Q: On one of your shows I saw you painting an embossed tin backsplash. I love the idea, knowing that I don’t have to change the whole backsplash if my colour tastes change — I can just repaint.

Answer: Embossed tin sheets are not only decorative; they are also practical. They’ll last forever with the occasional coat of fresh paint. Plenty of patterns are available. Patterned tin was ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have created a gentle and cordial debate about the use of top sheets: When patterned sheets are used, does the print go face up or down? Since it usually gets covered by a ...