Ask The Designers Q: We are renovating a large kitchen  / breakfast room area. Although I'm leaning towards a wood floor, I'd really like something a little more interesting in such a big space. A: (An) option would be to install a plain wood floor, and then, prior to treating it with polyurethane, faux paint a border and/or decorative inlays. I also like mixing wood and slate, particularly in a kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The slate pulls off the stainless, while the wood adds warmth. Q: In our new town house, the living room and den are really one large space. How do I define them as separate areas, but make them look like they belong together? A: Use the same color scheme throughout but with deeper tones and more casual fabrics, such as chenille, leather, and mohair in the den. In the living room, use dressier fabrics, such as silks and velvets. If both areas have windows, consider wood blinds or shutters with a top treatment for the den; a longer, more dramatic treatment, such as sheers, side panels, and a valance, for the living room. Area rugs will also divide the space. If Orientals are your style, perhaps a wool one in the den, a silk and wool combo in the living room or broadloom area rugs with custom borders, flip-flopping the colors in the two areas.