We started small. First came paint, throughout the whole house. Once she saw the house get lighter, we kept going, one room at a time.

Letting the light in. We opened the wall between the living room and the kitchen. Now light from the backyard pours all the way through the house.

A kitchen that feels new. We extended the existing cabinets all the way to the ceiling and painted them a soft blue. A new live-edge wood counter, new floor tile, and wallpaper in the dining nook make it feel happy instead of heavy.

A bar where there was nothing. One wall sat empty. We built a bar with glass cabinets, brass shelves, and a stone backsplash. Now that wall is a spot people gather around.

Light and softness everywhere. We changed every light fixture and added curtains throughout, which let the sun in while keeping the rooms soft.

The rooms time forgot. The laundry room and bathroom were very dated. The bathroom now has a green striped tile arch, paneled walls, and wicker sconces. It is the most playful room in the house.

She and her husband lived in California for years, and he surfed. His longboard now hangs by the stairs. The house finally feels relaxed, bright, a little bit California, and most of all, like her.

Photography by Laura Steffan