Penny Struebig is one crafty woman. When her family of three found their traditional two-story home several years ago, she wondered aloud to her husband, Eric, "What on earth will we do with a fourth bedroom?" The answer came quickly. The avid paper crafter, who makes scrapbooks, greeting cards and invitations, claimed it as her craft space. Energized by raspberry ice and cotton candy paint, the 13-foot-by-12-foot room displays her organizational skills. There's creative storage for paper stock, specialty tools and supplies, a work table and a computer area.

Penny's colorful approach continues throughout the house, which was still builder white when they bought it. "I picked the colors before we closed on the house; painting was something I wanted done right away," she recalls. Impatient for the painter to start, the couple took matters - and rollers - into their own hands and bathed the library in a warm copper color.

They had the rich color repeated on the coffered ceiling of the dining room and used a lighter tint on the walls; the powder room is faux painted with a mix of the colors. The Struebigs carried a soft green from the entry and hallway through the kitchen and family room and up the stairs. The master bedroom is a warm shade of taupe, and the guest room is tan. Penny's friend, Carol Genteman of Carol Genteman Floral Design, Edwardsville, helped her accessorize. "She knows my taste. I wanted something that was not ordinary but was not edgy either." Faux plants and contemporary metal accents are prominent, as well as several pieces of framed original art.

The Struebigs, who entertain frequently, find that the layout of their 2,700-square-foot home suits their lifestyle. One of their most elaborate parties is an annual Oscar bash. Penny's custom-made invitations urge guests to walk the red carpet wearing movie-related costumes while "paparazzi" photograph them. Eric says, "It's fun having friends over, and we have great neighbors, too."

PENNY AND ERIC STRUEBIG

Ages • She's 45; he's 42.

Home • Shiloh

Occupations • Penny is an administrative assistant for Emerson, St. Louis. She served as volunteer director for the Midwest Salute to the Arts in Fairview Heights for five years. Eric is assistant manager for the Market Place supermarket in Columbia, Ill.

Family • The couple has a son, Ian Reynolds, 18, a freshman at McKendree University, Lebanon. Daisy, a 6-year-old golden retriever, is the family pet.