When I’m faced with a square dining room, as I am at present on several projects, a round table makes a lot of sense. They fit the space perfectly, and there’s nothing better for entertaining. If you need flexibility, crescent leaves will make the table bigger. Top it off with a large chandelier and your round table has made the most of a square room.

Powder rooms are among the most public rooms in your home. Visitors who might see only your living or dining room will also make the acquaintance of your powder room. So it becomes a very public place for a very private function, a reflection of your taste and style among quite intimate surroundings. I tend to see Powder Rooms as opportunities to display a bolder, edgier look, within the confines of what is usually a confined space. I use more decorative faucets and pedestal sinks, vanities with the bowl resting on stone, interesting wood or mosaic floors, and lighting that is soft but efficient. This powder room in a Tudor home in Summit features an Arts and Crafts theme typified by the striking William Morris wallpaper.

When I work on a project from inception it’s possible to create a design that fits the space flawlessly—like clothing that’s made to measure. In this case, the client wanted a family room/entertainment center that functioned as a home theatre (the screen slides down from the ceiling to cover the windows), a bedroom for the children’s visiting friends (the day beds were made especially to fit under the windows), and a rec room for family gatherings (plenty of comfortable seating areas and game tables.)  By working together from the beginning we were able to create the space to fulfill their needs in every way without compromise.

Of course it helps that I’ve worked with this family for many years and we’ve developed an exceptional rapport. Out of this kind of relationship the best results flow naturally.