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To create height with low, angled ceilings, paint with light shades of creamy neutrals. Good candidates are Benjamin Moore's Philadelphia Cream on the walls, Mannequin Cream on the ceiling and Linen White on the woodwork.

Replace the carpeting with laminate flooring in a light honey color. Wilsonart's Estate Plus in Northern Birch is one option. This flooring has a sound barrier layer, ideal for an attic. Available at the Carpet Yard in McLean (703-893-7555).

Set up a dedicated work area with a pair of Pottery Barn Bedford corner desktops and CPU cabinets in mahogany ( http://www.potterybarn.com/ , $249 for each unit) placed back-to-back and overlooking the yard. A cabinet on either side would provide storage for supplies. Add aLila Table Lamp from Target ( http://www.target.com/ , $119.99 each) on each desk, and swivel chairs such as Scan's Dyce model ( http://www.scanfurniture.com/ , $779) -- hers in red microfiber, his in camel leather. Swing-arm floor lamps between the sofa and L of each desk could be used as reading light for both the sofa and work area. Try the George Kovacs Halogen Pharmacy lamps from Lamps Plus ( http://www.lampsplus.com/ , $139.99 each).

Create space for overnight guests by centering a sleeper sofa in front of the desks, facing into the room. Crate & Barrel's Troy Queen sleeper sofa in mocha microfiber ( http://www.crateandbarrel.com/ , starts at $1,399) would work well. Add Tuscan red and gold throw pillows.

Use a pair of hexagonal trunks in front of the sofa instead of a bulky coffee table. The Lijang red trunks from Pier 1 Imports are nice ( http://www.pier1.com/ , $225 each). Place a coordinating cabinet on the wall adjacent to the door for additional storage for books and files ($350). Place one or two three-shelf bookcases on the long wall.

Anchor the seating area with a rug. Take a look at the Clouds carpet in golds and reds, from Modern Rugs ( http://www.modernrugs.com/ , $1,349).

Replace the blinds with Roman shades. Turner likes Smith and Noble's natural bamboo shades mounted inside the window frame. Select the top-down option for the windows over the desk ( http://www.smithandnoble.com/ ).

Transform the alcoves into dressing areas for guests. Center a mirror on an inside wall flanked by hooks. Place a stool in front of each window. Check out Pier 1's Mandarin mirror ($150) and stool ($150). Add a plug-in Marina sconce from Lamps Plus ($129.99).

Take down the fan . The 7-foot-7 ceiling is too low for it. Instead, try Brookstone's unobtrusive Mighty Max Tower standing fan ( http://www.brookstone.com/ , $99).

Terri Sapienza

Tell us about your design challenge. Send photos, room dimensions and contact information to makeover@washpost.com , or write to House Calls, Home Section, The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.