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