Design lesson: Perfecting imperfections

Dos and don'ts
DO physically change the proportions of an oddly shaped space with built-ins, as in the room at left, featured in Room Rescues: Decorating Solutions for Awkward Spaces by Jane Burdon. Square off an irregular angle or enclose a cumbersome bulkhead inside cabinetry.

DON'T overlook the drama of soaring draperies for double-height windows. Calculate 2-1/2 to three times the window width for fullness or else the drapes will look skimpy. If instead of one tall window you have a single window on the main floor and a matching one above, choose draperies for the first floor and wooden blinds or shutters for the second storey.

DO hang large-scale, bold works of art in double-height spaces. Choose an abstract image, or display a tapestry, wall hanging, folding screen or ceremonial kimono to make a grand statement upstairs and down.

DON'T allow a sloped floor or ceiling to put you off balance. Cheat crown moulding and baseboards to run at right angles to walls. Paint them your chosen trim colour, then darken the paint that goes in the gap, forcing it to recede from view.

DO widen a narrow room visually by creating a focal point on the small end wall –- perhaps a grouping of plates or sculptural accents like masks.

DON'T treat a long, narrow hallway like a throughway. Add interest by hanging photos in tight, geometric groupings. Picture lights will dramatically improve even the narrowest hallway. Anchor artwork by placing narrow console tables (10 inches deep or less) against the wall.

Read more in Decorating & Design and Design Lesson