photography by Brian Vandenbrink

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

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).

http://lowellcustomhomes.com , LOWELL CUSTOM HOMES, Lake Geneva, WI, Exterior shingle style with gambrel roof, cedar shingle siding to match Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, shingle roof, Marvin Integrity Windows and Doors. Welcoming blue double glass panel entry door with sidelights and decorative transom.

Karen Bobotas

Providing an exceptional example of country living in a guard-gated community, the Turtle Lake Residences include these finely detailed homes painstakingly designed by Saroki Architecture. Situated on estate-sized lots set amidst the beauty reminiscent of northern Michigan, these homes offer a blend of privacy and luxury.

Charming shingle style cottage on South Carolina's Lake Keowee. Cedar shakes with stone accents on this home blend into the natural lake environment. It is sitting on a peninsula lot with wonderful views surrounding.

Spacecrafting Photography

Greg Hadley Photography

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

We call this plan "High End Drama With Bonus", with the bonus being the fully-finished walkout basement with media room and more. This home easily sleeps five, and gives you just under 5,000 square feet of heated living space on the main and upper floors combined. Finish the lower level and you have almost 2,000 square feet of additional place to plan your dreams. The plans are available for construction in PDF, CAD and prints. Where do you want build? Plan 26600GG Link: http://www.architecturaldesigns.com/house-plan-26600GG.asp TWITTER: @adhouseplans

Joe Coulson

Located on a trout river in the Mountains this home enjoys access to some of the best trout fishing in the Southeast. Designed with large porches and a dog trot it is a natural place to enjoy a mountain weekend with friends. Designed by Craig Kronenberg Photo by Sarah Dario

Scott Amundson

Gibeon Photography