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12.2.11

Turning a Plain-Jane House Into a Craftsman-Style Cottage

Plain-Jane House BEFORE Craftsman Style Cottage

When I saw how Londen turned her nondescript little house into a charming Craftsman-style cottage with curb appeal, I was so impressed that I had to show it to you.

Here’s how it looks now:

Craftsman door painted black

exterior front of Craftsman style cottage

closeup of pendant light over front door

Thanks to Londen for letting me share it with you.
Read all about the transformation at Sixty-Fifth Avenue.

Categories Before & After

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Comments

  1. Richella at Imparting Grace says

    12.2.11 at 7:54 am

    Now, that’s vision! Funny–the changes are fairly simple in some ways, but what a HUGE difference they make! Beautiful!

  2. Becky @ Farmgirl Paints says

    12.2.11 at 7:55 am

    amazing transformation. love that moravian light too!

  3. Mary says

    12.2.11 at 8:01 am

    I love to see such inspirational makeovers – this is SO lovely
    Mary x
    PS – Julia, I wonder if you could help me. I’m attempting to makeover my 4 teenage daughters living room and wondered if you had any posts that might be inspiring? I love your blog as you know and very often find wonderful ideas. Thanks Mary x
    email – [email protected]

    • hookedonhouses says

      12.2.11 at 10:55 am

      Hmmm…good question! I don’t think I’ve ever done any posts about that specifically, but there are probably lots of pretty photos of living rooms on my blog if you run a search for them. You should also check Pinterest for some inspiration if you use it. It’s amazing what you can find there! 🙂

  4. Jenny Allworthy says

    12.2.11 at 8:26 am

    What a great family story. Sounds like everyone pitches in! I love all the butterflies.

  5. Mike says

    12.2.11 at 11:15 am

    This is a fantastic change. I would not have thought it was the same house.

  6. Karen says

    12.2.11 at 12:36 pm

    These look like simple exterior changes, but what a difference they make. I love it when people take “Plain Jane’s” — those non-descript cottages and warm them up with a whole lot of charm and curb appeal. It takes more work than people realize. And I say that knowing full well how much sweat equity has gone into my humble abode–and the process still continues.

    I adore cottages and bungalows and I also appreciate your blog. I visit often, but this is the first time I’ve posted.

    • hookedonhouses says

      12.2.11 at 12:45 pm

      Thanks, Karen! I love hearing from first-time commenters. 🙂

  7. Molly @thewaffler says

    12.2.11 at 12:37 pm

    What is it about the craftsman exterior style that is so welcoming and aesthetically pleasing? I don’t think I can exactly pinpoint what it is, but I know that this house now looks lovely.

  8. threadbndr says

    12.2.11 at 1:20 pm

    Very nice! They got a lot of the details spot on – the roof overhang and corbels are spot on.

  9. Londen says

    12.2.11 at 2:11 pm

    Thank you for sharing our makeover Julia! It’s fun seeing our house over here on your fabulous blog! Have a great weekend.

  10. Kim says

    12.2.11 at 2:16 pm

    Wow what a difference. I love how simple details made a difference to this house.

    I have to agree with Molly, on there’s something about craftsman styled homes that are so welcoming and pleasing. They are one of my favorite styles.

  11. Jan says

    12.2.11 at 10:30 pm

    There is much to admire about the homeowners’ thoughtful approach to this remodel. What is evident is that they recognize what can reasonably be done within their budget and skill set. Scrolling through the older posts, it’s clear that they have patience with doing things in stages.

    I also have to compliment the homeowners for staying within the footprint of the original house. Way too many of these small but sound houses end up with ungainly additions that look tacked on and incohesive.

    Finally, amen to finding landscape materials on Craigslist and also Freecycle. Often people just want someone to thin their perennial beds. You can score an amazing variety of plants that you know will thrive in your zone, often for free.

  12. jodi from new jersey says

    12.3.11 at 6:56 am

    Going over to meet Londen now. What a beautiful makeover . I’m a sucker for any kind of pergola detail. I had a magazine photo in my dream folder for years then finally got my dream fence with a pergola detail above. Love my dream folder.. Thanks for all, Julia.

  13. A.Men says

    12.3.11 at 9:27 am

    Great! Love it! How did she get the roof details? Hand a magazine picture to a carpenter? It’s not a kit at Home Depot?

  14. Patience says

    12.3.11 at 9:27 am

    Incredible. And the interior transformations that you see at her blog are equally impressive–and done on a budget.

  15. Nadine says

    12.3.11 at 11:06 pm

    Love Craftsman. Beautifully done. I see a number of these in my neighbourhood these days, especially along Riverside Drive Wpg.
    Dare I take on the challenge????????????????

  16. Mom in High Heels says

    12.4.11 at 4:07 am

    Wow! That’s amazing. Craftsman style is my absolute favorite.

  17. Kathryn Griffin says

    12.4.11 at 11:38 am

    Now that is just lovely! Thank you for sharing. Have a grand day! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

  18. Olivia & Will's Fine Children's Furniture says

    12.23.11 at 11:33 am

    Beautiful in looking and put great ideas and thoughts for make This too nice.

  19. NJ Cellulose Insulation Contractor says

    1.5.12 at 11:48 am

    Hm, sometimes a simple change is all a house needs.

  20. Screendoorgirl 3 says

    4.3.13 at 4:50 pm

    So beautiful! What a great job . I love the pergola detail. I know I’ve seen this before, but I’m going over now to eat my heart out… Thanks, Julia.

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