Shelving unit makes great room divider

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/01/2007 (6853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR Debbie — We have a mid-size basement room that I’d like to separate into two zones — a small work station with my computer and files, and an area for sitting in front of the fire with the family and watching TV. But I don’t want a full wall or anything that would make either space feel claustrophobic.

— Batina

DEAR Batina — You could use a room screen to hide your work space. Screens are versatile and practical, and you can decorate each side to suit the space it faces. However, I have a better idea for a more permanent solution that will give you storage options as well. Why not build an open floor to ceiling shelving unit that will divide the room, and also allow light to pass through and air to circulate? Cube shelving is readily available and inexpensive. You can paint sections in different colours, and insert mirror into some openings. Organize your storage facing either way, combining work files on one side with books, games and personal objects for the family room on the other. As shown here, the unit only stretches part way across the room so that traffic flow is unimpeded. Good lighting is important for your work space; incorporate ceiling spots on both sides of the partition, set on dimmers, and purchase a task lamp for your desk.

DEAR Debbie — We have just remodelled our living room — painted a mushroom colour and installed light oak hardwood floor. Fireplace and trim are white, sofa a cream leather. It was suggested that we remove the large, frame-less mirror above the fireplace and replace it with a mirror with a black frame. This did not look good. Is the old mirror out of date? How would you accessorize the mantel?

— Shirley

DEAR Shirley — Large mirrors are very popular today, but with a frame. Keep the old mirror, but I’d choose a lighter colour for the frame. Silver, gold or a light tone wood will complement your decor. You can buy frame moulding at your building centre, paint it and apply directly onto the wall surrounding the mirror. Alternately, you may choose a framed mirror with some shape to it. You can look for an old frame and antique it. For the mantel, choose a few accessories that have meaning for you; anything from a small piece of art on an easel to some uniquely shaped vases. This is a focal area, so don’t clutter it up too much. But it’s the perfect place to add interest through colour and shapes.

DEAR Debbie — My master bathroom has an orange and green floral wallpaper that I want to either remove or paint over. I’d rather paint over the paper but I’m terrified that I will make things worse. Can you help me with this decision? I am redoing the whole bathroom.

— Shelley

DEAR Shelley — In your case I advise removing the wallpaper. Chances are good you will have trouble covering up the bold colours in the paper and the seams will always show. Strip off the paper, clean and prime the walls, and you’ll have a solid base on which to create your new look. I sense large patterns don’t appeal to you. Try solid colour alone, or in blocks. Lavender and mid-tone blues paired with white are clear, calm shades well suited to a spa-inspired space. Apply paint with a gloss sheen or finish with high gloss varnish for a touch of glam. And don’t forget the ceiling. Wrap the room in soothing colour, making the ceiling colour two tones down from the wall colour for a cosy effect.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please e-mail your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.