Before and after: Manhattan loft makeover

The Micaud family is trying to sell their SoHo loft, and they needed a fresh look. Speed decorator Jill Vegas showed them how to make the most of what they have.

BEFORE ... AND AFTER

Christopher Micaud, who owns a loft in Lower Manhattan with soaring ceilings and cityscape views, tried to makeover his home for sale. But, he found some of the space's quirks trying.

So he called in Jill Vegas, author of the new book "Speed Decorating" to show him how to make the most of what he has. Plus, add a few flourishes.

In the living room area, Vegas focused on opening up the sitting area and making it more welcoming. She moved the metal armchairs to the side and pushed the sectional sofa against the wall.

She repainted the walls studio white to make the room look bigger, cleaner and brighter. A painting above the sofa added a splash of color and the impression of grandeur by offsetting the soaring ceiling height.

"It completely opened up the room and made the ceiling seem higher and more dramatic," Vegas said.

See the video of the makeover.