House Tours: A Vintage-Modern Condo

A home makeover with flair for thrift -- and a bright pillow addiction -- makes a new 1,200-square-foot condo reflect a vintage-modern style.

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California Cool

Magic Tricks

Bright Spots

Twice as Nice

Strategic Stripe

Must-Know Rules for Using Color

Thoughtful Accessorizing

Screen Saver

New Heights

Subdued Hues

Block It Out

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California Cool

This Southern California homeowner created a design that's a liberation of color with plenty of space to breathe. The feel of the corner is removed by painting a section of wall vibrant orange, giving the illusion of greater space while also defining a nook without expensive architecture.

Magic Tricks

Paint floating shelves the same hue as your wall, then accessorize with accents in contrasting colors. For example, white shelves on a white wall nearly disappear and allow these colorful accessories to shine.

Bright Spots

Inspired by the '50s, this living area sets a white couch against the white living room wall as the canvas perfect for pops of color in pillows. Pillows are affordable and easy to re-cover, so don't be afraid to mix it up and sport bright colors on throw pillows.

Twice as Nice

A combination living/dining room allows for an open feel. A mirror placed on the bold stripe on the wall further opens the room.

Strategic Stripe

Ending a stripe on the wall where the dining room ends instills a sense of definition between the two rooms.

Must-Know Rules for Using Color

Nothing fanatically transforms a room as much as color does. Learn about choosing and using color in your home with tips from Better Homes and Gardens contributing design editor, Elaine Griffin.

Thoughtful Accessorizing

The timelessness of this late '60s buffet builds a foundation for eclectic accents. Layering white accessories against a white background reflects a design-without-clutter mantra.

Screen Saver

Here, a circle-motif decorative screen separates the living area from the entryway. See-through elements add architectural division without heavy construction or blocked views.

New Heights

The headboard is created from two closet doors mounted to the wall behind the bed, giving the room the illusion of greater height. A latte-color stripe compliments the headboard and the wooden shelf.

Subdued Hues

The master bedroom has a mature, masculine look that departs from hot hues found elsewhere in the home. Using rich chocolate tones and muted blues creates sophistication. This mid-century reading chair was just over $100 and gives a plain wall artistic flair thanks to its strong shape.

Block It Out

Throughout the condo, painted blocks of color in strategic places highlight groupings and collections. Here, an espresso brown is a rich backdrop for white accessories.

House Tours: A Vintage-Modern Condo

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