Spray imitates effect of etching cream

DEAR DEBBIE: Our condo has mirrored closet doors in the bedrooms, which we really don't like. What can I do to cover them? I've thought of papering or even painting them the same color as the walls. The master is painted deep gold with Indian-style bedding that's burgundy, rust, silk and gold accents and a wood floor. -- Cheryl

DEAR CHERYL: This is a very common challenge in new condominiums and homes built in the '80s. The mirrored doors are meant to create a feeling of space in these small rooms, as well as reflect lots of light. But the size can be a bit much.

Here are a few suggestions. There are glass films on the market that come in many colors and patterns. You have your choice of opaque or partial transparency depending on the look you want. These films peel off when you move or are ready for a new style.

I wouldn't paint, as it will chip in time and is difficult to remove.

Your room sounds rather exotic with the color scheme and Indian-style bedding. Why not continue the bohemian style on the doors with some etched-glass designs? You will find etching cream or spray at craft stores. Buy or cut out a stencil and follow the manufacturer's directions for using the cream. Because the cream eats away at the glass, this is not reversible. However, there is also an imitation etching fluid that will frost the mirror without permanently marking it. This is a good idea for rental spaces and windows, and would work well on your mirrors.

Cut out your designs on sticky backed paper and press firmly onto the mirror so that the edges will be clean. Spray the imitation etching fluid over the whole surface of the mirror. Remove the pattern (use a sharp knife to lift the edges). The design will be clear, while the rest of the mirror will be frosted. You can clean the mirror with regular glass cleaner. If the frosting needs to be removed, a wipe with methyl hydrate will do the job.

DEAR DEBBIE: I'm trying to make a decision about paint colors for a three-room cabin in New Mexico. Two of the rooms have high ceilings that are both slanted. Someone suggested using a paint that has some red in it to pick up the sunsets. What is the effect of painting the ceilings and/or painting the long wall a different color? I would greatly appreciate some color choices and placement parameters. -- Jane

DEAR JANE: New Mexico is known for its love of bright colors, vivid reds and blues, saturated earth and clay tones.

I would start by giving the slanted ceilings a white wash in driftwood whites. For the long wall, choose a fabulous shade of terra-cotta. The other walls can be as bold or subdued as you like. Try more pastel shades of blue, yellow or green for the bedroom. Or keep the walls white and add color bursts with artwork and accessories.

DEAR DEBBIE: We have a basement that we use as a rec room and a dining room. The sofa colors are blue and maroon. The room is long, but not very wide or high (the ceiling is 7 feet 2 inches). How can we break up the long wall (41 feet) to divide the room a little bit? -- Susan

DEAR SUSAN: You will want two seating areas, one for dining and one for lounging. Why not hang a picture gallery on the wall at a point where one space ends and the other begins? This will become a focal point for both sections, but will take up no floor space.

Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis
.com. You can follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis.