Today (12/2/07), I just caught part of the Philadelphia (Dickinson Street) episode. The room with the stripes had an interesting way to display four art pieces. It looked like a 3D block around the art which tapered back to a point. Were there any "how to" instructions in the show? Are there any instructions on the web site? I did a search that yielded no results. Please and thank you, Kate jkaymb@gmail.com

I’m glad you posted this question because I’ve been stewing on this episode since it aired. The room with the alternating color stripes and art displayed on shelves (and the unique “framing” design you mention) was a not an original concept from the show’s designer. For the origin of the room’s design, see if you can find a copy of Metropolitan Home’s February 2007 issue featuring the country home of designer Todd Oldham. The tour of his home starts on page 94 and you will see those stripes in the same quirky colors, the same art shelves displaying stacked framed art and flat screen TV, and WALLAH, also the really unique all treatment behind some of artwork. Todd created the effect with regular wall paint and odd perspectives and vanishing points, while the show’s designer did her knock-off using a glue-backed vinyl in various colors and wood tones. I generally call these products shelving liner. I could see this actually working although I don’t know how durable it would be long term on a wall without peeling, bubbling or ruining the sheetrock. It would be a good experiment to try.

I recognized the “borrowing” of Todd’s designs as soon as I saw those alternating pink and magenta stripes. I screamed at the TV and ran to get my Met Home where I compared the two and kept screaming NO WAY! Maybe this is just a case of imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. Perhaps the show’s designers routinely copy other artist/designers work and this I the only time I had ever caught on. Had I not been as intrigued and inspired by the brilliant painted walls in that Met Home article I probably would never have noticed otherwise. This just didn’t set well with me…..and still doesn’t. Good luck if decide to tackle your own project!

Geez painter1959, you're a little high strung, eh? Try decaf....