Dear Joe,
I recently had some remodeling done in my kitchen. Part of this was replacing the countertop with new granite. The company who did the work showed me samples of granite and I picked out a warm beige color. When the granite was installed, it looked very yellow compared with the sample I was shown. I contacted the salesman, and he said that the correct stone was used. Is there anything I can do? —Brad
Dear Brad,
I cannot get into the legalities of your contract, but I can offer some advice on dealing with natural stone.
Whenever you are considering ordering granite ( or marble, slate, limestone, etc. ) , remember that you are dealing with a natural stone. This means that there are always variations in the color and sometimes even the texture of the stone. These variations can occur even within a few inches on the face of the stone.
It is for this reason that contractors will usually have a clause in the contract stating that the material is natural and color variations are to be expected. They will also state that there is no guarantee of a color match to the sample, even though the correct stone is used.
If you are ordering natural stone and are very particular about the color, veining, texture or some other aspect, the best thing to do is to pick out the actual stone yourself. That is the only way to assure getting the color that you want.
When working on such a project, I insist on actually going to the supplier. Walking into the vast storage area where the stone is kept, I personally pick out the precise slab of stone that I want to use. I go even further and mark off the exact area in the slab to have cut for my job.
Personal selection is the only way to control the color of stone that will wind up in my client's home. Anything else is leaving it to another person's judgment.
Dear Joe,
Are draperies that break on the floor still in, or have they gone out of style? —Hanging
Dear Hanging,
A more important question is how these draperies will function.
If they are to traverse ( open and close ) , the best length for them is just above the floor. I usually hang draperies at one-half to three-quarters of an inch off the floor. This way they can move easily and not collect dirt. I won't go into the details of a recent client who insisted on 30 feet of white silk traverse draperies breaking on the floor. She had a terrible accident that involved her sick dog, and, well, you can just imagine.
If the panels are to remain stationary, it is OK to have them break or puddle on the floor. They will of course require a little extra care and styling when cleaning the floor. If that doesn't bother you, let that fabric cascade to you heart's content!
Originally, the idea of draping fabric on the floor at the window was a status symbol. In medieval times, expensive panels of fabric were never cut but were draped onto the floor to show the wealth of the homeowner.
Please email your questions to jos.riceinteriors@att.net . In the subject box, fill in 'WCT Design.'
Joseph Rice in a full-service interior decorator who specializes in treatments for 'hard-to-treat' windows. You can reach him at jos.riceinteriors@att.net, or Joseph Rice Interiors, Inc., ( 773 ) 271-2361.