indoors
Q&A
H O U S E C A L L S
with
S t e p h e n S a i n t - O n g e
Q
U N U S E D S P A C E
I d o n o t h a v e a f o r m a l h o m e ,
but
i
do
have a formal dining room that I never really use except for
holidays and special occasions. Do you have any thoughts
on what I can do with the space the rest of the year?
STEPHEN: I love using
the dining room as a
dual-purpose room.
The key is being able
to quickly turn it back
into a dining room
when needed.
The table can be
pulled into service as a
work surface for your
laptop, especially if
you move it around
and add table lamps to make it feel more like a desk. If
space allows, add a small seating area with two chairs
and a table with a lamp in an alcove or near a window,
above
. This makes the space feel less formal.
Personal details make the room more inviting. I
love seeing dining rooms that have built-in bookcases
partway up the wall, styled with books, photography,
and interesting pottery.
Another option is to use the dining room as a kid-
friendly room. Invest in a protective table cover, and
devote a section of the hutch or china cabinet to storing
art supplies. Paint a wall with chalkboard paint (now
available in more colors than just green and black) the
kids could use every day-then wipe it clean and write
out the evening’s menu when you are entertaining guests.
LOW-COST CHANGES
Are there some things
I can do now in attainable steps, without
®
breaking the bank, to make my home better?
STEPHEN: I always tell people that change is good.
Change, even a small one, can motivate you.
Gaining a new perspective is key to seeing the
potential that is already there. Take one room at a time
and look at it in a new light. Get rid of the extra stuff and
the clutter. Move the furniture around. Then you’ll be
able to see what you can improve. Consider painting a
new color on the walls, removing dated window
treatments, giving your worn wood floors a couple coats
of light-colored porch paint, or repurposing an old
bedroom dresser as a foyer table. It’s all about being
creative with what you have.
When you’re finished, treat yourself to a few new
things for these reenergized spaces: throw pillows,
bedding, or a new lamp. These are easy, inexpensive ways
to give yourself and your rooms a boost.
SET TO SELL
I am thinking of selling my home.
What can I do to add some character to the front
®
of my home and impress potential buyers?
STEPHEN: Start
with the
entrance. Paint
your front door
to give it a fresh
look. Invest in
two urns and
small evergreen
trees to flank the
front door (you
can take them with you when you move). Consider
updating the light fixtures to something that makes
a statement.
Clean up the landscaping in the front yard. Clear
leaves and weeds; add mulch and some seasonal flowers.
Put a couple of Adirondack chairs or a classic wooden
bench on the lawn as an inviting touch.
Remember, you are setting the stage for that potential
buyer to fall in love with your home, but at the same time
you will enjoy your exterior makeover while you are still
living there. ®
64 MAY 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
ILLUSTRATIONS: STEPHEN SAINT-ONGE
