I have an unfurnished formal dining room adjacent to the foyer of my house. I would like to furnish it however my family resists the idea of getting formal dining furniture since we do not entertain much. I’m not sure how I should furnish it otherwise. Would it look odd to make it a playroom for my kids or a library room? Please help.

Branka Kojic, president of the Chicago-based importer Casa Italia, talks to Joe Askins of YoChicago.com about the two-bedroom model at 235 Van Buren that her company recently furnished. Kojic discusses the choices of furniture her designers used in the living and master bedroom, and their decision to convert the condo’s second bedroom into an office space.

We are building a home and was wondering if anyone has ever bought appliances, cabinetry from IKEA. Wondering if you where happy with it, also furniture as well. Quality wise, what do you think. We are in the process of buying new furniture and getting our house finished up. Any answers would help. Thanks!

An ex-roommate had a large Elvis on velvet portrait and displayed it proudly in our den.