House Tours: A Vintage-Modern Condo

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.