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May 2007
Dear Divas,
I have too much art and not enough wall space in the main part of my home. Can a bathroom handle paintings or other kinds of art without looking pretentious? Art Lover in Arkansas
Tracy:
Sure, as long as the pieces can handle a little humidity. I wouldn't put Aunt Tillie's gold-framed Victorian watercolors in there, but protected reproductions, oil or acrylic paintings, three-dimensional pieces - even pretty plates - can be beautiful and distinctive decorations.
Della:
If you have room, you could put up a small shelf - even an antique one. Then you can change your smaller art pieces when the spirit moves you.
Tracy:
My sister even changes her shower curtain to match the seasons - so why not change your art, too? It's not pretentious to be creative. We're only limited by our imaginations. Be unique!
Dear Divas,
My main bathroom is decidedly 1970s. I've painted the walls, but I'm scared to paint the dark wood-like cabinets. Do you have a reasonable cost-saving suggestion?Puzzled in Podunk
Tracy:
Be brave - you can do it! New cabinets may not be in your budget, but paint is, so use it.
Della:
I suggest you take off the knobs and handles and, after measuring the width between the handle holes, throw them away. That way you won't be tempted to use them, again. Do the same thing with the hinges if they're obviously ugly or rusty.
Tracy:
Wash the cabinets thoroughly with TSP (trisodium phosphate) following the directions on the box or bottle. Believe me, use protective gloves or you'll have lobster claws for hands. You might have to sand lightly and the first coat should be a primer that seals. Next, use a finishing color that's a tone or so away from the color you painted that walls and it's goodbye yucky brown. Add matching knobs and handles that say, "I'm new and I'm classy!"
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