Before and After – An architect redesigns his own home in Connecticut

January 19, 2016

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

 

This New Milford, Connecticut house was originally built in 1968, and unfortunately was always a rather bland design. But that all changed when architect Donald Billinkoff purchased the home and renovated it for himself and his wife.

 

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

One of the major changes to the home was the replacement of the original slotted windows at the front of the house with floor-to-ceiling glass.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

Another change to the home, was adding a 600 square foot screened-in deck.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

Here’s the view from inside the deck area.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

The screened-in deck was added off the dining room of the home.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

The original fireplace was built to last, with the original mason embedding the tile into the concrete that formed the mansard. When they learned it wasn’t going to be easy to remove, Donald decided to hide the mansard behind a screen of concrete block, blackened steel and sheet rock.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture


Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture


Here you can see how the concrete block wraps around the wall.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Bruce Buck

On the other side of the fireplace, steel shelves have been added to allow for firewood storage.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

The living room, with sweeping views of the area, is flooded with natural light.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Bruce Buck

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

The custom kitchen cabinets are made of pre-finished maple with plastic laminate fronts, with the countertops made from Corian.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Bruce Buck

A built-in shelving unit houses a colorful tea cup and saucer collection.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Bruce Buck

Back to the media room, which can also be accessed from a hallway that leads to the bedrooms.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

A view of the hallway from inside the media room.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

At the end of the hallway is the master bedroom, with a large centrally located wooden headboard.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Bruce Buck

The master bathroom also has nice views of the surrounding trees.

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock

Before & After - Paradise Lane Renovation by Billinkoff Architecture

Photography by Peter Murdock