Seating several in a small space
Dear Debbie: We have a small dining area in our new townhouse that is beside the living room, all one space. We love to entertain, and want to be able to seat six to eight people around the table. Have you any ideas for seating? — Jessica
Dear Jessica: In a small space such as your combined living and dining room, it is advisable to keep the color palette and style unified. The dining table should complement other tables in the living area.. However, mix-and-match seating is very popular today; it's no longer necessary to have six or eight identical dining chairs. A more casual and eclectic approach is a good solution for your room.
To maximize on seating around the table, why not go for one long bench, or two or three single-seat benches? These backless seats take up less space visually; when you and your guests are seated in the living room, your view of the dining area isn't chopped up by a row of chair backs. Also, a bench takes up less physical space, and stretches the number of people that can sit around the table when your party unexpectedly grows.
Upholstered seat pads add comfort and color. This is a great way to dress up a bench simply.
Dear Debbie, We are downsizing from a 10-room house to a two-bedroom apartment. It is painted beige throughout, and they discourage painting. What other options are there for wall color? — Marcia
Dear Marcia: Why not utilize the rich color, pattern and textures that you find in art? Moving from a large home, I imagine you have a wonderful collection of art and photography from which to choose. You can have your own custom art by transferring one or a collection of photos onto canvas. For the bedroom, you could hang a beautiful quilt on the wall. You'll be amazed at how quickly the beige walls become a neutral background that brings cohesion to your fully personalized, new apartment.
Dear Debbie: I just bought my first condo — a small one-bedroom unit, and I want to decorate it in a beach look. I need help putting this all together, what furniture to buy, what colors to use, how to set it up. Can you please advise me? — Michael
Dear Michael: Be a little careful with themed rooms — you need only a few elements to give the look of the story you are trying to tell. In this case, I would choose a color palate of delicate blues for the walls, lots of fresh white trim, white sheers to give a breezy effect, and some splashes of sharp, fun citrus green or yellow for accessories such as throws and pillows. Beach style is also about texture, so pick up garage-sale finds — an old wood coffee table or planks for shelving.
