Baby Safety

Dear Melissa:

We’re having a baby soon and I’m trying to childproof everything I can. Can you give us some suggestions about the baby’s room? O.G., California

Dear O.:

First of all, congratulations. This is an exciting time for you.

By now, I’m sure you know all about the outlet covers, cabinet and drawer latches, and car seat and crib safety requirements. You’ll be safer if you are purchasing the latter two new.

There are a few things that you may overlook in the baby’s room, however. Keep the baby’s crib, changing table, and any chairs away from window treatment cords (even the breakaway kind) and any type of bed canopy. If you must use them, be absolutely scrupulous about crib bumpers. They should attach to the crib slats with SHORT ties that Velcro or snap on. (I know this from personal experience.) And keep all bedding and drapery away from the room’s heat source.

Look for dressers that have been weighted at the bottom and can’t topple over. Even better is anchoring the dresser to the wall. (Same goes for bookcases.) Make sure, too, that the dresser drawers have stops and can’t be pulled free. I recommend that you install wall-to-wall carpeting once the baby is old enough to start crawling, to avoid nasty splinters.

Good luck to you. M.A.K.

Dear Melissa:

We just finished picking out cabinets for a new kitchen. We are going to use either a neutral granite or granite-like Corian for the countertops. We would like to create an unusual backsplash and I need some suggestions. D.S., North Carolina

Dear D.:

I am assuming you are planning a full-height backsplash, rather than a 4-5” high one. You probably know by now that your choice of materials is endless, but I’ll share some of my personal favorites with you.

There is nothing simpler nor cleaner looking than continuing the same countertop material up the backsplash or using tile. These can look a little uninspired, though, so I prefer to highlight several key areas along the wall -- such as behind the range, under glass cabinets, and above a planning desk, for example – with accents.

If your kitchen is traditional, the accents can consist of ceramic tile murals or picture-frame molding surrounding contrasting tiles set on a diagonal. When using ceramic tile, decorative molding is also critical.

If your kitchen is contemporary, I suggest either a simple stainless steel backsplash; glass tiles; stone tile with accents of quilted stainless steel or patterned sheet copper, or a combination of ceramic, metal and glass tiles in a collage. Regarding the latter, if you are artistically challenged, just copy some simple modern art of your choosing.

My absolute favorite and signature look is a reverse-painted glass backsplash. The painted design under the glass can be classic, traditional or contemporary. And it’s so unique and cleanable. You will need an artist, however.

If you have difficulty picturing patterns and materials, turn to the many kitchen and bath books on the market for some great visual aides. M.A.K.

Whwn a Vessel Sink Won't Drain

Dear Melissa:

I don’t know if you’ve ever talked about this but we’re having a problem with our very expensive bathroom sink. It’s called a “vessel” sink and it sits like a bowl on top of, not in, the bathroom vanity. I don’t want to admit how much this sink cost us but no matter what we do it won’t drain. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Overflowing and Disgusted

Dear Disgusted:

Oh, honey, been there; done that. Twice. It doesn’t even have to be a vessel sink to do this. I know from experience that an equally expensive marble drop-in sink can have the very same problem. The common denominator is that these sinks are missing the hole that normally handles the water overflow.

It seems this handy little channel also adds much needed air to the pipes. Now, I barely passed Physics, but I know just enough about plumbing to know that for some mysterious physical reason, water can’t drain without the right amount of air. Go figure.

There is an air vent in your bathroom wall that is probably not enough to handle this type of problematic sink. I am assuming that you too did not opt for a pop-up drain. I have tried many suggestions, but only one remedy has worked for me. It’s called a “touch drain”, and it’s similar to a pop up, but more contemporary looking and less expensive. You simply press the disk in the center and it “pops up”, sucking in the much needed air.

Some high-end European manufacturers now build in overflows even in their vessel sinks. You might try one of these next time, if there is a next time.

I hope the touch drain works for you. Otherwise, there’s always the very retro-chic plumber’s helper --- the plunger. M.A.K.

How to Arrange Accessories Like the Retail Magicians

Dear Melissa:

When I go into furniture stores they have everything arranged on tables so nicely. When I try to do it just looks like I dumped a bunch of things on a table. How do I make groupings look good? K.P.

Dear K.:

When trying to create a vignette of accessories, family photos, and the like, it helps to have an eye for composition. Barring that, try these guidelines. Copy what you admired as closely as possible. If you are more confident, group your accessories by type, size, shape, or color – either to relate them to one another or to contrast them. Try to balance the large, dark objects within the arrangement in such a way that your eye travels around them, and is not drawn to just one place. The aim of composition is visual movement and balance. Vary the height of the objects in the grouping to create a more interesting display. Combine tall and short accessories. If you are arranging a collection of objects of roughly the same size, place them at differing heights on top of books or decorative boxes.

If you are still compositionally impaired, remember that “less is more”. Make a statement with just one really impressive accessory on the table, and leave it at that. M.A.K.

Navigating Stairs with Vision Problems

Dear Melissa:

I’m getting on in years and while I can still climb the stairs in my home I have some vision problems and sometimes the stairs look like one solid color to me. My children are worried that I’ll fall. I’m beginning to think they’re right. Is there anything I can do short of moving into a ranch? W. H., Illinois

Dear W.:

Yours is not an uncommon situation, since we baby boomers are all aging (gracefully and otherwise). I’ve actually given a lot of thought to this problem. Good lighting is of course crucial, and rarely provided on staircases I might add. You need to highlight the edge of each tread so that the steps don’t blur together. This can be done in several ways depending on your budget.

Let’s get the two most costly solutions out of the way first. One is to have a carpet installer inset a narrow strip of carpet, in a second color, along the edge of each step; another choice would be to have an electrician light each tread – anything to create definition.

The least costly remedies are to remove the carpeting and stain or paint the edge of each tread. If someone is artistic, this accent strip could be a lovely stenciled design. No matter which solution you choose, get in the habit of keeping your hands free and ALWAYS using the handrail. M.A.K.

When Should You Call in a Designer?

Dear Melissa:

At what point during a project do you recommend working with a designer? Does it have to be from the very beginning, and for the entire project? Couldn’t we just use a retail salesperson, who is free? C.M., Montana

Dear C.:

Naturally if you are undertaking a large, complicated, or costly project, it is a good idea to work with some type of design professional right from the start, as you begin to formulate your ideas. By evaluating your specific taste, budget, and lifestyle, a designer can direct you to the best resources available to meet your specific needs. This will help you avoid costly mistakes. You may or may not need continued assistance, but you can always limit the scope of the project to what your budget can handle.

Unless you are dealing with a very large retailer, I would recommend an independent decorator or designer, rather than in-store help. This has nothing to do with ability; it has to do with options. An independent designer is not limited to the products offered by that one store. Suppose you like a particular chair, but cannot find a fabric in the store that you like. A designer has thousands of fabrics available through showroom accounts. And what if you need carpeting, wallcovering or window treatments to coordinate with the furniture? Again, your choices are unlimited with an independent designer. M.A.K.

Is Being a Decorator Stressful?

Dear Melissa:

Is your job stressful? If so, in what ways?  Do you have any recommendations for someone who wants to get into this career? P.V., Ohio

Dear P.:

Is my job stressful? Too bad you couldn’t hear my uncontrollable laughter when I read your question. Is there any job that isn’t occasionally stressful?

There are a lot of advantages to this field: creativity, variety, not being deskbound, exposure to beautiful things, discounts, etc. On the other hand, there is always the downside of problems re: building codes, deadlines, paperwork, inventory, backorders, discontinued items, dye lots, accounts receivable, subcontractors, and shipping delays, to name but a few. And don’t get me started on the challenges of running a business in this economy!

My recommendation to someone considering this career would be to run away screaming, but I’m obviously a fine one to talk. (I’ll be much more positive after our holiday installations.)

Seriously, this is an enormous field with lots of specialties: residential design, commercial design, interior architecture, furniture design, retail sales, kitchen/bath design, hospitality design, and institutional design, as well as several sub-specialties. I suggest you start by taking a few classes at one of the local colleges. Visit some decorating firms. Read some trade publications.

Once the perceived glamour of this field has been stripped away, and you can see the job underneath, you’ll know if the business of interior design really appeals to you. If it still does, experiment with the different aspects of the field to see what suits you most. Then go for it; we can always use good people in this industry. M.A.K.

Fitting a Square Peg in a Round Hole

Dear Melissa:

We have a corner fireplace in our new family room creating a problem angle. The shape of the room is no longer square, but now has five sides. We don’t want wall-to-wall carpeting covering our beautiful wide-plank floor, but how do we place a rectangular area rug in this weird shape? N.M., Texas 

Dear N.:

You don’t. You could try a round area rug, but unless you are using a round table or a circular seating arrangement, that might be difficult to work with. I would recommend either a bordered area rug from your local carpet store, or a canvas floor cloth painted by a local artist, custom made to fit the contour of your room. This fun shape will accent the architectural interest of the room. Your palette and patterns are limitless. M.A.K.

How to "Senior-Proof" Your Home

Dear Melissa:
My elderly parents are unwell and are coming to live with us. I know how to child proof a house, but how do I “senior proof” it? T.S., New York

Dear T.:

Aging in place and Elderdesign are two of the fastest-growing segments of interior design, and a favorite subject of mine. Assuming your parents are not wheelchair-bound you won’t have to worry about major structural changes, but there are some basic precautions to take.

A decline in your parents’ visual acuity will be the biggest problem. Obviously, you should increase your lighting and make sure there is a color contrast among flooring, walls, and furniture. Excuse my getting personal, but this includes changing a toilet that blends in with similarly colored tiles.

You should also add grab bars in the bathroom. Make sure all stairs have handrails and that the edges of the treads are clearly defined. Remove all throw rugs.

I’m sure your parents would also appreciate it if you replaced two soft, deep chairs with armchairs that have firm seats. What is considered comfortable and inviting changes with age.

Stay tuned for more information on this subject, since eventually we will all need it. In the meantime here are some Internet sites to get you started:

www.aarp.org, www.asid.org, www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/10242.html  M.A.K.

What's Wrong with White Walls?

Dear Melissa:
Why do decorators resent us for having white walls? Maybe we like white walls. R.G., Indiana 

Dear R.:

We have nothing against white walls per se. They can be very effective when chosen deliberately. Sadly, many people ignore this wonderfully colorful world of ours, thinking they are making the “safe” choice. In most of these cases, white walls actually work against them.

Try this experiment: Look closely at a wooden piece of furniture against a white wall. Now slide a piece of colored paper or fabric between the wall and this piece of furniture. Compare the look of the wood. Can you see how the color makes the wood look richer, while the white wall actually strips color from the wood?

I’ll also let you in on a pet peeve of mine. Look at the pictures in your family photo album taken against a white wall. Don’t they look like the background is missing? Wouldn’t your family look better against a richly textured, colorful backdrop?

If you are really timid, just paint your walls a tint of color. Think of your poor furniture and family! M.A.K.

Treat Yourself Well During the Holidays

Dear Readers:

It’s holiday season again. It keeps coming around like clockwork, doesn’t it? Time to turn your home into a refuge from the stress. It’s like preparing for battle, this having to counteract the crowds, shopping, money issues, cooking, relatives, obligations, and year-end deadlines at work. Well, I managed to exhaust myself just thinking about them. Make your home into a sanctuary before it’s too late.

It’s time to set the mood to de-stress when you enter that front door. Clear the decks. Nothing is more peaceful than clutter-free space. Store all extraneous stuff. You’ll be needing space for boots, hats, gloves, packages, and holiday decorations soon enough. Start now and pace yourself.

Add the special touches that help you unwind to my list. Set out fresh autumnal flowers in your kitchen and on your nightstand. Forget “beach” reading; now is the time to stock up on books to read curled up before the fire. Bring in that firewood for final drying. Why not put on a soothing CD, or some holiday music to get you in the mood?

Each weekend fill your home with soothing smells: heat up a pumpkin or apple pie; bake some gingerbread; simmer some soup or stew. Now, that’s my kind of aroma therapy! The nights are getting chilly. Take the time after work to relax in a hot tub with some funky candles and bath salts. Change into fleecy sweats and comfy socks. Get those down comforters and chenille throws out of mothballs. Plump up those bed pillows. How about some new flannel sheets?

If you must leave your sanctuary to shop, carry a book or Walkman with you to survive the long lines at the register. If you have to travel, treat yourself to a travel pillow and comfy throw for the car or plane; and pack a picnic basket with gourmet snacks. Go in comfort for once, and make the best of a bad situation.

You should have everything in place to help yourself relax before those moments of holiday madness strike. Home is your refuge. It’s all about treating yourself well, when you need it the most. Ah, the holidays. M.A.K.

The Holidays Are Coming!

Dear Readers:

Hey, Happy Holidays!

Is it just me or does it feel like we are fast approaching “Halloweenthanksgivingchristmas”? Weren’t they actually three separate occasions once upon a time? And didn’t the season start this week, instead of in JUNE?

Religious considerations aside, as a decorator, I truly appreciate the commercialism of holidays. Retailers -- and yes, decorators -- depend on it for their livelihoods. And as a shopper I am fully onboard, too, but pretty soon we will be “Newyearseveeastermotheresdayfathersdayfourthofjulyhalloweenthanksgivingchristmas” shopping all year long. And don’t get me started on Valentine’s Day.

Some people love to give gifts. Some people love to decorate. Some people love to give gifts and decorate. I am one of these people. I love decking my halls. Ah, ‘tis the season made in catalog heaven. And department-store heaven. And Internet heaven. My heavens.

These “divine” sources constantly bombard us with ideas for decorating; but when it comes to the holidays, some of these suggestions should frankly be ignored. That wonderful design principle, “Less is more” has been replaced with “Too much is not enough.”

Maybe it’s an age thing, but I am noticing a lot of changes, and not all of them for the better. Let’s focus on Christmas decorations. Trends change and just as with clothing, decorations go in and out of style. What I have been noticing lately, however, is that while there are some interesting new twists in the market, consumers still have access to all available styles from the most retro to the extremely avant garde, in order for retailers to survive. Unfortunately, some people are decorating with a mish mash of all the things available to them, and this is a shame.

As a decorator, I have to have an appreciation for all styles. It comes with the job description. I admit that at times I personally have trouble choosing among them, but eventually professional discipline exerts itself and I settle on my look for the year. This is not easy since I have a garage and storage unit full of past decorations – no exaggeration. So, I freely admit it is difficult to choose when faced with everything under the sun, but filling one’s home with a little of everything goes well beyond eclectic into insane-looking. (And those of you who do this know who you are.)

I would like to offer some suggestions to those of you who are overwhelmed each year by too many choices. Keep collecting the holiday decorations you really love. Sigh over them nostalgically as you sort through them each holiday season. Then pick one theme or style for the current year -- and put everything else back! At least group different looks in separate rooms. You will be surprised at how much better --- and dare I say, more professional --- a room looks with a restrained hand.

There are almost too many choices for holiday decorations, but there are some tried-and-true winners. Consider some of my all-time favorites, but first remove all of your non-seasonal accessories to start with a clean canvas:

SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

• A monochromatic room or table – all white, all gold, all silver – you get the picture.
• A retro theme with an aluminum tree, bubble lights, kewpie dolls and kitschy garland.
• Over-the-top trees crammed with things like lamps, dolls, books, toys, utensils, flowers, lace, tinsel, icicles, etc.
• A totally organic winter wonderland – pomegranates, clove-studded oranges, branches of berries.
•  Victorian theme with lots of beaded fruit, dark velvet, pearls, ostrich feathers and lace.
• A country theme with popcorn/cranberry garlands, pinecone or wood ornaments, and gingham ribbons.
• An elegant theme with an all-white tree.
• Tiny white lights on anything.
• Fresh flowers or feathers on a tree.
• A fresh garland up the staircase.
• A fire in the fireplace.
• A personalized wreath or tree, with vintage gardening tools and raffia for the gardener; shells and mini sailboats for the beach-lover; teddy bears for the collector; etc.
• A Lionel train set under the tree.
• A collection of mercury glass.
• Luminaria lighting a pathway.
• A sense of humor, whether it be a Department 56 ornament, or antlers on the dog.

Now, look back over the above list and picture how awful a room would look with a hodge-podge of these styles. Their impact would totally disappear. (Write that down.)

Here are some other really bad ideas that are available nowadays:

SOME OF MY NOT-SO-FAVORITE THINGS (I apologize if you own these, but…)

•  The new upside-down trees. I mean really, is there any value to this gimmick to get you to buy something new?
• It doesn’t even look good stylistically.
• Large, inflatable anything.
• Really cheap, plastic decorations that light up, move, and/or make sounds.PirateS of the Caribbean Santas. Yes, these are really available on the Internet.
• Snow-making machines. I guess these are for people who think they live in Universal Studios.

 Just because it’s available and different, it doesn’t mean you have to buy it. (Write that down, too.)

M.A.K.  

Avoid a Thanksgiving from Hell

Dear Melissa:

I don’t know if you can help with this, but I dread hosting Thanksgiving again this year. How do I avoid another Thanksgiving from hell? K.R., Guilford, CT

Dear K:

Based on the movies and countless books dealing with the subject, I’d say Thanksgiving is a universal problem. I personally think it’s because this is the only mandatory family celebration with no gift-giving to focus on, so it’s pure family dynamics. Or should I say “dramatics”?

I’d approach this the way any good events planner would. Think about the last time you had a wonderful dinner at someone’s house. Unless it was the home of a great chef, it wasn’t the food you’re remembering fondly; it was the atmosphere. Since Thanksgiving is an emotional minefield for most people, my favorite solution is to invite a guest who is unrelated. This completely changes the group dynamics, giving everyone a neutral person to talk to. Plus they have to be on their best behavior in front of a stranger. You can return the favor to this person next year. (And amazingly, this person usually has a great time with your relatives.)

If it’s too late to drag someone in off the street, distract your guests in other ways.

Shake up your tired routines. If you always serve a sit-down meal, have a buffet. If everyone is always crowded into your dining room, set up some tables in the living room in front of the fire. If you opt for a buffet, create a tablescape. To do this you group together any sturdy household objects of varying heights: paint cans, books, solid cartons, upturned pots, etc. Toss one or two cloths over these and tuck them in. This should look like a fabric mountain range. Arrange platters of food on the different levels and intersperse cut flowers, votive candles, etc., among them. This is a very dramatic presentation.

Do something interesting with the dining table. Go to the craft store and pick up pheasant feathers and ostrich eggs. Send your kids out to collect autumn leaves. Pick up some miniature pumpkins and assorted gourds. Arrange all these in a basket for an atypical centerpiece. If you’ve already ordered flowers, scatter some of these among the blooms. By next week, it’ll be dim enough even at midday for candlelight to make an impact. Forget those two anemic tapers from the grocery store and spread 20 unscented votive and pillar candles around the table and room. Just place them strategically so that toddlers don’t keep blowing them out. And if Tabby didn’t head for the hills with the first ringing of the doorbell, don’t worry, I have it on good authority that cats’ tails are self-extinguishing.

Don’t forget soft music. It does “calm the savage breast”. Let the football game play in the other room and provide trays for the fans who can’t wait for the meal to end. (Don’t assume this means males only.) Look at the bright side of this: you’ll be facing fewer people at one time, with another group to join if the current conversation gets unpleasant.

Try to set up everything you can the night before. Then after you stagger downstairs in the predawn gloom to put the turkey in the oven, you can go back to bed for some fortifying rest. When your guests arrive, fix a smile on your face, be unfailingly polite, and accept all your compliments graciously. This is a good year to count your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving. M.A.K.

Should Lamps Be the Same Height?

Dear Melissa:

Should all of the lamps in my living room be the same height, and do you think that the lamps on either side of my couch should match? L. P., KY 

Dear L.:

The two most important things about lamps are (1) that you have enough light where you need it, and (2) that you aren’t looking up at the bulb when seated next to a lamp.

Lamps used as pairs should be the same height and scale, but these still don’t necessarily have to match. When you use lamps of various heights, survey the room to make sure your eye isn’t distracted by a large, showy lamp instead of being drawn to the focal point you intended.

If a lamp is too low, place it on a stack of leather-bound books for more height. Place a lamp that’s too high on a lower table, or try changing its harp or shade. Most rooms could use some height, so don’t exclude floor lamps. Why not consider a grouping of three funky accent lamps of differing heights, just for fun? M.A.K.

Carpet Care

Dear Melissa:

How should I care for a cotton area rug? It’s handmade and fairly expensive. Should I risk washing it? S.M., IL 

Dear S.:

Only if you want a misshapen pile of strings when you’re done. Fragile carpets should be treated professionally with stain repellants, kept out of direct sunlight, rotated regularly, and dry cleaned by a carpet expert. Treat carpets like the investments they are. Good care will prolong their life expectancy. M.A.K.

Quick Consultation?

Dear Melissa:

I’m not sure I want to invest in a decorator, although I need help with colors and mixing some patterns I have. Do decorators just do quick consultations? W.E., VA

Dear W.:

It is rarely cost effective for a decorator to come out to your home or office for just an hour consultation, although some do. You might get lucky if the decorator you want is having a slow spell during this economy, so call and ask. Perhaps the decorator will fit you in between local appointments, if you’re willing to wait. You may be charged a higher fee for a consultation, however; at the very least, offer the obliging decorator a cup of coffee. M.A.K.

Antique or New House?

Dear Melissa:

I’m house-hunting and the unthinkable has happened. I’ve fallen in love with an antique house with crooked walls and slanting floors. My friends are advising me to buy “new”, but my heart says this is the one. What should I do? N.K.., ME 

Dear N.,

Go with your heart, as long as your head agrees.

Of course the antique house has crooked walls and slanting floors. Goodness knows humans settle, too! However, that’s part of the charm. Talk to some owners of antique homes to get a feel for the lifestyle. Wonderful old homes often require concessions to modern living. They can be drafty and noisy (those creaks in the night and clanging pipes.) They require diligent ongoing maintenance, which can be expensive. Of course, if you truly desire an antique home, this is a labor of love.

Make sure you hire a qualified home inspector who specializes in old houses. He/she will understand the peculiarities of such a home’s wiring, plumbing, heating and structural systems. If there are significant problems, consider whether you have the financial and emotional wherewithal to correct them. I recommend waiting at least six months before considering any structural changes that may impact the home’s historical value. Get a feel for how you live in the house first, and always remember why you bought it in the first place. Good luck! M.A.K.

Rotate Your Collections

Dear Melissa:

Help! I keep buying tchotchkes and I can’t stop myself. I pick up mirrors, pottery, ceramics, everything. How do I make sense of this? Should I throw it all away and start from scratch with an idea or color scheme at least? S.B., MD 

Dear S.:

A woman after my own heart! Your collection of “stuff” already has a theme: your personal style. What’s needed is not necessarily an intervention, but a plan.

Collect all of your misfit items from around the house. When you have them all together, group them by their most common element. This may be by material, color, function, etc. Displaying your collections in groups will give them a cohesive look and greater visual impact than scattering them around your house. If your grouping of collectables is all the same height, use stacked books to raise the height of some objects to create a more interesting tableau.

Once you’re happy with the look, STOP. Pack up the rest of your items, and perform the exercise again in 6 months. By rotating your accessories periodically, you’ll be able to refresh your home with the items you’ve packed away, and gain a new appreciation for them. Happy shopping! M.A.K.

Buy New or Recover

Dear Melissa:

We just moved into a new house and our living room furniture looks really tired. It was fairly expensive when we bought it. We don’t know whether we should reupholster it, have slipcovers made, or just start over. We need a professional opinion. P.T., OH 

Dear P.:

This is really a question of budget and the condition of the chair frames. I don’t know how old your furniture is, but if the pieces are wobbly, the webbing beneath the seats is sagging, and the fabric is shredded, you should consider replacing them. Often, you can get a good buy during a local retail store’s seasonal sale.

You don’t have to buy new furniture, however; I have made some great purchases at auctions and consignment stores. Don’t be a snob about used furniture. You already own some. And let’s face it, what are pricey antiques anyway, but really used furniture? This may be the only way you can afford a fabulous piece of furniture, like a china cabinet.

I rarely suggest reupholstery to a client unless the piece of furniture has either a sentimental or an appraised value. Reupholstery, done properly, can be as costly as buying a brand new piece of furniture. This is because the workroom IS creating a new piece of furniture on the original frame. And trust me, craftsmanship counts here. So use the best, not the cheapest.

If the chair frames and seats are still good and provided that you select a reasonably-priced fabric, the least expensive thing to do is to use slipcovers. You can even change these seasonally.

Regarding secondhand furniture, one of my favorite things to do is to buy a $75 chair with fabulous lines, and slipcover it with $600 worth of fabric and trim. It looks like a million bucks while costing far less than a new custom chair. You can afford to be more extravagant with an inexpensive used chair. After all, no one has to know what’s under the skirt.

Once you know how far your budget will stretch, you might use a combination of strategies. M.A.K.

Boring Boyfriend

Dear Melissa:

My boyfriend’s apartment is blue, blue, blue. You’d think there weren’t any other colors out there. I’d like to make it look better. A.S., TN

Dear A.:

Are you sure you want to do this? More importantly, are you sure HE wants you to do this? If he’s amenable to suggestions, tell him that peach/terracotta/pumpkin accents will warm up his color scheme; bright yellow will give it a French Country look; and greens/violets will continue the restful theme. A monochromatic color scheme doesn’t have to be boring, however; just suggest that he vary the shades of blue and add lots of texture.

I wish you both luck with this. M.A.K.