Top 5 Jaw-Dropping Home Renovations of the Week

The best renovations restore homes without sacrificing their original essence. Take a look at these stunning transformations that prove the Dwell community has an eye for style.

Featured homes were submitted by members of the Dwell community through our Add a Home feature. Add your home to Dwell.com/homes today.

1. The Barn

"The overarching goal was to preserve the rustic character of the original building without making any compromises in terms of modern comfort," says La Firme. The team hid modern appliances (like the refrigerator) below eye level and worked with the original, century-old structure of The Barn.

"The overarching goal was to preserve the rustic character of the original building without making any compromises in terms of modern comfort," says La Firme. The team hid modern appliances (like the refrigerator) below eye level and worked with the original, century-old structure of The Barn.

Architect: La Firme, Location: Mansonville, Quebec, Canada

From the architect: "The Barn is a rebirth project that turned a farm building that outlived its usefulness into a warm, open, and versatile communal family space. The project saved a 100-year-old building and preserved the vernacular quality of the building while updating it for everyday living."

2. Monastery House

By introducing a new oak staircase with slender steel railings, Bureau Fraai ensured that the living room of Monastery House would be connected to both the basement below and the sleeping floor/multifunctional attic floor above.

By introducing a new oak staircase with slender steel railings, Bureau Fraai ensured that the living room of Monastery House would be connected to both the basement below and the sleeping floor/multifunctional attic floor above.

Architect: Bureau Fraai, Location: Bennebroek, Netherlands

From the architect: "In the former St. Lucia monastery in Bennebroek, Netherlands, Bureau Fraai has made an interior design transformation of a traditionally characteristic monastery into a high-quality townhouse while maintaining all the significant qualities of the monastery."

3. San Jose Eichler No. 1

Once locked in a bidding war with the homeowners and now fast friends and neighbors, BLAINE Architects gives a 1953 Eichler in California’s South Bay some much-needed space and an outdoor connection.

Once locked in a bidding war with the homeowners and now fast friends and neighbors, BLAINE Architects gives a 1953 Eichler in California’s South Bay some much-needed space and an outdoor connection.

Architect: BLAINE Architects, Location: San Jose, California

From the architect: "Eichlers are beautiful because they’re honest. You see the structure, you see the roof deck—everything is exposed because there are no attics above or crawlspaces below. So that’s how we approached the design from start to finish: How can we make this building beautiful and honest?"

4. Greenwich Village Townhouse

Viewed from the backyard, Greenwich Village Townhouse by Ryall Sheridan Architects gives off a warm, earthy glow.

Viewed from the backyard, Greenwich Village Townhouse by Ryall Sheridan Architects gives off a warm, earthy glow.

Architect: Ryall Sheridan Architects, Location: New York City, New York

From the architect: "The design plans for this 1840s Greenwich Village townhouse aimed to redefine it as a spatially interconnected contemporary residence for a young family. The idea of circulation in the common area—to function similarly to a public ‘street,’ in which family members encounter each other as they go about their daily routines—informs the organization of the house."

5. 20th Street Renovation

Like many San Francisco houses, 20th Street Renovation had a zero lot line and no windows on the side. Blue Truck Studio completely gutted the interior and created an open floor plan on the top level for an airy and spacious feel.

Like many San Francisco houses, 20th Street Renovation had a zero lot line and no windows on the side. Blue Truck Studio completely gutted the interior and created an open floor plan on the top level for an airy and spacious feel.

Architect: BLUE TRUCK STUDIO, Location: San Francisco, California

From the architect: "Marred by odd renovations and a curious lack of bedrooms, this original house was also unfortunately dark and overly partitioned. Inspired by the light-and-space works of James Turrell, [we] created a central core for light featuring a perforated steel staircase and a dramatic skylight opening."

Related Reading:

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