Unexpected fabrics transform pecular armchairs and sofas with fun and newness. Dining chair seats usually pop out for easy recovering.

"I love it" is the guiding emotion, but one must adhere diligently to the colour scheme and design theme ('classics in crayon brights', 'white on white on everything' etc.) to avoid a mish-mash.

Moving up the executive ladder? We would shed a few hand-me-downs and replace them with important new pieces, like a dining room suite, a good sofa and custom draperies. These strong points in the decor carry mismatched smaller items without disturbing the impression of a 'serious professional' or 'cosmopolitan single'.

'Eclectic' can describe the clever combining of odd pieces, or it can be a term used to disguise the lack of any cohesive thought. Stick to the theme!

Interior Design Secrets - Design Concept #2: Family and Career

Are they fashion forward? Modern design has its roots in the 1930's. This peaceful elegant mood has a limited colour palette: predominance of the main colour and white, touches of a contrasting shade, and black accents. The shades are "mixed" or complex. The best are grey-green-blue, muted-brown-red, and khaki-tan. Drapes start right at the ceiling and fall in simple columns to the floor. The line of the architecture and wall backdrops is vertical.

The line of the furnishings is horizontal. I select tables, sofas and chairs with fine clean lines and slender tapered legs. The space between things is more important than things themselves. The sparsely placed accessories are highly decorative to give the eye something to explore. There is absolutely no clutter. The concept is 'modern with glamour'. Do they value relaxation in 'casual comfort'? The idea suggests natural wood grain. Sturdy fabrics in woven and rustic patterns. Soft upholstery. Leather trim. Coffee tables large enough to dine on. Entertainment units.