Courtesy Coastal Living, a division of Time Inc. Lifestyle Group, photograph by Jean Allsopp. Coastal Living is a registered trademark and used with permission.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Architecture: Murphy & Co. Design | Interiors: Engler Studio | Photography: Corey Gaffer

Everyone loves a good before and after story. Whether it’s the ugly duckling or Cinderella, the basic story is the same. Something undesirable and unattractive is transformed into something beautiful. I recently completed an architectural project that is a perfect example of this concept. An old dilapidated waterfront cottage (very common in Anne Arundel County) had become an eyesore. In this case the use of new, updated materials with a fresh color palette solved the problems. A metal roof, hardishingle siding, windows and porches are the basic building blocks for the new and improved skin. Finishing touches such as the exposed rafter tail detail, manicured landscaping and new fixtures all helped to add character. This cottage is all decked out and ready to continue its life in style. Amazing what a facelift can do for a house! Photography by Michael McLaughlin

College Park Lanai addition, Orlando, FL. Addition includes raised porch with expanded outdoor dining and outdoor living areas. Coastal stained pine wood ceilings. Azek / PVC custom columns and beams. Beams include removable panels with access to cavity and track for motorized screens. Artistic Pavers concrete pavers with ivory shell finish. Artisitc Pavers ivory shell pool deck with remodel pool coping. New exterior landscaping.

An accomplished potter and her husband own this Vineyard Haven summer house. Gil Walsh worked with the couple to build the house’s décor around the wife’s artistic aesthetic and her pottery collection. (She has a pottery shed (studio) with a kiln). They wanted their summer home to be a relaxing home for their family and friends. The main entrance to this home leads directly to the living room, which spans the width of the house, from the small entry foyer to the oceanfront porch. Opposite the living room behind the fireplace is a combined kitchen and dining space. All the colors that were selected throughout the home are the organic colors she (the owner) uses in her pottery. (The architect was Patrick Ahearn).

Kurt Johnson Photography

Nat Rea Architecture by Abby Campbell King

Jeannine Bruin

Photography by Haisma Design Co.

Photo by Lauren Mikus © 2012 Houzz

Spacecrafting Photography

Lake House Design Photo: Kristen Mayfield - kristenmayfieldphoto https://www.instagram.com/kristen.mayfield/ Designer: mrsparanjape - lori_paranjape https://www.instagram.com/mrsparanjape/ www.mrsparanjape.com

www.mpkelley.com / Michael Kelley Photography, 2012. Design by Shannon Ggem, ASID, http://www.shannonggem.com/