Real Housewife Vicki Gunvalson's Interior Designer Shares Her Styling Secrets

Leanne softened the room by painting the walls and ceiling in a Spanish white with a velvety matte finish. To make it pop, she painted over the white trim on the doors and windows with a rich ebony brown/black. Leanne explains that these paint choices helped to give the space a fresh new vibe, enabling her to add on with "layers of faded blues, persimmons, creams, and antique golds mixed with [other] neutral wood tones."

Since Vicki loves to cook and entertain, Leanne replaced the kitchen peninsula and breakfast nook with a gorgeous 15-foot island for better flow and function. The new island can seat five comfortably and provides plenty of extra storage.

Leanne selected a freestanding Thermador dual range and a custom plaster-finish hood to serve as the dramatic central focus in Vicki's remodel, proving appliances can be both a functional necessity as well as an exquisite decorative detail.

Leanne believes that keeping longevity in mind when remodeling is key. "I'm not someone that generally follows short lived trends especially when designing for more permanent spaces such as kitchen and bath designs. I always suggest classic features blended with historical influences that complement the home architecture . . . combined with the latest in modern amenities," says Leanne.