A lesson in light, restraint, and reverence for craftsmanship.
 

When our client in Advance reached out, she posed a thoughtful challenge: how to brighten her Neoclassical living room without compromising the exquisite hardwood millwork that wrapped the space like a finely tailored suit. She appreciated the room’s architectural gravitas — its weight, its history — but longed for a space that felt lighter, more livable, and more in tune with her day-to-day life.
 

The centerpiece of the room — a full-width built-in surrounding the fireplace, complete with original paneling, cabinetry, and detailed crown — was off-limits. It wasn’t just a feature; it was the soul of the room. Rather than resist its presence, we allowed it to guide us. The other walls, though similarly adorned with millwork, offered an opportunity: by preserving the detail but painting it in a soft, warm white (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove), we could lift the entire space without erasing its heritage.
 

Understandably, the idea of painting hardwood gave our client pause — but in this case, it was the right call. The transformation was immediate. The room breathed. Light moved differently. And the detailing, far from disappearing, found a new kind of clarity.
 

To complement the updated envelope, we introduced new upholstered pieces, lighting, and casegoods that felt fresh yet grounded. Window treatments were kept soft and subtle, allowing the space to harmonize with the adjacent rooms. A serene palette of off-whites, soft blues, and gentle greens laid the foundation, while accents of coral, aubergine, and charcoal brought unexpected depth and personality.
 

The result is a room that feels at once classical and contemporary — a space that honors its bones while embracing a brighter, more gracious way of living.