Finding the fun in functional

THE CHALLENGE

“Help!” wrote Genevieve Contey. “I bought a one-bedroom in D.C. and am having a difficult time figuring out how to decorate.” The room is 13 by 17 feet and must function as a living and dining area.

Loading...

Comments

• Weigh In
• Corrections?

Personal Post

• 
• 

( SPLURGE/ SAVE ) - Lampert lounger ($2,945, www.jonathanadler.com); Jasper custom 71-inch studio sofa in Vance indigo ($1,400, www.roomandboard.com)

More on this Story

• House Calls: Design advice for making over your space
• Sophisticated but family friendly living room
• Reviving a lifeless living room
• Finding the fun in functional

View all Items in this Story

• Amazing grays, how sweet the sight
• Try to lighten up down there
• Far-sightedness in a long living room
• Decorating a living room to make a good first impression
• A makeover for the bedroom
• A table by the window, please

THE SOLUTION

By using multipurpose furniture and blending bold and neutral colors, designer Zoe Feldman creates a chic and cozy living space for relaxing and entertaining. (Dining area not shown.)

Click through the before-and-after photos above and read the captions for more information.

—Paint walls and trim one color to make the room feel bigger (Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath.)

—An oversize mirror opens up the narrow space by serving as a makeshift window.

—Paint doors a high-gloss black to unify them with the dark frames on the windows and sliding doors.

—Clear glass and Lucite furniture are good choices for small spaces; they take up less visual space.

—Curtain panels mounted just beneath the ceiling give height to the room.

—A bold color daybed adds depth to the room and warmth to the windows and creates a focal point.

—Add a console to display a TV or set up a wet bar.

Designer Zoe Feldman, of Zoe Feldman Design, (202-719-8062) is based in the District.

Do you have a design challenge? Send photos, room dimensions and contact information to makeover@washpost.com.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Furniture:

·Azure sofa in Whitney Sky ($1,800, Crate and Barrel)

·Peekaboo clear coffee table ($250, CB2)

·Macau armchair in antique white ($250, Ballard Designs)

·Chinese garden stool in light blue ($130, Wisteria)

·Venice console ($1,250, Horchow)

Lighting:

·Arteriors Royalton sconce in nickel ($408, Lighting Cellar)

Accessories:

·Flokati rug, 8 by 10 feet ($545, Serena & Lily)

·Hibiscus wall mirror ($1,495, Plantation Design)

·Silk pole-pocket window panel in ivory, 96 inches ($99, West Elm)

·Turquoise pillow cover from Chic Decor Pillows ($40, Etsy)

·Ikat pillow, purple ($75) and Keep Calm and Carry On pillow ($30) from Well Appointed House.

Visit Zoe Feldman’s Web site to see more of this design.