“From the beginning, Lia had her own style direction, but she didn’t know how to pull it all together,” says designer Kimberly Rider. When Lia came to her bearing color ideas and pages torn from magazines, “It was my job to help her edit for clarity and then make the design fit the space.”

Lia’s wish list included revamping kitchen cabinets, refinishing hardwood floors, and giving the main level a sophisticated French look. For Rider, the challenge was to present Lia with eco-friendly products that were elegant and affordable. Lia chose low-voltage halogen lighting and appliances with a government Energy Star designation for using less energy.