ASK LINDA

Dear Linda,
Our house has some grand spaces that feel way too cavernous and uninviting. We want our home to be a friendly gathering place for large parties as well as intimate family dinners. What are the decorating secrets that will bring us closer together?

Dear Lost now Found,
Color, fabrics and furniture scale are the magical elements that can totally change the feel of the size of the room. Size is relative, but a room that echoes every foot fall, has you shouting to be heard to the person in the adjoining chair, and where you feel vulnerable and exposed is too large. The goal in an overly large room is to create several cozy conversation areas that encourage closeness. Patterned rugs can define a seating area, making a room within a room. Intimacies are never shouted, so keep furniture groupings close enough to have the arms kissing, almost touching. Soft sound absorbing fabric on the windows, furniture, and floors will eliminate that empty, echoing noise problem. Use deep color on the walls or ceilings to bring them closer into a more human scale.

Live, Laugh, Love,
Linda