Before & After: Modern Makeover

A Foxcroft colonial gets a modern transformation

In their search for a new home, Hodges and Rebecca Davis took the familiar real estate adage, “Location, location, location” to heart. They found the 5,900-square-foot, five-bedroom colonial Georgian home too traditional, but its location in the heart of the Foxcroft neighborhood was the perfect fit.

Months after the couple purchased the home, architect Ruard Veltman stepped in to amp up the curb appeal and honor the Davises’ contemporary aesthetic, creating a more modern living space for the couple and their five sons. Instead of a complete redesign, Veltman embraced the original architecture and used modern details and finishes to transform the exterior of the home from staid to standout. Some of the boldest examples of modern design are showcased in the entrance.

Before

Finessing the Finishes
To modernize the red brick while retaining its character and texture, Veltman used a mortar wash. The tinted mortar was applied with a horsehair brush, creating an updated look for a traditional finish. The light color provides a stark contrast to the dark wood on the roof and eaves.

From the Top
So long, shingles. A wood roof adds character and texture, bringing out what Veltman calls “the soul of the house.” He redesigned the traditional dormers with sleeker lines, and stained the dentil molding to match the roof, helping a formal element recede into the roofline.

Opening up Possibilities
Declaring an all glass door “too modern” for the home, Veltman opted for a glass and steel door that offers a balance of presence and modernism. The materials lend an air of sophistication to the entrance; the transparency between exterior and interior makes an otherwise contemporary door feel friendly and welcoming.

Slideshow: Architecture by Ruard Veltman Architecture, Interior design by Veltman Wood Interiors in collaboration with homeowner Rebecca Davis