One of the keynote updates on the Kennington house is this upstairs bonus room created in what had been an unfinished attic space. The space had original car-siding wood paneling (not to be confused with shiplap!), and Karen got creative with using a special tinted stain solution to give the wood a purple cast with a gradient ombre effect — darker at the bottom and transitioning to lighter at the top.

Karen and Mina used low-profile furnishings and accessories with open design to maintain a lighter look in the living room. "We want to fill the space without overwhelming the space," says Mina. "It's 13 by 20, so you got to get it right."

Extra high ceilings, double-stacked upper cabinets and a dramatic tile backsplash help define the kitchen's cool, clean look.

A daring choice of purplish gray wall paint in the new master bedroom creates a distinctive look and soothing ambiance when mixed with accessories and wall art that bring in blues, grays and neutral tones.