Take your property from ordinary to magnificent with the transformative power of exterior remodeling. Whether you want to create an al fresco entertaining space, enhance curb appeal, or rekindle a home’s historic charm, there’s always a way with thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship.
This article shows some of our favorite home exterior remodels to inspire your next project. You’ll see the before and after photos, providing insights and ideas for how you can breathe new life into your home too.
Exterior House Facelift Before and After Ideas
From the serene lakeside retreats of Bloomfield Hills to the historic homes of Birmingham and Pleasant Ridge, let’s look together at some of our favorite remodeling projects we’ve recently completed.
Updated Home Exterior Style in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Before: Uninspired Outdoor Space
This Bloomfield Hills home had a backyard that lacked character and functionality, which was a shame given its stunning lakeside location. With stark, minimal landscaping, the rear yard did not live up to the property’s potential or breathtaking views.
The discerning homeowners desired a space that would allow them to fully enjoy outdoor living, yet the existing setup fell short of providing the perfect al fresco haven for relaxation and entertainment.
After: Lakeside Outdoor Oasis
MainStreet Design Build transformed the lackluster backyard into a captivating outdoor oasis, ideal for hosting guests or appreciating quiet moments. The renovation introduced a beautifully designed hardscape that blends cooking, dining, and relaxation areas into a cohesive outdoor living space.
Surrounded by lush landscaping and offering panoramic views of the lake and forest, this backyard now serves as an intimate retreat for enjoying Michigan’s beautiful seasons.
Poppleton Park House with Curb Appeal in Birmingham, MI
Before: Dated Traditional Home
Nestled in Birmingham’s Poppleton Park, this 100-year-old home was showing its age, with outdated exteriors and a front porch that lacked the grandeur it once had. Its traditional architecture desperately needed care to restore its original charm. The home’s exterior, which included an old brick base and worn-out fixtures, detracted from its potential of once again being a neighborhood gem.
After: Revitalized Historical Elegance
The team at MainStreet Design Build meticulously rejuvenated this Poppleton Park treasure, paying homage to its historical roots while adding modern durability and style. The renovation introduced a beaded fir curved porch ceiling, complemented by an elegant Kichler Forestdale Olde Bronze light fixture.
The old brick base was replaced with sophisticated New York Blue Stone that gracefully extends into a new walkway. James Hardie Dream Collection siding envelops the home, accented by custom shutters, copper roofing, and gutters. A sunroom railing and a new stone fireplace for outdoor gatherings further highlight the home’s refined exterior.
Exterior House Facelift Before and After in Birmingham, MI
Before: Unremarkable Colonial Exterior
This two-story 1952 colonial in Birmingham Estates, Birmingham, lacked visual appeal with its bland suburban façade. Despite its solid structure, the home’s exterior failed to stand out in the neighborhood and reflected none of the charm or character the homeowners desired.
The couple recognized its potential and wanted to transform it into a standout property with enhanced curb appeal, especially with essential updates to the roofing and siding.
After: Elegant Curb Appeal
We executed a stunning exterior makeover that took the property from ‘drab’ to ‘fab.’ The front’s outdated brick was replaced with elegant stone veneer, which was extended around the attached garage for a cohesive look.
New casement windows and a standing seam roof introduced modern lines to the front porch. These were complemented by square columns and a new garage door with an eye-catching octagon window. Beveled glass black lanterns illuminate the pathway to the revamped front door, warmly welcoming guests into the now exceptional-looking home.
Updating 1950s House Exterior in Royal Oak, MI
Before: Outdated Colonial Façade
This 1951 Royal Oak Colonial carried the traditional aesthetics of its time, with a front façade that no longer met the homeowner’s vision. The original limestone and brickwork, outdated windows, and a boxy porch contributed to a look that felt dated and out of sync with the desired modern style.
The challenge our clients laid down was to transform this conventional exterior into a mid-century modern masterpiece.
After: Mid-Century Modern Marvel
Not one to back down from a challenge, our MainStreet Design Build team began by staining the limestone a translucent greige and painting the brick to match. Symmetrical casement windows replaced the old bay windows and harmonized with black-trimmed windows to the side and rear.
The front porch was completely redesigned. A central focal point has been created with a wide, bold black window and door framing as well as a suspended overhang that aligns perfectly with the TimberTech Azek siding. A bold orange front door, accented with a black metal I-beam, sconces, a slim mailbox, and sleek address numbers, now welcomes guests into a home that perfectly embodies mid-century modern charm and elegance.
Home Exterior Remodel in Pleasant Ridge, MI
Before: Neglected Craftsman Charm
This Pleasant Ridge craftsman home bore the marks of several unsuccessful remodels that strayed from its original early 20th-century character. Previous updates failed to capture the home’s original architectural spirit and left its beautiful stone porch out of alignment with its intended style.
The exterior, which included outdated asbestos shingles over concrete stucco and a mismatched low-pitch shed roof, desperately needed a thoughtful restoration to rekindle its historic charm.
After: Revived Craftsman Elegance
We restored this lovely property by paying meticulous attention to architectural authenticity while integrating modern enhancements. The new covered porch, designed around the original stone columns, now serves as a tribute to the home’s heritage.
Upgrades include a copper and asphalt roof, Hardiplank siding, clapboard, cedar shake shingles, and a stunning panel-style front door. The transformation also extended to a resurfaced porch floor, new front steps, enhanced lighting, and a gable roof replacement for the outdated shed roof. The result is a harmonious blend of past and present.
Partner with Birmingham’s Most Trusted Design Build Firm
MainStreet Design Build is a full-service, design-build remodeling firm dedicated to creating a luxurious end-to-end experience through personal care, accountability, timeless design, and exacting attention to detail. As the leading design-build firm in Michigan, since 1991 their in-house design team, staff of carpenters, and deep bench of skilled tradespeople have made the renovation process comfortable, enjoyable, and safe.
Having produced elegant results that transform remodeling dreams into remarkable new living spaces, MainStreet Design Build is favored by discerning homeowners in Southeast Oakland County who value a high level of comfort and trust in knowing that their remodeling project will be done RIGHT.
Browse our gallery of award-winning modern home remodels for 2024 and schedule a virtual design consultation. Let’s partner today!