Those old Wellesley houses have their fair share of dark paneling and sedate colors. Sure, you could solve that problem by tearing it down, or you could do what Judy and Mark Heffernan (and their designer) did and break open the cans of cheerful paint and say yes to patterned throw pillows. Before they knew it, the couple, their four kids, and two dogs were living the updated life. You can see the results in the newstand edition of Better Homes and Gardens. The online edition has not yet posted the pictures.

(The Heffernans, by the way, were also profiled in the Globe back in 2006 for being a big family in an affluent community).

This isn’t the only time a Wellesley family has thrown up their hands and called in the pros. Back in May 2010, Real Simple helped mom, dad and the five McKenna kids organize their garage.

Want to be profiled in a national lifestyle publication? First, have four or five children…