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Dear Jessica,

I have a two-story wall in my great room that I am not happy with. I’d love to accessorize higher on this wall, but I feel restricted by the furniture I have in place. The hallway blends into the living room. Would you recommend adding art higher up on the wall?

I am also facing a second, more minor, problem in my front entryway.

I have a shelf that is about 2 feet wide above my front door, but the shelf remains bare because I am not sure what to put up so high. What would be the best accessories to add to enhance my entryway? — Marie, Greensboro

Dear Marie,

As our lifestyles have become less formal, so too have our living spaces. It is commonplace to see a kitchen open into a great room. The conventional front door alcove or vestibule has been replaced with an entry area that leads directly into a living space. Your design dilemma is shared by many.

I suggest you think big and try to create balance in your space. Your two-story wall offers a nice large canvas on which to work.

Looking at the pictures you provided, I see one modification to your existing layout that would make a big impact on your space and allow you to feel less constricted by your furnishings. Your armoire, positioned between a door and living area, is dividing your space. By moving this piece, you will remove a barrier to the flow and transition in this room.

I recommend removing the armoire, which gives a more cluttered look. In its place, I suggest you add a custom built-in or shelving system that can be centered on the wall. Depending on the size of your new storage alternative, you can position artwork along the sides of the shelves or above them to frame the space.

By introducing a custom storage and display option, you have added a design element with flexibility. The new system can add character to your space, and it allows you to keep your existing floor plan.

As a general rule, accessorizing a large area can be easier if you keep size and proportion in mind when making design decisions.

For example, a small-scale single print would appear out of place on an expansive wall and accentuate the sheer size of the wall area. As an alternative, establish intimacy in your designs by taking advantage of your wall space; expand your décor landscape by using different prints, sconces and accessories of varying shapes, sizes and colors.

By mixing it up a bit and creating a gallery wall or library/entertainment area, you add texture and create a balanced signature design statement. Whether you prefer symmetrical or asymmetrical layouts, this concept will apply.

Your second decorating challenge — your front door — is easy to fix as long as you keep a few rules in mind. Think big and be practical. Steer clear of high-maintenance accessories that require constant dusting and care, such as an artificial plant. Instead, add color and texture with larger-scale accessories like pottery, iron elements or an interesting sculpture. Whether your style is traditional or contemporary, you should be able to find interesting design elements to create a stylish look worthy of your grand entry.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.