Dec 15, 2025 - Real Estate

Charlotte's 2025 Home of the Year: Best before-and-after

Alexis Clinton

Bright white kitchen with wooden floors, large windows, green plant in white vase, glass door leading to living room, marble countertops, and brass light fixture above island. — The remodeled kitchen of this south Charlotte home has a bright and open feel. Photo: Courtesy of Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging

This remodeled ranch in south Charlotte is our pick for Best Before-and-After.

Why it matters: Our eighth annual Home of the Year award showcases standout residential design, and this Barclay Downs ranch is a stunning example of blending functional modern living with thoughtful preservation.

The before: Built in 1969, the 5,938-square-foot home has six bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms.

Its original layout featured smaller, disconnected rooms and dim lighting that no longer fit the family's daily life. Heavy wood accents added to the dated feel.

Two adjoining rooms with different flooring and ceiling styles; left has slate tile floor, tall windows, and vaulted ceiling with beams; right has wooden floor, paneled walls, and wooden beams on ceiling. — Previous features include dim lighting and some heavy wood accents. Photo: Courtesy of Alison Hall

State of play: Architect Alison Hall and builder Timberline Homes reimagined the first floor to maximize livability.

Alexis Pawlings Interiors crafted a new ceiling treatment in the family room and helped unify finishes throughout.
The team removed existing windows, cabinetry and fixtures to modernize the space while honoring the home's character.

After: The refreshed interior introduces classic details and a brighter color palette, creating a more open, modern feel.

A spacious kitchen with new appliances from Queen City Appliance anchors the main living area and supports both everyday cooking and entertaining.
The renovation also added an expansive laundry room, a redesigned primary ensuite and a scullery that doubles as a prep space and pantry.

Side-by-side comparison of a kitchen before and after renovation; old beige cabinets and tile floor contrast with modern black cabinets, white marble countertop, and decorative bottles. — New spaces like the scullery feature more counter space and bold color choices. Before photo: Courtesy of Alison Hall. After photo: Courtesy of Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging

Bright dining room with large white marble table, wooden chairs, green plants centerpiece, wood-beamed ceiling, and large windows. Adjacent cozy living room with gray chair, fireplace, and brass decor. — Some touches like beam and sunken ceilings have been refreshed to have a modern look. Photo: Courtesy of Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging

Bonus features: At the husband's request, a climate-controlled wine cellar was added to house his extensive collection.

A new rear entry includes built-in storage and a dog washing station for added convenience and functionality.

Wooden wine cellar with racks filled with many wine bottles. Two bottles, two glasses, and a decanter displayed in a central cubby. Warm lighting and wood floor. — A wine room is on full display behind glass doors. Photo: Courtesy of Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging

Bright laundry room with white and pastel pink cabinets, white front-load washer and dryer, farmhouse sink, woven basket with pink towel, and large window showing green outdoor trees. — The spacious laundry room provides ample storage space. Photo: Courtesy of Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging

Light blue bathroom cabinetry with gold handles next to a white tiled shower with a handheld showerhead, a cleaning bottle, a plant in a round vase, and woven baskets. — Their dog now has a designated cleaning space with soft blue cabinetry. Photo: Courtesy of Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging

Zoom out: The updated color palette ties the home together with a calm, cohesive look — soft blue cabinetry, subtle pink accents in the laundry room and a dramatic black scullery that echoes the walk-in wine room and adds a bit of moodiness to the mix.

Keep looking around:

Bright dining room with white-framed windows showing green trees outside, white chairs with cushions, wooden cabinets, green patterned tablecloth, and a large beige pendant light. — Photo: Courtesy of Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging.

Modern white kitchen with stainless steel stove centered between tall white cabinets, a marble countertop, olive oil bottles, wooden utensils in a blue vase, and a bowl with green vegetables on the stove. — Photo: Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging.

Bright white kitchen with marble island, wooden floor, glass pendant lights, and large cabinets. Green leafy plant in a vase near window with white tiles and silver hardware. — Photo: Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging.

Cozy living room with a white fireplace, mountain landscape painting above, beige armchair, gold side table with pink flowers, rustic wood ceiling, light coffee table with green fern plant and books. — Photo: Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging.

Bright bathroom with white freestanding bathtub, marble walls, wicker stool holding bath items, window with beige blind, and white vase with purple flowers on gold stand. — Photo: Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging.

Minimalist entryway with white walls, wooden bench holding a wicker basket with pink flowers, green jacket, and small mint handbag; beige jacket hangs on gold hooks by window; sandals on floor. — Photo: Katy Perry of Ascendant Imaging.

Go deeper: Check out our 2025 Home of the Year and the winner of our Best Lakeside Design.

Charlotte's 2025 Home of the Year: Best before-and-after

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