top of page
Serenity_3-5-25_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_IG-READY-29.jpg

Before & After  Photos

These candid, behind-the-scenes photos capture projects in progress, not just the finished result. While many spaces are still under construction, they offer a glimpse into my design process, the evolution of each project, and the thoughtful decisions that bring a vision to life. It's a fun look at the transformation from concept to completion. Maybe your next project will be featured on this page!

Project 1: Siblings Trade Spaces (Greenwich, CT)

CA7D7D7C-9000-4A12-90CA-D38DFA2DF43B copy.jpg
BEFORE

The Great Bedroom Swap

When the family's teenage son inherited his younger sister's bright, feminine bedroom, the space needed a complete transformation. The redesign reimagined every detail, creating a sophisticated, masculine retreat that better reflected his personality and style.

08560AC8-C5C1-400A-8B6C-102041F3829C copy.jpg
BEFORE

Little Girl's Room Becomes Her Big Brother's Room

This project transformed a little girl's bedroom into a timeless, masculine space for her teenage brother. Every element, from the color palette and wall treatments to the furnishings and finishes, was thoughtfully redesigned to create a room that feels uniquely his.

IMG_3392.jpg
WIP

Custom Mural, New Carpeting and More

Serenity Home Styling sourced a custom wall mural, tailored window treatments, and timeless furnishings to create a sophisticated space.

IMG_4011.jpg
AFTER

Custom Window Treatments

Tailored Roman shades were selected to complement the room's neutral palette while allowing the custom wall mural to remain the focal point. 

8EBDED19-CC4F-4DB0-A9B1-05C9241494C6_edited_edited.jpg
MOOD BOARD

Design Begins with the Details

Layering rich textures, tailored textiles, custom wallcoverings, and timeless finishes helped transform the space into a refined retreat with depth.

D4E22D21-F413-4F7A-99A5-8EFDF0CD61AD-2.jpg
AFTER

A Cozy Place to Unwind

Designed as a comfortable retreat for reading, gaming, or relaxing, this cozy loveseat creates a functional seating area beyond the bed. 

Project 2: Brick House Reimaged (Scotch Plains, NJ)

FullSizeRender.jpg
BEFORE

Traditional Exterior Ready for a Refresh

The original brick exterior and white trim gave the home a dated appearance and lacked the strong curb appeal the homeowners wanted. The façade was ready for a brighter palette to update it.

​

The client was open to fresh ideas and embraced my vision for completely reimagining the home’s exterior.

Serenity_6-9-26_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_HI-RES-2.jpg
AFTER

Black and White Striking Curb Appeal

Painted white brick, bold black windows and shutters, and a statement entry completely transform the home’s exterior. Fresh landscaping softens the contrast and creates a polished, welcoming first impression.​​ Months of planning, countless decisions, and exceptional craftsmanship, all brought together to create a home that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
 

First Floor Powder Room BEFORE 2.jpg
BEFORE

A Bathroom in Need of a New Look

The original shower felt dated and dark, with pink tile and aging finishes that no longer complemented the home. The space called for a complete refresh with a more elevated palette.

Serenity_6-9-26_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_WEB-29.jpg
AFTER

Calm Color & Beautiful Detail

Soft blue-green tile completely transforms the shower, with a herringbone pattern adding texture and visual interest. Warm brass fixtures and a decorative niche complete the space with an elegant, custom feel.

First Floor Powder Room BEFORE 1.jpg
BEFORE

Dated and Closed In Powder Room

The original bathroom felt dark and confined, with pink tile, heavy wood finishes, and a layout that made the space feel smaller than it was. It was ready for a brighter, more inviting transformation.

2026-06-23 16.03.49.jpg
AFTER

Fresh, Charming & Full of Character

A dramatic transformation brings personality to the space. Soft patterned wallpaper, crisp white millwork, a deep green vanity, warm metal accents, and a classic checkerboard floor create a bathroom that feels distinctive.

PRimary Bathroom BEFORE 1.jpg
BEFORE

Ready for a Refresh - Primary Bathroom

The original bathroom felt dark and dated, with warm wood cabinetry, older tile, and finishes that made the small space feel closed in. A lighter palette and updated details would give the room a brighter, more polished feel.

Serenity_6-9-26_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_WEB-28.jpg
AFTER

Serene and Sophisticated

The bathroom was transformed with soft blue-green tile, warm wood cabinetry, arched mirrors, and brushed brass details. A double vanity adds function while the calming palette give the space a polished, spa-like feel.

IMG_7837.HEIC
BEFORE

Outdated Kitchen, Ready for a Fresh Start

The original kitchen felt dark and dated, with heavy wood cabinetry, aging finishes, and limited visual interest. The space was ready for a brighter, more polished look that would feel inviting and better reflect the home’s style.

Serenity_6-9-26_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_WEB-14.jpg
AFTER

Bright, Refined & Inviting

The kitchen was completely transformed with soft cabinetry, elegant tilework, warm wood accents, and thoughtfully selected finishes. The result is a brighter, more sophisticated space that feels timeless and pulled together.

IMG_8866.HEIC
BEFORE

A Kitchen Ready for Reinvention

The original kitchen felt dark, dated, and disconnected, with aging cabinetry and finishes that no longer served the space. The renovation offered an opportunity to completely rethink the layout and create a brighter, more functional kitchen.

Serenity_6-9-26_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_WEB-10.jpg
AFTER

Open Concept and Inviting New Kitchen

The kitchen was completely transformed with soft blue cabinetry, elegant tilework, warm wood accents, and thoughtfully selected finishes. The result is a brighter, more sophisticated space that feels welcoming, timeless, and beautifully pulled together.

Project 3: Allison's New Home Office (Westfield, NJ)

Allison's Office 5 BEFORE.jpg
BEFORE

Dark and Unwelcoming 

The original office felt heavy and dated, with dark wood paneling and built-ins that made the room feel smaller. The workspace also lacked the organization and visual balance needed for a comfortable shared office.

Allison's Office AFTER 2.jpg
AFTER

Organized, Bright and Cheerful Space

A soft palette completely brightens the room while preserving the character of the built-ins. A custom workspace, refreshed shelving and carefully styled accents create a functional office that feels inviting.

Allison's Office BEFORE.jpg
BEFORE

Cramped and Intimidating

We set forth to declutter and make the space feel relaxing and purposeful.

Allison's Office AFTER 1.jpg
AFTER

 A Dream Office Space to Work From

She was thrilled with the result, and this is a favorite of mine as well.

Project 4: The "Orange Living Room"  (Cranford, NJ)

Orange Living ROOM BEFORE 1.jpg
BEFORE

A Room Ready for a Fresh Perspective

The original space felt dark and dated, with heavy window treatments and patterned wallpaper competing with the room’s beautiful natural light and architectural details.

SerenityHomeStyling_1-26-24_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_IG-READY-22 (2).jpg
AFTER

Colorful, Collected & Inviting

A lighter palette allows the room to shine, while vibrant floral window treatments bring in personality and color. Carefully selected furnishings, layered textures, and thoughtful accents create a cheerful and polished space.

Orange Living ROOM BEFORE 2.jpg
BEFORE

A Space That Felt Heavy

The original room felt dark and visually busy, with dated floral wallpaper and heavy window treatments that distracted from the beautiful windows and natural light.

SerenityHomeStyling_1-26-24_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_IG-READY-18 (2).jpg
AFTER

Bright, Bold & Beautiful

Vibrant floral drapery turns the windows into a striking focal point, while a lighter palette allows the natural light to shine. Carefully chosen furnishings and layered details create a cheerful, polished space with plenty of personality.

Project 5: Kitchen Refresh (Westfield, NJ)

Kitchen Westfiled BEFORE.jpg
BEFORE

A Kitchen That Needed More Purpose

The original kitchen had plenty of space, but the oversized island and surrounding cabinetry lacked a sense of organization and purpose. There was an opportunity to make better use of the space.

Serenity_3-5-25_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_IG-READY-33.jpg
AFTER

The Kitchen Office is Functional Again

Their beautiful custom built-in desk transforms an underused area into a stylish, functional workspace that feels like a natural extension of the kitchen. 

Kitchen Westfiled BEFORE 2.jpg
BEFORE

Traditional and Ready for an Update

The original kitchen featured ornate details, busy stonework, and darker finishes that made the space feel visually heavy. The design was ready for a cleaner, brighter approach with more personality.

Serenity_3-5-25_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_IG-READY-31 (1).jpg
AFTER

Bright, Tailored & Full of Character

Crisp white cabinetry and geometric tile create a fresh backdrop, while warm wood, brass accents, and a rich blue island add contrast and character. A streamlined range hood completes the custom look.

Serenity_3-5-25_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_IG-READY-29.jpg
AFTER

A Kitchen Made for Gathering

A rich blue island topped with warm wood creates a welcoming centerpiece for the kitchen. Crisp white cabinetry, brass accents, patterned window treatments, and thoughtful styling bring warmth and personality to this bright, inviting space.

Serenity_3-5-25_(c) Meghan Balcom Photography_IG-READY-32.jpg
AFTER

Thoughtful Details, Beautifully Layered

New geometric tile and warm brass fixtures, and soft neutral finishes give this hardworking area of the kitchen an elevated feel. The mix of textures and finishes adds subtle character while keeping the space bright and cohesive.

bottom of page