When it comes to buying a home, sometimes it’s the land, not the house, that steals your heart. That was exactly the case for photographer Brooke Pavel, who fell in love with a stunning 30-acre property set against breathtaking country views. The home itself, however, needed some updates. Originally built in the 1990s, it featured an abundance of honey oak woodwork—something the family was ready to modernize while keeping functionality and budget in mind. 

“The best thing about our home is that it sits on 30 acres out in the beautiful country with stunning views all around! That is what sold us on this house!” Brooke shares. “Now the inside… That came secondary to the land, and we are slowly taking this home from typical 1990s honey oak to something that is a bit brighter and more modern, while also keeping function and budget in mind!”  

With a love for Studio McGee’s timeless, nature-inspired aesthetic, Brooke embarked on a transformation that would honor the home’s craftsmanship while breathing in fresh, modern energy. The key? A strategic use of On Point and Fresh Kicks to brighten and expand any space. 

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The Office: Elevating Character with Functionality 

Before the renovation, the home office featured high-end built-ins that added undeniable character to the space. But for Brooke, storage was a concern. “The first thing I thought when envisioning myself in the space was ‘Where am I going to put all my stuff?!’” 

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Rather than spending money on purely decorative elements, the family opted for custom-built cabinet doors to enclose portions of the built-ins for the perfect office makeover. This simple yet impactful upgrade preserved the original craftsmanship while introducing much-needed storage. “I can say with 1000% confidence it was the right decision for us,” she explains. “The character remained (and even some of the area for decor), but we added so much function and storage!” 

With the structural updates in place, On Point was the final touch that transformed the space. The bright white hue modernized the built-ins, making the room feel 10 times brighter and bigger. Brooke spilled a special painting tip for anyone tackling detailed surfaces like grooved columns or intricate woodwork: “Use a paint sprayer! The prep work can be time-consuming, but the actual paint time is crazy fast, and the result will look so much more professional!” 

The Living Room: A Fireplace Refresh 

The home’s 1990s honey oak fireplace boasted exquisite craftsmanship, but the color felt outdated. The goal was to enhance the existing woodwork while bringing it into the modern era. “I knew I wanted to keep that and embrace that. However, the color had to go,” Brooke recalls. 

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By coating the fireplace in Fresh Kicks, they were able to dramatically transform the space into a modern living room makeover. The room went from dark and dated to feeling brand new. “It also went from being obviously 30 years old to looking like brand-new construction!” 

To maximize functionality, the family added a built-in cabinet extending off the fireplace. It not only serves as a display area for decor but also provides concealed storage for their children’s toys—a practical solution that blends seamlessly with the aesthetic. 

Choosing the Perfect Paint Hue 

Selecting the right white paint was a tough lesson learned from a past experience. "Fun fact: We gutted and fully renovated our previous house, and I originally chose a very warm white for the entire space. Well, I hated it. It reminded me of cigarette smoke-stained walls!”

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This time around, the decision was easy: using On Point and Fresh Kicks, a crisp, true white that doesn’t lean too warm or too cool. “Long story short, I learned my lesson, and now I keep it simple and always go for true white paint colors!” 

The home’s tall ceilings and abundance of natural light allowed the whites to truly shine. But even for spaces with lower ceilings or limited sunlight, Brooke strongly recommends Fresh Kicks and On Point as a foolproof way to brighten and expand a room. 

A Budget-Friendly Upgrade 

For this DIY-savvy family, painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to refresh a space. While they’ll hire professionals for plumbing and electrical work, painting is something they always tackle themselves. "You will never catch me hiring out painting!” Brooke states. If you're looking to tackle your own project, check out our step-by-step guide on how to paint a room for pro tips and tricks.

The results speak for themselves. With just a few coats of the perfect white, the home went from feeling dark and uninspiring to fresh, modern, and functional. Their office and living room makeover prove that with the right paint choice, even the most traditional spaces can be reimagined into something bright, airy, and effortlessly timeless.