There is something incredibly satisfying about seeing the before and after of a home renovation. Over time, even the most beautiful of homes can start to lose their spark, and beauty alone does not always mean that a space feels right. A home remodel or even a smaller home refresh can breathe new life into it, improving its functionality and modernizing its look.
Whether it is growing a family, shifting to remote work, or planning for retirement, changing lifestyles demand dynamic living spaces that can evolve alongside our needs. A well-planned home makeover is a rewarding way to make a familiar house feel brand new while preparing it to support you in the next stage of your life.
From Ordinary to Timeless: An Incredible Before and After Riverfront Home Remodel
Located in the quaint coastal town of Ormond Beach and overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, this riverside cottage had good bones but lacked charm, a thoughtful floor plan, and modern interior design. That is when seasoned Florida architect Benjamin P. Butera stepped in and performed an extreme makeover that reshaped this conventional house into a perfect home for entertaining friends, family, and guests year-round.
The dramatic before-and-after transformation involved both a new look and a new layout. By turning it into a modern courtyard home, Ben was able to enhance the breathtaking Halifax River view, expand the available indoor space, maximize natural light, and elevate outdoor living options. He also refined its style by painting the home’s exterior a dark blue color and adding white details like trims and columns. The dark wood beams and stone accents also contribute to its elegant and timeless waterfront cottage aesthetic.
The before and after photos of this riverfront home makeover show a significant improvement in its curb appeal. The crawling flowering plant and natural landscaping give it a homey and cozy feel. The circular driveway and 2-car garage addition add extra functionality and storage, and the large awning tucks in the entrance, increasing privacy and adding more character.
The interior of this charming riverfront house was also remodeled for additional comfort and functionality. The new layout makes the most of its expansive 4,000+ square-foot living space area equipped with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a large modern kitchen with a breakfast area, an open dining room and living room, and an office area. The sitting nook near a statement window and the rustic yet elegant wood-burning stone fireplace incorporate unique architectural design elements that give this renovated riverfront Florida home the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and sophisticated beauty.
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Embracing the Outdoors: Florida Living at Its Finest
Consistent with his signature design style of timeless architecture, Ben placed large windows in strategic locations to make the stunning views stand out and bring the outdoors in. He also modified the floor plan to encourage an open, breezy layout and cleaner lines. The improved interior removes obstructions of the scenic views and allows natural light to flow more easily throughout the house.
The backyard also underwent an extreme makeover. It features a travertine patio with a large pool and sun loungers, as well as a covered deck area with an outdoor kitchen, BBQ grill, and seating area. A privacy fence adds additional serenity, and the subtle and carefully manicured landscaping mixes tall palm trees with lush native bushes to frame the beautiful riverfront landscape without obstructing it.
The private, covered river dock that can house boats or jet skis allows for fun outdoor activities like water skiing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing. All these home renovation elements combined turned this waterfront cottage into the perfect place for entertaining and relaxing by the river.
With over 45 years of experience and a design portfolio of over 1,500 custom-built projects, award-winning architect Benjamin P. Butera has the expert touch needed to upgrade the appearance and functionality of any house, enhancing quality of life and increasing property value.
He has offered architectural and design services for over four decades and has worked with countless local building contractors to bring Florida real estate projects to life. You can trust his designs to capture and enhance your vision, transforming your home into a unique and valuable asset that you can both grow old in and pass down to your children.
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