Before & After Home Makeover: From Building Site To Glam Home |

published 22 July 2020

A modern house in Maryland got a complete transformation, with interior designer Zoe Feldman at the helm. The owners, a couple with their two children, fell in love with the property because of its location in a Potomac, a family friendly area. The scale of the home and open space plan fit their needs perfectly. The house was a lot larger than where they were living before, with 7,900 square feet of interior space, so they brought on Zoe Feldman to help them create a modern look that felt warm, colourful and inviting too.

Zoe and her team incorporated grey oak floors, blackened steel and expansive glass to warm the interior and to create a connection to the garden. Their primary objective was to make the space feel cosy without losing its modern edge. In order to add warmth to the white backdrop, they added simple, organic materials and finishes like woods. Pops of pattern, colour and metallics were incorporated in the artworks and accessories to add dimension and visual interest.

ENTRANCE – BEFORE

The designers opened up the spaces by installing large, steel-framed windows to flood the home with natural light.

ENTRANCE – PRE MOVE-IN

The designers kept things simple, focussing on lighting and accent colour, but leaving most walls white and laying down the same flooring throughout to create a continuous flow.

ENTRANCE – AFTER

The final look was achieved through accessorising and layering. Colour was added to the entrance hall by hanging framed blocks of colour above the sideboard / console, while rugs add texture and help to define the different areas.

The wood console table adds warmth and makes a striking statement with its jagged, three dimensional edging.

DINING ROOM – PRE MOVE-IN

The dining room lighting was installed before anything else, hung to perfectly sit above the table.

DINING ROOM – AFTER

A rug and full length curtains soften this space and make it cosier, while cane dining chairs add natural texture.

See Also:Statement Dining Room Lighting

The dining room leads through to a darkened, walk-in bar area, perfect for entertaining in the evenings.

CORNER ROOM – BEFORE

The walls were ripped out entirely so that large steel framed windows could be installed, to make this a light and bright corner room.

CORNER ROOM – AFTER

With stone flooring, a stone fireplace, wood walls and a wood ceiling with ceiling fans, this corner room has an indoor-outdoor feel, and is separated from the main living room by concertina doors.

LIVING ROOM – BEFORE

A modern fireplace was installed in the main living room, which is just off the main hallway.

LIVING ROOM – PRE MOVE-IN

Large windows plus the concertina doors to the corner room all bathe this space in natural light. Wood beams add a rustic element.

LIVING ROOM – AFTER

A large area rug defines the space and adds cosy texture, while a U-shaped sofa and a classic Eames lounge chair all create an inviting, welcoming look.

A TV was wall-mounted above the fireplace.

The only pops of colour in this predominantly white space are the accent cushions on the sofa, and the upholstery on a pair of metallic chairs, which tie in with a framed green reindeer moss on the wall.

This space also flows into an informal dining area.

KITCHEN – BEFORE

The design team also installed a brand new kitchen with modern kitchen island and breakfast bar.

KITCHEN – PRE-MOVE IN

The new kitchen features a blend of wood cabinetry and white cabinetry, with two low hanging pendant lights above the island adding a metallic touch.

A utility area was also added to the side of it, along with a downstairs loo.

KITCHEN – AFTER

Kitchen island stools add the finishing touch.

DOWNSTAIRS LOO – PRE MOVE-IN

The design team installed a large marble basin in the downstairs powder room.

DOWNSTAIRS LOO – AFTER

A large framed black & white photograph offers the finishing touch.

OFFICE – PRE MOVE-IN

The design team created a home office, with windows across all the walls to allow for lots of natural light. Spotlights were installed in the recessed ceiling, and plug sockets in the middle of the floor for under where the desk would go.

OFFICE – AFTER

The ceiling was then wallpapered, adding instant drama to this space, and the built-in cabinets were painted black.

Straight edged furniture and black accents give this office a decidedly masculine feel.

BEDROOM – BEFORE

The master bedroom was given new windows, flooring and lighting.

BEDROOM – PRE MOVE-IN

A grasscloth wallpaper was added to give this large bedroom a cosier, textured feel.

See Also:Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas

BEDROOM – AFTER

The bedroom is now an elegant, grown-up space.

A cosy seating area makes the most of the spacious room and adds a hotel-inspired touch.

See Also:Gorgeous Master Bedroom Ideas

LOFT – BEFORE

The designers thought the loft deserved a little drama.

LOFT – PRE MOVE-IN

They coated the walls in a deep, teal blue, which was taken right up the ceiling, creating a den-like feel.

LOFT – AFTER

The loft is now a relaxed family space where the kids can play freely.

Builder: Jeffco

Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.