“How Do I Create An Elegant Look In A Small Space?”
By Margot Gunther
Q: The hallway in our house is drab and boring. It is long, but not wide enough to do anything interesting with, such as incorporating a desk or a reception table. Is there anything that I can do to remedy this situation?
Elyse Joseph
Evanston, Illinois

A: Arm yourself with a great deal of imagination and an open mind and give yourself one half day at your local wallpaper store, and I’m sure that you will find a solution to your problem. The bookshelf wallpaper in this photo, for example, creates a warm and interesting area, without taking up any space in the process. One thing that I have found is that busy and intricate patterns can soften a boxy or boring space. Here, the lines and geometric shapes of the “shelves” do a good job of breaking up the space and making it feel warmer and more intimate. Put the paper above the doors as well as the walls so that it isn’t such a hodgepodge of patterns. A solid-color wall in an adjoining room, like the dark red shown here, holds the whole thing together. A small telephone table really does not take up space and the chair can do double-duty when needed in the dining room.

Q: We have moved into a smaller space than I am used to and now must multi-function some of the rooms. I like an elegant look, but how do I achieve this in a limited area?
Nancy Zybriski
Brooklyn, New York

A: We are all fortunate that this is a time when more and more manufacturers are realizing that there is a call for elegant products, like the truly lovely wallcoverings and fabrics shown in the photo—the very essence of French country. To get the look, find a small square table that has some character and can stand on its own, but which also will do double-duty for small suppers or a game of cards. Find unusual chairs with character, and remember: No one ever said all dining chairs must match each other. Try using two different sets of chairs or even four that are each different. Give your windows a tall, elegant look with an intricate print, and place a collection of framed artwork between them. A small chandelier also will set the tone, as does the Aubusson-type carpet. With the wealth of resources available today, it is easy to create a jewel-like setting like the one shown here.
Q: My husband is semi-retired and we have purchased a condo in Florida. This condo is on the grounds of a golf course and space is at a minimum. My husband does want to continue to work. Is there a way to set up office space for him without disrupting the whole place?
Paula Peterson
Stuart, Florida

A: To start with, locate a small space that is out of the way. A hall would be ideal. Look to the photo for ideas: First, define the space with a wide wallpaper border. Pick a lighthearted one like the border shown here. Place it at chair-rail height; above the border use a coordinating paper. In your case, the golf-ball theme is perfect. Remember not to be too serious. Enlist the service of an old desk or go in search of a good (inexpensive) reproduction. Just because the space is an office, that doesn’t mean the desk has to be steel or heavy wood. Ideally, there will be a spare closet, even a linen closet, that you can adapt to hold files, stationery, equipment, etc. Find a nice lamp and a non-office type chair, and you’ll find that you have created an interesting hall corner that will welcome guests without betraying its true function. All it takes is a little planning and some organizational skills to create a home office to please you and your husband alike.
Editor’s Note: Margot Gunther, ASID, is a designer who has worked on residential interiors, country inns and restaurants.