I told you earlier that I had a really bad experience with a color consultant and didn't have much luck with Maria Killam, but then found an artist who was amazing. She helped me figure out my issues and taught me how to create a whole home color palette. She was not doing any consulting work for some time - I believe it had something to do with a non-compete agreement when Valspar/SW bought her business. (Devine Color). She is now doing consultations and launching a new paint line in Feb 2021! Her name is Gretchen Schauffler and can be reached through her website gretchenschauffler.com. I cannot think of anyone who has better vision and could do a better job of advising you on color. Excerpt from her e-mail: Here is my menu: My consultations are all done through FaceTime or Zoom. For exteriors, I have you show me the home or building, along with street views, while we discuss all things considered. For interiors I do the same, starting at the front door. Once we have a crystal clear picture of the best colors and color palette application, I then provide suggested paint colors. By combining your personal color history and project into a well-blended palette my process will either confirm what you knew all along or send you off in a new amazing color direction you never thought of. $250 for RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS up to 2500 SQFT. $500 up to 5000 SQFT for a full-color palette. Beyond that, price is quote-based. $250-500 for SINGLE RESIDENTIAL EXTERIORS. includes Photoshop images of proposed ideas. Pricing depends on number of images. MULTIPLE DWELLING EXTERIORS such as apartment, condos, and commercial buildings are quote-based. I am also available at an hourly rate to assist on design and architectural projects. I bill through VENMO to be paid prior to our appointment.

MDF is very durable everywhere, except in bathrooms near the tub/shower where people aren't careful about not getting water on the floor. I have MDF throughout my house and in 20+ years the only problem has been right next to the tub in the guest bathroom where the MDF got damaged from water puddles due to sloppiness. I replaced it with finger-jointed wood with the same profile to avoid this problem in the future.

Yes, I ordered a Safavieh jute, very long runner rug from Home Depot when I was staging my house and needed something fast. It was the only one with the perfect measurements for my awkward hallway. I had no problems with the rug or the service from Home Depot.

I had an equally wonky situation with a 170 year old house, with insanely shallow windows, and didn't want to cover window trim. I would go with roller shades or cellular. I think curtains and romans will feel too stuffy and too much fabric for the nice, clean architectural vibe you have going on here. But, I totally get not wanting to have ugly cassettes mounted on your trim. Would you mind some kind of custom cornice box in which these are housed? What if it were wood and painted the same color as your trim and only stuck out from your wall 2"? Here's one I found in a tutorial. If it were painted to blend in it could look much nicer than a cassette.