FIRST-TIME FURNISHING
We recently purchased a new house and are about to invest, for the first time, in "real" furniture. We live in California and our lifestyle is open and casual, so we don't want to he overwhelmed with a lot of upholstery. However, we do want the look to be "grown-up" and also to have some style.
Lisa Peterson
San Clemente, California

This picture from Palacek is a perfect example of how you can achieve a room that is livable without being "done" from soup to nuts. This is a particularly handsome group of rattan furniture; it does not resemble the cutesy, Victorian pieces you might think of when I mention wicker or rattan. It bears more than a close resemblance to mission furniture, with its simple lines, wide arms and classic bases. A sectional can be very useful — used as it is here or turned into a sofa with a separate corner chair and ottoman. You can also take one of the pieces and combine it with the ottoman to create a chaise. A recent trend is to use an ottoman as a coffee table (be sure that it is large enough and has a flat top, or it will become a nuisance). Since it is a large investment, why not wait for the rug or carpeting until you are sure of what you want. A well-finished floor, as here, will make its own statement. Remember, when starting out to buy furniture for the first time, that not everything needs to be accomplished at once; proceed (or don't) at your own pace.
LIGHT IT RIGHT
I live in an older house and it's dark, dark, dark! Can you help?
Carrie Gross
Summit, New Jersey

I hate to say it, but some houses are just dark. However, all is not lost. Before I go into extensive and expensive solutions such as installing ceiling lights and replacing windows, let's address a relatively inexpensive and effective solution. Let's look at your lamps. I have found that some of the most effective lamps can be the least expensive. Many people make the mistake of buying lamps that are much too small and short — suitable only for a boudoir. Make sure that you have substantial-size lamps: columns, candlesticks, Chinese ginger jars or big pots. They not only make a statement; they also light up your room. Don't be too fancy or have cute figurines; save the fussy details for accessories. Granted, a dark green or black shade can be dramatic and handsome, but it also can cut way down on the light. Nine times out of ten, it is better to have a translucent shade so that the light goes sideways into the room, as well. Note: When you are sitting, the bottom of the shade should be just below eye level to get the best light and to avoid glare in your eyes.

PERSONALIZE WITH PAINT
I've just moved into an apartment that has the typical landlord gray/white walls, ceilings, etc. I don't want to spend a great deal, but I am willing to invest my elbow grease and some paint to make it more distinctive and less like a drab box. Any suggestions?
Luci Leigh
Boston, Massachusetts

One of the most effective and least expensive tools at our disposal is paint. One of my basic rules is that ceilings walls and trim should never be painted the same color. Contrasts and accents always spark up colors, so that a blue or green wall will always be more vibrant with a white ceiling and trim. Your easiest solution would be to leave the walls and paint the ceiling, trim and baseboards a white-white. You'll be surprised what a difference just this small change will make. It's really up to you concerning how much you want to do. A moss green wall with linen white trim and a really white ceiling would be effective. Not knowing more about your apartment, lifestyle and furnishings, I hesitate to be more specific on colors, except to say remember that it's the contrast that counts.

Editor’s Note: Margot Gunther, ASID, is a designer who has worked on residential interiors, country inns and restaurants; her work has been featured in top decorating magazines, as well. Additionally, she has a great deal of experience in renovation and restoration and an extensive knowledge of all designer resources.