Design solutions: Lighting, flooring and neutrals

Q: I love neutral colours, and I know lots of big-name designers do, too. But why do their rooms look fabulous while mine just look boring? Janice Wong, Winnipeg
A: When the pros opt out of using the bolder sections of the colour wheel, they amp up the other design elements in their bag of tricks. Here are five ways they -- and you -- can create neutral rooms that are inspired rather than insipid.

1 The right neutrals Just because a room is neutral doesn't mean there's no colour. Consider trading in muddy taupes and tans for today's fresher neutrals, which are crisper and more grey based. The best neutral rooms combine several different shades.

2 Shapely furniture In a monochromatic room, the shapes of your furniture and accessories are of utmost importance. Furnish your room with pieces featuring various leg styles, and combine straight and curvy profiles.

3 A bold gesture Whether you do it with artwork (the giant abstract in the room at left), lighting or accessories a neutral room needs at least one statement piece.

4 Mood lighting Creative lighting design is the best way to show off subtle variations in colour and texture. Customize the mood according to the occasion by combining every different source of lighting: natural light,
recessed and other overhead fixtures set on dimmers, uplighting, artwork lighting, accent lamps and candles.

5 Texture embellishment Delight the eye and your sense of touch by combining three or more textures in a room: shiny metals, silk, nubby linen or wool, plush velvet or faux fur, soft carpet and buttery smooth leather. Create texture by adding pleats or tucks to draperies or slipcovers, or add fringe or beaded trim to cushions. 

Q: My husband and I recently had our oak floors refinished. Now that they look so beautiful, how do we care for them and keep that shiny new look? Carrie Nordstrom, via e-mail
A: I have newly finished maple floors in my Toronto home and keep them looking great with my Dyson DC14 vacuum, followed by cleaning with Bona Swedish Formula hardwood floor cleaner and a microfibre mop (buy them at local hardwood flooring retailers or online at bona.com). Bona works wonders and is environmentally friendly. To protect the floor from scratches, I bought a bunch of felt pads and put them on the bottom of every furniture leg that touches the floor. Oh yes, and no more high heels or hard-sole shoes indoors. Treat yourself and your husband to soft-sole loafers -- both have more style and support than fluffy
slippers but are just as gentle on wood floors.

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