Call it old school, but artist and decorator Kristin Try, and her husband, Greg,

have raised their three daughters (ages 6, 9 and 13 years) in a very small 1,100-square-foot, 3-bedroom rowhouse in Alexandria, Virginia.

“There’s a special closeness that comes with living in a smaller home,” says Kristin, who oversaw the remodel of her once tiny kitchen to create a larger space for her family to spend quality time and also to host their friends for holidays, such as Thanksgiving.

PRETTY WARMED UP. Kristin’s pastel tones and soft shades are soothing and serene all year long. Sometimes a pretty pumpkin is all you need to add a seasonal touch.