Home briefs

By Times staff

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 13, 2000

After years of recommending trendy counter treatments for your kitchen, some experts are backing away. American Homestyle and Gardening magazine polled 11 top designers for their advice on everything from appliances to flooring to storage. Here's what they had to say about countertops. Ceramic tile? "Avoid it at all costs -- you'll never be able to keep the grout joints clean," says architect Sally Cernik Weston of Hingham, Mass. Granite? "It's too cold and shiny. But if you must, opt for a honed finish to soften and warm up its appearance," say David Mullman and Patti Seidman, New York architects. Softer stones? "Marble and limestone are prone to staining, and slate is susceptible to scratches," says designer Alice Hayes of Stamford, Conn. Solid surface? "Probably the most trouble-free, but also the most uninteresting if used on every work surface," says designer Kathleen Donohue of Portland, Ore.

Summer Citrus breeze

As the summer heat comes on, cool things off with these citrus-flavored oscillating desk fans from Windmere. The Citrus Cooler Fans come in tangerine, kiwi, pineapple, lime, plus cobalt blue, sky blue and violet. The fans are 7 inches tall, ideal for a desktop or kitchen counter, and retail for under $15 at mass-merchant, discount and specialty stores.

Yet another season to give

It's the spring and summer gift season: Mother's Day (which is Sunday!), Father's Day, weddings and graduations. Americans buy more than 47 gifts a year, almost one a week, according to a survey by Lenox (makers of china, silver and other giftware). TV personality Katie Brown, the company's gift spokeswoman, offers these tips: Make mental notes throughout the year of things people mention that they'd like to have. Keep a log of presents given each year so you'll remember what you gave and avoid duplication. Start early: When you see the perfect gift for someone, buy it. Accumulate gifts throughout the year: You'll save time, last-minute stress and money. Designate one closet shelf or a box to stockpile gifts. If an unexpected gift-giving occasion pops up, you'll have something on hand.

English pottery here at home

If gift-shopping is on your list of things to do today (see above), you may be glad to know that Bridgewater pottery, made in a Victorian factory in Stoke-on-Trent, England, is now available locally, at the Rose Cottage, 146 Fourth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. The line includes mugs, teapots, bowls, plates, canisters and casseroles, with charming designs and words painted on them. Prices start at about $20 for baby mugs, $22 for coffee cups and saucers, $75 for a teapot. They're imported by Susan and John Rebillot of St. Petersburg, whose company, The European Home Interiors, offers "a touch of Tuscany, a taste of Provence, a corner of England."

-- Compiled by Homes editor JUDY STARK

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