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Wallpaper ennui, kitchen-floor durability and staircase aesthetics are topics tackled, in turn, by designers Diane Durocher, Lucy Pavlik and Elizabeth Ego.

THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT WALLPAPERS AVAILABLE, BUT AM I GOING TO GET TIRED OF IT OVER TIME? WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO USE IT TO AVOID GETTING BORED?

Wallcovering can be a perfect application and backdrop for virtually any room. Patterns can add dimension in foyers and powder rooms or provide a touch of luxury in the dining room. And, in a bedroom, I do love the personality that wallcovering suggests. With that said, if you’re fearful that you’ll tire of a wallcovering but want the texture and interest of the application, then I would recommend neutral, timeless patterns. For my more traditional clients I often suggest a large trellis or damask pattern depending on the room and its size. For my transitional and contemporary clients, I love a grasscloth! Vinyl grass cloth is a great choice that has come a long way. It is beautiful, textural and wipeable, which makes it perfect for high-traffic areas such as hallways or powder rooms. —Diane Durocher, ASID, CID, Diane Durocher Interiors; dianedurocherinteriors.com

I’M REDOING MY KITCHEN FLOOR AND WANT A MAINTENANCE-FREE OPTION THAT CAN WITHSTAND A LOT OF TRAFFIC. I LOVE THE LOOK OF WOOD BUT WORRY ABOUT HAVING TO REDO IT IN A FEW YEARS. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE LAMINATES THAT ARE AROUND, AND WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER IF I GO THAT ROUTE? Laminate flooring is a great option because of its durability. As it is waterproof, it is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Many of my clients have opted for laminate flooring because it is stronger than regular wood flooring and is scratch-resistant. It’s very good for families with kids and pets. It’s easy to install and can often be installed without removing the old flooring, making it cost- and time-efficient.

There are a large variety of styles and designs of laminate flooring to choose from, and it gives a high-end hardwood look. It is also softer than hardwood flooring and tiles. In addition, it is more hygienic and easier to clean.

When looking for laminate flooring, consider the brand and the quality. Some brands are better than others. Also look at the layering and thickness; the more layers and thickness, the longer it will last. Another important point: I don’t recommend using laminate flooring on a historic colonial type of home because it will not be in keeping with the history of the house. Other than that, I like working with laminate flooring because of its durability, the large variety of styles and the easy installation. —Lucy Pavlik, Allied ASID, Divine Home Interiors; divine-home-interiors.com

I WANT TO PAINT MY STAIRCASE BUT KEEP THE OAK TREADS. ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR COLORS TO PAINT THE RISERS, HANDRAIL AND BALUSTERS FOR A MODERN LOOK? To maintain the warm character of a wooden staircase while updating to an overall modern aesthetic, I enthusiastically advocate for painting the risers and/or balusters black. Keeping a dark, saturated color in a focused area creates a bold effect without committing to color on a larger space, such as a wall. The contrast between the paint and the oak will produce a fresh impression. Crucial to painting a high-traffic area such as a staircase is quality preparation, which will enhance the finished product and ensure the longevity of the paint application. I suggest opting for a floor paint in a satin or semi-gloss for durability’s sake. Of course, you can elevate the look by doing a hand-painted texture application as we did in the adjacent photo. —Elizabeth Ego, Allied ASID, Agape Design Group; agapedesigngroup.com