A mirror featuring a circular reclaimed-wood window frame animates the angular lines of this front hall.

Of the family’s footwear in plain view beneath the marble-topped wrought-iron table, owner Emma Reddington says, “I was inspired by those English country houses where practicality, antiques and well-worn rugs work hand in hand. Nothing is too precious, yet it still looks good.”

For more design and decorating ideas, browse the Emma Reddington Home Makeover photo gallery, or see a video tour of this house in our Online TV segment.

A classic, but under-utilized, Victorian sitting area.

With high ceilings and a south-facing bay window, the room was light and airy. What it lacked, however, was a fresh coat of paint, art on the walls and Reddington's deft touch.

Vintage wire chairs topped with sheepskin throws contribute to a laid-back aesthetic.

Designer and popular blogger Emma Reddington chose a pale colour for the walls in her south-facing living room “to make it feel even brighter and to offset the artwork.” The dramatic mirror, found at a neighbourhood thrift store, plays up the high ceilings, while the 20-arm black chandelier invokes a sense of drama.

For more design and decorating ideas, browse the Emma Reddington Home Makeover photo gallery, watch a video tour of this house in our Online TV segment, or browse more White Rooms.

Switch out basic cabinets and hardware for a more modern look.

The kitchen was one of the major renovations that Reddington undertook in overhauling her Victorian home. 

Dark floor tiles contrast beautifully with white countertops.

Designer and homeowner Emma Reddington says the kitchen is now a blissful place to cook, and so much more functional with an eat-in island. Though the cabinets are budget-friendly, Emma, a former chef, didn’t scrimp on the stove or the marble backsplash. “I refuse to cook on anything but gas, and this six-burner range is a real pleasure.”

For more design and decorating ideas, browse the Emma Reddington Home Makeover photo gallery, or see a video tour of this house in our Online TV segment.

An artful, elegant way to display dishes.

After renovating her kitchen, designer and popular blogger Emma Reddington says, “it still felt impersonal and cold, so I painted a wall black to warm it up.” She also designed a floating black walnut shelf with mirrored backing; she finds open shelving much easier to use than cupboards.

For more design and decorating ideas, browse the Emma Reddington Home Makeover photo gallery, or see a video tour of this house in our Online TV segment.

String chalk to your blackboard to to keep it handy.

Reddington painted the basement door with chalkboard paint to give her young son a creative outlet. “I didn’t want Henry drawing on the wall," she says "so this gives him a place where he can scribble away.”

Use art to give character to a room.

Basic furniture and lack-lustre decor make for a bland space.

A transparent pendant complements the dark tones of the artwork without overpowering it.

“The dining room is all about light and dark,” explains designer and homeowner Emma Reddington. Emma’s passion for varied provenances is evident in the mix of the new table, vintage chairs and custom credenza. Her love of natural elements is found in organic pieces throughout, too — a gnarled branch, shapely wood bowl and lush plant.

For more ideas, browse the Emma Reddington Home Makeover photo gallery, Budget Decorating Ideas photo gallery, or see a video tour of this house in our Online TV segment.

Basic venetian blinds diminish the beauty of a sunny bay window.  

It's easy to see why Reddington fell in love with this principal bedroom — it has great architectural elements such as high baseboards and a generous bay window.

In a bay window, drapes frame and highlight the bed.

Designer and popular blogger Emma Reddington countered the light, ephemeral feel of this space with a rough reclaimed wood bed and bench. “The room itself is quite formal with the original fireplace, bay window and chandelier,” she explains. “But all of the furniture is informal, low to the floor and made of the most basic materials.” The throw pillows, for instance, are fashioned out of an old rug.

For more design and decorating ideas, browse the Emma Reddington Home Makeover photo gallery, or see a video tour of this house in our Online TV segment.

A clothesline is a lovely way to display notes and inspirational images.

The office’s feature wall is clad in new anaglypta wallpaper covered with chalkboard paint. The furnishings — a new desk, vintage chair and sheepskin throw — testify to Reddington’s aplomb for effortlessly mixing eclectic elements.

Update a stale space with a refreshing, modern colour palette.

The principal washroom had nice bones but looked dull thanks to white and beige walls.

A few subtle updates give new life to a vintage Victorian bathroom.

The original pale mustard-coloured tub and white walls were painted in a black-blue shade for dramatic effect. The medicine cabinet, pendant light and towel rack are the room’s only new additions.

This bare bones nursery needed some designer love.

The room assigned to Henry was spare and uninviting.

A soft colour palette and earthy elements evoke an ethereal atmosphere.

Reddington ordered pieces for the whimsical wall mural online. “There are 88 leaves handcrafted from rare vintage and designer wallpaper,” she says.

Wall decals add whimsy to a kids space.

Reddington hung a row of Henry's shirts in plain view so their checked patterns and colours were incorporated into the decor.