What do you do when a home’s dark, dreary interior doesn’t match its potential? One family in The Woodands called Lauren Caudle, lead senior designer at Charbonneau Interiors, for a dramatic design intervention. For this house, Caudle turned a space weighed down by heavy beams and somber cabinetry into a light, airy sanctuary — proof that a little creativity can completely shift the energy of a home.

“They liked the bones of the house,” Caudle says. “It just needed a modern update. They wanted to lighten and brighten it to make it feel more current.”

The client’s previous home leaned traditional, with lots of beige and cream tones. This time, they were ready for something completely different. Caudle leaned heavily into grays in the new space, but warmed things up with gold and brass accents.

A Brighter Heart of the Home

The family room’s transformation was substantial — from the ceiling to the floor.

“We changed the dark beams and created a coffered ceiling.” Caudle tells PaperCity The Woodlands. “We painted everything white and added shiplap paneling for some architectural detail. They already had great windows that overlook the pool. We kept it open and added drapery panels to soften the room.”

Turning Heavy Beams Into Airy Dreams

The fireplace got a facelift as well.

“We changed it to a linear fireplace,” Caudle notes. “It was your average fireplace with dark built-ins around it. We completely gutted the area and added a sleek porcelain frame using Crossville slabs. The floating mantle and the shelves really updated the space.”

An Elevated Dining Experience

In the dining area, Caudle carved out a new beverage and bar space from a former hallway.

“They wanted it to feel open, but also be able to close it off,” Caudle says. “Their grandchildren visit often, so we did sliding glass doors. You can still see into the space, but it’s safer and more contained.”

Caudle added pops of color through art and accessories, including wallpaper from Vahallan & York in the wine area and a favorite piece of art acquired during the family’s travels. A gold leaf ceiling adds another moment of visual interest, echoing the golden tones in the painting’s subject.

Bathroom Overhauls with Spa-Like Results

The primary bath saw some of the most significant structural changes. Caudle reconfigured the layout to include a spacious shower, spotlight placement for the tub and his-and-hers vanities with a linen cabinet for extra storage.

“The tub area with the tile backsplash was one of the features they loved most,” she says. “When the light hits it, there’s a beautiful iridescence to it.”

In the powder room, sleek pendant lighting and freshly painted walls give the space a modern edge.

“It’s a metallic plaster effect,” Caudle details. “It has more depth than it shows in photos. It’s a subtle technique, but it really catches the light from those pendants.”

While the upstairs bedrooms received fresh coats of paint, the media room underwent a dramatic makeover. It’s the one room in the home with rich wall color, creating a cozy spot to watch movies or just relax.

Charbonneau Interiors is a full-service interior design firm known for transformative renovations, custom furnishings and refined textile selections. Based in Conroe with a strong presence in The Woodlands, the firm serves clients across the country while maintaining deep roots in the Houston area. Whether reimagining a longtime family home or elevating a newly purchased space, their team brings a polished, personalized approach to every project.

Charbonneau Interiors is located at 11200 Cox Road, suite F in Conroe. For more information, go here.