Cohesively updating and modernizing this home built in the 1990s were the goal in this remodel. Several elements throughout the house like the traditional golden oak original stair railing in the main entry were too colonial for the homeowner as their taste was trending more modern. The golden oak used on trim, fireplace mantle, and baseboards trapped this home in a time warp. The original Kitchen had cabinetry with a traditional door style, painted cabinets, and laminate countertops which also caused it to look dated. The clients expressed a desire to integrate more modern elements into their home in a cost effective way without having to rip everything down to the studs. Our design/build team proposed and executed many elegant cost effective design solutions that involved changing paint, cabinetry, finishes, and fixtures to achieve the desired modern feeling throughout the home. To overcome the difficult obstacle the pervasive use of old fashioned looking woodwork throughout the house we proposed using paint to avoid material waste and save the client money. The main staircase in the entry was transformed and modernized by painting it a dark bronze enamel color. Trim and baseboards were also enameled in this color to carry the modern feeling throughout the home and also creating continuity from one space to another. This solution proved green and cost effective by preserving these elements in the home which prevented unnecessary demolition waste and new material cost while enhancing the existing structure aesthetically. Photography: Jill Greer