Beverly Kirk wasn't the first person to own this four bedroom, four bathroom Stevenson Ranch home. But she was the first to really make it her own - in less than a year.

Kirk created - as she describes it - a mixture of French Country and Old World ambience. The homeowner, a professional interior designer, leaned on every one of her many gifts to realize her vision. Phrases like "I painted that" are plentiful. So, too, are the gasps of amazement that
follow when visitors realize the level of skill required
to accomplish so much, so beautifully, in 365 days.


Perhaps most impressive is the kitchen, filled with enviable distressed woodwork and texture galore. It wasn't always this lovely. Dated, uninspiring pine cabinets were, for better or worse, the former kitchen's defining quality. But oh, the miracles paint can work when in the hands of an artist. Kirk brightened the room with an antiqued-white shade, then distressed each cabinet herself. She added accents for texture and interest, then topped each with new knobs and pulls. Her experience in furniture refinishing informed her efforts in the kitchen, where the result speaks for itself.


A similar project was completed in the master bathroom, where a blase white vanity contributed little to the room's design. A coat of black paint on the built-in furniture, paired with rich window coverings made of gold chenille and a romantic chandelier, entirely evolved the space. And, true to form, Beverly left no stone unturned - literally. The existing floor tile was fauxed by the homeowner to provide an even more luxurious feel to the space.

Just a few steps away, the master bedroom also displays Kirk's abilities - this time as a seamstress. The exquisite bedding was hand made by Beverly. "The master bedroom has a very romantic feeling," says the homeowner.


Kirk's handpainted furniture, mirrors and more can be found throughout the home, and that's just how she likes it. Instead of being overwhelmed by the task of redefining such expansive space, it invigorates her.

With all the work that went into custom creating the interior, you might think that the homeowners would be cautious when it comes to over-energized visitors. But Beverly and her husband, Jim, are parents to four and grandparents to two. The couple also entertains frequently. Says Kirk: "The grandkids are always playing here and everybody knows that this is a place for friends to come and relax. The kids hang out in the upstairs loft and play video games. Our home looks good, but it is also very lived in."


Do-it-yourself DesignTips from Beverly Kirk
"Go for big things - big lighting, big furniture," says the homeowner. "It's easier to get a lot of impact out of one large item versus a bunch of small things, and you'll probably spend less money in the end."

"I try to keep wall and window coverings neutral," she says, "so that I can change the feel of the room by adding colorful accents and pillows as it suits me."

Reflects Beverly: "You don't have to buy expensive things. What matters is how you put everything together."

"When you're feeling overwhelmed by the process of design, my advice is always, 'Just get going in a direction.' Once you take the first step, that helps you figure out where to go next."