The Problem: Can you say wall-to-wall light blue carpeting? And that was just the start of the unattractive elements that greeted Paul Rokovich when he first set eyes on this 1981 townhouse off Race Street.

The 1970s had carried over strongly into this abode, with an amber-glass partition jutting into the living room, and a blue-and-white wallpapered entryhall with orange and brown-patterned vinyl on the floor. The fireplace mantel was a dull brick and the kitchen had counters were covered in those ubiquitous off-white tiles with brown grout. An awkward kitchen layout thrust the refrigerator into the room, blocking corner cabinetry.

The Solution: Rokovich knew that large townhouses were difficult to come by. At 1,725 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths, this had the space he wanted on a quiet street.

An interior designer with a degree from the Art Center in Pasadena, he ripped out blue carpet and laid down a tan one. He replaced the vinyl entryhall flooring, and extended the walkway to meet the living room. The brick fireplace came down and a decorative mantel went up. He started over with the kitchen, moved the refrigerator into an alcove, and added granite counters. And with collections of artwork and antiques he began collecting when he was 13, he pulled together an eclectic mix of leather, leopard skin, gold leaf and chandeliers. The effect? As he puts it, "glamorous masculine."

Here’s the complete slideshow:

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