Creating a joyful home starts with infusing personality into every corner, and B. Godwin’s yellow living room is a testament to that. When photographer and traveler B. Godwin and her husband Eric Johnson moved into their 1926 arts and crafts bungalow in Asheville, NC, they turned to Hillary Holmes of Hillytree Design to bring color, whimsy and warmth to their space. 

“I loved the home’s charm when I first saw it: white walls, restored wood floors, pale gray-blue accents on the fireplace and ample built-ins. Instead of making big changes, we wanted to build on what was already beautiful and add layers that reflected the people living here,” shared Hillary. 

Building on a Beautiful Foundation 

The bungalow already had plenty of character with its storybook front porch and sunlit rooms. But B. wanted to layer in her style: a blend of boho, mid-century and modern English cottage aesthetics for a playful and joyful atmosphere. With the help of Hillytree Design, whose organic vintage modern style, inspired by years in Hawaii, Florida and Paris, they aligned perfectly with their tastes and the living room makeover began! 

Finding the Perfect Paint Palette 

With our fan deck in hand, the design journey started with mood boards on mood boards. Initially, the palette felt too subdued. “But once B. chose the fig coral and light blue fig leaves, Golden Hour became the obvious choice,” said Hillary. This warm and electric yellow balanced the shade provided by the surrounding trees, offering a grounding mustard tone that still felt bright and cheerful. 

“The paint made the fireplace and shelves come alive,” Hillary noted. Extending the yellow to the staircase added cohesion, while Eric Johnson’s precise painting skills through Grassroots Painting ensured the transformation was flawless. 

Before

After

A Home That Grew with Them 

As the project progressed, B.’s family grew too, with Eric’s daughters and B.’s kids blending into the home’s story. More seating became essential, leading to a lively mix of green chairs, heathered blue sofas and a coral red check ottoman that made the yellow feel like a celebration.  

Moments That Make the Space 

One unforgettable vignette features the staircase adorned with the 'La Poire' lady portrait, a cheerful yellow bird painting, and Parisian green chairs, encapsulating the room’s playful, eclectic spirit. “The more personal details we incorporate, the more soulful and unique the home becomes for the client. I love embracing those quirky, unexpected elements,” said Hillary. A standout piece, the elegant swan bust, was a must-have from the very beginning of the makeover, adding a touch of whimsy and charm. 

Embracing Whimsy in Design 

“The more we embraced whimsy, the happier the space became,” Hillary reflected. “Grounding the design with coral and yellow let us play with a rich spectrum of colors.”

This joyful makeover is a reminder that bold choices, layered details, and thoughtful design can transform any space into a joyful haven. A versatile color can be the perfect foundation for a lively transformation, proving that the right paint can turn any room from bland to blissful.