Do you have a room that defies your every attempt to decorate it? Did you just move into a new place that needs furnishing from scratch?
All of us face design dilemmas, whether we live in an old house or new apartment, whether our taste is traditional or cutting-edge, whether we have a shoestring budget or big bucks to spend.
What we need is expert advice. That's where Ask a Designer comes in. Here's how it will work:
You send us a photo or two of your room, along with a letter describing the design dilemma and the look you want to achieve. Include dimensions, notes about colors, your tastes - whatever you think will help a design professional suggest an answer.
Starting this spring, members of The N&O Design Team, a group of volunteer interior designers, will take turns offering solutions in Home&Garden. So if you send us a question, you're giving us permission to publish the information.
Send your stuff via email to forhomeandgarden@newsobserver.com. Please put "Ask a Designer" in the subject field.
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I am not sure what to do with this small room that is just off the front entrance and staircase to our second floor. There is a hallway to the living room and the dining room is on the other side of it. This is an empty room, and we would love to make it a cozy library sitting room or maybe you have a suggestion to help make this a beautiful focal point. I am looking for a classy, rich and elegant look. I can change the room color if needed. I have a neutral eggshell color in the halls and goldish yellow in the dining room. 
Our great room opens to the kitchen and has vaulted ceilings. It is 12-1/2 feet by 22 feet. We moved here about 6 months ago from a very cramped 1970s house with tons of walls and enclosed spaces so the open floor plan is throwing me for a loop. 
N&O Design Team members offer solutions to readers 
My bathroom has gold walls, white tile floor, two separate vanities with one sink each and vanity tops of white “cultured marble.” The cabinets are tan maple with amber knobs. 
When the pros check out our do-it-yourself decor, what makes them wince? 
Designer Anne DeCocco of DeCocco Design in Raleigh, a member of The N&O’s Design Team, has the perfect solution. 
Whether it resembles a well-traveled saddle or a buttery smooth burst of cherry red or lime green, leather furniture is classic and strong. 
Timothy Tush is owner and head designer at Expressions Furniture & Interior Design in Raleigh and member of The N&O Design Team. He writes: 
Do you have a room that defies your every attempt to decorate it? Did you just move into a new place that needs furnishing from scratch? 
We sent N&O Design Team volunteer Jill Metzler-Wiese of Just Jill! Interiors in Durham in search of dollar-store decor. She shopped at Dollar Trees in Durham and Apex and came away with five ideas for decorating with dollar store finds: Read our feature stories on your time. We'll deliver our best work right to your inbox, for free!
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