AFTER: By playing up the fireplace and calling attention to the view outside, designer Margery Wedderburn devises a cozy plan for this small space. (Sketch by Julius Goyanko/For the Washington Post)
By Terri Sapienza

THE CHALLENGE

Colleen Joyce is having a hard time arranging the furniture in the 12-by-14-foot family room of her Greenbelt home. “I’m looking for a room that is comfortable, inviting and not fussy,” she wrote to House Calls.

THE SOLUTION

By playing up the fireplace and calling attention to the view outside, designer Margery Wedderburn devises a cozy plan for this small space.

— A cabinet under the window can house a DVD player. Wiring should be hidden within the walls.

Calais cabinet ($900, www.crateandbarrel.com); Clouds at Sunset giclee ($400, www.ballarddesigns.com) (SPLURGE)

— Paint the fireplace white and the walls a blue-green: Bird’s Egg by Benjamin Moore.

— Striped wall-to-wall carpeting stretches the room and makes it seem bigger.

— Install Roman shades (above the doors) for privacy; hang curtain panels for softness.

— Colorful pillows and a throw freshen up the existing sofa; large artwork above adds personality.

— A mirror draws the eye up and adds sparkle to the space.

— The existing retro-style arc floor lamp provides a dramatic focal point for the large wall.

Margery Wedderburn Interiors (703-757-5001, www.margerywedderburninteriors.com) is based in Vienna.

Tell us about your design challenge. Send photos, room dimensions and contact information to makeover@washpost.com.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Furniture:

Stray Dog side table ($149, www.westelm.com);

Alanna club chair in basil ($200, www.grandinroad.com);

Union coffee table ($300, www.crateandbarrel.com);

Solsta Pallbo footstools with Ransta natural cover ($15, www.ikea.com)

Lighting:

Mint opaque glass lamp ($50, www.pier1.com)

Accessories:

Basket weave linen panels in white ($219 per panel, www.restorationhardware.com);

Bamboo Roman shades in tivon almond (priced according to size, www.selectblinds.com)

Fireplace screen ($46, www.amazon.com);

Bellesol mirror, small ($39, www.ballarddesigns.com);

Design Material Intuition stripe wool carpet, available through Farsh Carpets in Alexandria ($5.55 per square foot, 703-548-8884)