From drab to fab: Best before and afters

Best exterior 1: after

They planned the house and landscaping in unison so that the handsome exterior finishes, paint colors and architectural detailing would complement the glorious garden.

Best exterior 2: before

At first, the homeowners wondered if there was any hope for this 1960s Alpine chalet located far from ski country.

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Best exterior 2: after

Fieldstone columns, finely detailed dormers and a wood-shingled roof help transform the house into a cottage-style haven.

Best bathroom 1: before

A mom-and-daughter team sought to transform this dated bath in their 1920s home.

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Best bathroom 1: after

The finished product has a truly vintage feel and clean lines. Pink tile and unsightly floral wallpaper were replaced with fresh blue beaded board and white paint.

Best bathroom 2: before

In addition to being drab, this bath was so narrow that the owners could barely slide past one another at the sink.

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Best bathroom 2: after

New flooring, regrouted tile and fresh paint give the room a new look. A smaller sink gives the residents more elbow room.

Best addition: before

This home needed extra room and light without losing its character.

• Southern Living: Space saving ideas for a small kitchen

Best addition: after

Besides lending its good looks to the backyard, the two-story addition also opened up the kitchen and added a bedroom and extra living space.

Best kitchen 1: before

This closed-off kitchen made little use of the space available and was outdated.

• Southern Living: Space saving ideas for a small kitchen

Best kitchen 1: after

The space is now open to both the family room and dining area and features a large, multipurpose island. All of the appliances were relocated for ease of use and appearance.

Best kitchen 2: before

This small kitchen was no longer large enough to accommodate a growing family.

• Southern Living: Space saving ideas for a small kitchen

Best kitchen 2: after

The kitchen maintains its original U-shaped plan but expands into a former bedroom. Removing the upper cabinets adds even more space.

Best kitchen 3: before

Everything about this kitchen was as outdated as those soda cans.

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Best kitchen 3: after

Now, this wide-open French country kitchen welcomes all comers. Notable details include beaded-board walls and smart black countertops.

Best overall makeover, exterior: before

Though homeowners loved this old bungalow, they found it unlivable. After buying it, they didn't move in for more than a year.

• Southern Living: Space saving ideas for a small kitchen

Best overall makeover, exterior: after

On move-in day, the cottage was aglow and every nook and cranny indoors had gone from sad to super.

Best overall makeover, kitchen: before

The original kitchen was a tiny galley in need of a total overhaul.

• Southern Living: Space saving ideas for a small kitchen

Best overall makeover, kitchen: after

The stunning new kitchen is graced with a generous island and ample cabinets. It opens into a living area fitted with a bar.

Best overall makeover, living room: before

This small space was a bedroom next to the original kitchen.

• Southern Living: Space saving ideas for a small kitchen

Best overall makeover, living room: after

Now, this cozy spot provides room for guests to chat while meals are prepared. Additions include a new fireplace flanked by low bookshelves.

Check out more before and afters at SouthernLiving.com