Fresh Perspective on a Classic Design

After outgrowing their Boston-area condo, the couple moved into a 1910 Victorian home to find that many of the original architectural features were still intact but the home's original electrical system, plumbing, and insulation were not up-to-date. With most of their budget focused on the updates, they used their ingenuity and modern elements they already owned to save the day. These shimmering blue silk dupioni draperies were from the couple's former home. The panels were cut down to fit these windows and hung with aged-brass grommets that match the new home's hardware.

Bright and bold fabrics inject modern personality into the traditional space. On-trend motifs and colors fill this sitting area and are an ode to hybrid styling. A classic spindle chair was reupholstered in a zippy zebra fabric to give the piece a unique look.

The deep purple upholstered ottoman is a versatile alternative to a coffee table. The color works well with the space, and unlike a hard-edge coffee table, the soft ottoman is child-friendly and less likely to injure little heads.

To make the adjoining spaces harmonious, the jewel-tone color palette was repeated in the dining room. Aubergine walls are accented with burnt-orange draperies and creamy white wainscoting and chair upholstery. Alternating dominant colors throughout the house gives each space distinction.

The mother-of-pearl ceiling fixtures are used in both the dining room and the living room. This repeated element helps create cohesion between the spaces. Dark wood accents are also carried throughout both rooms.

Seeing an unexpected pop of color in a room breaks up the elements and adds a focal point. Here, bright blue and dark green glassware and the sky blue vase with fresh flowers draw attention to the table.

The sleek kitchen is where modern style really shines in the Victorian home. The streamlined look of the space is accented with a light blue tile backsplash and the simple white light fixture over the island. Pops of bright colors add freshness.

The kitchen cabinets appear to be custom, but they're actually home-center stock cabinets dressed up with a few custom details. A carpenter added cornice finishes to the tops of the cabinets, bringing them all the way to the ceiling. This decorative addition also draws the eye up, making the room appear larger.

Fun and unique items on the staircase carry the home's aesthetic from floor to floor. Vibrant paintings and a decorative vase highlight the beautiful stained-glass window.

In the master bedroom, the only spot for the couple's queen-size bed was under a narrow window. A valance and draperies add 8 inches to either side of the window, making it appear wider than the bed and giving the space balance.

There doesn't need to be a lack of style when children are in the picture. When designing their new home, this couple thought of ways to style around kids, with items that perform double-duties and function as storage spaces. You can keep the richness of delicate and expensive fabrics when you use faux suede for upholstery; they look great and can be wiped down easily. Also, modular carpet is easy to replace in the event of spills -- just remove the stained square and pop in a new one.