Giving This 19-Year Residence a Fresh New Identity
By: Alexis B.Some homes just need the right vision to become renewed. After nearly two decades in their home, Erica and her family were ready for a change. They wanted something that felt more modern, intentional, and reflective of the home they loved so much.
Before: A Home Past Its Prime
Erica’s home had a beautiful traditional structure with a spacious wraparound porch and generous windows. Unfortunately, years of sun exposure had left the fading paint flat and uneven, and the original window grids aged the home’s facade.
Her family didn’t want a dramatic architectural overhaul; they just wanted their home to feel welcoming again.
When asked how her home felt before brick&batten, Erica described it as “drab.” She noted, “We wanted to make sure the color choices were chosen by a color expert.”
Their goals were simple:
- Brighten the walk-up experience
- Modernize the color palette
- Create an updated exterior that still honors the home’s structure
And we made it happen.
The Design: Modern Style Brought to Life
Like many homeowners, Erica’s family had been gathering inspiration online. They followed brick&batten’s transformation posts and loved the dramatic before-and-afters on social media.
“We chose b&b based off design ideas posted on social media that we liked,” Erica said. “The process was easy and we got what we expected from the project.”
Our pro designers created a plan that completely transformed their family home while still preserving everything they loved about it. Their digital rendering featured a rich, modern exterior color that brought much-needed depth and sophistication. Contrasting trim, shutters, and stonework gave the facade an updated architectural presence. The garage doors, once beige and understated, became a focal point in a sleek, darker shade.
The railing and porch styling gave the front entry an entirely new vibe. It was now warm, welcoming, and polished, compared to its tired past. Even the landscaping helped soften the design, giving curb appeal that matches the beauty of the home itself.
Bringing the Design to Life
Erica’s family used a combination of contractors, from painters to window installers, to execute their design. While working with multiple crews can sometimes get chaotic, the renderings gave everyone a shared roadmap.
“The deliverable was very easy to use and show contractors what we wanted,” Erica said.
When the painter hesitated about how dark the new paint color was, the images gave a crystal clear vision.
“Our painter was worried about how dark we were painting the house and I used the pictures to show him how the color was going to work in this case.”
They followed the design almost exactly, with just a few practical adjustments. The modern metal house number plaque planned for the stone pillar wasn’t the right scale, so they placed it on the mailbox instead as a perfect solution. They also repurposed existing planters with a fresh coat of black paint, rather than buying brand new ones. Rather than investing in a double door, they opted for a single door that matched the same look, to give a future option for a screen door.
Though they made a few small tweaks, the payoff was still massive.
After: A Home That Feels Like Theirs
When you step onto the front walk of Erica’s house now, the change is undeniable. The once-muted exterior is now a rich statement piece. The trim feels crisp and current, and the stone adds much-needed texture and warmth. The porch, though it was always charming, now feels more like an intentional extension of the home.
Their real-life after photo shows a home that not only matches our rendering, but has also become everything Erica’s family had dreamed of.
“We are very proud of the updated look of our home of 19 years,” Erica said. “It feels so fresh pulling into the driveway now. Family and friends all love the change. We feel like we breathed new life into our home for years to come.”
This is the magic of a well-executed exterior design. It not only transformed the house, but also changed how the homeowners feel about living there!
Final Thoughts: Transformations Like This Matter
At brick&batten, we believe every home has the potential for a remarkable “after.” Stories like Erica’s are exactly why we do what we do. Sometimes, all a home needs is the right design direction to reveal its best self. Watching families fall in love with their homes again? It never gets old.
If you’re ready to reimagine your own exterior, we’re here to help. Whether you’re refreshing worn paint or completely redefining your facade, our designers at brick&batten can help bring your vision into focus.
Get started on your virtual exterior design today to see your home’s potential clearly and beautifully, before calling a single contractor.
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