I'm sorry we don't have before pictures of this project. The homeowner wanted to go from contemporary to Victorian using many pieces collected over the years, including heirlooms. You'll see that Victorian need not mean "stuffy."

Groupings are important. See how we've grouped the portraits on one wall, mirrors on another? The choice of a bold color used sparingly sets the stage for showing off these cherished pictures.

The wood floors add to the natural feel that comes from the beautiful sunlight enveloping the room.

Look at the softer color we used on the opposite wall. And the clean white railing and trim sets off the room.

Joe Paul created window treatments that enhanced the Victorian feel without blocking all this beautiful sunlight.

Take a look at this window treatment. Same fabric, different style. Unity without conformity: a design philosophy and a life philosophy.

Can wicker furniture be used indoors? Of course! But again, it need not all be the same color. And look how the plants add to the sense of being outdoors.

Even the cat feels at home here! Yes, Joe Paul Designs considers your family pets when designing your home. The textured carpeting adds another important dimension to the room.

Back to those window treatments. See how they need not go across the entire wall of windows at the top? That opens the room to more light.

Another grouping of cherished family photos turns this inner wall into a museum of family history.

Comfortable seating is arranged for easy use by a smaller or larger group.

Look how many people can be in this room together? Yet there's no sense of the furniture taking over the space. Carefully chosen fabrics bring the seat cushions into our overall design scheme.

By the way, this home shows that a good designer follows the tastes of the client. Not everone loves Victorian style. But whatever your style, a high-quality designer will create a home that reflects you.

Here's a closer look at our coordinating fabrics. You can mix patterns when the colors work together.

Ah ... the entryway! The wood floors set the stage for welcoming guests. And in the sometimes harsh Michigan winters, this makes for easier clean up. The stone right in front of the door is both practical and beautiful.

We incorporated the family's antique furniture at every turn. Again, see how the bold color on this wall sets off the piece?

This piece deserves a place where it will be showcased. And we'll carry this color pallete throughout the home.

Lighting is important. From small table lamps to floor lamps and chandeliers. Lighting isn't an after thought. It's part of good design work.

Wait till you see what we did with the dining room.

That's some beautiful lighting! The chandelier and the homeowner's glass enclosed china cabinet add elegance.

We've carried the rich, bold color into this room. Again, notice the importance of grouping like items together on the walls to create a cohesive look.

The leaded glass in the front doors and windows add to the rich detail of this home.

A closer look at the floors. Using decorative trim around the edges of this wonderful wood floor adds an unexpected level of elegance.

The custom-made draperies add height to the room. See how high above the windows we've placed the rods? This gives the illusion of height. This room needed that to accomodate the large china cabinet. The chandelier also draws the eyes up.

Why just use this gorgeous room for dining? We added some comfortable seating near the windows for every day use. Afternoon tea, anyone?