apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

On #2 I like the old windows so much better.

I am beyond impressed. It seems they are able to maintain that delicate balance between 'necessary tweak' and 'where the hell did that come from?'. You know that new little bay window over the garage in photo #2 made all the difference in that interior. Adding to rolodex now.

I too am impressed. They really maintained the integrity of the original architecture and respected the context provided by the surrounding buildings. SO much better than some of the in-your-face remuddling of old buildings I've been seeing on this site lately.

The window choice in #2 is awful. Completely made the building look like a McHouse

I love love love facade makeovers, especially if it's to do with colours.

@ Michpc
I think the issue with the bay window in #2 is more to do with the camera angle - it looks much bigger and imposing than the Before picture, but if you look at the other features, it actually because the camera is closer to the house.

re: little tweaks - I agree. Look at the bottom left corner of #1 - they squared off the odd corner, letting them expand the garage, taking it from useless to extremely useful. At the same time they added the railing to balance the railing on the opposite side of the window. A small change that was both functional and aesthetically appealing.

ChzPlz they didn't just add railing -- look closely, they moved the entire staircase! I too thought #1 was a great example of "small" tweaks making a big difference. With the staircase leading straight to the door rather than off to a far side, the house is much more balanced.

Regarding that #2 window, sometimes the owner makes the call...

Mostly very nice, but I'll reiterate what others have said on other Before & After posts: I wish they would take both pictures from the same angle, if at all possible. #1, for example, is great; but that kitchen -- the Before picture is toward the left and the After picture is toward the right.
I understand it's not always possible. Once the demolition has taken place, you can't go back and get a photo at that same angle. But with digitial cameras available, take more Before photos than you think you will ever need. Then, it's easy enough to have the ideal Before and After photos.

Have to agree with what the others have said about the windows in House #2.

Why oh why, do people have to put such ugly, plain, downright WRONG windows in when supposedly doing a sensitive renovation?

I appreciate that the old windows were probably beyond saving, but surely its possible to get something in a similar deco style to replace them. They have cancelled out all the good of the renovation through this inconsistency in my humble opinion.

I would guess that the windows in the second house are EnergyStar rated and also let in more light and look more contemporary. SOME decisions are based on the interior more than the exterior, and I for one don't think they look bad at all -- just different.

Disagree on #2. It is beautiful.

I thought #2 was lovely.

fraise - I meant the little railing on the far left corner of the house. The corner is changed entirely, making the garage wider.

These are such beautiful renovations!