Meet Jean Paul Paquette, an interior decorator for Thomasville Home Furnishings by Cadieux Ltd. As we were walking through one of his client'.s newly decorated homes, he commented that furniture should describe your personality. He emphasized the importance of allowing your interior designer the opportunity to observe how you live and function. Our homes are our sanctuaries and should reflect who we are.

Jean Paul has achieved just that for his clients in Rothwell Heights. They lead a refined yet casual lifestyle and a medley of strikingly unique pieces, blended with over-stuffed, down-filled furniture, has created a comfortable and elegant decor.

The living room and dining room, separated by oak, mullion glass French doors, share a similar monochromatic colour scheme, exploring the full range of beige and ecru to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

A quartet of exceptional pieces highlights the living room. Stuffed with down and upholstered in cream silk, a pair of handcarved French armchairs grace either side of a Bevan Funnel reproduction. The four piece side table, imported from Sussex, England, is a delicate combination of buried yew wood with ebony and satinwood inlays. A brass, iron and glass Labarg coffee table punctuates the centre of the room.

The rust and amber side table made by Thomasville is simply unrivaled. Shot through with black highlights, the marble has been carefully shattered and reconstructed in incongruous triangular slivers. The perimeter of the top, a one inch band of amber coloured marble, contrasts and frames the table perfectly.

The faux-finish technique used in the living room is recreated, but modified in the dining room. A touch of silver has been introduced to the ragged cream and beige combination. Keeping true to the monochromatic scheme, the wall behind the china cabinet is also faux-finished in a striped pattern.

Nothing is understated about Thomasville's Grand Classic dining room collection. The architectural integrity of Beidermier and the elegance of the French Empire merge to create a dramatic and timeless style. Diamond-shaped veneers enhance the marble-topped sideboard, and carved period details accent legs, corners and feet of the table and chairs. Detailed, handglazed brass backplates and column capitals heighten the beauty of the china cabinet.

Jean Paul chose an Italian chandelier of 24K electroplated gold and alabaster for the dining room. It is a perfect choice. Trimmed with gold, the black shades emphasize the ebony accents scattered throughout the collection of furnishings.

The study, also located on the main floor, follows a more conservative, masculine tone. The desk, designed by Hekman Furniture, combines mahogany veneer and ebony and satinwood inlays, with a perimeter finished in solid olive wood.

A computer work station, also from Hekman, features a pull-out keyboard and mouse supports, and ample storage for computer components. Its best feature must be the hideaway auxiliary work surface. Completing the study are two MGM side chairs and a magnificent leather topped side table. The fabric of blue, brown and burgundy compliment the existing colour scheme. The solid cherry bookcase allows for maximum use of the available space.

Jean Paul's thoroughness left quite an impression on his clients. They have already asked him to design their Toronto condominium.