With newborn Prince George settled in, it's quite an exciting time to be a member of the British Royal Family. Kate Middleton in particular seems to be adjusting quite well to her new life as a royal mother.

The Duchess of Cambridge recently began a major project to renovate and redecorate Kensington Palace, the official residence that she shares with her husband Prince William and other members of the royal family. Although Kate fell in love with the palace when she first saw it, the discovery of asbestos on the property required a $1.5 million renovation. This proved to be an excellent opportunity to modernize the palace, adding central air, encrypted Wi-Fi, additional bathrooms and kitchens, and a panic room.

So far, we know that the Duchess has a fondness for beiges, creams, and earth tone colors, and that she was in consultation with designer Anne Allen, who she knows through her mother Carole. To add to the palace's classic sense of style, Middleton selected a pair of 19th-century Corinthian lamps for the entrance hall, a Persian rug worth $50,000, and a pair of Peter Jones faux-fur throw rugs priced at $129.

Meanwhile, the infant Prince George will be treated to much of the same amenities as his father William and uncle Harry enjoyed when they were young. He currently possesses both a daytime and nighttime nursery, though as he gets older, the day nursery will be converted to a playroom. It's hard, though, not to imagine how much young George will get to enjoy himself, owing to the many hallways and lush gardens to run through at Kensington.

Kensington Palace has been a residence of the royal family since 1689, undergoing several expansions and renovations throughout its long history. It was here that Prince Charles and Diana of Wales made their home in 1981, and where Princes William and Henry grew up in what's been described as a "children's paradise." We can only hope that it will continue to flourish for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son.

Image by InSapphoWeTrust on Flickr