Q: My husband is a retired firefighter and has collected a million die-cast models of fire trucks and cars. He wants to display his collection in the basement. Where does one begin? Glass unit wall? Oak wall?

A: You aren't alone! So many of us are juggling with collections of every kind. There's an art to finding a place for it all so it can be enjoyed without its taking over your home.

The good news is that lots of display shelving and cabinetry is available. Cube shelving is versatile as you can stagger or stack your display. Paint the wall a contrast colour as the background for all the objects in the cubes.

Floating shelves are supported from the back of the shelf, which gives a lovely clean line. You can build shelves with planks of wood and add a moulded lip to the front like a plate rail so that items won't slip off.

Glass or Plexiglas cases are a modern touch that look particularly good with built-in lighting to show off your display.

For your basement, do one big feature wall of all your husband's trucks and make it look like a gallery. Light it from behind with minilights or arrange pot lights in the ceiling so that this beloved collection can be viewed in all its glory.

Q: I'd like to know how to make a room full of antiques not look too dated. Our living room and dining room are filled with heavy, dark wood pieces of excellent quality and sentimental value. Hardwood floors in the living room have a dark oriental carpet, and the dining room has an off-white wool area rug. How does one contemporize these rooms without changing the furniture?

A: Wall colour, upholstery fabrics and lighting are elements that can be manipulated any way you choose, regardless of the furnishings, to give rooms new life. Start with the sofa and research the latest fabric trends. Oversized prints are in and striped fabrics are timeless. The update comes with the colour and width of the stripe -- go 7.5 to 13 centimetres in a combination of colours found in your carpet. I'm guessing jewel tones of blue and red.

A light colour on the walls will also make an instant impression -- pale amethyst or any shade of blue is wonderful with dark wood.

Finally, or perhaps this should be first on your list, update the lighting. A modern chandelier for the dining room, pot lights for both rooms to brighten the overall light, and one or two contemporary lamps for the living room won't clash with your antiques. Have some fun, mix it up, and you will love the new old look.

This column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. E-mail questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.