Home & Garden

Dear Debbie: I am renovating my upstairs bathroom and want it to be basic black and white, but am looking for a color to paint the walls that will give it a bit of a modern edge. — Emelia

Dear Emelia: A basic black-and-white palette is timeless — it is as modern as it is traditional. Any color will stand out when paired with this versatile duo. Lighting fixtures can also update a room. These modern vanity lights are designed to shed light laterally, which is more flattering, and the glass shades are interchangeable and stylish.

Dear Debbie: I'm on the board of a large condominium building, and it's time to redecorate the outer and inner lobbies and long first-floor hallway. The dilemma is between wallpaper and paint. Which is more practical for this busy space? — Ann

Dear Ann: Decorating by committee can be quite the challenge. There are pros and cons that are more aligned with the look of paint versus wallpaper than the practicality, because they can both be practical. I would go for a compromise. Look at the new embossed paintable wallpapers. There are both modern and traditional designs, and the raised pattern will add a beautiful dimension to the halls. Paint the outer lobby in a semi-gloss or even a high-gloss sheen. The higher the sheen, the more durable and washable it is. Dress up the inner lobby with the paintable wallpaper. Paint it the same color as the outer lobby, and then mix a glaze in a darker shade (dark-brown works nicely) and rub it over the pattern, wiping it back so that the dark glaze remains in the nooks and crannies and highlights the design. For the long hallway, split the walls, running paper along the top third, and paint the lower section.