Kim Myles: Home Design Tip of the Day

Interior design maven and host of HGTV’s “Myles of Style,” Kim Myles, will answer a question submitted from an ESSENCE.com reader every day. Kim believes that interior design should offer a lifestyle that’s chic, vibrant and attainable for every homeowner or renter. “My goal is to offer simple solutions that help the average person achieve the look that they want without going into debt. There is absolutely no reason for great design to be overly expensive or exclusive,” she declares. Today’s topic: The table trap Dear Kim, My girlfriend and I share a rental apartment in downtown LA. The layout of our living area is kinda weird. We have plenty of room for couches, chairs and a TV, but there is also a smallish dining are next to the kitchen entrance. We can either make it a small dining area for the two of us or take up all the room and more by placing a longer wooden dining table in it for when we entertain (almost every weekend or every other weekend). Our main worry is that if we buy the table, which is expensive, we may like it at first and then be stuck with it after we’ve realized that it’s too big. But we really love the idea of a communal table where people can sit and talk. We don’t know what to do. Is an aparatment too small of a space for a long, rectangular table like this? KIM MYLES: You know what jumps out to me? The fact that you and your girlfriend love to entertain, love the communal table idea, and love a particular table. I think you should make the choice that feels right, vs. the choice based on fear. Your lifestyles speak to friends, family and fun, so go for the big table! It’s an investment you won’t regret, since it will support the things that bring joy to your lives. Read more:

• For more “Life, Style & Design” stories, click here.
• Kim Myles: Before and After
• “Myles of Style” Makeovers

Need help selecting furniture for your space? Have a disagreement with your spouse on a color to paint your walls? Toddlers making your home look like a storm rolled through it and need help adjusting for their mess? Send your design question to webmaster@essence-online.com. Please keep the questions brief and as detailed as possible. Remember, the more information you offer, the more Kim will be able to help!