After

A solid-wood dining table and soft, sit-a-spell upholstered chairs are a step up from the previous wood-laminate table and hardwood seats but still provide a place for family meals and Vikki's chores. Meanwhile, craft supplies and mail are stowed in the new china cabinet. To make the room more inviting, Vikki opted for a clean, cohesive design and color scheme. Thanks to the unfussy new window treatments and the new table, she points out, "there's now a nice view from every seat in the room."

The walls were painted Bar Harbor beige, from Benjamin Moore, a rich caféau lait shade that reflects light during the day and creates a cozy warmth at night.

The lighting has been updated as well: A modern drum-shaded hanging lamp replaced the chandelier, and candlestick lamps grace the gate-leg table (the only piece Vikki incorporated from the old decor).

Neutral-tone fabric shades create the illusion of bigger windows and let in plenty of sunlight.