ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996             TAG: 9609180002
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: D-1  EDITION: METRO 
COLUMN: anitques & design
SERIES: This is the last of three columns dealing with building a house
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG

NOW THAT YOU'VE BUILT, MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME

We all know that in order to have a sound building, a strong foundation is needed. The same applies for the interior of your home. You need a good foundation of color and texture upon which to build.

The question I'm often asked is, "Where do I start? Do I pick out fabric, then match the carpet? Do I pick wallpaper first, then fabric and carpet?"

The answer is - bottom up. Start with flooring, then walls, then furniture, then windows.

The reason is the choices in fabric wallpaper and paint color are almost endless, whereas the choices in color for carpet are more limited.

Color sets the mood, so think about the type of mood you want. Cool colors - such as sage green - give a fresh feeling. Blues give a soft feeling. Warm colors such as gold give a rich, almost Old World feeling and red gives a very strong, comfortable feeling.

Where your house is built and its site are two factors that define a lifestyle. Go with it, but also throw in an element of surprise - maybe a black and white floor in the kitchen, instead of the wood plank floor that would be expected. Maybe you should paint a wall with a color, let's say forest green, and the rest of the walls are a coffee color with a coffee-colored rug.

The important factor is that it becomes your home, surrounded with colors and items that make you feel good.

Try to think of a theme, and then with color and fabric, bring it alive.

I talk to a lot of people about this, and at first they seem lost, but after a little while they catch on; rather than despair and confusion, I see excitement.

Comfort seems to be right up there. Easy living and low maintenance are definite concerns, too.

Just remember that this is your home. Don't worry about the neighbors, or the in-laws or friends not liking what you've chosen. Once you have come up with a theme, explore your options. Be happy with what you've chosen. Go with it because now your house has become your home.

Kathy Sue Grigg wants to hear your questions, ideas or comments about antiques and designs. Write to her in care of The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.

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