The Decor Diva: Looking to make a media room

Small space, but big plans for media room

Dear Dcor Diva: We have a small house with fairly small rooms. There's an extra bedroom just off of our living room, approximately 12 feet by 14 feet that I would like to turn into a media room. We're going to invest in a large-screen television and also want to add some shelves and as much extra storage space as possible. We prefer simple clean lines and wondered if you had any suggestions before we begin? -- Mad for Media Room

Dear Mad for Media Room: The best way to accomplish your dreams is to create the perimeter of the room -- or at least two walls -- with custom built-ins designed for your storage needs. The built-in would also be customized to accommodate your new large-screen television. Since at times you will need the room to be completely dark - go for blackout blinds on any outside windows. Since it is a relatively small room, I would keep it light and bright with good overhead and task lighting. This will ultimately be more pleasant for conversation and also provide a good spot for reading.

Needs lamp advice

Dear Dcor Diva: I need a reading lamp for sewing and reading. My optometrist recommended a reading lamp with a daylight globe, but then a lighting company advised that a halogen bulb produced whiter light. The lighting rep said a lot of people have used the halogen ones to do cross-stitch, too. Which is the better option? -- Industrious But Nearsighted

Dear Industrious But Nearsighted: There are a few different options that would meet your lighting needs. Many lighting companies produce small, lightweight halogen desk lamps with an adjustable arm. These lamps use a 12-volt 50-watt bi-pin bulb. Since the bulb is very small, so is the lamp head. These lightweight, compact lamps produce ample light and generally have a high/low switch to adjust the amount of lighting that is required.

The halogen bulb produces a pure white light which is most beneficial in most lighting tasks. If you choose an incandescent lamp, the bulbs are larger. Naturally this means that the lamp will also be larger and possibly a little bulky. The incandescent produces a more reddish tone, but this is also a natural light source. A 100-watt lamp would be sufficient for reading and sewing. A table dimmer can also be used to adjust the amount of light to your specific preference.

Texture or smooth?

Dear Dcor Diva: My home is a builder's spec home built in 1959. My living room has not been redone in 18 years. It is currently wallpapered in a textured, tan-over-cream paper with blue flecks. I'm thinking of having the walls retextured. My ceiling also needs some repair. What do you think of texturing walls and ceiling the same? -- Truly Needs Advice

Dear Truly Needs Advice: First and foremost, if your ceiling is in need of some repair, make this your first priority. This could determine the next steps in your remodeling process. Texturing the entire room may tend to make it "close in."

I recommend texturing one and keeping the other smooth. Take a sample of your existing wall covering to a dependable paint store. They'll tell you if it can be painted over.

Many types of wall covering have a clear coating and you may need to prime the walls first. Since your house was built in 1959, I'm assuming your ceiling heights are 8 feet high. The repairs you are speaking of may require some plastering and texturing is a good way to hide any flaws. Since your wall covering is already textured, it makes sense to texture the walls and keep your ceiling smooth.

Perla Lichi is a professional interior designer and syndicated columnist. Submit questions by writing: The Decor Diva, c/o Naples Daily News, 7127 N. Pine Island Road, Tamarac, FL 33321. Submit questions or order a copy of her book, "You Deserve Beautiful Rooms," at www.decordiva.com or e-mail directly decordiva@perlalichi.com.