With high ceilings, abundant windows and an open floor plan, this condo in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood had great potential. To take the interior from bland to brilliant, we began our renovation by refinishing the well-worn red oak floors to a deep, rich warm gray. The walls were revitalized in vibrant yet soothing shades of sea blue and celadon.

The functional yet nondescript fireplace wall was transformed with custom built-in cabinetry, shelving, bench seating and display niches. The fireplace is surrounded in handcrafted glass tiles which feature soft, brush-like strokes in muted, flowing colors. The large sofa with a wedge-shaped chaise provides ample seating and an inviting room-within-a-room ambiance for relaxing, TV watching and socializing. A light wood and metal expandable table, upholstered teal chairs and modern pendant lighting add warmth and sophistication to the dining room. Once ordinary, this great room is now beautifully cozy and modern.