Caroline Gidiere is well-known for her modern take on classic American design. Inspiration for the primary sitting room in this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach struck as she ...

Drawing room: reserved for distinguished company. Salon: reserved for guests who would be expected to wittily ponder the meaning of life. Parlor: where you would be on view before your funeral.

In her sitting room, Ms. Chused mounted a shaded swing-arm lamp on the wall behind the sofa and placed a floor lamp to one side. Ceiling fixtures that wash the whole room in light are less desirable.