Arren Williams Questions on decor January 2004

I'm planning on inviting friends to stay over once I move into my new condo. Since I don't have a spare room, should I think about buying a sofabed?

Unless you can afford to splurge on a sofabed with a top quality mechanism and mattress more than 3" thick I wouldn't bother. The interior of what make a sofa comfy and durable-the webbing and springs found beneath the seat cushions-is entirely replaced by the sofabed's fold-out mechanism. It doesn't make for a comfortable seat or a comfortable bed, so spare yourself the trouble and instead think of picking up an AeroBed air mattress (available at Home Outfitters, queen size $199.99). It inflates in less than a minute with a built in pump, then stores in its own carryall once your guests have gone. Best of all, it's truly is comfy!

When I re-paint my family room, should I leave the ceiling white?

The colour surrounding us, including the walls, floor and ceiling, helps set a mood. Using plain-old white on a ceiling defeats the purpose of wrapping a space in a deliciously rich tone or calming peaceful hue. To soften that harsh wall-to-ceiling contrast, pick either the lightest colour on the paint chip card your wall shade is from. Alternatively, mix one third wall colour with white paint yourself to create your own custom shade.

When I re-paint my family room, should I leave the ceiling white?

The colour surrounding us, including the walls, floor and ceiling, helps set a mood. Using plain-old white on a ceiling defeats the purpose of wrapping a space in a deliciously rich tone or calming peaceful hue. To soften that harsh wall-to-ceiling contrast, pick either the lightest colour on the paint chip card your wall shade is from. Alternatively, mix one third wall colour with white paint yourself to create your own custom shade.