Design Dilemmas

The Smallest Room In The House molded tile cabinetry

By Megan Bello

DILEMMA: SMALL ROOM One option is to go bold. Decorator Carol Poet recommends doing this with statement pieces and dramatic lighting. At left, Poet used molded tile; at right, ornate cabinetry.

The Smallest Room In The House antique furniture

DILEMMA: SMALL ROOM Another way to go bold is to reuse a piece of antique furniture as a sink cabinet. At left, she reworked a vintage desk with a marble counter. At right, she paired a Gothic mirror with an old Welsh dresser.

Small Room With No Windows lighting mirror

DILEMMA: DARK ROOM Carol's secret weapon is to "hang a large mirror, to give the illusion of depth." Be sure to "position your lighting nearby, so that the mirror can reflect it."

Making 2 Rooms from 1 Large Open Space focal point

DILEMMA: OPEN SPACE One option is to "find the focal point." Here, she made the fireplace the focus and designed a living space around it. Then, she added artwork to a secondary area, giving it a life of its own.

Large Open Space windows

DILEMMA: OPEN SPACE Another option: "Decide how to divide the space based on entrances, exits, windows and outlets," says Carol. "Center each room with lighting and then choose furniture in well-balanced colors and textures."

Awkward & Narrow Space bookshelves

DILEMMA: AWKWARD SPACE This space is quite narrow, with a wall of windows. Carol chose to make use of the area around the windows with seats and bookshelves, creating a cozy library nook.

Where to put the flat screen TV

DILEMMA: THE LARGE FLAT SCREEN Everyone's favorite family piece. Here, Carol decided to visually anchor the TV over a cabinet with a "strong" presence.