Before & After: They Turned a ’70s Tract House Into a Quirky Desert Dream Home

Jacque Hamilton acquired her dream home in WaterColor, Florida, nearly two decades after first discovering it. The property, located on Buttercup Street and designed by architect Jim Strickland of Historical Concepts, captivated Hamilton with its distinctive front porch, French doors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. After initially being unable to purchase it, she rented the home and later managed it as a rental through her business, Exclusive 30A. The house, having served as a rental for twenty years, required significant repairs and an update to reflect Hamilton's personal style and modern durability needs. Hamilton engaged Birmingham-based designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas for the renovation, a recommendation from the original architect. Hillegas undertook a comprehensive decorating project, focusing on revitalizing the interior without structural changes, thanks to Strickland's well-conceived floor plan. The renovation process, completed in just four months, was expedited by Hillegas's resourceful approach, which involved reupholstering existing furnishings, repurposing fixtures, incorporating antique pieces, and pre-stocking textiles to minimize delays. A key design element is the front porch, which Hillegas transformed into a cozy and private space using curtains and shutters in a classic blue-and-white color palette. Benjamin Moore's Narragansett Green (HC-157) was chosen for the shutters, and Perennials' Vintage Stripe fabric in Lagoon was used for the curtains, setting a consistent color scheme throughout the house. Inside, Hillegas employed creative solutions for window treatments, layering tent-flap curtains with a bold print (Katsugi in Blues by Schumacher) on the front and a stripe on the back over woven blinds from India, to achieve visual impact efficiently. The open-concept kitchen and living area, a potential design challenge, was effectively delineated by Jim Strickland's strategic placement of ceiling beams. Hillegas enhanced the kitchen's functionality and aesthetic by installing a counter-depth panel-ready refrigerator to blend with existing cabinetry, which was repainted in Sherwin-Williams' Natural Tan (SW 7567). The island received a vibrant touch with Sherwin-Williams' Labradorite (SW 7619). Personal touches included incorporating Hamilton's dining table and hutch. Throughout the home, found objects were displayed as art, such as a collage of antique hats above the bed in the master bedroom, creating a beachy, casual ambiance. The master bed was dressed with linens from Peacock Alley, a Pottery Barn quilt, and a vintage throw. Built-in bookcases were updated with grass cloth wallpaper from Crezana, and the walls and ceiling were painted in Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster (SW 7008). The primary bathroom saw its existing vanity, light fixtures, claw-foot tub, and wooden elements revitalized with fresh paint, while original pickled walls upstairs were preserved to maintain their vintage appeal. The stair landing was updated with a Roman shade in a Quadrille fabric, New Batik Cloud New Brown on Tint. In the bedrooms, Hillegas blended new and vintage elements. One guest bedroom features a brown-and-white color palette with Caribbean-inspired decor, including a sunburst mirror and natural woven table, reflecting the coastal surroundings. The bedspread was custom-made, and the headboard covered in Heather Chadduck Textiles' Little Bamboo in Chocolate. Another guest bedroom showcases a playful mix of blue patterns reminiscent of the ocean, with drapes in a Heather Chadduck Textiles fabric complementing the blue-and-white bedding. The design approach successfully transformed the property into a personalized and functional Florida getaway, combining timeless style with practical durability for family use. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FloridaHome #CoastalLiving #HomeDecor #DesignTransformation #WaterColor

Architect Damon Hills and his partner John Boschen transformed a derelict 1920s California bungalow in Northcote, purchased in 2013, into a modern, light-filled residence they now call the Light Box Home. The original property, a deceased estate, was in an unlivable condition due to neglect and significant odor issues, featuring an asbestos-ridden lean-to and an outdoor toilet. Despite its state, Hills recognized the potential of the house, situated in the desirable Sumner Estate near Merri Creek, an area known for its California bungalows. He appreciated the utilitarian design of bungalows and sought to preserve the home's classic facade while undertaking a comprehensive renovation. The renovation began with exterior modifications, replacing the pressed-metal roof with a corrugated-iron one, which was consistent with the original architectural style. Although constrained by heritage overlay regulations that prevented the addition of bay windows to the facade, the front two rooms, which now serve as the main and guest bedrooms, were retained. A key focus of the redesign was to enhance natural light, as the original house was notably dark. Hills addressed this by incorporating new windows on the sides of the front bedrooms and installing skylights throughout many rooms to maximize light penetration. The rotting blackbutt flooring in the wide hallway was replaced with new blackbutt, and a new bathroom was added behind the guest bedroom. This bathroom features a marble vanity, a luxurious tub, smaller wall tiles, and a herringbone floor pattern, with an innovative wet room design that places the bath beyond the shower to optimize space. The asbestos lean-to was demolished, making way for a new section of the house that includes a third guest bedroom (or study) and a powder room. This new area functions as a transitional space leading to a thoroughly modern living extension at the rear. The design accounted for the property's slope, utilizing it to create a slightly elevated new living section. This elevation allowed for the inclusion of clerestory windows around the top of the kitchen and dining areas, effectively filtering more light into the main living space. The modern kitchen is equipped with Miele appliances, a butler’s pantry, a concealed fridge, three ovens (standard, steam, and microwave combi), and a warming drawer. A notable design element is the oversized island bench with a bespoke linear light fixture above it, which provides illumination and defines the space. The lounge area features a fireplace and a discreetly integrated television that blends into a black background when off. Glass doors open to a north-facing wooden deck, while floor-to-ceiling windows at the back maximize morning light from the easterly aspect. The architect strategically placed larger windows on the northerly and easterly sides for optimal light, with smaller windows on the south and west. The home is fitted with hydronic floor heating and a single split-system air conditioner, relying on excellent insulation for climate control. Hills emphasized the personal challenge of designing his own home compared to client projects, noting the intense scrutiny of every detail. He described the home as a luxurious and spacious sanctuary, a place he looks forward to returning to, even from travel. The postscript details Hills’ observations on visitors' comments, highlighting the unexpected sense of space and the barn doors in the powder room and laundry. His favorite spot is an Arana armchair by Jardan in the living room, facing the fireplace, from which he can view the entire space. His favorite item is "The Mythical Galloping Faun" painting by Jodie Zomer, noting its constant movement and new discoveries upon each viewing. The Arana armchair is also his most sentimental piece, having moved with them through four houses. He expressed a dream of living in a New York City brownstone and described his entertaining style as simple dinners with friends, often concluding with a lemon tart from Babka in Fitzroy. For Hills, home signifies a place of relaxation and unwinding, a special and luxurious space that brings comfort and joy. #HomeRenovation #CaliforniaBungalow #LightBoxHome #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #NorthcoteRealEstate #DamonHills #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHome

This article details the renovation of a 1950s ranch-style home in Mountain Brook, Alabama, undertaken by Katie Bee and Seton Marshall with the help of local architect Anna Evans. The family, expecting their second child, sought additional space and a more inviting environment that connected to the outdoors. The renovation aimed for a "leaner, taller, and cleaner" aesthetic while honoring the original ranch design. The exterior updates played a crucial role in transforming the home's functionality and appearance. A new paint job, an expanded entry, a wide front terrace, and tall, light-filled doors at the rear of the house significantly brightened the space and improved the natural flow between indoor and outdoor areas. The new front design, featuring 19-foot-wide stairs that extend to the edge of the house, balances the facade by filling the void beneath a wide window and creating the impression of a traditional front porch without altering the straight roofline. This expansive front area has become a neighborhood gathering spot, facilitating social interactions and providing a space for watching children play. The entrance was made more welcoming with the replacement of a narrow single door with new pecky cypress French doors, which are centered and more visible. The front terrace, measuring 10 by 12 feet, was designed to function as an outdoor living space, accommodating a love seat, two chairs, and a coffee table. This addition was deemed essential for a community that values outdoor socializing. To address the issue of mismatched exterior materials—brick on the front, shingles on the side, and siding on the back—the entire exterior was painted Timid White by Benjamin Moore. This uniform color scheme modernized the house and cohesively unified the different surfaces. Thoughtful landscaping, including neatly manicured boxwoods, was implemented to complement the home's refined appearance, filling gaps under windows and defining the backyard patio. Improvements were also made to the window treatments. The architect addressed the common issue of improperly sized shutters by removing them from two windows and replacing them with an operable, properly sized pair on the far-left window to visually enlarge it. Inside, the typically cramped feel of ranch homes with 8-foot ceilings and limited natural light was overcome by installing three new sets of 7-foot-tall French doors. These doors significantly brighten the interior rooms surrounding the patio and enhance the ease of movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, ultimately fulfilling the family's desire for a more spacious, brighter, and connected home. #HomeRenovation #RanchHouse #ExteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #OutdoorLiving #HomeMakeover #PaintColors #LandscapeDesign #BeforeAndAfter

The article details the extensive renovation of a 1998 colonial-style home in Vermont, transforming it into a modern, light-filled post-and-beam residence. Situated on a private road off Edson Hill Road with spectacular views and an alpine garden, the property was purchased by Richard Cherney and Ronda Diamond. While they appreciated the location and surroundings, the outdated colonial style, compartmentalized rooms, and varied flooring did not align with their preferences. Tania Kratt, an interior architecture and design expert, was enlisted to lead the transformation, working with a team from Gristmill Builders. The six-month renovation, completed late last year, focused on opening up the 4,000-square-foot space and infusing it with a contemporary country aesthetic. Kratt's design philosophy aimed for a balance between rustic and modern, avoiding both kitsch and coldness. The homeowners, who reside in Montreal, desired a contemporary feel for their country retreat. The renovation involved removing interior walls to create an open floor plan, with fir beams introduced to provide a rustic yet modern structural element. The previous mix of wood and tile flooring was replaced throughout the home with French oak, contributing to a cohesive and elegant foundation. Fireplaces were updated, with one receiving a granite surround and another a wooden beam mantel. Shaker-inspired elements, characterized by clean and simple lines, were incorporated into the design, evident in the replacement of all interior doors with solid wood versions and the use of flat-surface moldings. Custom details were integrated to enhance the home's unique character. A sliding barn door with black metal hardware was installed to conceal the mudroom closet. The dining area became a focal point with a custom-built table, skylights, and iron pendant lights suspended from the walls. Upstairs, mundane ceiling fans were replaced with industrial-style steel ones, further reinforcing the contemporary feel. Artwork by homeowner Ronda Diamond, a painter, was strategically displayed throughout the home, reflecting the client's personal style and collaborative input during the design process. Kratt commended Diamond's discerning eye and active participation, noting the significant client influence on the final design. While Diamond initially considered a complete kitchen overhaul, Kratt suggested more immediate, minor renovations. These included updating cabinet hardware with black metal and installing a black ventilation hood over the kitchen island, which provided a significant aesthetic update. A unique and functional touch was added to the breakfast nook, where a wall was painted with chalkboard paint for grandchildren to draw and write messages. The powder room underwent a full renovation, featuring a custom-built vanity crafted from Vermont-quarried Danby marble and reclaimed barn wood. Its floor was adorned with handmade white and black encaustic cement tiles. The color palette primarily consisted of shades of white, punctuated by occasional bursts of color, such as a charcoal-gray accent wall in the study, which served to highlight the home's architectural details, particularly its dormers and angles, preventing a 'boxy' feel. The original wooden staircase was replaced with a more contemporary version featuring metal railings. On the second floor, the master bedroom includes a fireplace, a conversation area, and access to a deck. A custom walk-in closet was designed to the owners' specific requirements, complete with bespoke built-ins. The master bathroom is slated for renovation in a future construction phase. This project demonstrates how a well-executed design vision can transform a structurally sound but stylistically mismatched house into a personalized dream home that perfectly suits its owners' modern preferences while embracing a country setting. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #PostAndBeam #ModernFarmhouse #ColonialRevival #VermontHome #CustomDesign #ArchitecturalTransformation #GristmillBuilders