This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2005, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Dear Debbie: I live in an old apartment building. There is a large opening that measures 4 feet by 3 feet between the kitchen and dining/living area. The bottom of the window is the height of the kitchen counter. Is there something I can do to hide my kitchen from full view?

- Ronald W.

Dear Ronald: If there is not a door that leads from the kitchen to the dining room, a pass-through will save you countless steps. In a windowless kitchen, this is also a good way to let in light from the front rooms. These openings come in and out of style, and their size and shape vary. Choose a solution that will enhance the decor in your apartment. You can cover the opening with wood, bamboo or metal blinds if you want to completely block out the view. Blinds are easy to raise partially when the space is in use, and you can also open them to let light into the kitchen during the day. An alternative is to build shelves inside the opening. Metal and mesh would suit a modern style, while the scalloped wood shelves seen here have a casual, country appeal. Open shelves tend to become a catchall for all sorts of loose bits and pieces. Try to keep them tidy, displaying crockery, fresh herbs and spices and a framed photo or two. Otherwise, you'll be back where you started with a view you don't like. Dear Debbie: My husband and I recently collected a wonderful assortment of stones on the beach, and we'd like to display them. When they are wet you can see their beautiful patterns and colors. We are wondering if there's a way to make them appear wet all the time. Maybe oil, or a glaze coating? Thanks for any ideas.

- Janet M.

Dear Janet: I would use the same trick that decorative artists employ to make the veins in faux marble stand out. Apply a coat of oil-based varnish to the stones. Choose a high-gloss sheen for the clearest results. A focus light on your display will also highlight the complex textures of the stones.

Dear Debbie: We are planning a reading nook at one end of our living room and have bought three light oak veneer bookcases that sit together measuring 9 feet wide and 7 feet high. We plan to join them together with trim and crown molding. Our dilemma is how to finish them. The wood trim, fireplace and doors are white, and the walls are taupe. Should they be white, or maybe a contrasting color?

- Paula S.

Dear Paula: It's a great idea to connect the bookcases. By adding strips of stock trim and molding (available at any building supply store), you will have designed a custom unit for your reading nook. I would paint the back of the shelves in a pastel shade of taupe or pink and then semigloss white for the rest of the unit. Leave a few spaces for display objects along with your books so that the back color will be visible. This will add depth and will complement your room.

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Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. E-mail your questions to house2 home@debbietravis.com.

For more ideas, look for Debbie's newest book, "Kitchens and Baths."

(c)2005 Debbie Travis

Distributed by King Features Syndicate.

Photo Caption:

Bright kitchen cabinets make a cheerful backdrop for these open shelves, built into a kitchen pass-through.

Try to keep shelves tidy, displaying crockery, fresh herbs and spices and a framed photo or two.