designing with polka dots

Folks,

I need your expertise. I think I've met a design that I'm not sure I can conquer. Basically, I'm doing a business website for a former co-worker and she would like the background or design to include white polka dots on a black background. I convinced her that this would not work as an overall background, but she would still like this motif. Any suggestions? I'm debating on offsetting the design to the left and leaving the right side blank to use as polka dot heaven. I just don't know how to do it without making eyes roll upward and still keep the site professional.

Any ideas?