Not just child’s play
Q. We are planning our new baby’s room and would like to purchase furniture and a carpet that will last at least 10 years. Is it possible to decorate so that a nursery will work as a young child’s room too? – Madelaine
A. Yes, and this is a very good plan. Furniture makers have taken large strides to create pieces that grow with the child: crib turns into junior and single bed, dresser with changing table on top, safe and comfy armchairs for mommy to feed baby that your growing child will later curl up in to read and play. Color plays a big part in your design, and since paint is so easy to refresh, you can switch up the room’s character when the time is right.
Your baby will spend many hours on the floor, sitting, crawling and playing … sometimes even taking a quick nap between adventures. You’ll want to select a carpet that is safe (nonslip), soft, warm and durable. One very clever option is a modular carpet system called kinder GROUND. Carpet sections come in three shapes: hexagons, triangles and diamonds. Each shape is available in six patterns and five solid colors. Your design possibilities are limitless as the shapes fit together seamlessly. Shown here is a large carpet in the shape of a hexagon created with six separate triangles; the circle patterns have been planned to match up at the edges, but also stand alone as an individual design.
Kinder GROUND carpets are family friendly with designs that are not just appropriate for children’s rooms, but also for a den, living room or as a runner for a hallway. You can create your own carpet designs on their website, www.kinderground.net. Made from natural materials, their carpets are 100 percent New Zealand wool and backed with Econet (rubber and jute) for a nonslip barrier.
Q. I have a big headache in the shape of my teenage son’s bedroom walls, which are covered in lyrics and quotations all written in permanent marker. I’ve applied two coats of paint, and the marker has bled through. I’d prefer to paint, but will go with wallpaper if that is what you suggest. Your advice will be followed to the letter; I love your work. – Brenda
A. The right primer is the solution you are looking for. Ask your paint store what they suggest as a high-hide paint primer. It should state on the label what it will cover. I have used BIN primer to cover and seal in stains. For serious stains, I apply one coat, let dry and apply a second coat. Then paint. If you go with wallpaper and don’t seal in the marker first, it will bleed through the paper.
Q. My kitchen is extremely small and laid out poorly. To improve the look and feel of the space, I have read that a mirrored backsplash would help. Do you have any other ideas? – Dianne
A. I adore mirrored backsplashes for three reasons. They immediately update a kitchen, they are super practical, as they are so easy to keep clean, and the mirror’s reflective power will make your small kitchen look bigger. You can buy mirrored tile in large or small squares or have it cut to size. If installing it yourself, be careful of sharp edges.
Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.