Open Thread 336

Design Advice: 5 cents...

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Anyone have any advice on finding an inexpensive solid colored rug? I'm looking for a dark brown rug, maybe 8' X 10' and am surprised how difficult this is to find. Most rugs I'm finding are either patterned or prohibitively expensive. I'm starting to wonder if I should just buy a piece of carpeting and have some trim put on the edges. Thoughts?

posted by JennyinDC on 2006-12-20 10:12:11

A remnant will be cheaper, and any place that sells them can bind the edges for you.

posted by matilda on 2006-12-20 10:46:53

Remnants are a great way to go. I bought a 9' X 11' piece of wool berber and had it bound, and it cost only about $500, padding included. Found mine at Georgetown Carpet, 7828 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-654-0202.

posted by Clyde on 2006-12-20 11:04:54

Having a builtins made up for family room to imitate a gibbings piece I've been coveting. Should we paint it white or have it done in mahogany (and maybe stain it dark?)? Can anyone rec. a good paint guy who does 'piano finishes'?
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=110238

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=90298

posted by loli on 2006-12-20 11:19:14

Does anyone know if it is okay to paint a bathroom instead of tiling. And if so, what paint to use.

posted by Mimmi on 2006-12-20 12:07:02

Mimmi, you can paint a bathroom (but obviously not a shower!). You should use a semi-gloss or gloss paint as those hold up better with moisture.

posted by Max on 2006-12-20 12:10:03

But I'v seen painted showers, and I love the look. Woud it be possible to use elastomeric paint, you think? Thanks Max!

Mimmi

posted by Mimmi on 2006-12-20 12:13:32

JennyinDC: I'm going to order a rug from this company once I get the money for Christmas -
http://www.csnrugs.com/Nourison-Rugs-C8042T3.html

They seem to always have free shipping and no tax, depite what it says on the site as having a deadline.

Good luck!

posted by skywaykate on 2006-12-20 12:32:39

I've never seen a painted shower that held up. But to be honest I've not been looking. The only paints I've known to stand up to constant contact with water are either varnishes (not really paints, and even they need to be wiped down quickly), and marine paints that you probably don't want to have too much contact with. I guess you could paint a wall and then try to varnish it.

posted by Max on 2006-12-20 13:19:16

I read about Alcro paint,
http://www.alcro.se/pro/Pdfs/Inomhus/Vackra_badrum.pdf

but don't know how to get it here in the us. Any suggestions?

Thx!

posted by Mimmi on 2006-12-20 14:34:18

Mimmi,

I love the link you posted. If that paint holds up to water just think of the savings in tile and installation of tile! I'd love to know more about it.

posted by Reef on 2006-12-20 16:20:23

I know!!!

It's a swedish product but i don't think it sells in the Us. I hope someone has info on it. I sent an email to the company and waiting for a reply. Will keep you posted.

posted by Mimmi on 2006-12-20 17:18:20

Mimi,
For bathroom walls, I would recommend a paint sold specifically for kitchens and bathrooms. Benjamin Moore's is an eggshell finish that is easy to use and has a low odor. The paint is formulated to supposedly resist mold and mildew. I like it because I can easily wash the walls.

For a shower, I wonder if a marine grade paint (used for boat exteriors) would be an option.

posted by alex on 2006-12-20 18:02:18

Can you spray paint a lamp shade with regular spray paint? will it crack?

posted by Ana on 2006-12-20 21:11:12