?? trowel it..?? the local outfit charges 6$ / sq foot.. i have the idea that it could be a do it urself prohject..at considerably less... but i m not sure i want to try it without some instructions.... thanks ed

The entertainment center has begun! Alan has the entire thing framed out. We are going to line the component boxes with pine that I will distress and stain. Alan will dry wall it then we will add the stone facing!!! It is really BIG! But truthfully takes up less room than the TV center we had before and will look more finished! This of course means repainting over the RL paint that I had already done. This is a big room with vaulted ceilings. Big work ahead. I think I'll just do one wall at a time. It took me MANY stores to find the right paint color. I think I am going with Laura Ashley's cowslip 6 and Apricot 6 if any of you are familiar with the paint chips :o)!! Needless to say, my front entery "tile" is going to have to take a back seat until this project is finished! Angie

Hi All, Hubby and I have agreed on our palette. Deep maroon for our kitchen and a very warm yellow for the rest of the place. This will go with the country blue and gives me the style I want. It allows for red accents as well. I need to put my grandmother's old Singer sewing machine somewhere. I am thinking in the entrance with a nice textile under the needle. If anyone can suggest a better place from my floor plan, let me know. I would really rather not put it in a back room. Chow, Susan

I would like a chalkboard in my kitchen and I can't find one to buy that I like - so I'm thinking about making one. I bought some spray-paint chalkboard paint and I tested it out - it looks good, but when I wrote on it with chalk, it didn't erase well. Has anyone used chalkboard paint before? Did you have this problem? Do more coats of paint help? I've only seen it as spray paint - does it come any other way? Thanks, Lee-Ellen

Hi! My name is Lee-Ellen and I live in Maryland. I've always got at least one decorating project underway and can't stop thinking about others I'd like to start! (I've been trying to discipline myself to finish one before starting another - to keep my husband happy.) I hope to get some great ideas and advice from this group. Lee-Ellen

Hello Everyone! My name is Tamera, I live in Tennessee. I'm hoping to get started on painting the entire interior of our house soon. Thought I might pop in and see if I can get some ideas from all you folks. I love to decorate (when I can $$)!!! What got my attention to this group was the fact that you have some inexpensive decorating ideas! Well I'm very glad to be here, and hope to talk with some of you real soon! Take Care and Happy Decorating!! Tamera

--- Shirley: First of all, would it be possible to have some kind of light (like a floor lamp) behind the unit, that is taller, and could be used to "illuminate" the photos? Also, you need other things mixed in with the photos...some things with height. You could break the groupings into 3 or 5 photos grouped together. Say, some plants, or floral arrangement, or antique oil lamps, some things of interest, mingled in among/and with with the photos. Give everything some varying heights and interests....gives the eyes different levels and mediums to look at...therefore making it more visually appealing. I am sure some of these other gals that are alot more creative than me can come up with some awesome ideas for you. Good luck!

Hello, I have just bought a new home with size 6 m X 17 m (2 floors) and I still confuse about the design of my home. Friends, could you suggest me about the design of my home w/ detail of bedroom, kitchen, guest room, etc, thx

I would love some advice on how to better arrange these photographs - this unit is slightly across the corner of the room, and as you can see contains a variety of sized photos and frames... I would like a better arrangement - this is too 'hodge podge'. Thanks again and as usual for your help :))) Shirley

I have had an old Singer sewing machine that my grandmother used to use. It the kind that drops down into the table. It is black with gold leaf and has a foot pedal to control it. It still works and is in excellent condition except for the cabinet. When the machine is dropped into the cabinet the top OF the top that covers it is warped. How can I find out what kind of wood it is? I would love to restore it. Thanks, Susan

I am painting this on my bedroom wall You go girl!!! Trees scare me, I've never been able to paint trees to my standards... so this scape would scare me! Let me know how it goes! I definitely want to come see THAT when you are finished! Angie (Still waiting for that lunch date :o)

We inherited a Lane cedar chest from my in laws. My father in law, for some Un-Godly reason, painted it white enamel. The inside is mint. My husband says it is ruined. Is it? Susan

Awesome! Especially the ceiling. Susan

Hi all, I am new to the list. I joined a couple of weeks back and have been amazed at all the great ideas you all have! I need lots of help with my house, but I don't have a big budget so I am going to begin with the small projects I can for now. I have an old chest of drawer (formica type). I want to paint it white for my daughter's room. Can anyone provide suggestions on the type of primer and type of paint to use (flat, satin, latex...) something that can be wiped down if need be. Thanks in advance for your help. Denise S. [who doesn't know what she is doing =O)]

Hi all! For those of you who have Kitchenaid mixers, I don't have to tell you not only how wonderful they are but also how heavy and acquired to move around. I read this tip to leave your mixer out on the counter and put magic sliders (advertised to move heavy furniture) under the mixer. I tried this yesterday. I put four of the one inch sliders under the rubber tips and it is now soooo EASY to just slide it out of the corner and use it. I bought a package with four large ones and about 12 small ones for $7.99 but you can just buy the small ones if you like and that is only $3.99. I hope this helps someone else. Alicia

My floor plans are finally posted in the files at the website of anyone would like to see. One plan is only of the kitchen,the other is of the entire living space. Comments, advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Susan

Hi All, Does anyone lnow where I can get prints of the 4 seasons? Mr mother in law has been looking for years. Thanks, Susan

Does anyone know how to put a picture into a Windows graphic program? I copied and pasted my floor plan from BHG to Word. Now no one can open it becasue Word is not a graphic file!! Usually, when I download, pictures are saved automtically. Help! Susan

In a message dated 2/15/02 6:54:50 AM Eastern Standard Time, LHendRN@... writes: << Susan I was out for a few days on no mail, so I didn't see a report about your final reaction to the red in the kitchen... I guess maybe you did like it? Denise Denise, The red is a definite go. It is more of a deep, warm maroon. It really warms up the place and compliments the country blue. I am concerned that the blue may not be dark enough. It is not of the same value as the red. I really like the idea of gloss white Wainscot, with the red on top for the living space.The entrance is the challenge. I am just throwing out ideas here. I would hate that type of wall treatment in that area. The eating area feels stark. White walls, window wall, oak table,breakfast bar separating the kitchen, hardwood floors. It still feels closed in, even though it does not look closed in. Make sense? Maybe once I get the kitchen painted and the Wainscot in, it will LOOK closed in but feel cozier. I am going to take the leaf out the table too. I am going to get an area rug to separate the areas yet pull it together. I am thinking aloud here. Will the light oak and pine look okay with this type of wall treatment? Any ideas??? Susan

I saw a beautiful dining/living area that was Wainscotted white, 2/3 (I think)of the way up the wall with red painted above it. It was awesome. Will this wall teatment open or close an area? Susan

Hi All, My kitchen is visible from the front door. There are 5 steps up that lead to a small landing and the doorway to the kitchen. My entrance way has a big, white wall on the railing side.(right) The other side is level with the living room floor.You can see under my loveseat. (Which sucks because I always have to dust!!) There is Berber on the stairs, landing and entrance way. The question is: Can I paint this area red like the kitchen? I am thinking maybe not because the big white wall will now become the big red wall. Although it might look good as an accent wall in the living room. The rest of the walls are off white. I have decided to get an area rug for the living room before I decide in any wall treatments. I would like a deep floral with maroon, blue and maybe some yellow. Do all the colors in the room have to be the same value? I want to use maroon, blue and yellow. Thanks, Susan PS DH got me a membership to Gold's Gym for Valentine's Day. I have wanted one for the longest time. Now, I only have to unglue my a~~ from this chair.

We will be closing on our hosue hopefully in the next few weeks. I thought I would ask a question and see if anyone has any ideas for me. I want to do my bedroom in purple. My ideas for my bedroom is to put like 2-3 inch stripes of white and purple. Any ideas on how to do this quickly and simply? Thanks! Also, although I have asked this before and gotten no replys, I thought I would ask again, just incase it never came through. I will have brown/terra cotta floor tiles in the kitchen/dining room area, which will open right up in to the livingroom. The carpet I picked out is a veragated dark green with lighter green in a leaf pattern. Will this go ok? And what color walls would go with this? ( I have alot of oak furniture, and so far no couch but I like rose, country blue, and sage/hunter green) Thanks! Kellie Kellie, All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king. LOTR

Ok, what paint can you put glaze over?? Reason I'm asking....Herc wants to paint some walls in this house, but the majority is in flat paint. The room we will start on is the living room. I like the glazed look, but don't it need to be put ontop of semigloss?? I really need a MAJOR Glazing lesson! -- Xina mailto:Xina@... ************************************* Happiness depends upon ourselves. ---Aristotle---

I know this is a long way off BUT, I am very excited. My family is planning a reunion in NEW JERSEY! And I am coming to it!YES!!!! Deirdre!!!!! We can meet, can't we? Say yes! Anybody else in the NY/NJ/Phil area? I'll be there for 6 days I think. It's not for a whole year, May 2003, because so many people needed the time to save up and time to plan it. My family here in Cal, Az and NM (all 25 of us, lol) are going to take the train to Phil, on the way we are stopping in New Orleans for one night too, is that real far from you Ann? I know La is a big place. Then we are flying home...Missy

Hi, everyone is talking about the Faux Tile on that lady's front stoop, so I had to go and check it out too. It's awesome, and I'd like to do something like that at my front door. But, I was wondering, does anyone know if it will get slippery in the rain or snow. If it's covered in poly I would think it would, anyone have any ideas about this? Thanks, Jan in IL

Anybody have a tried and true no fail pnut butter cookie recipe that makes them soft and chewy? I have tried so many times and they are always too hard. I am taking my Daisy Troop to the Fire Station today and am baking cookies for them and the firemen, just thought someone might have a good recipe to tryto add to the assortment, tia, Missy

Does bhg have a web site for their tv show? I didn't see it and a search turned up nothing. Susan

I went into work late today and caught some guy doing "ragging", I think. He used dark maroon as his base, then took a very bright red on a dampened washcloth and barely touched it on the wall. The terry made a nice textured finish and when it dried it looked awesome. Since I have several places in the house where I have tried my maroon ish paint, I will rag over it a bit and see how it looks in the am. You would never put those two colors together in a million years. Oh yeah, and he was using blue next to it. This very exciting. Susan

In a message dated 2/12/02 12:52:09 PM Eastern Standard Time, triciadiodati@... writes: << Hi, What I was wondering was the color of the window trim and baseboards. You know? I would probably keep the breakfast bar too. Do you also have a formal diningroom? Is your kitchen table light or dark wood? Or painted? Do you know the dimensions of the eating area ? I had a tiny breakfast area in my old house. If I could picture the size and shape or your kitchen, I could be of more help. I'm clear on the floor, cabinets and wall color. Thanks, Trish Hi Trish, I hope my floor plan made it. My eating area is approx 11x15. Table is farmhouse-style light pine. 4-6 people. The kitchen is not an eat in 10 x 10. I have a high ranch. I am not sure if you know what it is. Windows were just replaced, most likely trim will be white. I have lots of windows, so that helps. Walls were just done, no molding yet. Will be natural wood. This house was a freakin' nightmare. Termites damage, water damage, double sheetrocked, live wires in the walls, floor saddle as a window ledge in the bathroom, caulking 2 inches thick. No flashing in between deck amd house. And to top it off, we had to put in an apt for my Mom downstairs. So, that is my story, boo-hooo.... Susan

I am planning to try using joint compound to create a textured wall look in my sunporch, but I have a few questions... Do I need to do the joint compound, then prime, paint, and glaze? Do I even need primer? I saw somewhere where they mixed latex paint into the joint compound - anybody tried this? My dad tells me the walls in there are oriental strandboad(don't know if that's the right name, I just call them UGLY) - anybody know if I can even use this technique on this type of wall? Help! Any ideas are greatly appreciated! Leanne

In a message dated 2/12/02 10:41:30 AM Eastern Standard Time, missyb@... writes: << I saw the post about the floor, plan, I didn't see it yet, is it at the IM website? Or did you email it right to me? If so, I didn't get it. Missy I am having a hard time posting it. I have it posted at another site. I will try again. Susan

...going back to the lady with the wonderful Faux front entry. Does anyone know where you would buy a stamp that has a design that might be the decoration on a Mexican tile? I think I would like to try this, not only on my ugly front entry, but my back patio as well! I need to hurry though as it is going to get hot again soon.... Also, I have a security door. Right now it is painted a chocolate brown. There is nothing special about it, just simple brown. I'd like to dress that up a bit. Any ideas? I am trying to think of a way to incorperate 2 colors, or copper paint.... I have some copper metal art pieces, too. Angie

Anyone going to be there today? Angie

The more ideas I get, the more slowly I want to make changes. I like to consider everything. LOL!!! Isn't that the truth! My neighbor decide to re-tile her home and quickly painted her family room a pale flat peach. The room had an existing chair rail and she had hoped to find a wall paper for below. She has dusty green window treatments already and she planned on painting the trim in her room a DARK Kelly green... Yikes! I went and picked up some color samples and told her what my opinion was. Last night we sponge painted a darker peach on the pale peach and painted the darker peach below the chair rail. Then we painted the bay window seat and the trim a dusty green. To our surprise, we have a real warm southwest back drop. She has lived in her home with white walls for the last 4 years! She is ecstatic. She has early 80's green counter tops with a white and brown wall paper in the kitchen. It attaches to the family room. I think we are going to take that green we used on the trim and add a darker shade treatment. Hopefully that will make the green counter tops look like they are a meant to be item. They are in very good condition! The pantry is also attached and will end up in the earthy green with a frog theme. Did I mention her furniture is dusty green... this is where the green comes from. Now she is talking about her living room :o)!! I have to admit I was very nervous painting someone else's walls. I don't think twice in my own home, but I was a bit worried about her walls. She also had friends over that were watching me!!! A few swipes and I fell into the groove and was fine. It was intimidating! Angie

Hi there, My name is Leah, and I am a deco holic... oh, wait, wrong board! <grin We have a 1947 stucco home, with loads of flaws we are trying to re- work. We just bought log siding for the out side of it. During spring break, in April, we are going to NC to pick it up. I would love some ideas to make our den look primitive old west, on a low budget. Many thanks in advance, and that you all for the great ideas that are already posted. Blessings, Leah (Colorado)

Liz, I am lucky that I get to do what little I can! I have suceeded in keeping dishes out of my sink most of the time and doing "hot spots" daily. I love when I get the message "Where is your wash?" because mine is always in transition.....;-) Susan

I Hi All, I am using light/medium blue gingham in the curtains, slipcovers, and rounftable topper The red I have chosen has a maroon quality to it. Deep and rich. I love it. I have checked out other "reds" in my home and this particular red is the most common. It matches most of my accessories. Is it okay to pair a darker, richer color with a lighter color? Esp. since I am thinking of doing the walls in this hue of red ? My dining area is very small and I may just do the wall at the end in red. Will that look funny? I actually wanted to try and "open up" the area but not sure how. Thanks guys, you are all so wonderful and I very much appreciate your expertise and experience. Susan

Hello! My name is Lisa, and so glad to have found this group! I really look forward to getting some great ideas here! My dh and our 2 kids are living in our 2nd "fixer uper" house. My hubby is part time contractor and can do anything, so we buy houses cheap, fix em up, and sell them for profit. I'm hoping this will be the last one, as I'm ready to settle into "my house!" I'm tired of painting and decorating just so someone else can buy it! :o) This house is a little more challenging than the last--older home that's smaller (3br 1 ba, 1200 sf) and I'm having to work around obstacles like wall heaters and an oddly shaped living room--just how do I place this furniture!?!? At the moment I am getting ready to paint (and trying to chose colors), probably going neutral since that makes selling a little easier! Also, I don't have enough room in this house for all my "stuff" so I guess I could use a little organization too! Anyway, glad to be here and looking forward to all the ideas! Lisa in CA

Unchanged. I keep putting it off. A friend who has some wood finishing experience has offered to help me. I also still can't decide on a color scheme. I've had second thoughts on a multi-colored look now that the Vermeer has become the focal point of the living room. -R Richard You crack me up. How is your armoir? Lorretta

Well I thought I would pop in quickly before I went back to my project. Today my mother has my daughter so I am finishing up or closet. Two Fridays ago in the 8 X10 bedroom-turned-closet,the closet maid system that my husband's clothes hang on pulled free from the wall spilled clothes, hats and sundry items everywhere. The people who owned the house before us obviously didn't mount this side of the closet properly. My side * shew * is still up...but they mounted the system on 4 bys. We can now see where the system on MY side at one time pulled free from the wall *100 year old gypsum plaster*. Ugh... Anywho, not all of the wallpaper will come free, and some of the wall has cracks and whatnot * not too bad at all considering its age* . I decided to use joint compound * 9.95 for 5 gallons* to texturize the wall like venetian plaster and then I will prime it and color wash the wall in blue. This will be a good test for my kitchen! I am going to do a similar treatment in there. We also painted the breakfast room a GORGEOUS French country blue. I am really happy with how it came out! Now I have to do all the trim and a few spots that I can see were missed last night. At 2 in the morning everything was blurring together so I decided to leave the checking til then. :-) OK...I will check in with everyone later! I am off to crank some tunes and mud the walls while the wind is whistling and churning outside....... Kathie

Hi deanna, I'm looking for a beautiful purple shade. can you tell me who makes "Smoky Concord"? I'd love to see a photo. Blessings, Paula

Richard You crack me up. How is your armoir? Lorretta

I watched that episode. The house looked great and what I found interesting is all the walls were white. I know everyone is into colored walls but every wall in this house was white and even more white added. Lorretta

I have seached all the discs I can find, and I can't find the granite pics, and the other pics I promised to show the colowash, I sure found a bunch of other pictures though :-) Our hard drive got wiped out so they aren't in ther either. They were on photopoint, but that's gone now right? I'll have to re-take some, I have a roll I'm just about done with...Just didn't want anyone to think I forgot.....Missy

Hi everyone ... Are there any decorating businesses in this forum? Thank you. Barb

about carpets....In my last house I painted my walls a beautiful, deep yellow....like it was aged well....and had emerald green carpet installed. I decorated with over-sized, cottage type looking sofas in a large floral pattern, creamy background with lots of greens and burgundys with light touches of blue and yellow gold colors. I had a wing back chair in a deep green color, and used highly pollished cherry finished queen anne style tables...it was a mix between victorian and cottage style. It was amazing! Don't be afraid of color! Deanna

Well, today I mixed the red with the glaze while dh was spackling.(I painted a test wall) It looked like mauve so I put on another coat and it looked much better but dark. I thought the glaze was supposed to cut the color in half? I must have missed something here. Anyway, I am going to the craft store and get some brown craft paint for the top glaze. I am thinking that I may have gotten the wrong color again. :( I have to say I am trying not to be discouraged. I was so looking forward to working with anything but neutrals. My PMS wants me to burn down the entire kitchen. I have to keep it in perspective. It's only paint, it's only paint, its only paint,⦠This is getting to be my mantra. Susan agonizing over her stupid kitchen

While brain storming with my husband, we have come up with a game plan for an entertainment center in our living room. We are going to have fun with this and have decided to make it appear as a fireplace, only the TV will be in the "hole". I am going to faux stone the front of the fireplace almost to the top. Then I will rough texture the top and paint it the same as my walls. My walls are currently the Ralph Lauren Technique in the dark brown leather. I did it in 98 so you can imagine the difficulties if you have ever used the RL glazes before. I think I'll repaint everything. I am to nervous to use RL again, so I need to change the technique all together. I will attach a picture of the Entertainment Center plan and a picture from a magazine I have. I will also attach a picture of my living room as it is currently (or atleast at Christmas).The picture from PxHG shows the Rocks I want to do, AND the color of paint that I like. I am sure I can match the colors, but which faux technique is used here? Any Ideas? (The picture of my living room is a dark picture... my room isn't as DARK as it appears in this poor picture) The pictures are unders Angie's house Angie

Angie, you are so talented! Did you use a wet sponge or dry one to apply the paint? I used a damp sponge. The paint needs to "ooze" into all the crevices. Are you planning on doing a rock wall? Angie

This should be my floor plan from the website. I hope this list accepts attachments! Susan

Is it possible for others to view the floor plan? I remember somone saying they had it posted at the BHG site for others to look at. I would love for Missy to see the floor plan. Thanks, Susan

Automatic Doctor Machine One day, Todd complained to his friend, "My elbow really hurts. I guess I should see a doctor." His friend said, "Don't bother. There's a computer at the drug store that can diagnose anything quicker & cheaper than a doctor. Simply put in a sample of your urine and the computer will diagnose your problem and tell you what you can do about it and it only costs $10.00." Todd figured he had nothing to lose, so he filled a jar with a urine sample and went to the drug store. Finding the computer, he poured in the sample and deposited the $10.00. The computer started making some noise and the various lights started flashing. After a brief pause, outpopped a small slip of paper which read: "You have tennis elbow. Soak your arm in warm water. Avoid heavy labor. It will be better in two weeks". That evening while thinking how amazing this new technology was and how it would change medical science forever, he began to wonder if this computer could be fooled. He decided to give it a try. He mixed together some tap water, a stool sample from his dog, and urine samples from his wife and daughter. To top it off, he masturbated into the concoction. He went back to the drug store, located the computer, poured in the sample and deposited the $10.00. The machine again made the usual noises and printed out the following analysis: Your tap water is too hard. Get a water softener. Your dog has ringworm. Bathe him with anti-fungal shampoo. Your daughter is using cocaine. Put her in a rehabilitation clinic. Your wife is pregnant with twin girls. They aren't yours. Get a lawyer. And if you don't stop jerking off, your tennis elbow will never get better. greetz, Helene The Netherlands

You know those Kimonos that some people hang flat on their walls?? I have seen quilted ones....Does anyone have or know where to find a pattern for the quilted ones?? I think one would look stunning on one of my walls. -- Xina mailto:xcraw@... ************************************* Happiness depends upon ourselves. ---Aristotle---

Hi, I was looking in the photos and came across the room in your house that is painted yellow. Could you please tell me what color and brand of paint that is? I painted my dining room, kitchen, and kitchenette a pale yellow and it isn't bright enough. That color looks perfect. Thanks so much, Kathy

In a message dated 2/8/02 12:18:49 PM Eastern Standard Time, ArtsyLiz@... writes: << If you don't want to cover up the hardwood but you do want to embellish it, consider adding a stenciled border around the perimeter. Is there a way to do this without ruining the floor? I love this idea, but my floors are beautiful and I don't want the stencil to become permanent. Thanks, Susan

In a message dated 2/8/02 10:40:15 AM Eastern Standard Time, missyb@... writes: << Wow those sound nice! You didn't know there was a little red leaf? Isn't that funny! Are you completely set to paint your kitchen? any other questions? problems? ways that I can confuse you? Missy Missy, You will be sorry you asked! :) My hubby and I are spackeling the drywall in the kitchen tonight.I will buy the craft paint in the am to mix in the top glaze. I am wondering if I can do some sort of bran-red and yellow combination with the walls. The walls don't all need to be the same color, do they? I love the way yellow looks with the blue AND the red. The kitchen will be red. I am thinking of painting dining room wall that faces the kitchen yellow (remember, I have a short snack bar between to the two rooms) And the other two walls red. The challenge is that the wall I want to paint red runs the whole length of my house. To break it up with color would look awful. Which leads me to the living room/entrance area. Sitting on my sofa you are looking at the dining room table. At the top of the stairs there is a baker's rack When you come in the front door you see a set of 5 steps going up to the baker's rack. There is a door on the left that goes to the garage.

Liz, thanks for these links! I am learning so much! Richard

Do you all have Dollar Tree stores in you areas? I was in the big city yesterday and went in one. They had this marvelous wrapping paper. It looks somewhat like construction paper but much thinner. I bought a few roll of the red thinking it was just the color I want to use in my office that has north exposure. It is the same color all the way through so there would be no edge to contend with when tearing. I am now on a quest to find 14 more rolls. Now no my question, assuming I find more paper. I want to be able to get this stuff off at a later date. The paper appears to be absorbent meaning I am going to have to coat it to prevent it soaking in every finger print. Now...what can I use that will be easy to remover later. I am thinking polly would be too difficult to get off. What about just a coating of the paste? I'm thinking that would dissolve if I tried to wipe it down. What about waxing it? I've had waxed walls before and liked it. I would have to locate one that didn't change the color and I don't know what wax that would be. Help! Later, Jayne

I thought since I just joined that I would introduce myself. My name is Michele, I'm a university student in Toronto Ontario and I have a moderate if not intense obsession with home decorating. I'm always looking for new and innovative ideas to incorporate into my own space. (anything budget friendly is a definite plus) At the moment I live with 3 room mates in a house, but since I'm about to turn 27, I'm really looking into getting my own place. We all get along great, but the thought of living on my own and decorating to my own taste excites me! I'm happy to be here and looking forward to getting lots of ideas and sharing some of my own! Happy Friday! Michele

Thanks Liz and Maria for the info. Since I have not moved yet and the owner doesn't remember how the paper was put up I afraid of the wall coming off with the paper. The getting involved with spackle ect. ect. I really dislike the paper but will keep looking for ideas. Can I RE-Paper over what is there???? Maria

Also, how did you do that faux rock wall? Liz I did that by tearing 1/2" masking tape into 1/4" masking tape (making irregular edges) and working with a 4' x 4' area at a time. I just randomly applied the tape into stone shapes, then I applied a finishing joint compound and used a horse brush to dab the top and rough it up. Then I removed the tape while the compound was still wet (missed tape was fairly difficult to get off later <BWG about 16 different earth tone craft paints. I'd put four or 5 colors on a pallet and used a sponge to apply to the stones. I would use only 3 colors per stone (as in the faux tile) but the mixing of the paints as I did this created new colors to use on different stones. Does that make sense? Then I bought a greyish brownish color for the grout. I get a surprising amount of good comments from visitors. I would love to make a faux fireplace in my living room with this same technique! I am attempting to try and get my husband convinced to do a built in entertainment center in the corner of living room in a "round" effect, like the Mexican fireplaces... I think that, too, would look good in the faux stone. We'll see... I am usually fairly able to convince my husband to do things like this. Probably because he knows he can always put it back.... I often wonder what I'll have to undo to this poor house if I ever decide to sell it.

I am so excited!! My slipcovers came today and they are blue and light brown gingham check with a barn-red leaf in the middle. A very small one. I am psyched! They are going to match everything I want to do! This weekend the kitchen will be done, and then I can start on the walls in the living room and my tiny dining room. I am looking for an area rug for the living room and would like one in the dining room, under the table. They both have to match because both rooms flow together. Any ideas????

Finally got a chance to go through some of the albums - boy everyone's done such great work! Expecially Angie ;o) that baby is adorable, what a cutie!! Thank you! That is probably the hardest work there is!!!! From the first trimester sickness to the surgical delivery ... glad that is done, and the real fun can begin! Thanks again :o) Angie

What is the easiest way to remove wallpaper or should I paint over it? I know I asked this before but.... Maria in NJ

This is just to spread the word about a fantastic internet program I just participated in with my Daisy Girl Scouts. We made a small quilt for Project Linus. Project Linus supplies "security blankets" to hospitals, police officers and other emergency workers who may come across a sick, injured or otherwised traumatized child and gives them donated handmade security blankets to pass out to compromised children. You will really decorate your heart by participating! You can reach them at www.projectlinus.org to find a local chapter to give your donation to. We finished and gave ours this week, oh, it was so cute! I took pictures I will show you guys how sweet this was! It didn't take too long to make either, and I am just a beginner at sewing. If you can sew do this! Missy

I have this ugly brown corkboard in my basement playroom that I need help with. My first thought was to take it down, but it is stuck with adhesive to the wall and it would be messy to remove, and since this is a playroom, I figured I could use it to display my little girl's artwork when she gets a little older(just turned 2, and she's not really drawing anything yet...). Anyway, I want to disguise the brown, but I'm not sure how. Can I paint cork, or should I put paper or fabric over it? I know somebody out there has a brilliant idea of a way to make it really cute - you are all so creative! Also, I want to paint or something in there and I want lots of color, but not sure what to do - there are no windows so it feels a little dreary right now, with brown paneling on the bottom and ivory paint about the chair rail. Thanks for your help! Leanne

Is anyone having difficulty receiving email. I'm online all day, yet when I post it can be up 12 hours later when my own post appears in my in box. Is it just me!? I seem to be getting my mail, but very late. Kurt

Maria where in NJ do you live. I grew up in Elizabeth and Linden for the beginning 18 years of my life. I now live in Flagstaff,Az. I have lots of family who still live there. Lorretta

I think the looking at rocks is the best idea. You could even go and buy/forage for several different types stone, fieldstones, river stones, marble, what have you , and bring them in your house, in the room you want to paint the stone in, or set it in front of the window when the light is at an angle and *observe* the stones * sounds kinda mystic and Zen doesn't it? heheh * That way you can get an feel for real stone, and then you OVER emphasize a wee bit on the colors on the wall/floor when you paint it and then you can put a wash over it to mute it also. Did that just make sense?? I just made fresh pizza and the smell of it cooking is making my stomach growl. I cannot think for hunger pangs lol Kathie I think that doing the mocha and removing it with plastic will work great. You might want to try using a cheap 99 cent plastic drop cloth instead of saran wrap, or you can even use plastic shopping bags. Sometimes they're easier to deal with than plastic wrap. Also, look at real stones and see what they look like ;o) Anyone else who has had more practice with fake rocks? any suggestions? From what I can tell on the photo album, you've got a great start ;o) Liz From: "Kimberly Martin" <kmartinj@... some deep red (same color as the door) and pewter. I'm thinking I'll glaze with a mocha and remove the glaze with plastic to give it some wrinkles and wash with a lighter beige glaze (mccloskey ancient stone) which I've used for the other walls in the foyer (and the entire first floor for that matter!) Do you think this will look stonish? - Kim

Thanks Liz, I entered. lorretta

Why are you selling it? Why don't you sell it as it, and let the new owner paint it? Or, are you hoping to invest some time and a little $ in it, so as to turn it over and make a profit?

In a message dated 2/5/02 7:52:35 PM Eastern Standard Time, LHendRN@... writes: << glazing/ragging/plastic bagging is another. When the technique first became popular, they required all sorts of steps and ingredients I'd never heard of, when in reality there's nuttin' to it. Thanks for articulating this... it helps my arguement.(How hard could it be???) That is what I have been asking myself about glazing! I thought applying the glaze over the color would be easy. It looks like small circles all over the wall. Then I did the x thing with the paint brush, it went on heavier than I expected. Maybe I bought the wrong color. I could not find Mocha in this type of glaze, so I chose Buff. Maybe I should have gotten a darker glaze. I am going to paint the entire kitchen this weekend and then worry about the glaze. Warmly, Susan

I have this vision....to paint these angels....one in each room, up in a corner...so that the angel is 'watching' over those that are in that room. I'd like to make it so, that it isn't that 'striking' but when people realize it is there, they just ooh and aah. And then they would have the urge to go find the rest of the angels in the house. *smile* Can anyone give me any ideas to do these angels....I can 'try' to paint them...but I'm not really an artist. I'm leaning towards the victorian type angels...might even be flexible enough to coordinate the angel to each room.... Any ideas? -- Xina mailto:xcraw@... ************************************* Happiness depends upon ourselves. ---Aristotle---

Tell me about the emu oil. what does it do for the dogs fur? lorretta

I went to HD, Lowe's, and True Value hardware, none of them had McKlosky's glaze. I bought the brand they carried in Buff. I put it over the sample paint area and it look like nothing was put on. I just wet the rag and rubbed in circles. I did get to see the effects in their brochures. Very nice. I am hoping that my stark white cabinets don't throw the whole thing off. I was thinking of stenciling or use rub-on transfers to put on the cabinets to bring them in. My theme is roosters and I am trying to add barns where I can. I want to get a print of a barn (not Kimble) but have not found one. Does anyone know where I can get a quilt to hang on my wall? I only want it for decoration, and do not want to spend any more that I have to. Warmly, Susan

Going from my entry room to the kitchen is a little step that is about 4 inches. the floor is scored, stained concrete in both areas. It sometimes is not noticed and a few people trip on that little step. How can I correct that problem and it still look good too. I would still like the step there, just make it more noticable so people will see it. Thanks for any help. Yvonne

I have also seen several shows on this. On Room by Room, Sherrie used regular wallpaper, with no pattern and tore that. I am chosing the brown paper bag method, but I went to HD and bought "builder's paper" which is the same as brown bags, but comes in a big roll for less than $10. I am confused though. I saw where you tore the paper, crinkle it, smooth it out, put in water, put paste on wall, paper on wall, then spread paste on top. I have also seen it with no water, and Christopher Lowell says to paint it first. I want to paint it after it is up, but will that go over the paste, if we spread paste on top? Any info you can give would be appreciated. Thanks everyone for your help. Deb, HUGS

Hi all, Have a question for you. We want to furnish our living room with contemporary/retro furniture. I guess that's what it is. I want something funky. Any ideas on where to look for this? Thanks, Valerie

Liz, Since you were indespensible with the oil painting painting I did, what sorts of paints would you paint a wall mural with? Acrylic? Yes, I've got something up my sleeve

Liz: Will you please share directions on how you did the faux stone floor in the bathroom? Did you outline the stones first, and sponge paint the stones? PLEASE share.... And...how did you do the brown paper floor in your utility room? Your place looks awesome. :) Carla

Liz, Those are some great projects! What is the sheet vinyl you used to make the floor cloth and how did you prep it to receive the paint so it would adhere? Thanks! Deanna

I have been lurking on this list for a couple of weeks now and all this paint talk has inspired me. Thank you! I had picked out a wallpaper that was a tone on tone checkerboard (Warner Classic Textures). This is something I was thinking about doing in the livingroom. Anyway I was watching Sensible Chic on HGTV last night and I would love to do that painting technique on my bedroom wall. It was a larger checkerboard design. While they give basic instructions I was wondering a couple of things 1. How do you determine the size of the squares, the size of the room? 2. Where do you start the first square, in the corner or smack in the middle of the wall? 3. How do you make sure the squares are square and straight? Thanks! Kim

My neighbor told me about this wallpaper that you tear and paste, sorta like how we do the paper bagging, but it's sage, brown and a couple other colors, She said it looks great as an accent wall in her friend's house, anyone seen it yet? Missy

Missy and All, I went back to HD and got Mayleya Red by Ralph Lauren. Got the clear glaze but they did not have Mcklosky's moca glaze. I sent DH to Lowes. I was so careful in picking out a red that was like a worn barn red. When he showed it to me it looked like it had fucia in it. Well, it does.But he said that it dries barn red and he painted the top and then blew it dry to show me. It looked okay to me, but I am such a worry wart. I have to remember IT"S ONLY PAINT~ We're not saving lives here. Do I do the Mocha glaze while the paint is still wet? Can I roll it on? What is the difference? Thanks again, Susan

The link didn't work. Wah! I want to see the pics! Anybody? Jann

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the encouraging emails you sent when my new DH was battling that dreaded disease of cancer. Each email meant so much and helped me feel I certainly wasn't alone in this world because there were times I did feel that way. Everyday I would read your mails and they gave me so much strength. Some of you sent beautiful cards by snail mail and was delighted to read each of them. Lastly.....to those that sent flowers to the funeral....that really caught be my surprise and brought more tears to my eyes. It just goes to show anyone reading this is by far the most caring group on the internet. Again.....thank you one and all. Margaret of Margaret's Manor in PA

My friend purchase a lovely mirror that is framed. She coated the frame with poly and hung it behind her stove. When it needs to be cleaned she pulls it off the wall cleans and rehang. I thought this was a great idea. Now you can see how often you remove it to keep clean before you stick them to the wall. Maria in NJ

Hi, I've just bid on a new townhouse that is great except for the wallpaper. The whole house is wallpaper... UGH. My realtor said if they sized it wouldn't be a problem to remove... What if they didn't? My Mom is from the OLD school and said take care of the edges and paint over it! I'm not sure except the dining room (which would be last on my list) is pink (Pepto-Bismol) including the carpeting with the shiny wallpaper with little pink flowers. It glows into the living room. Please help. How can I fix this for little money and moderate skills? Thanks, Maria in NJ

I am new to this group, but I did post an introduction awhile back. I love reading all of the advice everyone gives this seems like a great group. Over the last two weekends we did what I said we would not do, we redid the bathroom. We are planning on selling toward the end of the year so that helped us decide what to do in there. We decided to go all white it is a very small bathroom and we thought it might look bigger. One thing we did not think of, I wish we had, is that it is an old house with a porcelain tub that the white has dulled on. We replaced the surround board all the way around the room with white tile. And we replaced the carpet with white linoleum. We also took out the old medicine cabinet and replaced it with a mirror with a white frame. The tub and solid surface around the sink looked white until we put up the other whites now they look dingy more like an off white toward tan color. Does anyone have any advice how to blend it all in. Help..PLEASE Sherri

I went to egroups and looked at everyone's pictures. They were great! I am thinking of posting mine to generate ideas. Susan

Does the choice of finish before I add the glaze(50/50) make a difference? Susan

In a message dated 2/3/02 8:47:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, skamomma@... writes: << While I'm thinking of it, I'm going to search for another group right now. Thanks for spurring me on to do what I ought to be doing anyway. (Well, actually I was making some curtains during the Super Bowl.) Jann I am so sorry you have to give up your girl. I would love to have a dog like that, but I already have 3 dogs in this house. My Mom lives downstairs and adopted my Yorkie, 4 pounds. Try the pit bull boards on AOL.Those dogs are so maligned, it just isn't fair. More abuse is done to them then to any other breed. What state are you located in? Susan

I have dear friend who lives in upstate NY in a double wide modular home. She told me that she can't paint inside due to the walls being "wall board". Any ideas for her? Thanks !

Missy, I am starting to unfreak, thanks. So, I am getting glaze to add to the paint. Then once it is painted I am going to put on Mocha Glaze. Then I am ragging it off??? I will be okay, red is a big jump for me, but a most needed one. I am very excited. Have to wait for DH to finish prepping the walls. It may be a week or so. He just got done with our siding and new windows. Thanks again for all your experience and knowledge. I appreciate it. Warmly, Susan

Ok, we are freaking out over the red stripe we painted in the kitchen. When I tell you electric- I mean it. I know I should not judge by one stripe. It was painted over white semigloss. The rest of the kitchen is drywall and spackle. Not ready for any kind of paint. We are putting in a plank ceiling after we get done painting. Is there something that I can put over this red to soften/tone it down a bit? It looks very odd because the rest of my home is whites, neutrals, and country blue and white. The red does not seem to fit in. It doesn't even look red. It is so bright it looks almost orangy. Susan

This post is for Missy...I understand she is the person to ask on making columns. We got a virus recently and lost all our saved info. I often lurk, but haven't contributed. I appreciated all the information everyone gives. I am think of making small columns out of plumbing cylinders (plastic) for on top of a half wall and then large cylinders out of concrete tubes for the floor to ceiling columns. Can Missy or anyone give me information on how to go about doing this. All information or suggestions would be apprecitated. TIA, Deb

i keep seeing you all talk about this stuff but i have never heard of it. i also had never really given primer any thought unless i was painting furniture or a light color over a dark. i'm listening closely to every word. i have several painting projects lined up. i'm starting to think i don't really know much about painting. lisa

thank you. We placed a call to them on Friday and are awaiting their return call.

I am a true believer in primer. I once had a guy at Lowe's tell me that the correct use of primer was the difference between a paint job and a masterpiece. He did a quick little primer education with me for about 5 minutes, and I implemented the things he shared with me, and voila'! Now, I won't paint a room without first priming it. And I have had GREAT success. Lowe's tints my primer as close to my paint color choice. One coat of primer. Let dry 24 hrs. One coat of paint. Let dry 24 hrs. DONE! With the tinted primer, you are not only getting your primer applied, but your "first coat" of paint color, as well! It works great. I also use Floetrol in my paint and this makes application smoother and gives me a beautiful finished room. (Don't use it in primer, though.)(Also makes the paint go a little further). But, I don't skimp on paint, either. When I am applying it with the brush or the roller, I always try to get a thick, smooth coat in a small area, then reload and go again......the earlier post about covering an area the size of a newspaper....that was a good tip.

Does anyone have a remedy for getting the dog smell out of the vacuum? I change bags every week or so, have tried putting baking soda, pot pourri, and scented vacuum stuff in the bag. No luck. I have Dirt Devil and it is only two years old. I thought about buying a new one, but it smell just as bad in a month or two. Whoever can fix this problem is going to be a millionaire! Susan

Boy, do I fit this bill as well. However, I agree with the fact that these are "magazine homes", not decorated with any "feelings". I train horses and some of my clients have been Multi-Millionaires. The kind with 2 limo's, Ferrari's, you know the type :o). Their homes were not near as impressive as those with a middle income and great taste! Some of my clients have wonderful, enviable homes. It makes it hard to have them stop by my modest home to pick up contracts or whatever. Heck, why do you think I haven't invited Missy over to my home for lunch when we live so close :0)!!! By the way Missy, I'm no longer miserably pregnant. Are you going to invited us for lunch again? Or should we get everyone together and go antique shopping in Sedona? Angie

Has anyone painted concrete floors in the main part of their houses? I did! And I did it in Sun Lakes (Phoenix area). I took 3 colors of terra cotta. I poured a main color into a tray and drizzled a darker and a lighter color over the main color in the tray. I then used a saltillo (SP?) tile sized sponge, dipped it into the tray and applied it to the floor. Each time I added a tile I would rotate the sponge. I even did a decorative edge around the parameter of the living room in cobalt blues. I then used area rugs. My guest's didn't even notice that the tiles were faux until I pointed it out. They all had to feel the floor to make sure I wasn't pulling their legs! Real tile is better, but this did work great. Talk about easy to clean! I am thinking of using cement paint and doing my garage floor for fun! I am still planning a cantina in my garage since all my party's seem to end up out there (?). Does that happen to anyone else on this list? Angie

It's so funny how some had such a great results with one kind of paint while others using the same thing had a terrible time, be it Behr, RL, walmart, etc. I hope people realize that the possibility is high that those who had a terrible experience painting were painting over previously painted walls that had a semigloss or satin sheen finish, that will cause horrible coverage no matter what brand you use. The surface should be clean and ideally primed with a flat primer. If not, you should lightly sand the walls to get the gloss off and wipe them down OR, whatever paint you buy, will slip and slide and skip and cover badly...Missy

YOUR home is the one that "feels" like a "home", I would lay odds on it! Those others "look" magazine perfect. But I am sure that your home exudes warmth, family, fun, and most of all.....memories. Anyone can have the "sears catalog or even the pottery barn" look.....but it's those hand mades and hand me downs that make a home PERSONAL. I know who's home I would rather go visit...... :)

LOL.....also anything shiny just shows up the dust 1000% more, you just have to check out the top of my stove to see that! Boy, can I agree there. And that brings me to a question. My home is Southwest rustic. And yet, when it came to buying appliances, I paid EXTRA to buy a black, side by side, fridge with a SHINY front. NOTHING! And I mean NOTHING! keeps that thing clean! If I do happen to spend the hours required to get every streak off of the thing, 20 minutes later it has a coating of dust from the static surface!!! It is bad enough to have toddler finger prints all over it, but the added dust just makes it look like I didn't even try. Any suggestions from the professional cleaners? Angie

Well, i finally painted the kitchen and the morning room. I think i am going to like the yellow after all. It's very cheery and does brighten up the room. I've put lots of greenery and the collection of blue and white pitchers on the tops of the cabinets as well as some baskets and pottery. My bakers rack has some candlesticks (which are terra cotta), greenery, baskets, and some assorted blue and white pitchers and plates. On the wall above the rack I've hung a swag with fruits and greens and along the sides i've hung some blue and white plates. I have 2 questions for you all. First, after hanging the things on the wall around the bakers rack, it seems top heavy. I need to put something down lower or sit something on the floor. The problem is this is where we walk thru.....on the left to the dining room and on the right to the hall to the living room and master bath. So, i am concerned about making the area seem cramped. However, something has to happen as it just looks unbalanced. Secondly, I need ideas on how to do the morning room to tie the two areas together. I am in the process of making a grape vine wreath with clusters of grapes, apples, lemons, etc to hang on the wall. I was wondering about anchoring a couple of pieces of the china set to it....the wreath is big...about 3 feet across. What about a cup or two? Ideas? Also, what kind of window treatment should i use? The morning room has 2 walls of windows. Seven all together. My dh bought one of those corner breakfast banquettes (is that right???). It looks cold and I don't know how to make it cheery. It is in the corner where the two walls of windows meet. I personally think it looks silly as it makes the room look like "all the living is in the right hand side of the room".....The door to the screened porch is on the left about 8 feet away. Help me PLEASE..... Leasa

I live in a high ranch, you know a bit small. I want to do something different other than off-white for the walls. My kitchen is not eat in although I took out a small breakfast nook when we moved in to put in cabinets. It is a nice size, horseshoe shaped with one entrance leading to dining room living room combo, L-shaped. The other opens to the stairs that are in front of the front door. Any ideas about color, textures, etc. My style is country, blue, white and red accents used very sparingly. I have a plaid sofa and love seat, but it will be covered in blue gingham slipcovers from Surefit. Maybe the space I have it too small to do anything daring. I have stenciled ivy on the top border of the dining room and on one wall in the living room. Thanks, Susan

I was very excited to find the perfect rug for my family room yesterday. I also found a matelasse coverlet that I am going to use for a futon cover. Thank goodness I had my trusty swatches along with me - the colors are perfect! Kendra

Hi Michele - this is Michelle! I did not even notice that you sign off like I do! Just the difference of one "L". Anyway - I can't tell you how but I have seen it on shows in the past where they simply cover the shades with a light fabric. I think they used a spray adhesive????? Your house is too cool! We always wanted a house to fix up but we knew that we would never have the time. Good luck - I will be watching your Journal! ~Michelle~

In a message dated 1/30/02 11:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, sharky@... writes: << The quality was not what we expected at all. A good friend installed Pergo in her kitchen. Invested big bucks, big kitchen. It was scratched within a week from chairs being pushed in and out. Very noticible considering it was in front of a sliding door. Susan

Wow Sheri, Thanks for links. maria in NJ

should be during the 12pm show for us.....Mis On Discovery? Maybe 1pm in AZ? Angie

Well, I just took a suggestion from another group member and plastered drywall mud around, but I used a cake decorating spatula instead of a 4" putty knife. I waited a day, then took a couple sheets of sandpaper and wiped it around to get off the extra blobs, then I used Mckloskey's Yellowstone paint as the base coat and washed over with their mocha glaze on a wet rag. I don't know if this is the "preferred method of designers" lol but it worked good for me, the finished result looks like the outside of an old Italian Villa, don't know if you want that for your African look. I will post some pics in my album soon so you can see what I'm talking about. Why don't look around for pictures of rooms decorated in the style you like and see what sorts of things they did on the walls. Check out some of those textured paints, like that sand paint. Once I saw some bamboo looking wallpaper that was really cool too, that would be neat too for that sort of look.......Missy

Couldn't you just cover the shades?

This is completely off topic, but I was looking through everyones pictures today. Just for fun, I decided to add a picture of my newest son in my album. If anyone is interested, it is under Angie's house. Angie

Hi again all - I posted a short intro a few weeks ago when I joined, but have been busy packing and moving into this house since. We just got moved in a few days ago, and I have a ton of decorating projects on the horizon! I posted my 'before' pics under "Leanne's house" in the photo section. I would love any ideas or suggestions you may have. The first priority is the kitchen. We have a tiny little fridge and no room in that area for a larger one unless we completely gut the kitchen - not in the budget! What we want to do is remove a section of the counter and the built in kitchen table and put a larger fridge on that wall and then build a pantry where the little fridge is. This probably will mean redoing the entire floor, which is ok, since the main kitchen area has regular wood laminate flooring and the ajoining bay window area has parquet flooring. It really should have been all done the same to begin with, but I'm not sure what the prior owners were thinking. ;) After all that, we still will need to pull down that yellow paper and do something else with the walls, but I really need the fridge soon. Also, in the pictures, you will see my hall bath with the brown tile. I really want brighter colors in there maybe yellow, blue, red, green, pink, - anything but brown! This is my 2 year old's bath and my guest bath, so I want it child friendly but also to look nice. Not sure if I want to tackle trying to pull out the tile and put in something else or just try to disguise it somehow. Any ideas? Then, in the basement, I have ugly vinyl tile floors in the laundry and the playroom/den. I don't know if we will put more vinyl on top of it or what, but it needs to be durable and easy care since it is a playroom. And lastly, I think the picture of the hideous half bath in the basement speaks for itself. Anything done to it will improve it! I dont know what I will do in there, but I want it to be something kind of fun, since it is off of the playroom. Wow - if you made it this far, thanks for your time and any suggestions you have will we greatly appreciated! Leanne

Hello, I'm new on this list and so far really have enjoyed reading. I just bought a small home in Ohio that was build in 1900. I rented for awhile and decided to take the plunge and buy it. I'm really excited about decorating it the way I want now. The living room and Dinning room are connected by a large archway. The walls are done in paneling. This spring I'm thinking about painting the walls. Has anyone painted on paneling before? If so, do you have any tips for me? The color I'm looking at is called Lyndhurst Timber a kind of light tan brown (made by, "I think", National Trust?? I picked the sample up at Lowe's.) The trim is a walnut color and is on the same sample. Thanks! Tara

How come the attached photo didn't come through? Should I upload it to the group files? ~Michele~