Q We are renovating our master bath, and we want it designed partially open to the bedroom. Do the bedroom and bath colors and decorating have to match?
A I get some of my best ideas from the clever designs I see on my travels. One of the luxurious suites at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Paris has an answer to your decorating dilemma: a frosted-glass partition between the bath and bedroom. The glass panel can be open or closed, as you prefer, but the translucent quality of the glass connects the rooms and allows light to shine through.
Stand-alone (rather than built-in) tubs are very popular now. They can be treated like a piece of furniture, since you can position them anywhere in
A frosted sliding glass partition separates bedroom and bathroom, allowing light to flow freely. (Debbie Travis)
the bath, not just against a wall. A clever decorating trick is to continue a mosaic tile pattern on a wall onto the floor and under the tub.
The styles in your bath and bedroom should complement one another, as in the photo with this column. The regal purple and gold in the bedroom make a lush, classic combination like the white and black in the bathroom. The tiny tiles in shades of black, gray and silver have a subtle sparkle. Both rooms invite luxurious lounging.
The bathroom incorporates materials and solid surfaces while the bedroom emphasizes soft fabrics. Carry a touch of color through each space with towels or accessories, and you will have a great oasis of calm.
Q I live in a home built in the mid-'70s. The kitchen has original Formica countertops that I plan to replace with new composite-type countertops. Formica panels also run along the walls under the cupboards and behind the sink and stove. A contractor suggested covering the Formica rather than pulling it out and redoing the walls. What do you suggest for this kitchen?
A Since you are going to the trouble and expense of replacing the countertops, I suggest that you rip out all the Formica. There will be some patching to do on the walls, but you will then be able to design a new backsplash that complements your counters. If you decide to cover the Formica, then you can put adhesive tiles over it.
Q We have ceiling tiles with a white embossed pattern on a large area of the ceiling. Unfortunately, soon after we installed them ourselves, a leak stained two separate areas of the ceiling. How can we fix the stains with the least amount of hard work. The pattern is no longer available.
A There are paint primers specifically designed to cover stains. Apply two coats of a high-hide primer, allowing them to dry between coats. Then paint the whole ceiling. Be aware though that water damage can compromise the integrity of the tiles, so new paint may not entirely erase the damage. Test a small area first. If painting doesn't work, another option is to mix and match, replacing the damaged tiles and some of the undamaged ones with another pattern so the mismatch looks planned.
