Room For Improvement

Once upon a time, everything in a traditional home had to match perfectly, but today the eclectic look rules. If you live a casual lifestyle, let your dining room reflect the real you. Besides a large table and comfortable chairs, include ample storage for all the stuff that can wind up in the dining room–a massive buffet and hutch offer style and function. A dimming ceiling pendant allows you even more use from your dining room: With a range of lighting levels available, your dining room is the perfect spot for homework, craft projects, bill paying and, oh yes–entertaining. San Remo pendant from Sea Gull Lighting.

> Find it @www.seagulllighting.com

First impressions count, which is why many professional decorators put so much emphasis on creating a powerful entryway. Give the décor in your foyer a quick update with a wall of black and white photographs above a black console. Having each piece of art in the same frame keeps things under control. From Century Furniture.

> Find it @www.centuryfurniture.com

Faucets, sinks, and vanities with a distinctive Asian flavor provide the clean-lined bath- room backdrop for a range of New Traditional lighting styles. For the best look, opt for wall sconces that have a graceful silhouette and simple shading. In photo: Chrome sconces with etched-satin glass from Sea Gull Lighting.

> Find it @www.seagulllighting.com

The room in the home that has gained most from the casual living trend is the so-called formal living room. Once a stuffy, for-company-only type of a space, we now want a room that’s far more relaxed, not to mention interesting. Generic, one-size-fits-all styles are as outdated as plastic sofa covers. Take your time and collect special pieces. Soon you will have created a living room that’s really you.
In photo: Furniture from Palecek.

> Find it @www.palecek.com

powerPicks

BLACK IS BACK! Oh, baby! Ma Marie Collection crib comes in three fashion colors—black, antique white or turquoise. From Young America.
Find it @www.youngamerica.com

TAKE A SEAT Create a private corner with great-looking, go-anywhere accent furniture. Malam oval and square-back chairs and Primo table from Selamat Designs.
Find it @www.selamatdesigns.com

SPECIAL DETAILS A storage cocktail table with comfy leather seat cushion from Bernhardt provides everything you need for parties. Functional features include small side shelves that hold CDs, four pull-out beverage rests and center shelves that pull out for board games.
Find it @www.bernhardt.com

It’s where everyone in the family seems to spend the most time. With so many relaxed yet elegant traditional upholstery options, there’s no excuse for sticking with a family room that’s so casual it’s sloppy. Raise the bar with fabrics that are soft to the touch yet able to withstand rugged living. Look for dressmaker details on sofa skirts, backs and arms. Add a touch of leather on a pillow or ottoman, and voila—a room that’s comfortable for family and guests alike.
In photo: Wrangler Home Collection upholstery by Flexsteel.

> Find it@www.flexsteel.com