Designer Solutions

Room Makeover

Feel like the walls are closing in on you? Many apartment dwellers feel short on space, and coming up with functional, stylish ways to de-clutter and make rooms appear larger than they are takes know-how. So stop stressing about how to make your tiny one-bedroom feel like a McMansion -- Designer Solutions has you covered.

Cristina DePina is the principal designer for Alexandria, Va.-based design firm CDM and Associates . Before starting the company in 2004, she worked with Hughes Design Associates. DePina's portfolio includes residences in the D.C. area and South Florida, as well as commercial properties in South Carolina. She is a graduate of Marymount University.

DePina was online to take questions and discussing her creative vision for this edition of Designer Solutions .

The transcript follows below .

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washingtonpost.com:

Welcome to our July edition of Designer Solutions . Our guest designer is Cristina DePina with CDM &amp Associates in Alexandria, Va.

washingtonpost.com reader David Reiss was fed up with his living room . DePina turned his tiny space into a place to chill.

Cristina, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about your design concept for this living room?

Cristina DePina: When I first looked at David's pictures, it was clear what the major problems were - lots of clutter, an unflattering window treatment and bulky pieces of furniture. He seemed to prefer more modern/clean lined furniture, so I took that style and expanded on it, adding lots of drama and elegance, making the space feel like more of a boutique hotel than a small condo. The entertainment center was a big problem because it overpowered the room, and was at an awkward height. I chose to clean this up using suspended wall shelves with a low console that could still house all of the electronics, while breaking up the wall and letting light through.

By using a monochromatic color scheme, the space became more unified and calm. I added excitement with jolts of color in pillows, accessories and the rug tiles. I especially loved the rug tiles by Flor because they are colorful, relatively inexpensive, and allow for great flexibility. My favorite aspect of this design were the hanging pendants I used in lieu of traditional table lamps. They are a great conversation piece, and add a touch of elegance to the space.

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Rockville, Md.: I have this great micro-fiber couch that I love (it's an off-white color). Unfortunately, over the years (it's four years old) it's gotten a little dingy, though no stains. Is it safe to get it professionally cleaned, or will that ruin it? What else can I do?

Cristina DePina: First check with the manufacturer's recommendations. Since it is a microfiber, in theory, the stain is not supposed to penetrate the fibers. So, you should be able to spot treat the stain, and be successful. You could also try your local upholsterer, as they may have special products you can use, depending on the type of stain it is. Be careful steam cleaning. If the sofa has been scotch-guarded, steam cleaning will remove this protective finish, causing more problems down the road.

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Omaha, Nebraska: Thanks for doing this chat! I live in an older building with interesting design quirks. My living room has this large open alcove directly across from my couch. It may have been intended as a closet, but there is no door. There is no other possible wall for my couch, and I just got rid of my television (the previous inhabitant of this little closet). The closet is about 1-2' deep and 7-8' wide, what would be the best way to make use of this space? Thanks again for your advice.

Cristina DePina: You could build it out with custom bookshelves, and/or an entertainment center. Or, you could paint the alcove a deeper tone of the same color on your walls, and place two lounge chairs at an angle with an end table in between, and hang a great piece of artwork behind - to make it into an attraction, as opposed to a negative feature. Have fun with the alcove!

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Arlington, Va.: My bedroom is painted very colorful, top half of the walls are bright turquoise and bottom half is chocolatey brown. Suggestions for window treatments? I don't know what color to do and don't really want plain white.

Cristina DePina: I would look for a window treatment in a complimentary taupe color, to enhance the chocolate brown, and compliment the turquoise. The style of your room will dictate the type treatment, whether panels with grommets, or a more ornate treatment. If the furniture is a lighter finish, you could use a warm off-white/creamy color. Good luck!

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Potomac, Md.: I would like to re-do my interior in a more energy efficient and green-friendly way but have no clue how to start. Can you make some suggestions or point me to some helpful resources? Thanks!

Cristina DePina: You could start by using eco-friendly products such as low VOC paints, and not toxic cleaners, etc. to help with air quality. There are many products out there that are very earth friendly, such as cork, bamboo and linoleum flooring. One of the most important things, I believe, is looking at your existing space and determining what can be saved, or reused in a different manner, so it doesn't go to waste. You can donate your existing fixtures, etc. to Habitat for Humanity, creating a second life for the pieces. Another thing most people don't consider is where are your products coming from? Do they have to be trucked in from California? Can you find a local resource that carries the same products, to save on fuel emissions into the atmosphere?

There are great companies such as Eco-Wise (www.eco-wise.com)and Gaiam (www.gaiam.com) that carry products produced from sustainable resources.

Also be sure to look at appliances and their energy star ratings. This will cut down on fuel consumption and energy costs. Good luck!

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Washington, D.C.: I rent a studio apartment and am desperate for more storage place. I was thinking of buying an elegant-looking armoire for the living room. What do you think and do you have any other suggestions? Thanks.

Cristina DePina: My only concern with the armoire is the size, and whether or not it has pocket doors, or swing doors. Sometimes these can get bulky and awkward, hurting the space more than helping it. You have to get creative with storage space when space is limited, looking for pieces with hidden storage, etc. Maybe you could look for a great cocktail table and end tables with storage underneath. Storage ottomans are also great pieces that allow for extra seating and can hide your throws, etc. In addition, there are many great manufacturers producing these pieces, so you can still get a beautiful piece that serves a function.

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Chantilly, Va.: I'm looking for suggestions (either Web sites and/or stores) to find lampshades. I'm looking for something in red silk or dupioni. Also, are there any rules of thumb for what style lampshades go best with lampshades?

Cristina DePina: There are many places that have a great assortment of lampshades. Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware each have several different style shades, in different materials and colors, including Red Dupioni Silk. This would probably be your best bet to try a few different lamp shades. As far as a general rule of thumb - I think it all comes down to proportions. The lampshade should be proportionate to its base, and enhance the lines and shape. For example, if the lamp is a turned wood lamp, a bell shaped shade would likely look better than a traditional pleated shade. I hope this helps!

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi -- I think I need to hand off my apartment problems to a higher power, but am not sure if I need an interior designer, redesigner, or professional organizer. I'm horribly cluttered and disorganized, the layout of my apartment is a challenge, and much of my furniture is ill-suited to the space. Realistically, I cannot repaint or do any sort of complete overhaul, but I am willing to buy a couple of new pieces. I guess I need the help of all three sorts of professionals, but am unsure who I should be looking to and I don't have an unlimited budget. Any ideas on what sort of professional I should seek help from? Thanks!

Cristina DePina: I would look for an Interior Designer who does consultation work. He/she could devise a plan for your space, and put you in touch with any addt'l necessary specialists, such as closet organizers, etc., while still maintaining a uniform space. Many times, if you hire several different 'experts' they may undo the work of the previous one, etc. - so it is best to get one design concept your are thrilled with, and stick to it. Also, if you take on the project management aspect of the project, the design fees will likely be less, just be sure to mention this to your designer. You can search for a designer meeting your criteria at www.asid.org.

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Del Ray, Va.: We have a room similar in shape and size to today's design makeover. This room is both the living area and the dining area. Can you recommend some ways to break up the space so that the spaces feel like two separate areas?

Cristina DePina: You could place an open console table between the space with something decorative on top. Make sure it is open on the bottom, to be able to see through. This separates the space visually without intruding on views, etc.

Another alternative is differentiating the space using area rugs. Just make sure they coordinate and enhance each other!

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Arlington, Va.: My tiny condo kitchen opens up into the living room. I have black and grey granite countertops, and want to paint the kitchen a bright, minty green. Do you think a soft brown color on the living room walls will look okay, or will brown clash with the black in the countertops?

Cristina DePina: It sounds like it should work, but the key is to get colors in the same value range or hue. I would call in a professional - even if it's only to pick paint colors. Many designers will meet with you for an hour for $100-200, and it will be well worth you time and money, to get it right the first time. Another alternative is to get a small sample, like the ones Benjamin Moore carries, and just try it out on a small section of the walls, to see if the colors work together.

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New York, N.Y.: We recently removed a big ugly couch and a (huge) particle board entertainment center and replaced with west elm sectionals and a much smaller entertainment center. Our ceilings are really high and now we have so much empty wall space. We painted one wall red, which filled the room a little. Can you recommend some type of hang-able storage, perhaps shelves or something like that that is good looking but functional?

Cristina DePina: Bo Concept has some modular units that are mounted to the wall, that provide storage and are good looking. They have a showroom in Georgetown where you can see the products in person.

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Vienna, Va.: Who do you think is the best manufacturer of interior paints and separately outdoor paints, and why? Thanks.

Cristina DePina: I have used paints that cost $85 a gallon, and paints that have cost $20 a gallon... and have both held up amazingly, and have both peeled and chipped in no time. More important than the manufacturer, is the application. If the coats go on too thick, or the walls aren't properly primed, or given enough time to dry between coats, the paint will chip and peel, no matter how expensive the product. I would definitely use a reputable painting contractor. I do like Benjamin Moore for their color ranges, though.

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Fairfax, Va.: I am removing the previous owner's paint job in the family room. They painted the walls two different colors with a sponge. Am I being old fashioned for wanting to paint the place a solid color?

Thanks!

Cristina DePina: Not at all - do what makes you happy to be living in and truly enjoying the space. You are the one who has to live with your wall color, not your friends or family!

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Washington, D.C.: Any suggestions for a big empty wall? It's a rental, so I'd rather not paint. Basically, we've got a small, square bedroom. Our queen bed takes up most of the floor space, and it has a nice quilt made by a grandmother, which is basically our only attempt at decoration. The other walls are nearly covered with closets, a big dresser, and a small TV stand. So what to do with the remaining wall? Right now it's just so boring!

Cristina DePina: I would add an interesting frame/picture arrangement of something meaningful and beautiful. Try hanging three pictures/paintings of similar genre, framed in mounted the same way, hung side by side, centered on the wall.

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm not sure if this is topical to this chat, but I'll ask anyway. I've got a small-ish space (or a few small spaces strung together). I've gotten a lot of the big things out of the way (new kitchen & flooring, etc), but really would like to hire a designer to help with the decorative things (paint, couch, what kind of carpet in bedroom, possible finishing touches on new kitchen and bath)

Is this possible for a small job, or do designers mostly do the bigger jobs? What is the pricing structure? Thanks!

Cristina DePina: Yes, this is possible. Designers each work in different ways. Some charge by the hour, others on a flat design fee for the project, and others do a cost plus markup on furnishings. I would search www.asid.org for a designer who does consultation work, and maybe personal shopping, to help you accessorize your home.

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N.Y., N.Y.: I have a question about today's living room makeover. Its easy to make a room less cluttered when you take things out of it! What happened to the computer desk that was in the "before" pictures? The reason I ask is become some of us don't have the space to move a desk to a different room. Could you have fit the desk into your design somehow?

Cristina DePina: Yes, we could have used some wall mounted units with pull out keyboard trays, or leaning ladder units with deep work surfaces at desk level on the wall with the suspended shelves. This would maintain the clean lined look, and still serve its function.

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Ms.DePina,

I am plan on painting the walls of my 1,000 square foot, two bedroom apartment and I am wondering how many different colors I should use. I am afraid that if I use colors that are too different in such a small space, for instance a dark beige in the living/diving room area and a light grey in one bedroom, the whole space will not flow.

Thank you.

Cristina DePina: Use however many colors you are comfortable with. There is nothing wrong with using different colors in every room, as long as they flow into one another. Create this flow by using shades with the same saturation. Every paint manufacturer has cards with predesigned color combinations. You could try looking at these to find something you like.

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Washington, D.C.: Cristina, I've got a neutral color scheme in my living room, but would like to hang some art above my couch. Do you suggest on big picture or several smaller ones?

Cristina DePina: That depends on what else you have going on in the room. I tend to use several smaller ones, in groupings of three in one row or two rows of three . This way, I have several nice pieces to look at instead of just one. Of course, if you have a great piece of artwork that you absolutely adore and works in the space- use it!

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Alexandria, Va.: What is a good, warm, neutral wall color for a living area, other than beige?

Cristina DePina: Benjamin Moore has teamed up with Pottery Barn, and have come up with some great warm neutrals. I would start there - most of their colors go with almost any decor.

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Washington, D.C.: I hear this is the best time of year to buy furniture. Suggestions on stores stocking comfy couches that won't overwhelm a small living room? I need something to seat two people without touching, preferably a sleeper, under $1,200 if possible.

Cristina DePina: Yes, this is one of the best times of year, as showrooms are trying to clear their showrooms to make room for all the new products coming for the fall. As for a specific retailer, it depends on what style you are looking for, and timeframe you have.

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Arlington, Va.: I am planning on redoing my townhouse basement by painting the dark paneling and replacing the old wall-to-wall carpet. I am looking for hardwearing, low-cost flooring ideas (not carpet since we afraid that our basement may flood at some point). I am torn between real tile or vinyl strips designed to look like hardwood (I've seen them used on home design shows, and they looked good). I know the vinyl option might be below the level of materials you are used to working with, but that is the option I am leaning towards. Any advice on these or other flooring options?

Cristina DePina: My only concern with using the vinyl is that it is glued down; and if your basement ever does leak water or flood - say goodbye to your new floor. The vinyl tiles will come up. There are some really inexpensive ceramic and porcelain tiles that would work better, and be well worth the initial investment in the long run. Porcelanosa in Rockville has some large 18"x 18" and 24" x 24" tiles that look like anything from slate to marble, and even wood. I would try them. Or, you could use a really inexpensive tile from Home Depot or Lowes, with pretty designer tile accents from another tile store, to cut costs.

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for answering in advance -- Just moved into a new apartment and the walls in the bedroom are painted to look like leather and I am considering repainting. Do I need to do anything to the walls before repainting (other than the usual washing and priming)?

Cristina DePina: if the walls are heavily textured, then you might have to sand them, and skim the walls with some drywall mud. Otherwise, I can't imagine it should need anything more than a good primer.

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Bethesda, Md.: Great column. Could you suggest any stores where I can find nice real looking floral accents? Thanks.

Cristina DePina: Pier 1 and Horchow each have great dried and silk arrangements.

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Falls Church, Va.: I need to replace slipcovers on my queen sleeper sofa. I purchased the sofa from Storehouse and replacement covers would be over $700. Do you know of a less expensive solution?

Cristina DePina: There are some good fitting slipcovers out there that are less expensive. The only problem is that they are very limited in color/texture range, and most can be... well... ugly. I would use some decorative throws until you are ready to invest the $700 in a new slipcover or put it towards a new sofa, or getting the existing one reupholstered.

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College Park, Md.: Thanks for taking my question!

I just moved into my first apartment with three other roommates (I share a bedroom with one girl). Is there any way to set up the furniture so it isn't so boring and all lined up around the walls, but still utilizes the small space?

Thank you!

Cristina DePina: Sure, if the room is large enough, you could set up a translucent screen in the middle, with your bed backing up to it on one side, with a seating arrangement or desk on the other side. This separates the space without enclosing it.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello, I'm moving into a one-bedroom apartment with a friend. He's getting the bedroom, and I'm going to try to convert the living room into my bedroom. Any suggestions for a cheap and simple way to section off my space, have some privacy, but not actually construct walls? Thanks.

Cristina DePina: You could use ceiling mounted shoji-type screens that would allow you to close for privacy, and open them when you had guests, etc.

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New to Florida, But Still Claiming DC: Hi there. I have a new home and a front the house bedroom with a huge window with the rounded arc at the top, I want to incorporate mauve and beige on the walls. The ceiling of the room arches up to mimic the window curve. Should I paint the wall with the window mauve or beige, I don't want to make the room appear smaller than it is, and I have heard that you can do that by painting the shorter wall the wrong color.

Cristina DePina: In general, if you paint a single wall in a room a darker color, it can make the wall appear to recede further back. With the exception of the red family, which can sometimes create the opposite effect. You could try painting it one shade darker than the rest of the room, and rely on the drapes and other accents to use the mauve. Or you could use a decorative paint treatment in both colors all over, such a thin stripe every 12" or so. Just food for thought...

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Design quandry: Our rowhouse is long, narrow and dark, and I'm having a hard time putting furniture in it and creating a seating area. Right now the sofa is at the bottom of the stairs in front of the one window (blocking that sliver of light). What is your advice for creating actual sitting/conversation areas in long narrow rooms so that people aren't sitting side by side down the wall and yelling at each other?

Cristina DePina: You could try a taller cocktail table, like a small round dining table with 4 smaller scaled upholstered chairs - or 1 settee and 2 chairs to create an intimate seating arrangement on one side of the room, with another similar arrangement on the other side. When you do have guests over, very rarely will everyone be a part of 1 conversation. This breaks up the room, allowing for more intimate conversation.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Cristina. I am moving into my first place, a shared townhome with four other girls. The place is nice but my room resembles a cell. It is just enough room to fit a queen size bed (I'm going with a full) and has one window and a closet. How can I make it look inviting and luxurious when the size screams I only have enough money for this cell? Also, because it's my first place, I'm on a strict budget! Thanks.

Cristina DePina: You might want to consider a day bed to open up some of the space. If you are set on the full size bed, you could try mounting a small cornice above the bed, with drapes flowing down the sides. Michaels Arts & Crafts have some easy-to-make yourself upholstered cornices, and you could buy ready made drapery panels from a retailer like IKEA (buy them extra long, so you'll have a nice puddle at the bottom)

Invest in a simple comforter, but get a few luxurious silk down-filled shams pillows from a place like Homegoods. You can find great pillows for $20-40 each. You could also mount pretty candle sconces on the walls (far away from the canopy - and preferably in glass hurricanes). These little luxurious touches will make the room welcoming and relaxing.

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Bethesda, Md.: I like everything about my apartment ... except for the awful beige wall-to-wall carpet. I've tried to cover up with throw rugs ... but are there any other options?

Cristina DePina: Other than replace the existing flooring or covering it with area rugs, there really isn't much else you can do. If you create interesting points in the room to look at - you'll forget the carpet is there!

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Washington, D.C.: I'm reupholstering an antique (victorian) sofa and two vintage (mid-60s) chairs. I'd like to give them a look that meshes the two; something modern that will stand the test of time. Any suggestions? My apartment is pretty much a blank slate. I'm partial to color, not neutrals.

Cristina DePina: I would do something really fun like use a bright fuchsia or lime green velvet on the Victorian piece, and a toned down coordinating pattern on the chairs, for an interesting juxtaposition.

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To Blue, or Not to Blue?: Hi Christina,

Thanks for being here today! I am thinking about painting my pale yellow walled living room a soft blue-ish, greenish, gray.

Any suggestions of a color that wouldn't overwhelm a relatively small space and would look crisp (yet warm)? My furniture is larely in neutral lights to dark wood browns. Art and carpet are mostly steeped in red.

Does a blue-ish, greenish gray exist? I can see it in my mind's eye, but can't clearly articulate.

Many thanks,

Jamie

Cristina DePina: I think I know exactly what you are looking for. Pratt & Lambert has a slate blue/green/grey type color - and unfortunately I don't have my color set with me. If you email your email address to me at cristina@cdmandassociates.com - I will look it up and send it to you. It is a fabulous muted color.

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Small and narrow: We have a small, narrow room on the back of our house that opens to a balcony/deck. If you put a bed or even a futon in it no matter the size, it dominates the room. But we need the extra sleeping quarters because the other room is even smaller and the best we can do in there is a desk, a shelf and a file cabinet.

Cristina DePina: If there is space, maybe you could install a Murphy bed? This way, the bed would only be down when you needed it, and you could use the surrounding space as a library or study.

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Washington, D.C.: For a change, I am thinking about replacing my blinds with decorative film. Would appreciate your advice on the advantages and pitfalls. Thank you.

Cristina DePina: Unfortunately, I am not experienced with decorative film. Is this the light blocking kind - or does it have some kind of decorative pattern? You could also try an inside mount roman shade, of the soft fold or pleated variety for a new look.

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Northern Virginia: Hi, and thanks for taking my question. I have a paint color dilemma: two rooms that run together, one with chocolate as the primary furniture/carpet color, one with greyish taupe. Both rooms have red accents. Can you suggest a single light paint color for both these rooms (my husband hates dark walls)?

Cristina DePina: You could use a lighter taupe color with a bit more grey in it to compliment both rooms.

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Michigan: We want a more formal look in our living room, so we're having our 84 inch beige-pink brick fireplace wall covered with a wooden mantle surround (to be painted). The opening of the fireplace will be surrounded with 12-inch wide marble or granite, and the 21-inch deep, 84-inch wide brick hearth will also be covered with the same marble/granite. The question is: should we go with light or dark stone? Light would be beige, as in travertine, dark would be dark "butterfly green" or dark brown with white streaks. The floor will be dark chestnut wood. My husband and I have had this marble debate for weeks. Our sofa is dark sage and the room has a wing chair in a sage/cranberry print. Don't know what color to paint the walls or what color drapes. We only re-decorate every 20 years ... so afraid of making mistakes!

Cristina DePina: It sounds like either of the marbles would work. The lighter might be more of a maintenance issue in keeping it looking soot and dust free.

Unfortunately, since I can't see what you have, I can't give you recommendations on paint and drapes. You should get a professional designer to put together a color scheme that works with your existing furnishings.

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Bethesda, Md.: I live in an apartment with a wall to wall window. It is painted white and the floors are white. I recently purchased a living room/dining room set that is made of Wenge wood with the seat covers in bright red. They stand out too much in the all white setting. What wall colors and accent colors would you recommend?

Thanks.

Cristina DePina: It sounds quite interesting, actually. I like the sound of white walls and floors with wenge wood and bright red accents. Some clean modern white china on that dining table would look fabulous! But since you don't seem happy with it, you could try a warm curry color, like the one I used in David's Living Room Solution. Bring all the colors together with pillows , throws, lampshades, etc. I hope this help you!

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Anonymous: Our living room opens into the dining room. We have burgundy window dressings with an olive couch. The dining area is visible from the living room. Should I match the colors of the curtains and chair fabric? I don't want it to be too green or burgundy. Could you please give me some suggestions on how to decorate this space? THANKS!!!

Cristina DePina: I definitely would not use only two colors in coordinating fabrics in the entire space. This will look very matchy matchy, and to be quite honest -would be very boring. Add a third color or maybe use the same color, but in varying textures and patterns to create interest.

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Cristina DePina: Thank you all for having me chat today. I hope I was able to help you all in some way with your projects. My apologies for not being able to answer everyone's questions. If I can be of further assistance, please email me at cristina@cdmandassociates.com. Good luck and Best Regards!

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washingtonpost.com: That wraps it up for today. Thanks to Cristina DePina for joining us. Stay tuned next month for another virtual room makeover at Designer Solutions .

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