15 Incredible Beach House Makeovers

Cottage Crush: Before

These homeowners prioritize outdoor living. That means the all-grass ground cover of this backyard space wasn't quite right. The space needed some variety.

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Cottage Crush: After

Cottage Backyard Deck: After — Photo by Tria Giovan

The transformation created a grander and more defined patio with separate areas for sunning and lounging. Extra hardscape makes the space much more usable at all times of the day. It's perfect for hosting a crowd!

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Fresh Façade: Before

Four separate stairways descended down onto this pool area. It created a busy and confusing backside for the home. It needed to be updated and simplified.

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Fresh Façade: After

Streamlined access to the pool area made more sense. Then, a lightened-up façade and manicured lawn transformed the space. These changes took the space from drab to cozy, cohesive, and downright fabulous.

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Handsome Home: Before

This cottage was set on a lush green plot of land. However, the monochromatic exterior and unbalanced landscaping weren't quite doing the home justice. This home deserved more spotlight.

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Handsome Home: After

The cottage was given a new gray roof and cozy blue shutters. Wrapping pretty shrubs around the house also helped to give this cottage contrast. Now it finally has the welcoming aesthetic it deserves.

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Heightened Appeal: Before

This ranch-style home was a little outdated. The shrubs were overbearing and obscuring. It needed a modern update to make it feel fresh and current.

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Heightened Appeal: After

This cozy cottage scored a white picket fence, half-moon gate, cute pathway, and new landscaping. And, with that, it became a garden paradise. It also gained a second floor with windows that overlook the inviting entrance.

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Storybook Retreat: Before

This would-be classic home suffered from mold damage. It desperately needed to be revitalized.

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Storybook Retreat: After

Coastal Curb Appeal — Matthew Gilson and James Yochum

A coat of white paint and dreamy landscaping brought this charming cottage to life. It still maintains its original character-infusing details such as the arched doorway and gabled rooflines. An extra dormer window also helps the home appear more balanced.

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Midcentury Update: Before

This sprawling 1960s bare-bones home had little character. It was also in danger of being torn down. A makeover saved it.

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Midcentury Update: After

digiacamose10_02_0 — Photo by Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

A complete overhaul included shingled siding, farmhouse-style garage doors, elegant navy blue shutters, and clean white trim. What remained? The property's beautiful mature trees.

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Undivided Attention: Before

This outdoor space had lots of potential. It had walls of windows and (dated sliding glass) doors that open directly onto the patio. But unnecessary walls made the space feel divided.

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Undivided Attention: After

After ditching the dividers (and adding a wicker patio set), the owners now spend nearly all their time outside. "We have our coffee there in the morning and our lunch there in the afternoon," says the homeowner. "We pretty much live out on the deck whenever we're here."

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Island Breeze: After

This near-tear-down had no floors, no interior walls, and no windows. It was practically falling apart. So, it required a major overhaul before being habitable.

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Island Breeze: After

yellow-bahamas-cottage-makeover-1496_cl_jewelbox_350_0_1

Careful restorations were done to keep its original integrity. This gem now exudes island style. It has bright turquoise shutters, mahogany windows, and tropical landscaping.

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Fresh Take: Before

This closed-off villa didn't allow any ocean breezes to flow through. It truly felt out of place in sunny Rosemary Beach, Florida. The trees and shrubbery surrounding it needed to be pared down.

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Fresh Take: After

Louvered shutters quickly fixed the air flow problem. Plus, a white stucco exterior with dark wood accents brings on the beachy vibes. Now it's a house worthy of the seaside.

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Raising the Bar: Before

This tiny home sat too low. It was also was too hidden behind vegetation to take advantage of its water views. Plus, its small footprint didn't jibe with the family's space needs.

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Raising the Bar: After

Instead of building out, the homeowners built up. This created more room in the once-cramped home. They also added walls of windows to let in abundant sunshine and show off the prominent water views.

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Mod Makeover: Before

Small windows made this cottage feel cramped inside. Moreover, it felt uninviting on the outside. And the dated style didn't match the owner's aesthetic.

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Mod Makeover: After

A complete overhaul transformed the cottage into a much more contemporary structure. It now has lengthy windows and more height. Plus, its fun shade of blue really pops against the natural wood siding.

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Classic Revival: Before

This two-story 1940s cottage had charming details, but it simply wasn't large enough for its new owners.

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Classic Revival: After

The home's beefed-up square footage included a sun porch, powder room, guest bedroom, rear stairwell, and covered back entry. The makeover also brought walls of view-facing windows. Overall, it's a more modern aesthetic.

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Ranch Redo: Before

This South Carolina ranch house was hidden behind a dark brick façade. Moreover, it didn't feel quite right in its coastal setting. It definitely needed more beachy vibes.

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Ranch Redo: After

After a coat of Shoji White from Sherwin-Williams, the brick exterior feels bright and modern. The lighter shade also accentuates the home's prominent exterior features, like the trellis and front porch. It also contrasts nicely with the surrounding greenery.

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Deck Do-Over: Before

The sun-bleached wooden deck of this home felt uninviting and unusable. It was dead space on one side and a view-blocking wall on the other. Something more open and welcoming was needed.

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Deck Do-Over: After

The home got a fresh coat of paint and an extension of the deck on both sides. This made it a much more hangout-friendly space. Plus, potted plants add life and warmth.

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