Décor Score by Rose Bennett Gilbert

Q: Is it possible to paint floors so they look like stained concrete? I really like the smooth, seamless look, but I'm in a condo and there's no way I can have poured concrete. Is there another way to get the look?

A: Take a leaf from the book of visual tricks belonging to architect Charles "Chip" Bohl. In his own apartment, he used epoxy paint to seal the floors, so they gleam as smooth and shiny as ice underfoot.

Look at the shine in this photo of Bohl's masterstroke, borrowed from a book called "Glamour, Making It Modern" by Michael Lassell. What started out as a handsome but un-extraordinary apartment goes totally glam with all that slick and sheen underfoot.

For author Lassell, the floor evokes images of Jean Harlow — sinuous and shining in her white satin dresses. Don't you bet that Harlow herself would enjoy seeing the return of pure glamour to the home front, as well as to our wardrobes in the 21st century?

In fact, it's a welcome sight for most all of us after, what? Two decades of the country look, with its peeling paint, homespuns and distressed woods. Now were out for more sophistication, defined in rooms that have outright bling: glints of gold and other metallics, crystal chandeliers and crystals sparkling even on our wallpapers. (See the Ron Redding collections at yorkwall.com.)

As designer Jaime Drake is quoted in the "Glamour" book, "Surfaces that reflect light and sparkle at the same time define glamour: Midas had the right touch."

There's a dark side, however: Don't try taking the epoxy route to glamour all by yourself. As Lassell points out, applications can be tricky.

If you love this look, call in a professional.

Q: We're decorating the nursery for our daughter, who's due the first week of the new year. We're excited about her but suffering sticker-shock from the price tags on furnishings, even for infants. Do you have any advice on how to buy things that will last longer than her teething ring?

A: My best advice is that you read and heed ideas on this very subject from smart cookie Paula Berberian, a creative at a top home fashions company (Brewster Home Fashions in Randolf, Mass).

Paula offers a four-point strategy on how to keep up with your child's growth and growing tastes without breaking the piggy bank:

Buy a crib that converts from baby- to toddler- to teen size. Any number of manufacturers offer cribs that can be reassembled into a regular bed. One on Paula's list is Davinci's Emily Convertible Baby Crib (just over $200).

Stick to basic colors in rugs, fabrics and bedding, adding changeables — pillows, wall art and such — in whatever color your child loves at the moment.

Customize at low-cost with peel-and-stick wall decorations (no surprise that Brewster offers a popular line called WallPops, wallpops.com). Instant fun, the peel-and-stick-ables come in everything from butterflies to glow-in-the dark dinosaurs, fairies, planets and "friendly monsters."

Provide storage that will last from tot to teen, such as sturdy wood bookshelves and square cubbies, sized to fit individual storage baskets or canvas bins.

Rose Bennett Gilbert is the co-author of "Manhattan Style" and six other books on interior design. To find out more about Rose Bennett Gilbert and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM.