This home, according to designer Anna Lisa Avelar, was “Bad!” With an exclamation point.

A combination of “extremely dated, sloppy architecture, non-coordinating materials, and shoddy lighting” all presented challenges to Anna Lisa when she was hired to renovate the Monte Sereno, CA home.

Transplants from Virginia with two kids still at home and one off in college, Julie and Tom Archer love to cook and entertain so a large – and well-designed – kitchen and plenty of space for guests was a must. Tom also asked for an area where he could see into the wine cellar through a window, leading to the wine tasting room that doesn’t just offer a glance but is a place to congregate itself.

The design blends classic elements with more unconventional choices – without being too modern. Anna Lisa says, “They wanted a lot of traditional detailing, in terms of the millwork- I think that comes from their southern roots. However they wanted less traditional color palette and to have some fun with color, so that’s what we did. It was really refreshing to work with clients who were so open to color!”

See more the slideshow!