Rich Ideas by Sheila Rich, IIDA, Allied ASID Furnishings can go nicely in front of picture windows Q: I have a three-bedroom ranch house that's about 40 years old. My decorating problem is with the wall of the living room that has a large picture window. The space in front of the picture window is empty, and I'm not sure whether I should place a table, chair or couch there. The far wall has a couch with an end table and lamp. Thank you for any help you can give me. - Debbie A: Debbie, that area in front of the picture window can be a lovely place to nestle a sofa with end tables. If they and the wall containing the picture window are the longest things in the room, this is proportionally the right thing to do. If they are not, then you can keep the couch on the opposite wall, giving you a nice view out the window, and place a table or a chair and side table in front of the window. Unless your window is a bay window, the windowsill doesn't have to be the cut-off point for the height of the piece you place there. It is unwise to place furniture in front of a window that is obstructed by an air conditioning unit or a radiator. Q: We just moved from New York to Matawan, and I would like to know how to find an interior designer who can work within our budget. We want a contemporary look in each room. I would appreciate any advice you can offer. - Joshi A: Joshi, when you're interviewing interior designers, review their portfolios to see examples of their work in contemporary dcor. If the designer has a showroom, make sure the furniture is to your liking and that what you like fits within your budget. Then when you're ready to hire someone, negotiate an hourly rate and set a monetary limit. If you're willing to do the legwork, your designer can act as a consultant, which will save you a considerable amount of money. Interior designer Sheila Rich (IIDA, Allied ASID,) has been making homes beautiful all over the country for more than 20 years. Please send your decorating questions to her at P.O. Box 373, Marlboro, NJ 07746 or by e-mail to snrich@optonline.net. Q: My living room has very nice furniture, painted walls, and high-quality wall-to-wall carpeting, but for some reason the overall impression is flat and boring. Everyone comments that my individual selections are lovely, but still no one is "wowed" by the whole room. What can I do to make this room more attractive? A: Your room may be too pat, too staged - you need to make it pop! Much like life in general, if you play it too safe with your dcor your room will be unremarkable and dull. Basically what your room needs is texture, which can be easily accomplished in a number of ways. Your sofa, love seat, and upholstered chairs will automatically gain dimension with some throw pillows of deeper colors or coordinated print materials. Your room could also be too set looking if your furniture is lined up along the walls. Try moving the pieces closer together to make cozy conversation groupings or rearrange them completely. Even a simple thing like angling a chair can make all the difference. More intensity on the wall is another way to beat room "blahs". Textured or fabric wall coverings as well as faux finishes give depth and dimension to walls. Crown moldings, door frames and floor moldings also add texture, but in addition, you can also paint them in contrasting, complementary shades to the colors in your room. A bit of drama is all you need to give your room a completed look. u