A Modern View Living

Simple, geometric shapes combine in this living room for a modern design that is both stylish and functional. A gridded entertainment center hides electronics, the massive coffee table is a great spot to prop up feet, and the glass-and-wood doors close the space off from adjoining rooms.

Flanked by twin sofas, the mantel features a gently arched detail that's repeated on the wall niche above. Notice more curves on the sofa backs, vases, and chandelier overhead.

Though all-white interiors are not everyone's cup of tea, rooms without color can communicate a sense of elegance and serenity. White in this space is interrupted only by an occasional plant or expanse of wood, and seems cool, calm, and collected.

The owners of this home merged elements of tropical, European, and contemporary, creating uncommon style. What seem like unrelated elements -- a log ladder, linen curtains, wicker chair, and antique oil paintings -- are all connected by common neutral tones.

Before, too many patterns cluttered this room, making the eye restless. Now those layers of print have been cleared away, leaving a living room that exudes calm. Fabrics in the wall-hung quilt inspired the pale yellow wall color as well as the hues for pillows and furniture.

A preference for chocolate hues is hard to miss in the living area, where a mahogany Chinese Chippendale daybed, wicker coffee table, and Thebes-style (Egyptian) stool are complemented by artwork, pillows, blind trim, and other accessories.

Pair a beautifully refined shade of red with white and natural hues for a no-fail color palette. Repetition of the focal-point red, here in the toile-style fabric, unifies the decorating scheme. Touches of black and gold add sophistication, while white is fresh and clean.

A striking mix of old and new, comfort and style create a living room that is both elegant and inviting. Silk draperies lend elegance, a sisal rug introduces soft texture, and a honed-marble fireplace surround injects sleek sophistication.

Blending stately architectural features with eclectic furnishing isn't always easy. The keys here were texture, clean lines, and proportion. Objects on the mantel wall are placed from low to high and back down, keeping the eye moving within the room.

GALLERY KITCHEN BUDGET IDEAS

Open shelves and a playful color scheme give this small kitchen an airy feel. Black and white vinyl flooring tiles complement the retro look of the vintage refrigerator, which was purchased at a flea market. Laminate countertops also keep costs low.

Keeping the design simple stretches the space in this small kitchen. Costs were kept low by restoring old pieces. Vintage cabinets salvaged from a local 1930s home add a retro feel to the modern kitchen. The clean vertical lines of budget-friendly beaded board soften the modern space and create an appealing texture.

The charming hardwood floors, high ceilings, and abundant storage in this tiny 6x10-foot kitchen provided the perfect base for this facelift. Keeping existing appliances, this kitchen upgrade stayed within the tight budget.

Do-it-yourself skills and paint were primarily responsible for freshening up this homey kitchen. Deemed worthy of preservation, vintage home-crafted cabinets were simply painted with an earthy shade, as were the floor, walls, and ceiling.

White paint and ceramic tile were price-wise choices for prolonging the lives of still-sturdy cabinets, counters, and backsplashes. Like the soft, painted finish on the cabinets and window frames, matte ceramic-tile countertops add a timeless touch.

Cabinets are updated with a coat of paint, new hardware, and opaque glass fronts. Color bursts onto the all-white scene with a green and red mosaic tile backsplash, multicolor vinyl floor tiles, and a tomato-red laminate countertop.

Black-painted tiles on the backsplash complement the checkerboard pattern of the vinyl flooring. The warm tone of the painted cabinetry creates an inviting space that is enhanced by the soft look of the sage green walls above.

Red crackle paint on the walls and distressed yellow cabinetry add authenticity to a fresh country look. The budget was met by sticking with the builder’s neutral vinyl flooring and splurging on a new white tile countertop.