Q: I am renovating my upstairs bathroom and want it to be basic black and white, but I want to paint the walls in a colour that will give it a bit of a modern edge. Also, what's new in bathroom storage?

A: A basic black and white palette is timeless and as modern as it is traditional. Any colour will stand out when paired with this versatile duo. A hot colour is a green with some yellow in it for a touch of acid zing. This fresh green will really pop in your bathroom. A more subtle alternative would be stone grey, this year's favourite.

You have many choices for storage. I like the spacious look of the vertical storage solutions shown. The towel ladder and cabinets on legs allow the space to breath. Like the colour palette, the style combines traditional wood cabinetry with contemporary lines and metal accents. Very cool.

Lighting fixtures can also update a room. The modern vanity lights are designed to shed light laterally, which is more flattering, and the glass shades are interchangeable and stylish.

Q: I'm on the board of a large condominium building and it's time to redecorate the outer and inner lobbies and long first floor hallway. The dilemma is between wallpaper and paint. Which is more practical for this busy space? We are having difficulty agreeing and need your expertise.

A: Decorating by committee can be quite the challenge. Let's face it, getting consensus from two people for the colour of your living room can provoke heated battles. The pros and cons are more aligned with the look of paint versus wallpaper than the practicality, because they can both be practical.

I would go for a compromise. Look at the new embossed paintable wallpapers. Both modern and traditional designs are available and the raised pattern will add a beautiful dimension to the halls. Paint the outer lobby in semigloss or even high gloss sheen. The higher the sheen, the more durable and washable it is.

Dress up the inner lobby with paintable wallpaper. Paint it the same colour as the outer lobby, and then mix a glaze in a darker shade (dark brown works nicely) and rub it over the pattern, wiping it back so that the dark glaze remains in the nooks and crannies and highlights the design.

For the long hallway, split the walls, running paper along the top third and paint the lower section. I've seen this application and it looks great.

Q: I am having new hardwood laid in my living and dining rooms. My furniture is dark-toned wood with warm red tones and black leather sofas, and I'm planning to paint the walls warm chocolate. Should I go light or dark hardwood?

A: Either choice is fine but dark hardwood is more modern. However, with your furniture and dark wood, the chocolate brown walls will make the room feel heavy. Add some bright colour in cushions, lamps, vases, artwork or dishes as an accent, and your monochrome scheme will become warm and inviting.

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