Experienced renovators they may be. but when Kimbcrly and Clint Szubinski took on their latest home in Louisiana, even this intrepid pair must have paused for thought. The Spanish Revival property, in a flood - ravaged part of New Orleans, had a palm tree embedded in the roof, while the interior was inhabited by raccoons. There wasnt even a floor, so we had to stand on joists to look around, remembers Kimbcrly. However, the villas Spanish - style features made the place irresistible. Underneath the debris was a split - level building. Kimbcrly says. We could sec the vista was framed by openings, where sets of French windows had once stood before being blown out by Hurricane Katrina. And it was this very same storm that caused the couple to move house. We were evacuated from our old home, and when it came time to return, the damage meant we had no house to come back to. explains Kimberly We moved around a bit. but when I became pregnant for a third time, it was time to buy a larger house. It was then that the couple turned their attention to the villa. Within six months, the family were ready to move in. There was no hot water and construction was going on all around us. says Kimberly. It was a hectic time. Despite the chaos. Kimberly and Clint have transformed the house into a calm, serene space. I love the simplicity of using white as a backdrop,explains Kimberly. I have a tendency to use lots of crystal chandeliers and mirrors, with big French windows. I also use white to reflect any natural light around the rooms. I know it may seem an impractical colour choice, but making sure you choose items with wipe - able surfaces is the key to keeping a pale home clean, especially with multiple children in tow!