Dear Joe,
I want to make my apartment a nice quiet place to come home to at the end of the day. My sofa and chairs are in beige and white fabrics. Beige would be a likely color for the walls, but I'm afraid that it could be too dull.
How can I get some life in the room without going overboard?
— Bob
Dear Bob,
How about painting the walls in a darker mid-tone to contrast with the furniture; maybe a light caramel tone? This would add contrast and some drama and sophistication to the room without disturbing the monochromatic scheme. It would also make the furniture and accessories 'pop.'
Dear Joe,
There is a half bath off of the livingroom in my condo. I found a dramatic dark wallpaper for it that would look good with what is in the livingroom, but I'm afraid to use it in such a small space. Won't it make the bath look even smaller?
— Boxed In
Dear Boxed In,
A half bath, or powder room, is the perfect space for a dramatic wallpaper.
People are too often afraid to use color in these small spaces. They somehow think that white or some other neutral tone will make the room appear larger. This just creates a very dull enclosed space.
Painting the powder room in a dramatic color or using a striking wallpaper adds much-needed excitement. Smaller geometric patterns on a medium to dark background can work wonders in adding an element of surprise. People do not generally spend enough time in a half bath to feel claustrophobic.
If the pattern on the paper is not over scaled, go ahead an use it!
Dear Joe,
I like the look of limestone and was thinking of using it in my bathroom for a new countertop. I have been told that you have to seal it for it to be durable.
What is your opinion?
— Stony
Dear Stony,
Limestone is one of the last materials that I would recommend for a countertop in a bath ( or a countertop anywhere for that matter! )
Limestone is a porous material. In order to give it any durability, limestone has to have several coats of sealer. This also has to be repeated from time to time. It holds up well on walls and occasionally as flooring. The problem is that is stains very easily, even after being treated.
Recently I was in a client's home where limestone had been used as the master bath counter. In just a couple of months, the surface was covered with stains from water, soap, and other grooming necessities. This was in spite of the very meticulous couple who lived there. High-end tile salesmen have sworn that it is perfectly fine for a kitchen counter. I guess this would be for the person who doesn't cook!
Save yourself the future aggravation and choose a non porous material.
Please send your questions to jos.riceinteriors@att.net . In the subject box, fill in 'WCT.'
Joseph Rice is an interior decorator who offers full decorating services. With 23 years of experience, he specializes in 'hard-to-treat' windows. You can reach him at Joseph Rice Interiors, Inc., ( 773 ) 271-2361, or jos.riceinteriors@att.net