Swapping out crimson walls and an overabundance of wood brings a gathering space from stodgy to stylish.

Kate Daskalakis' clients, empty nesters who relocated from Seattle, loved the Cotswolds-meets-New England vibe of this home in the Merrimack Valley. That said, while the couple were charmed by the reclaimed wood paneling and antique barn beams in the living room, they knew that the overall aesthetic needed a refresh. "The walls were a deep red, making the room feel formal and masculine," says Daskalakis, the founder of KSD Designs. So, the designer painted the walls a cool white and, for the wood-toned window frames and crown molding, used Farrow & Ball's Down Pipe, a dark gray. The crisp, high-contrast backdrop immediately modernized the space while vintage pieces and subtle patterns helped imbue a softer, more welcoming feel.