The homeowner was able to keep the retro features she loved without sacrificing style.

Simple changes made the space feel so much larger.

This redo sacrifices a less-than-functional mudroom, with gorgeous results.

The "After" regularly gets compliments from neighbors.

It's old made new again.

A smart paint job takes this once-boring fireplace front-and-center.

Semi-custom IKEA cabinets and DIY countertops are two of the smart choices this homeowner made in his kitchen renovation.

Colonial-style houses come with many gifts, like great windows, symmetry, and tall ceilings. But like any place built over 100 years ago, homeowner Katrina’s 1900 Colonial Revival house needed some updating — especially in the living room. While it had large windows, the space felt dark and uninviting because of the old gray carpeting, dark valances, clunky ceiling fan, and striped beige ’70s-era wallpaper.