The year’s most memorable transformations ran the gamut from gut renovations to respectful facelifts—regardless of the level of intervention, however, the resulting homes are case studies in how to honor original characteristics while becoming more responsive to modern lifestyles, local context, and environmental concerns.

10. This San Francisco Dwelling Feels Like a Japanese Ski Cabin

9. An Enchanting Craftsman Home in Portland Is an Ode to Local Flora

8. A Derelict Cottage and Dairy Stable Become a Sleek Family Compound

7. A Divine Intervention Is Staged For This 16th-Century Spanish Church

"I need you. I bought a f*cking church!" With this blunt text message to his friend, architect Carlos Garmendia of Garmendia Cordero Arquitectos, Tas Careaga kicked off a three-year design adventure. Here’s the exterior of the 16th-century Basque church near Bilbao, Spain." layout="" credit="Photo by Gregori Civera" photoUserId=""/>

6. A Mullet Renovation Fills a Portland “Super Bungalow” With Daylight

5. A Muddled Eichler Gets a Dashing Update

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4. A Park Avenue Prewar Apartment Gets a Multihued Makeover

3. A Traditional Facade Hides a Dream Home With Emerald Green Accents

we simplified the material palate, painting all decorative woodwork matte white to emphasize its geometry over its materiality," say the architects. The room holds a midcentury dining set and pendent lights from Raco." layout="wide" credit="Photo by Nicole Franzen" photoUserId=""/>

2. A Barcelona Couple Turn a Warehouse Addition Into a Live/Work Space

1. A Midcentury Wrapped Around an Oak Tree Turns Over a New Leaf

See all of Dwell’s Top Stories of 2019.

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Before & After: A Traditional Facade Hides a Dream Home With Emerald Green Accents