The allure of a good “before and after” is hard to resist. Whether it’s big or small in scale, there’s something undeniably inspiring about witnessing a transformation that redefines what is possible and challenges what is expected. At its core, a “before and after” uncovers untapped potential and reveals hidden beauty. Here we’ve highlighted five projects that have done just that—they show how imagination and a fresh perspective ensure that the “after” is never an afterthought.
MARK FINLAY
Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA
markfinlay.com
Style of original home: French Normandy
Before: 4,710 square feet
After: 14,786 square feet (including the basement)
Main renovation objective:
The firm undertook an extensive restoration project that preserved the original 1930s house designed by George Howe, a traditional and International-style architect. Our firm added ancillary wings, which expanded on the iconic form while integrating seamlessly with the original structure. It was our goal to bring back the design intent and integrity of the original Hopelands property while upgrading it to modern standards. Working with Rhode Island’s Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, we closely followed the original design of the building and carefully salvaged components to use in the remodeled building.
What launched the design:
Our clients chose our firm for our expertise in historic restoration. We have the unique ability to interpret an old, historic house plan in a contemporary way.
How long the renovation took: Two years
A special/unique feature of the new home:
With extensive knowledge and experience working in a historical context, the home was designed with close attention to detail. The timeless nature of this home evokes a sense of permanence, standing as if it has lived on the property through different eras. Although historic, the home still suits a contemporary lifestyle.
The biggest challenge during the renovation:
Building through the winter months. The entire house was tented for continuous construction throughout the winter.
Favorite element of the new home:
The distinct element of the remodeled home is the Ludowici clay roof tiles, which pay tribute to the home’s historic essence.
A signature touch you included:
The existing residence was completely dismantled and rebuilt on a new foundation with a new full basement. We also added a pool on the north façade, expanded the terrace and walkway and reconstructed a walled garden in the backyard.
A special request you fulfilled:
The house was designed for Category 5 wind loads. In order to meet our clients’ need for a strong and lasting home, the residence now rests on their property with complete steel frames, concrete block walls, brick veneer and hurricane-proof windows.
How the landscape/views influenced the design:
Perched on a bluff along the Sakonnet River in Middletown, Rhode Island, this French country house rambles across a historic property comprising manicured lawns and a charming vineyard. The whitewashed brick house, punctuated by azure shutters, can be spotted at the end of an allée of linden trees lining its cobblestone drive. The historically significant landscape and manicured gardens work in harmony with the surrounding vineyards to complement the ambiance of this reincarnated French Normandy-style property.
The best part of this renovation:
The house, although expanded, feels historic and graces the site with honor.
JILL KALMAN
Jill Kalman Interiors
jillkalmaninteriors.com
Describe this home overall:
This is a Colonial that was decorated very elaborately. The clients are fairly classic, and now the interiors are transitional.
Main design objective of this entryway:
To paint the walls a soothing color and create a feeling of calm when entering the home.
What launched the design:
The custom-made light fixture, which replaced the former cascading crystal-and-gold one. The two-story foyer is very open, and the light fixture is one of the first things you see. The client had a classic, birdcage-style one in mind, and we needed a very specific size, but it was nowhere to be found. I did a lot of research and finally found a vendor that could make exactly what we wanted.
Describe the color palette:
The client loves blue. We chose a neutral grayish-blue for the walls and then layered darker grays and a pop of color and interest with the custom-made bench.
Did you incorporate existing pieces or start fresh:
Fresh. We stained the floor and painted the walls to set the backdrop. We needed a foyer table, and that table is what I envisioned, and the client loved it. We put Bungalow accessories on top, and the client selected the mirror from Restoration Hardware. With this soft palette, I wanted to bring in some sort of interest, and we decided on a bench because the space needed upholstery and texture. The bench has bolsters on the sides, an interesting back and stripes, and it’s functional. We then put a tie-dyed garden stool from Dovecote next to it. The rug is soft, easy and organic against the dark herringbone floor.
The biggest challenge:
Taking this vast space and making it feel warm but still spacious.
Favorite element:
The bench—I love the fabric, the shape of it and how it juxtaposes with the other soft, earthy elements. The navy stripe just pops.
A signature touch you included:
I took a mostly neutral palette and added some stronger hues of color and texture with the bench.
A special request you fulfilled:
The light fixture. Since we couldn’t find what we wanted, I sourced a vendor to make what we needed.
Your favorite feature of this entryway:
I love the paint color! It has a coastal feel, and without going completely blue, it hints at it. It resonates really well when you walk in—it envelops you in a soothing way.
ANNEMARIE KRETSCHMANN
Westport Group
westportgroup.net
Age and style of original house:
A 1974 A-frame bungalow with an upside-down design, where the bedrooms are on the ground floor. The home had three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.
Before: 2,633 square feet
After: 3,050 square feet of interior space with four en-suite bedrooms
Main renovation objective:
Making the house FEMA-compliant using open-concept design with low-maintenance materials.
What launched the design:
Views of Long Island Sound; FEMA and Planning & Zoning requirements; open-column free space with nine-foot minimum ceiling heights and full-height windows.
How long the renovation took: Six months
The biggest challenge during construction: Keeping the project on schedule and on budget.
A special/unique feature of the new house:
The home features 2,000 square feet of outdoor livable patio and deck space, including a 1,000-square-foot roof deck, all with 360-degree views of Long Island Sound.
Favorite element of the new house:
The house doesn’t look like your typical “raised” house at the shore. Elevated houses at the shore are typically raised as is on hydraulic jacks to a FEMA-required Flood Protection Elevation.
A signature touch you included: Sophisticated, understated, elegant design.
A special request you fufilled:
We kept the three existing fireplaces and kept the design clutter-free. We also prepped for a future elevator.
The best part of this renovation: Every room in the house has views of Long Island Sound.
How the landscape/views influenced the design:
As with the clean lines of the house, the contemporary seaside landscaping has large swaths of color and textures. Seventeen overgrown trees were removed from the property to create unobstructed views.
SUSAN GLICK
Susan Glick Interiors
susanglickinteriors.com
Describe this home overall:
The home is an updated Colonial with a very transitional vibe. Many beautiful architectural details have updated the home to a more modern aesthetic. The décor features a very neutral color palette with soft pops of color, and we used texture throughout to create impact and interest.
What did this living room look like before:
The living room had a Tuscan feel with sponged peach walls and scroll lighting. It was quite dated.
Main design objective of the new living room:
We wanted to create an inviting entertaining space with multiple seating areas since the clients love to entertain and hang out.
What launched the design:
The design objective truly launched the design concept. There was no furniture in the room, so we began with a fresh canvas.
Describe the color palette:
It’s a beautiful combination of cream, platinum and light gray with a hint of amethyst. We used driftwood and dove-gray wood finishes to complement the palette.
The biggest challenge:
The furniture layout, since we wanted as much seating as possible. We decided to make the center of this long, narrow room the focal seating area, and instead of sofas, we chose four armless modern slipper chairs on an axis to create a sense of openness and visual lightness.
Favorite element:
The modern daybed hugging the window wall. With its openness and lush pillows, it welcomes you to sit and relax.
A signature touch you included:
The wall mirror, which expands the room. When working in narrow rooms, a mirror does magic to open up a space. I also love adding a piece of large original photography. We added the beautiful “Clay Pots” photograph by local photographer Laurie Fishman over the driftwood cabinet to draw your eye to the far end of the room.
A special request you fulfilled:
One of the client’s special requests was a neutral, modern, classic design with an updated vibe. I think her wish was fulfilled.
Your favorite feature of this living room:
The organic silver-leaf cocktail table base made from a chunk of petrified wood. Topped with a thick piece of glass, it creates
a visually light and elegant cocktail table.
MARK OLSON
Olson Development, LLC
olsondevelopmentllc.com
Age and style of original home: 1923 Colonial
Before: 6,800 square feet
After: 8,800 square feet
Main renovation objective:
Add additional space and create a family room with a “barn” feel as well as a new garage with a gym above.
What launched the design:
The homeowners hired architect Kevin Huelster for a whole-house renovation on the exterior and interior. Huelster Design Studio provided all of the architectural services for the house and the landscape.
How long the renovation took: Twelve months
A special/unique feature of the new home:
Western red cedar timbers from Haida in Vancouver, B.C., were used to construct the post-and-beam exterior porches and entry and a rear octagon-shaped timber tower.
The biggest challenge during the renovation:
Saving estate-size trees near the new excavation and foundation work.
Favorite element of the new home:
Concealed garage doors that open outward and are almost undetectable as garage doors. We modified a typical overhead door operator to operate the doors as outward, swinging carriage doors.
A signature touch you included:
On the interior, we installed mortise and tenon pine beams, which were hand-hewn onsite.
A special request you fulfilled:
The homeowners lived in the home during the entire renovation while expecting their third child, and the baby was born midway through the project. This required the creation of special work/live zones within the renovation to accommodate the baby and the family.
The best part of this renovation:
The timber accents, covered timber porches and the timber tower. These timber elements required the skills of our in-house master carpenters, resulting in a unique blend of traditional New England and Western post and beam.