Before: The most interesting thing in this living room — a '60s-era sofa — is lost on the long, bare wall. Unfortunately, the focal point is the humdrum window so this space needs some pizzazz!
After: A long, low sofa like this needs to be offset with something tall so the vertical window coverings bring it into focus and make a dramatic focal point. Pillows remixed from curtain fabric pull the wall color to this area.
Before: Ugh. Boring! Looking around this apartment, you'd never know that the people who live here have vibrant personalities. These drab digs need some oomph.
After: The vintage turquoise wall paint ties together silver, brown and orange accents. More seating is added with another butterfly chair. Both canvas coverings are softened in the dryer, and then painted with orange latex.
Don't sew? No problem. These mod curtains are made from white cardboard cutouts of geometric shapes and are strung together with paper clips. Just hang them along a curtain rod for a spiffy window treatment.
Be creative with leftover lumber. A coat of paint can correct the visual condition of usable, but unsightly wood. Modify a basic shelving design with staggered vertical supports to create a retro storage piece.
Aluminum leafing and silver paint give this table a '50s space-age style. Leafing is easy: brush on sizing (craft stores carry this glue); place leafing on the wet surface, and then use a dry brush to remove any excess. Protect with clear varnish.
How do you make a rental feel like your own home? Renter Jennifer Durban wants to surprise her roommates by making their living room a place where they can all hang loose. Designer Karen McAloon takes a cue from Durban's kitschy '50s and '60s collectibles. With the help of McAloon's team and Durbin's pal, they revamp the room with retro colors and stylized details. A snow globe display, a kitschy fake fireplace and more seating give the vintage living room a playful, party-waiting-to-happen style.
paint: walls (739 Un-Teal We Meet Again); butterfly chair canvas (2168-30 Orange Blossom) Benjamin Moore Paints
Get the latest on decorating and design trends when you subscribe to HGTV.com's free Decorating newsletter. Subscribe now>>
Chic and Easy Decorating Projects
More than 100 ideas under $100! Plus, exclusive video with ideas for kitchens, bathrooms and more. Get the details >>
Experiment with new furniture arrangements for your home using HGTV.com's Room Planner tool.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)