Red brick-coloured tiles and tatty carpeting on the stairs were just the beginning.

The front hall stank of cigarette smoke and was covered in wallpaper that "looked like the after-effects of a forest fire."

Update any space by painting out dark woodwork and replacing threadbare stair runners.

Hand-screened wallpaper in a monochromatic print makes a big statement in this front hallway. Painted woodwork instantly refreshes the room, while black stair treads and handrail play up the bold black-and-white colour scheme. A weathered bench and low-hung art create a focal point under the stairs, while mini hexagonal floor tiles add texture.

See the “before” photo in our Stylish Family Home Makeover gallery, plus other stunning before-and-after shots in our Bold Renovations gallery.

A simple fireplace with no personality.

Dark wood trim around the windows and baseboards were dating this space. Tanya knew that a fresh coat of paint, some new tiles and punchy furniture would easily update her living room.

A bright and lively living room.

New recessed lighting, a leaded-glass window and mini floral mosaic tiles on the fireplace surround gave the tired, wood-trimmed living room new life. Fashionable chairs upholstered in a kelly-green trellis print are the perfect companions to a simple white sofa.

See the “before” photo in our Stylish Family Home Makeover gallery.

A white frame and heavy fabric was much too 1950s.

When Tanya first bought the home, drapes and sheers were layered in front of the large living room window at the front of the house, preventing natural light from seeping in.

Paint window frames for a contemporary hit.

The window got an instant update with black paint. No need to hide this beauty behind drapery; Tanya chose a demure roller blind instead to let the black frame take centre stage.

A narrow work area and enclosed floor plan was impractical for a busy family of four.

Old cabinets, dated laminate flooring and bulky appliances made this room feel smaller than it really was.

Sleek, glossy white cabinets add a modern touch.

The kitchen has a mix of materials, including stainless steel, enamelled cabinets, ceramic tile and black marble. The 10-foot marble-topped peninsula on the right was a splurge, but worth it. By knocking down the wall above the peninsula — which divided the kitchen from the dining room — the homeowners were able to create an entertaining space, one of the most popular hubs of the house.

See the “before” photo in our Stylish Family Home Makeover gallery, plus other stunning before-and-after shots in our Bold Renovations gallery.

An unused space in need of an update.

The bare patio doors off the dining room were not worth being displayed, and loads of light made the room too hot.

Vibrant colour, pattern and texture appeal to adults and kids alike.

An heirloom coffee table was sprayed bright purple to give it a new modern personality. A raspberry-pink wall defines the office area, tucked neatly into a small nook.

See the “before” photo in our Stylish Family Home Makeover gallery, plus see more pink spaces in our Decorating With Pink photo gallery.

Black paint is a daring choice when paired with dark floors.

The dining room's ebony-hued wall emphasizes the silhouette of a sculptural lamp. The purple rug links the space to the adjacent multicoloured family room.

When faced with odd angles, keep the walls bare.

Symmetry is key in Tanya's contemporary bedroom. To keep the space interesting, she mixed prints and textures while keeping with the black-and-white scheme. Raw wood side tables and benches are casual and warm.

Display fashion accessories for pops of colour.

In the same room, an heirloom chair updated with yellow fabric is an elegant contrast to the modern makeup table. The shallow offset shelves turn handbags into art.

Create a nursery that will grow with your child.

Chalkboard paint allows Tanya's son Eddie — once he's old enough — to draw on walls without rebuke. Painted iron moose antlers is a humorous art piece that doubles as hook storage.

White tiles brighten a small bathroom.

Iron sconces and a Moroccan mirror add edge to the clean-lined basement bathroom. A reflective drawer unit and chrome fixtures give the illusion of a bright, sparkling room.

Hide clutter under the basement stairs.

In Tanya Linton’s home, every spare nook is used for extra storage. With two small boys running around, baskets are ideal for hiding toys and knickknacks. In a small corner, a stack of books and magazines doubles as a side table to a painted chair.

See more of this house in our Stylish Family Home Makeover photo gallery. For more ideas, see our Organized Family Homes photo gallery and Budget Basement Decorating Tips photo gallery.