Q, My mom won't let me paint my room black and I really want to. How can I convince her? -- Tammy,

Q, My mom won't let me paint my room black and I really want to. How can I convince her? -- Tammy, 15, Everett, Wash.
A. This is a tough one, as I once wanted to paint my room black and hide from the world. Fortunately that phase passed, and thank goodness I didn't paint my walls black because my next phase was all WHITE and that would have been really difficult to cover.
I don't think you will persuade your mom to let you paint your room black, but instead of all black, how about a compromise? Black and white stripes or even black and another really great color like hot pink?
Or you might want to try painting just one wall black that you can break up with lots of mirrors and photos. Painting your walls black makes rooms look dark and small. Not only that, color effects your mood, so black walls can make for one sad sap.
However, stripes and black accessories are fantastic and really chic as long as you mix in some color. Try color schemes like black, hot pink and silver; black, turquoise and orange; or black, gold and orange for something really fantastic that you've never seen done before.
It's hard to shine and show the world how great you are if your room is a dark dungeon!
Q. I don't have enough light in my room and it's driving me crazy! What can I do? -- Georgina, 15, Grand Junction, Colo.
A. Poor child, living in the dark! It's time to get some light in that room, and my suggestion is to open up those windows by using sheers over them and placing the actual curtain fabric on the outside of the window frame. This will make your windows look bigger and let in the most light.
Now, I am not a big fan of overhead light, so you might want to get some torch lamps to light your room. They give off an enormous amount of light and they can be put in corners, where they make for a dramatic feel. Next, try lighting your room in some interesting places by putting small lights and lamps around the room to distribute light evenly. For example, I have a light box that looks fantastic under my desk when I leave it on! I also love to use those small round push lights all lined up like an airstrip on a wall!
You might even head to the Salvation Army and grab a chain lamp and hang it from one corner of your room. I have a strong feeling they are going to be back in style soon! You can make one easily by using two plastic bowls with that fit together mouth to mouth. Get some lamp hardware: a plug, cord, light socket, and some wire. Next, drill holes in the center of the bottom of one of the bowls. Thread your cord through it and attach your light socket.
Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and have your mom or dad take a look at it before you plug it in!
Insert your bulb and wire the mouths of the bowls together so that they form a closed ball. You can do this by drilling small holes evenly around the mouth and threading the wire through to attach them. Now hang it up from a ceiling hook and turn it on!
XNeed help with your room? E-mail your question to markmontanonyc@aol.com. Mark Montano can be seen on TLC's "While You Were Out." Check local listings for times. Montano also writes "Cool Room," a monthly room makeover column in CosmoGirl magazine. He is also the author of "Super Suite: The Ultimate Bedroom Makeover Guide for Girls" and an award-winning fashion designer in New York City. He has appeared on networks like MTV and Lifetime to discuss hip decor and his fashions have been featured in publications such as Vogue and The New York Times. For more information about Montano and his work, check out www.markmontano.com.