For good design, avoid piecemeal decisions

"Good design" may seem an ordinary, straightforward term. It has a specific historical meaning, however, that closely associates it with modern-style interiors.

Back in the 1950s, "good design" was intended to be synonymous with the modern look that was becoming the international high style of that era. Although interior designers still use the term today, it's no longer limited to a particular kind of setting.

While we now recognize that there are all sorts of good designs, it's not as widely understood that almost all of them share certain features. Besides being pleasing to the eye, successful settings function well and are easy to maintain.

Q. The hub of the home we're building will be an open space that includes the kitchen, dining area and a sitting section. The only physical divider we've planned so far is a long counter separating the kitchen from the rest of the space. Is that enough of a distinction? We'd also like your advice on flooring, colors and lighting.

A. Your first principle should be to avoid making piecemeal decisions. Because all the elements you mention will be interconnected as parts of the final design, it's important to choose each one with the others in mind.

I can offer some general advice, but it will probably be more helpful to consider a specific model. The one I've chosen - shown in the accompanying photo - is included in "100 Great Extensions and Renovations," an Images Publishing Group book by Philip Jodidio.

Although this is clearly a modern design, the following ideas can be applied to any open, multipurpose space.

Let's start with the flooring. It's a combination of wood laminate, used in the informal dining area, and synthetic tiles for the kitchen. Note that these different materials are functionally appropriate for their respective areas and also serve to create a visual separation between the two parts of the open space.

However, the three different areas of use that you describe should not be further fragmented by the use of three different kinds of flooring. That kind of fragmentation would contradict the purpose of having an open space. I therefore suggest that the flooring for your sitting section be the same as in the dining area, with the addition of a colorful rug to help define and unify the chairs and sofa.

If you do decide to take such an approach, be sure for safety's sake that the two floor materials are level with each other where they are joined. If different but adjoining flooring materials are used, careful attention should be given to their method of cleaning and the products used.

Lighting options require careful consideration on the basis of their location within the space and the functions to be performed in particular areas. Halogen, incandescent and fluorescent lighting should all be used but in a proper mix. Keep in mind that colors can be strongly affected by different types of lighting.

• Readers with general interior design questions for Rita St. Clair can e-mail her at rsca@ritastclair.com.