Designer's S.F. style blends modern and classic

The North cheat sheet

Refurbish family furniture: "Feel free to reinvent those family heirlooms. Your mother's antique dining room chairs may feel more like you when painted warm gray and reupholstered in a sassy stripe. She may not approve, but she will be happier that you are using them, rather than letting them collect dust in the garage."

On inspiration: "We all love to collect photographs and images on our computer, but get that inspiration out into the open! Find a pretty box, a pin-up space or a nice-looking accordion file. Inspiration is needed no matter what our profession or pastime - and it is much more tangible if it's in the physical world. And remember, inspiration comes in all forms: a thank-you card from a friend, a matchbox from a trendy bar, a still-shot from an old movie. Whatever brightens the moment!"

Strength in numbers: "Create your own design e-mail lifeline with friends. Next time you have a problem that you can't quite solve, send it out to the group and see what comes back. Sometimes the best ideas come from shared creativity. You can also use the group as a forum to share new finds, such as a clever storage solution or a great new throw pillow source."

Happy feet: "If your guests are expected to keep their shoes off while visiting your house, put a bench by the front door so they have somewhere to sit while taking them off. Then place a basket nearby with assorted pairs of cozy slippers in various sizes, nice warm socks or flip-flops."

Mix it up: "Mixing and matching international objects works! If you love traveling, why not display your treasures together? Various shapes, textures, colors and materials can complement each other very well. For example, we might assemble a wall collage combining an African mask, a Mexican retablo painting and a vintage star that came from a building in Texas."