Good Works Makeover

A storage closet at the end of the room took up too much valuable square footage. The doorway came down and, voilà, an alcove (above) was born.

A sectional sofa from Ikea and an Elaine-designed color-block mural transform the former closet into an intimate hangout nook. Masking off and painting the blocks demanded such meticulous attention, Elaine says, "It almost drove the painting team crazy." The resulting checkerboard uses zany colors such as Purple Flurp and Rip Curl Red, and it not only disguises wall defects but also offers a view that combats the absence of windows.

Weilgus broke into a broad smile when he first saw the completed makeover. "How could you not?" he asked. "I expected a cool, amazing room. I didn't expect it to be so inspiring."

Insect rugs, slip-covered footstools, sofa, dining table, chairs, bookcases, and baskets, all from Ikea; lamps from Lamps Plus; orange table from Spiegel; toys from Toys "R" Us and Bombay Kids; and paint from the Signature Colors collection at Lowe's.