To give the formal areas of the house a stately feel, he installed black double doors, stained black walnut flooring, and blue velvet curtains.

WSJ: How Maurizio Pellizzoni Is Bringing Warmth to London

Houston-based Lauren Rottet, founder of Rottet Studio, encourages her clients to forgo a formal dining room for a home office with a desk that can double as an occasional grand table, for that rare event that calls for one.

WSJ: Furniture Does Double Duty