Natural materials have timeless style

DEAR DEBBIE: We are renovating our main-floor powder room, and would like it to have the same modern character as the rest of the house. What do you think about vessel sinks? Will they go out of style quickly? — Danielle

DEAR DANIELLE: There are décor elements that move in and out of fashion, but organic shapes and natural materials have great staying power. They are timeless.

I designed this small powder room for a home with a distinctly contemporary ambiance. Exquisite details transform the tiny space.

The glass-bowl sink sits like a sparkling jewel on a richly stained wood vanity. The serene blue-green of the vessel is picked up in the wallpaper, which has an organic pattern that flows gently with the lines of the wall-mount faucet and taps. The brushed-nickel finish on the taps and vanity light is stylish and sophisticated.

This small room creates a big impact and is a place that guests will visit. Take the time to search for the most superb sink you can afford. Tempered-glass vessel sinks are available in round, oval and square shapes. Along with ceramic and steel vessels, they have become a true art form.

DEAR DEBBIE: When my son moved into his first apartment, he purchased a sisal rug at a greatly reduced price. He discovered that it had discolored spots, which he has been unable to get out. Can sisal be painted or dyed? It’s a straw color with deeper toned discolorations. Thank you. — Kim

DEAR KIM: Sisal is a natural fiber and absorbs dyes easily, unless the carpet has been treated with a sealer. Since the carpet has stains, this is unlikely.

You also can paint sisal. Decide on a color, and why not choose a pattern or a border contrast? You don’t have to paint the whole carpet. A pattern such as stripes, squares or a stenciled motif will camouflage any difference in shading.

Tape off and cover up the spaces in the carpet you do not want painted. Press the tape down carefully. If you are using a stencil, spray the back with stencil spray adhesive and hold it down while you are filling in the pattern with paint. Use spray paint and apply a liberal amount. Allow 12 to 24 hours to dry completely. Seal the carpet with an acrylic spray sealer.

DEAR DEBBIE: I have an empty room in my home that I would like to reflect me, but don’t know where to start. Money is an issue. I’d like a desk for a computer and bookshelves, but I’d also like room for projects (I love to scrapbook). I have two grandchildren and need some storage space for their toys. This is the first decorating I’ve done on my own, and I’m excited and nervous. — Becky

DEAR BECKY: I imagine this room to be multipurpose — a small part of it for personal work and correspondence, as you mention the computer, but also a playroom for you and your grandchildren. I’d start with a big table; you can make one inexpensively by laying a hollow core door on trestle legs. It would be the right size for the three of you to scrapbook, do puzzles or art and work or play on the computer.

If you have or can find a storage unit, this would be best for all the craft supplies and toys. Otherwise, you can make do nicely with metal brackets and boards for open shelves. Pick your favorite color to paint the walls — lavender blue, daisy yellow or even a wall of orange that you can utilize as a backdrop for the kids’ artwork.

Paint is the simplest way to completely transform a room, and the easiest to redo. Take a deep breath, and go for it.

Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis.com.