Q: We have a small dining area beside the living room, all one space. We love to entertain and want to be able to seat six to eight people around the table. Have you any ideas for seating?

A: In a small space such as your combined living and dining room, it is advisable to keep the colour palette and style unified. The dining table should complement other tables in the living area, whether you have wood, metal or glass, light or dark tones.

However, mix and match seating is popular today so it's no longer necessary to have six or eight identical dining chairs. A more casual and eclectic approach is a good solution for your room.

To maximize seating around the table, go for one long bench or two or three single seat benches. Backless seats take up less space visually and your view of the dining area isn't chopped up by a row of chair backs when you and your guests are seated in the living room. Also, a bench takes up less physical space and stretches the number of people that can sit around the table when your party unexpectedly grows.

Upholstered seat pads add comfort, colour and dress up a bench simply. Pick fabric that links to the colour or patterns in your living room sofa or chairs. Benches are generally light weight and easily moved to give you extra seating wherever it's needed. You'll be delighted with the result.

Q: We are downsizing from a 10-room house to a two-bedroom apartment. It is painted beige throughout and painting is discouraged. What other options exist for walls?

A: Why not utilize the rich colour, pattern and textures found in art? Maybe you have a collection of art and photography. You can have your own custom art by transferring one or a collection of photos onto canvas.

If you are ready for a change, shop for whatever fits your budget, from large framed prints to tapestries and paintings. Hang a beautiful quilt on the wall in the bedroom. Use a rich mosaic for the window treatments and accessories.

You'll be amazed at how quickly the beige walls become a neutral background that brings cohesion to your fully personalized, new apartment.

Q: I just bought my first condo, a small one-bedroom unit and I want to decorate it in a beach look. I need help with furniture and colours.

A: Be careful with themed rooms -- you need only a few elements to create the look you want. In this case, choose a colour palette of delicate blues for the walls, fresh white trim, white sheers for a breezy effect, and some splashes of sharp fun citrus green or yellow for accessories such as throws and pillows.

Beach style is also about texture, so pick up garage sale finds, an old wood coffee table, planks for shelving, an old armoire, and then antique them with a greyish whitewash to give the impression of faded driftwood.

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