Well connected

An eclectic mixture of furniture, art and color can make or break an interior. Done well, the combination can create a comfortable and warm living environment that's at once cohesive and visually interesting.

Interior designer Jill Vantosh's condominium is a shining example of this. Furniture and art in a variety of textures and styles and of various origins have been drawn together with splashes of vivid color.

It's a stark contrast to what Vantosh found when she bought the property, located 19 stories above Atlanta.

"The interior was dark, with black floors and walls. It just didn't suit the surroundings or the view," the designer says.

"My main goal was to bring the outside in. I wanted to create a light, clean and comfortable environment that was warm, interesting and highlighted the view."

Although major structural alterations weren't possible due to the nature of the property, the redo provided Vantosh with the opportunity to make better use of the space.

"Several rooms were too large and they weren't suited to my needs. When I evaluated the floor plan, I saw an opportunity to create more functional spaces and add openness and light to the interior, while also improving the flow from room to room."

To do this, several walls were removed and relocated, creating a small study and a hallway. This allowed for easy access from the living areas to the three bedrooms and entranceway, and ensured the view was visible from each end of the condominium.

It also provided the perfect space to display artwork in an alcove positioned between two doors disguised as large paintings.

Art is displayed in this way throughout the home, where Vantosh has transformed closets into niches for her eclectic collection.

Other pieces, such as ornate mirrors and statement designer furniture, serve a visual as well as a practical function, lifting a simple space and adding interest, Vantosh says.

"I wanted to add an element of surprise. I had so many interesting pieces that I'd collected over the years and wanted to incorporate an eclectic style makes it easy to do that."

A consistently neutral backdrop was used to unify the furnishings and ensure the art and view were focal points. Splashes of color were then added, chosen to reflect the outdoors.

"I was inspired by the view of the trees and landscape in the daytime. I wanted people to walk in and feel a sense of connection."

The use of wood and the combination of modern, antique and mid-century elements also bring warmth to the unit.

"I wanted a comfortable and simple decor so I stuck to clean lines, a few colors and textures and very few accessories. As a whole, the combination created a warm and harmonious look which is very easy to live in."

Story by: Trendsideas