At a time when there is a shift in the market, more homeowners are choosing to makeover their homes rather than tearing them down. Makeovers can range from simple to extreme which gives a home a superficial facelift without having to spend too much time and money. Makeovers also do not require submissions which easily cut off three to four months of waiting and thus work can begin almost immediately.

This home in the east is just one of the many makeovers that Nic & Wes has been engaged to work on. After the pre-engagement discussions, the owners set Nic & Wes with the task of turning their newly purchased Contemporary home into a Colonial themed home with a touch of Modernity. Without changing the configuration of its exterior it was up to our in-house designer to work with the existing Contemporary canvas. Elements of the black and white colonial concept were fused in to include a new repaint job, window profile replacements and the addition of black trimming accents which immediately breaks the existing Contemporary façade. In addition a black and white awning and blinds further emphasize and tie in the look.

The car porch which was initially concrete laid just did not cut it and while the space is limited was segregated to include a retiled driveway and landscaping. The tranquil grass patch becomes an inviting visual scape for the overlooking porch.

Stepping into the interior is where the distinction of pre-makeover and post-makeover is most apparent. Like the exterior, it was about working with the existing structure. A new set of built-in cabinetry in a white base segregated the space for the living area blending in with the fresh wall repaint.

Keeping good with what was possible, the existing granite flooring was re-polished and the full length wall mirror in the dining remained which cleverly exaggerates the illusion of space.

Tearing down the wall reveals a luxurious open-concept kitchen space. As the owner is an avid cook, this kitchen is truly a dream. New cabinetry in the strict black and white tones line the length of the walls for extensive storage with ample table top space creates a picture perfect entertainment kitchen.

Across from the kitchen showcases the highlight of the home; the air well. Paved with Spanish-style tiles in the monochromatic palette it is a stunning feature of the cozy space.

Ascending to the second floor, the existing parquet and banisters were all the result of making good. A simple polish and varnish with the addition of staining to a darker brown was all it took.

The beauty of the craft with makeovers comes a lot with imagination. The balcony on the second floor did exactly that. Initially a slab to shade the car porch, the space was converted into an accessible area for greenery which is sought after especially in intermediate terrace homes. Keeping with the theme, terracotta tiles pave the floor which pops amidst the black and white base simultaneously creating a warmth to the monochromatic palette.

Four months in all was what it took to go from Contemporary to Modern Colonial. A rewardingly swift process that produced a beautiful home for its deserving family accompanied by an encouraging testimonial from the owners. We at Nic & Wes are always grateful when our clients entrust their faith in us to do what we do best; Designing and Building Lifestyle Homes To Be Proud Of.

[An excerpt from the testimonial]

“You understood our brief and vision and were able to translate it into a practical design that is today our dream home. I know we made the right choice in Nic & Wes.”