Clean Lines And Soft Finishes Update An Empty Nest

Shown: San Francisco interior designer Kelly Keiser helped update this home with pale colors and modern accents.

Lightening Up

With their kids grown and on their own, Trish found herself drawn to white rugs and fragile porcelain collectibles. Jettisoning the existing dark finishes and iron sconces and working with some pieces the couple owned, Keiser introduced a pale palette and a smattering of contemporary items, like a chrome lamp and glass-top table, balancing them with soft draperies and cushy pillows. Periwinkle paint helps the pottery pop, and carpet bound into area rugs shows off the refinished oak floors. “The result honors the architectural uniqueness of the place,” says Keiser, “while giving it a lighter, more modern feel.” One part Mediterranean, you might say, and two parts well-furnished empty nest. Shown: Dark upholstery piping and drapery trim help wood moldings blend into a lightened-up scheme.

Bold Bouquet

Bronze mums add rich color; plant some to snip yourself. About $17.50; kingsmums.com

Curvy Legs

The Ginger Bowed Leg Table in American gumwood with walnut inlay has neoclassical lines. About $748; danambrosehome.com

Shapely Vessels

From left: Medium Spiral, $75; jonathanadler com. Färm, $3; ikea.com. Pinch, $78, and Acapulco Diffuser, $68; jonathanadler com. Mini Ceramic Bowling Pin, $8; westelm.com

Light Reflector

This beaded mirror was inspired by an antique. About $295; shadesoflight.com

Graphic Pillow Covers

The navy mandala pattern has yellow embroidery on one side. About $100 each; kellykeisersplendidinteriors.com

Silver Lamp

Kenroy Home’s Keystone lamp echoes the chrome coffee table. About $106; csnstores.com

DIY Drapes

Dress up simple curtains with trim. Peyton Drape, $79 per panel; potterybarn.com. Ivory and black braid, $5.98 per yard; mjtrim.com

Neat and Neutral

The kitchen boasts ample workspace and generous cabinets; glass fronts and a wine rack echo the home’s vintage windows.

Pop of Color

Mustard, gold, and egg-yolk yellow accents enliven the miles of taupe.

Sunny Stoneware

Earthenware jars add a welcome dose of color and texture. About $14 each; potterybarn.com

Smart Spray

The Fairbury chrome pull-down faucet makes cleanup a cinch. About $108; homedepot.com

Stylish Storage

The lids on these porcelain canisters are ringed with rubber to keep dry goods extra fresh. About $9-$13; crateandbarrel.com

Golden Whip

Parked on the countertop, this classic stand mixer delivers a round-the-clock dose of sunny color. About $300; shopkitchenaid.com

Woven Mat

Soft shades on a patterned rug add warmth underfoot. About $25; harvesthomestores.com

Fun Fabric

Gold and cream polka dots cheer up kitchen seating. About $159 per yard; kravet.com

Elaborate Cabinetry

Painted and glazed doors with detailed raised panels dress up the work zone. Custom colored door, starting at about $125; plainfancy.com

Cooking Tools

Spatulas and pastry brushes double as color accents. About $9-$14; surlatable.com

French Oven

A black knob and yellow enamel lend a classic look to Le Creuset cast iron. About $270; cooking.com

Pop of Pattern

Gold-and-green towels make dish drying a little brighter. About $18; williams-sonoma.com

Day Dreaming

Rich golds, ethereal blues, and acres of white create a dreamy bedroom scene while a graphic black-iron bed keeps the bedroom grounded.

Light Diffuser

Embroidered linen gives these pale blue Olivia panels a pleasing drape. About $304 each; bellanottelinens.com

Plush Pillows

Flax, gold, and dusty-blue cushion covers enliven the room with color and pattern. Bloom, Jute Braid, and Alessandra Floral, $29-$39 each; potterybarn.com