Lifestyle blogger Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo recently shared a remarkably moving story about a home makeover for her twin sister, Lucy Kalanithi. Kalanithi, whose husband Paul passed away from lung cancer last year (and left the world the New York Times best-selling memoir When Breath Becomes Air), longed for a house where she could find a fresh start with her one-year-old daughter. Heeding her sister's needs, Goddard enlisted interior designer friend Jenny Komenda of Juniper Studio to transform Kalanithi's dim digs into a bright, colorful home.
The first order of business was painting most of the walls white and introducing lighter-hued furniture. Komenda also put big rugs in every room in order to "define a space" and give it a more designed look. In the bedroom, the walls were painted a refreshing light pink and new curtains add a soft, cozy feel. Do check out the full makeover story on A Cup of Jo, which includes plenty more before and after shots and photos from the big reveal.
- My Sister's Home Makeover [Cup of Jo]
- Extreme Makeover Revives Drab 1970s Chicago Home [Curbed]