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Dramatic Transformations: California Home With Airy Interior

August 24, 2016

To bring this traditional interior into the present, designers Wendy & Greg Blackband replaced dark wooden accents with white cabinets, plush furniture and a chic color palette. The result is a home that feels airy and relaxing. 

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Kitchen With Cherry Cabinets Before Beautiful Makeover

Before, cherry wood cabinetry, travertine tile floors and wood paneled ceilings made this kitchen look dark and dated. Transom windows don't blend in, awkwardly crammed between the cabinets and ceiling.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt . From: Blackband Design
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White Eat-In Kitchen With Modern Wooden Barstools

Transom windows blend in seamlessly, almost disappearing completely, thanks to a monochromatic color palette that unifies every element in this space. The island defines the kitchen from the rest of the open living area. Wooden barstools give the kitchen an organic-modern look.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt . From: Blackband Design
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Bright Transitional Kitchen With White Cabinetry

White paint transforms wood paneled ceilings to dramatically brighten and lift this open kitchen. The lines and texture of the wood still shine through, however, for a coastal look. A Persian rug gives the space a warm, homey feel to counterbalance the crisp white cabinets.

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Great Room With Wood Paneling Before Major Transformation

Before, wood paneling and bulky, dark brown furniture made this great room feel dull and dark, not representative of the home's coastal location.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt . From: Blackband Design
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White And Blue Bohemian Coastal Living Room With Fireplace

Crisp white walls replace busy wood paneling for a refreshing, more modern look. Various types of seating, including a corner window seat, create an eclectic, cozy, comfy area for entertaining or relaxing with family. A ceiling-height wall niche houses stacked firewood, serving as both a practical and aesthetic element.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt . From: Blackband Design
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Neutral Coastal-Inspired Eclectic Living Room

Warm, sandy tones balance the stark white walls so the living room doesn't feel too cold. A single rustic wood beam serves as the mantel on the sleek, modern fireplace, creating a nice juxtaposition of rough and smooth.

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Contemporary Tropical Dining Room Before Makeover

Before, this contemporary Balinese style dining room lacked color and interest. Wood paneled ceilings make the space feel short and dark, despite all the natural light.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt . From: Blackband Design
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Blue And White Eclectic Formal Dining Room

Marble-patterned wingback chairs at heads of the table bring drama and style to this dining room while also counterbalancing the pair of chandeliers. An eclectic mix of prints in complementing hues makes for a vibrant, cozy space. A large area rug defines the dining area.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt . From: Blackband Design
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Blue And White Eclectic Dining Room With Tall Wingback Chairs

Transom windows and tiered coco bead chandeliers draw attention to the tall ceilings, visually adding height to this dining room. Blue tie dye curtains inject some playfulness into this formal dining area. Tall wingback chairs command attention instead of being dwarfed by the lofty ceiling.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt . From: Blackband Design
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Eclectic Blue And White Dining Room With Tiered Shade Chandeliers

Tufted, cream-colored dining chairs make for a classic, elegant pairing with the double pedestal dining table. Tiered shade chandeliers hang low over the table to make the dining space feel cozy and intimate.

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Dark Bar Before Transformation

Green countertops and dark wood, L-shaped cabinets were uninspiring and dated.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt . From: Blackband Design
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Bright Spanish Style Bar

A stone accent wall defines the bar area and adds natural texture. Moroccan-inspired pendant lights hang at eye-level for a cozy, bohemian effect that visually lowers the ceiling height. Blue-and-white Spanish style tile sets the tone for the rest of the house and the cool-hued bar.