Sam and Celeste Liversidge—both lawyers—bought this suburban Altadena home after deciding they wanted a larger home to raise their children. At the time the couple purchased the home, it had hardly been updated since it was constructed in 1922. "To be honest, it wasn't in good shape. It was a bit of a disaster," says Celeste. "But I saw its potential from the very start. It was magic."

From the opposite side of the room, you can get a sense of how grand the space is.  Paint color: “China White,” Benjamin Moore; Trim color: “Black,” Benjamin Moore; Rug: Stark, LA.

In the balcony, to keep the room from feeling too serious, Kaye-Honey created a window seat and backed bookshelves backed with a Fornasetti wallpaper printed with images of rows and stacks of books.

Black frame armchairs: Baker, LA; Fabric on black armchairs: “Icon,” Lulu DK, LA.

Red frame armchairs: vintage, House of Honey, Pasadena; Fabric on red armchairs: “Belgian Linen,” Calvin Fabrics, Donghia, LA; Pedestal table between red armchairs: vintage, Pasadena Antiques Center, Pasadena; Vase on pedestal table: Ricardo Ramirez; Painting between red chairs: Kim McCarty, LA.