Victory One's Makeover

New York interior designer Elaine Griffin and O at Home changed all that—transforming the drab, basement-level area into a "great room" that's as vibrant as the people who use it every day.

Elaine first tackled the space's institutional vibe. With donated help from New York-based Lettire Construction Corp., she laid hardwood floors where there used to be vinyl tiles, added table and floor lamps to decrease the need for the overhead fluorescents, and made the dull metal doors and window frames almost disappear by painting them to complement the walls.

Victory One residents Ester McNair and Vincent Tyrone Carey share a laugh in their new rec room. Behind them, Arteriors Home mirrors hang on Graham & Brown wallpaper.