A Fresh Start for the Stewarts: Modernizing Their Main Level
- Kendall Sharpe
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
When Tim and April Stewart contacted Kendall Sharpe Designs, they were ready for a change. The main level of their home had grown outdated over time, with a mismatched color palette, worn furniture, and a kitchen that no longer fit their needs—or their style.
They weren’t just looking for someone to redecorate. They wanted a full transformation with a thoughtful design vision and hands-on execution. From day one, our team stepped in to help reimagine their space and bring that vision to life.
Design Goals: Fresh, Functional, and Personal
During our first walk-through, Tim and April shared that they wanted their home to feel brighter, more inviting, and more aligned with their current style. They craved a cohesive flow between spaces and a layout that felt both practical and personal.
Our goal was simple: strip away the dated finishes and create a timeless, updated look that was still full of warmth and character.
Smart Design Choices: Contrast and Character
We approached the makeover in three phases: the living room and dining room, the kitchen, and the laundry area.
One of the first decisions was to refresh the entire main level with a clean, neutral wall paint. But the bold move came next: we painted the trim in a darker shade, creating a modern contrast that added depth and elegance. This trend—light walls with dark trim—is gaining momentum in the design world, and for good reason. It’s sophisticated without being fussy.
In the living room, we added shiplap across an entire wall, giving the room texture and the illusion of a longer space. The visual impact was immediate—it grounded the space and added that extra element of charm.
Throughout the home, we incorporated custom furniture to suit Tim and April’s lifestyle. In the dining room, we refinished a cherished heirloom table, preserving its family history while tying it into the fresh design palette.
Standout Feature: That Bold Trim
Let’s talk about the real showstopper—the dark trim. Set against soft wall colors, the trim framed every doorway and baseboard with drama and definition.
Design trend watchers have noticed the shift—search interest for dark trim has surged by over 150% this year. It’s an easy way to modernize without replacing everything. For the Stewarts, it gave the entire main level a refined, intentional look.
But the impact wasn’t just visual—it brought structure to the open floor plan, creating clear transitions between spaces. The contrast added personality without overpowering the rooms, proving that sometimes, the simplest details make the biggest difference.
Details That Make Life Easier—and More Beautiful
At Kendall Sharpe Designs, we believe beauty should never come at the expense of functionality. So we paid special attention to the spaces that work the hardest.
In the laundry room, a light-hearted neutral wallpaper added charm and a dose of personality to an often-overlooked corner. Now, even chores feel a little more enjoyable.
We carried that same thoughtfulness into the breakfast nook, where a subtle wallpaper created a cozy, textured backdrop without disrupting the clean, cohesive design. These quiet design moments are what help a house feel like home—layered, loved, and lived in.
And throughout the entire space, we wove in meaningful details like family photos and well-loved furniture pieces. Instead of starting from scratch, we built around what mattered most.
The Reveal: “It Finally Feels Like Us”
The best part of any project? The moment our clients see their new space for the first time.
When Tim and April stepped into their updated main level, the emotion was instant. April paused in the kitchen, took a breath, and said, “It finally feels like us.”
That one sentence summed up the heart of the entire project. For them, this wasn’t just a home improvement—it was a fresh start. Each corner now reflects their taste, their lifestyle, and their memories.
Watching a design come to life is rewarding. But watching it connect—watching it become part of someone’s story—is what makes it unforgettable.
Imagine Your Own Transformation
This project with Tim and April was about more than paint and furniture—it was about creating a home that reflects who they are now. At Kendall Sharpe Designs, we specialize in taking what’s already there and bringing it to life with fresh ideas, smart design, and a personal touch.
If your home is ready for a transformation, we’d love to help you write your next chapter.
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