indoors

AT HOME

LOOKING UP

Cristina painted the stair landing

wall, top, a cheerful sky blue. “That simple change

made such a difference,” she says.

DISAPPEARIN G A C T

A

15

-foot span of folding

doors,

above,

opens the house to a patio. For a

similar look without the custom design, use

multiple sets of French doors and windows.

OPEN CONNECTION

Cristina,

right,

walks down

the airy hallway between the living/dining room

and the wall of folding doors.

M A K E M O D E R N F E E L W A R M

■ Play up the beauty of wood. Natural wood tones add instant

warmth. Family-friendly bonus: Wooden cabinets show fewer

fingerprints and smudges than painted ones.

■ Spice up the palette. Doses of color are an easy antidote for the

cold side of modern. Try painting an accent wall, staining or painting

cabinetry, and adding colorful upholstery or pillows.

■ Make it personal. Empty, impersonal spaces are icy. Store colorful

dishes on open shelves in the kitchen, display books or a well-edited

collection on the coffee table, and add life to any room with cut flowers.

Avoid clutter to keep it modern.

7 4

MARCH 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS