After: Airy cottage

The living room is now a colorful new gathering area. Light floods into the room and reflects off the white walls and mantel.

For contrast, the wooden floors are stained in a custom mix of ebony and dark walnut shades; the high-gloss polyurethane top coat reflects even more light.

Designer Julie Hart sparks the interiors with colorful accent pillows, throws, and pottery that she coor­dinates with a rotating collection of art.

See more of this airy cottage makeover