From Victorian Tearoom to Cozy Living Room

Working from the top down, I took out the room's anaglypta wallpaper and dated ceiling and replaced them with drywall. I settled on a rich color palette-inspired by the area rug in the home's dining room-of succulent raspberry, cream, chocolate and tan, and I painted the whole room in chocolate, contrasting it with crisp white trim.

I divided the room into two main areas: a fireside lounge and a patio-side sitting area. In the lounge, I refreshed the existing fireplace and installed a big-screen television above it. For a bit of style, I covered the screen with a remote-controlled piece of abstract art that covers it when not in use. I flanked the fireplace with creamy white cabinetry, complete with elegant mirrored backing and a mix of glass and wood shelves. In front of the fireplace, I put a big, comfy raspberry-colored sofa, two patterned chairs, a glass-topped table and a beautiful area rug in brown and cream.

On the other side of the room, I created a second furniture grouping that includes a round dark-wood table with striped chairs, a desk and a huge mirror. These all sit near a whole wall of windows that look out onto the couple's beautiful backyard. On the windows I put up wispy sheers, dummy panels in creamy linen and a 14-foot tailored valance. On the doors that lead to the patio I put up a frosted vinyl graphic film that mimics etched glass.

To lighten up the space, I put in recessed lighting, a crystal chandelier above the table and two matching sconces by the fireplace.

After adding some final accents and accessories - including throw pillows, lamps and artwork -it was "goodbye, tea time" and "hello, tee time."