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• 10 Easy and Inexpensive ways to increase your home’s curb appeal. This post provides 10 easy and inexpensive ways to increase your home’s curb appeal, such as painting your front door, planting some flowers, updating your lighting, cleaning your windows and gutters, power washing your siding and driveway, replacing or repairing your mailbox, adding some outdoor furniture, clearing your yard of clutter, mowing your lawn and edging your grass, and decorating for the season. It also shows some before and after images of different houses that illustrate the effects of these tips. The post aims to help you transform your home from drab to fab in no time.
• 10700 Home Acres: Kitchen Project This was a fun project, for several reasons, great clients, a problem to solve, and the kitchen is similar to a family member's kitchen that I have thought of redesigning many times over the years. Well here is one solution for a kitchen that has a cooktop in the eat-at island, and limited spaces to move anything around to.
• 108 Holdcroft We love to solve issues of small spaces. With this home the rooms were not tiny but with low ceiling heights and odd layouts, it had its problems to solve. In the end, we made another homeowner very happy with the new pretty, and functional spaces.
• 10A Hillside: Addition Remodel After working on this house for the last owner, the new owner loved what we did and asked us to design out their enclosed garage and add a 1/2 bath.
• 10A Hillside: Pre-Sales Prep So the homeowner of this GHI home in Greenbelt, MD had already moved months earlier but left many odds and ends. Our mission was to create a light, bright and sharp palette for buyers to see how wonderful this 3 bedroom home could be. With a limited budget, we picked and choose the most important and affordable improvements that would make the biggest impact.
• 11304 Kenton Place: Kitchen This wonderful example of mid-century style this jewel box of an Eichler inspired home from the 50's had a kitchen stuck in a bad 80's update. Now it has a perfectly befitting contemporary mid-century inspired kitchen. We used enamel white cabinetry from a big-box store to add needed storage while creating the "floating" upper cabinets indicative of 50's contemporary homes. Then top it off with the teal glass tiles that bridge the 'kitschy' 50's with today's take on mid-century style.
• 115 Lakeside After raising their family in their Greenbelt home, they were looking toward the future for their next chapter. Not knowing exactly what the future had planned, they wanted options. So we had our realtor partners to do a home appraisal and from there we made a plan. We reimaging 3 rooms for them, the main bathroom, powder room and catch-all basement. Now they can happily spend many more years, in this home or get top dollar when its time for the next chapter.
• 115 Northway This kitchen served my clients for many wonderful years. It just wasn't a wonderful kitchen. It lacked storage and the appliances were at the end of their life cycle. We addressed all of this by increasing the storage, new appliances, and more workable space, all without increasing the size of the kitchen or breaking the budget.
• 11F Ridge: Kitchen & Powder Room The homeowner purchased this house in the middle of 2020 with everything gone on. This was a lovely location here in Greenbelt but the house needed some love and attention (in other words design). Working closely with the homeowner the house got new flooring, new paint job, reworked master bedroom and a new kitchen and powder room.
• 12 Greendale: Kitchen Greenbelt is famous for its historic 1937 homes. Equally important to the community are the many single-family ranches built in the historic area in the '50s and '60s. This ranch on Greendale had seen some interesting and ugly renovation in its 1/2 century of life but this new young owners looking were looking to create a wonderful home and breath new life into their new home and community. They ask me to help give some real CPR to what was supposed to be a kitchen. The results are stunning.
• 13A Laurel Hill Another 1941 bathroom that just needed a refresh. As our homes get older things just get worn out, dated, or just stop working. This home's bathroom had all 3 issues. So we came in a gave a quick modern update that works with the homeowner's style. Hopefully, it will last for decades to come.
• 14D Ridge Kitchen 2021 and 2024 Discover the perfect blend of history and modernity in our early 20th-century Greenbelt row house. Owned by a vibrant 21st-century family, this home seamlessly marries contemporary design with its 20th-century international style heritage. In 2021, we transformed their compact kitchen and dining area into an open living space, capturing the essence of today while paying homage to the past. And in 2024, we breathed new life into their aging bathroom, infusing it with a fresh, modern vibe. Explore our unique space and experience the best of both worlds at BeSmart Homes!
• 16th Ave This 1958 mid-century ranch was a mess when our clients purchased the property in 2005. We worked with the owners a few times over the 9 years they owned this property. First, we came in a cleaned out the funky, dirty, and old feeling this house had. Addressing the yard, pool, patio, flooring, wall colors, and outdated kitchen. The last time we worked on this house was so the owners could move and rent this house. There was a bidding war!
• 17K Ridge: Bathroom I was brought in by the contractor to plan out a remodel of an existing full bath and laundry on the first floor. The contractor wanted a simple "don't change" anything design. The homeowners deserved more.
• 19 Woodland Way: Kitchen The owners of this Greenbelt mid-century love to entertain and are real foodies. They wanted a kitchen that reflected their home, love of cooking, and eclectic items gathered from around the world. We also wanted to give them enough room to entertain with plenty of for everyone to be included. This kitchen was doubled in size, opened to the foyer, opened to the back deck, and given a center core of lovely walnut. All new terrazzo floor tile throughout this floor along with reimaging the aesthetics of the foyer tying it into the mid-century feel of the walnut-clad kitchen.
• 19L Hidge Road: Fabulous Fiftys This client is a fan of fine mid-century furniture and has a fabulous collection of yellow wood-stained pieces. Well, this was my launching spot to create this atomic blast kitchen and new laundry room/guest bathroom. Along with doing the first floor this homeowner also wanted his main bathroom redo. Not wanting to have it match the downstairs for this room we started with an antique light fixture he already had. Another great launch pad.
• 1C: A Kitchen This is the perfect kitchen for the perfect owner of this 900 sqft. townhome. This 10'x5' kitchen is the perfect size for 1 with 24" appliances and open shelving and white cabinets to keep this modern farmhouse kitchen bright and inviting.
• 2 Northway Built-in 1937 this wonderful home was and is part historic Greenbelt, MD. Part of the New Deal these homes were built to be part first planned community. We updated this international style home by both modernizing the home as the planners intended and acknowledging the historic nature of the building. Notice the color blocking of the exterior paint scheme as it is the same as the original 1930's architect and planned. The only one painted this way in the community
• 21 Woodland Way: Kitchen When tasked with updating a kitchen in a mid-century back split home, we saw the 48-foot great room it was attached to and knew this would be a special project. We saw the mission had to extend beyond the kitchen, to the entire 1970 drab paneled covered room. It all needed a makeover. Updating this kitchen meant seamlessly integrating the kitchen into a new and reimaged greater room. The once dim and uninviting space now radiates warmth and elegance. It’s perfect for gatherings, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a celebration with 50 guests. The mid-century-inspired design invites laughter, good food, and cherished memories. Explore our gallery to witness the magic of this great room transformation.
• 25 Ridge: Art Deco Bathroom Not just another 1937 GHI bathroom. This one looks back to the Arc Deco period that was so popular in the 1930s and celebrates the glamour and style while still staying modern and fresh.
• 2B Northway So it looks like I am slowly going to be making over my entire court. This is the 5th house out of 10 that I have transformed. This wonderful house was owned by a neighbor that after 30 years in the home and at 94 years old finally moved into a retirement community. It was sad to see her move but I was glad to know that she would have new friends and people around to keep her company. That left the house to be managed by her grandson, who turned to Be Smart Homes to help turn a house stuck in the 80's to one today's buyers would want. He was thrilled with the results, and I think you will too.
• 2C Northway This energetic family wanted to have a kitchen that was both durable and lived up to their wonderful, fun, and energetic personality. As a neighbor, I was asked to stop by to see if I could fix a broken cabinet. The kitchen needed more than a fix on this worn-out cabinet. So that was just the beginning. I transformed their kitchen into a cheerful and modern space, with solid wood cabinets, quartz countertops, and a sunny yellow glass backsplash. Now their kitchen reflects their energy and happiness. What they had was flat pack cabinets from a local big box store that had passed their expiration date. Now, it is as bright and energetic as they are.
• 2C Plataeu Place: First Floor This couple loves to cook and eat. Their old GHI kitchen was too small and cramped, so they moved their cooking to the dining area. They needed a new kitchen that would let them make meals, store food, and host guests. We gave them a spacious eat-in kitchen that could fit up to 12 people at the table and island and plenty of storage. All this in a cozy house of just over 1000 sq.ft.
• 2F Northway This 1937 Greenbelt home boasts a stunning Arts and Crafts style, thanks to the homeowner’s meticulous restoration of the original woodwork and her collection of exquisite Stickley furniture. When she decided to upgrade her aging Ikea kitchen, she wanted to match the aesthetic of the rest of the house. The result is a gorgeous modern Arts and Crafts kitchen that complements the home’s historic charm. The historic charm is achieved with the use of stunning marble mosaic and fine quarter-sawn oak stained to a light wheat field color.
• 2J Northway Pre-Sales Prep 2J Northway is a neighbor of ours. After the loss of its owner, the family contracted Be Smart Homes to refresh and prep the house to go on the market. Our task was to refresh this 80-year-old home, to highlight the architectural beauty while downplaying the 80 years of life.
• 2J Northway: Everything 2J Northway is a neighbor of ours. In 2019 after the loss of its owner, the family contracted Be Smart Homes to refresh and prep the house to go on the market. Our task was to refresh this 80-year-old home, to highlight the architectural beauty while downplaying the 80 years of life.
• 2M Research Our client needed a new 1/2 bathroom added to the first floor to address mobility concerns. Like most clients, they had ideas and plans for what would be the best place for this new bath along with some other storage and usage issues. Our job is to listen to their needs, access their plans, and then come up with the best plan for the space to exceed their needs. We determined the best way to address using the spaces they had to address their needs was to use an underused mud and storage room and turn it into a new accessible 1/2 bathroom and laundry room. The client was very happy with the plan and the end result exceeded their expectations. That is what we strive for every time.
• 2Q Plateau Place: Kitchen The owners of this home are a young couple just starting their family. Their townhouse just didn't have a kitchen that was functional for a family of 3. So we help them reimage this small space and gave them the plans to implement their kitchen.
• 3 Woodland Way: Black & White Bathroom The new owners of this Greenbelt home found their new bathroom wasn't exactly what they were dreaming about when it comes to their new home. The classic full porcelain shower surround was very retro cool but when you were in this tiny dark shower it wasn't so cool. So we were brought in to give the homeowners their dream of a black and white bathroom. We added touches of carrara marble and added a lot more LED light fixtures. This created a bright, classic yet modern bathroom. We hope you love the pictures as much as the homeowners love their new bathroom.
• 33A Ridge: Bathroom A remodel of this 5x7 standard 1937 Greenbelt Homes bathroom. The homeowner what something classic and really wanted some type of border. We selected this beautiful classic white and grey marble mosaic with 1/2" grey marble semi-rounded pencil trim.
• 3P Research: Kitchen, Bath and Powder Room A client with great taste and a small house. She was in need of an upgrade to the basic kitchen and wanted to add in a new guest bathroom and update her own main bathroom. We infused big style to a small house with an appropriate budget for the house.
• 41 Lakeside: Master Bath After 20 years in their custom-built home, it was time to update. The one-room everyone waits on is their own Master Bathroom. This is because we all think no one important is going to see it. Well, you see it every day. My client, after raising their family in this home realized it was time to give themselves a wonderful treat and update their bath into a retreat. With Calcutta gold porcelain tiles, mushroom brown vanity and shower pan, and punched with a blush ceiling. Which creates a wonderful warm glow to everything.
• 41A Ridge Rd: Kitchen This home is part of the historic Greenbelt Towns, a visionary project of the New Deal that aimed to create model communities for low-income citizens1. Built-in 1937 with cement and cinderblock, it has a unique layout that reflects the experimental spirit of the architects and builders1. It features a powder room in the kitchen corner, a pantry closet, and a wall separating the dining and kitchen areas. To make the most of this space, we decided to demolish the cement walls and create an open floor plan. The result is a cozy and modern home that the owner loves.
• 45Q Ridge Our client was looking for a modern retro style that would not break the bank. In addition to that request to re-use the one original 1937 metal kitchen cabinet left from prior owner renovations. We were up to the challenge and look forward to preserving a piece of Greenbelt history.
• 4D Southway This cozy bathroom has a light maple porcelain tile that gives it a Japanese spa-like vibe. The back wall of the shower is made of extra-large porcelain tiles that are 2 feet by 4 feet in size, with a carved rib pattern. The floor is also maple wood-like porcelain tile, with white, grey, and tan marble pebbles in the shower that ties it all together.
• 4F Ridge Rd: Bathroom A Caribbean /Mediterranean-inspired bathroom.
• 4H Laural: Pre-Sales Prep 4H Laural first contracted Be Smart Homes to design a new bathroom for their GHI framed home. We were glad too. As soon as we finished the design and ready to contract with our contractor, life moved on. In this case to Florida. So now instead of updating, we were going to get the home ready for the market. The homeowners opted for our "Honey Do" report which put a lot of the choice and work on their shoulders. With guidance and a bit of help from us, they sold their house in a week after going on the market.
• 4H Ridge Rd: Kitchen My client had just purchased his new 1937 Greenbelt home in the historic district. Sadly his kitchen needed to become history. His new house had a dull flat palette of white and builder-grade brown. My client is a creative person with a love of color, style, and beauty. I think we succeeded in creating a color beautiful space that lives up to the history of the house, and the creativity of my client with a modern sensibility.
• 4H Southway: Kitchen Sometimes the best way to start a new life together is to make the home you share reflect both of you. A couple that was just moving in together and planning on getting married felt that way. My job was to take a home that was hers and make it theirs. They have been happily married for more than a year and their home is a blend of both of their taste and looks great!
• 5 Things You Should Never Do for Window Treatments Are you making these common mistakes with your window treatments? Find out what they are and how to avoid them in this blog post. Learn how to choose the right fabrics, colors, sizes, and lengths for your curtains, and how to layer them for a stunning look. Don’t let your window treatments ruin your home decor!
• 510 Nst NW: Kitchen This fun couple had the smallest kitchen we have worked on, to date. It was an awkward layout with 2 entrances and no usable countertop space. The new kitchen is in the same foot print but now is wide open with long usable countertops and wonderful views through the connected great room.
• 56K Ridge Rd The owner of this GHI home in Greenbelt, inherited a house that had not been maintained in over 30 years. This poor home was in such a poor state that the coop board insisted it be fixed before she took full ownership of this house. It was that rough. She had a vision of doing a pure black-and-white kitchen bathroom and laundry, so we did that. Complete with black polished granite flooring, basalt mosaic shower pan, and unique 13x39 glossy white tiles. We also replaced her upstairs doors with refreshed solid core 2-panel doors resembling the original doors that were now missing.
• 56K Ridge Rd: Bathroom The owner of this GHI home in Greenbelt, inherited a house that had not been maintained in over 30 years. This poor bathroom was in such a poor state that the coop board insisted it is fixed prior to her taking full ownership of this house. It was rough. She had a vision of doing a pure black-and-white bathroom so that is what we did. Complete with black polished granite flooring, basalt mosaic shower pan, and unique 13x39 glossy white tiles. We also replace her upstairs doors with refreshed solid core 2-panel doors resembling the original doors that were now missing.
• 56K Ridge Rd: Kitchen
• 57N Ridge Rd:Kitchen This coop home in Greenbelt had a lot of structural problems that were beyond my client’s control. We had to deal with the coop maintenance to fix the ceiling, plumbing, and foundation before we could begin our work. The result is a stunning open first floor that is filled with natural light. The kitchen features a unique 3D ceramic tile wall with a feather design, complemented by brass and white fixtures. The space reflects the sophistication and pride of the homeowner.
• 5E Plateau Place Our client was ready to fix up her 1941 home. It was time to create a house that she could love for the next chapter of her life. We redesigned the main floor, with an updated kitchen, 1/2 bath, refinished flooring, and new lighting. She loves her new home and is excited for the next chapter.
• 5H Eastway: Kitchen Project “From Bathroom to Kitchen: A Stunning Transformation” We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients. It’s always a pleasure when a family returns to use our services again. Two years ago, we had the privilege of designing a beautiful new bathroom for this young family. With their second project, we’ve transformed their kitchen into a true masterpiece. Like most clients they wanted more space, more style, and more functionality. Our goal was twofold: create more functional space for the family’s avid cooks while maintaining a sense of style. They wanted a budget-friendly solution without compromising on elegance. The Solution: Upscale Design with a ‘Cooking’ Niche We’re proud to say that we achieved this delicate balance. The kitchen now boasts ample room for culinary creativity, clever storage solutions, and a touch of luxury. The pièce de résistance? The high-end look of the custom ‘cooking’ niche, which adds both functionality and flair. Explore the stunning before-and-after photos in our gallery. Witness how thoughtful design can turn a kitchen into the heart of a home.
• 62G Ridge Rd: Kitchen and Bathroom Like many smaller and older homes, this one had several usability issues. If you own an older home, you’re probably familiar with the phrases, “Well, it’s fine,” “I’m used to it,” or “Oh… it’s really not a problem for me.” Despite our client’s clever workarounds, we stepped in to address all these challenges while incorporating her vision for a “granny chic” style.
• 62H Ridge Rd: Kitchen and Bathroom Our clients are passionate about Arts and Crafts-style furniture. They asked me to transform their dated kitchen into a space they would love. I believe we've achieved this beautiful nod to the Arts and Crafts moment.
• 6632 Lake Park Many times a client will call us in to fix up a space to reflect a new stage in their lives. This is a perfect example of a homeowner who loved their home but needed a fresh look to match a fresh new outlook on life. We are very pleased that this new blue marble beauty fulfills that and more.
• 6K Hillside: Kitchen So this Greenbelt home is another "New Deal" home built in 1937. This homeowner wanted to increase her counter and storage space without breaking the budget. We created this stunning kitchen with the look of Italian Sodalite Blue marble at a fraction of the cost and will stay pretty far longer than any marble. In the end, it's a simple navy and white kitchen with a focal point of blue marble that draws the occupant into the space.
• 6Q Hillside: Bathroom The homeowner didn't feel the pink and black bathroom from the 80's was his style. He wanted something timeless, simple, quietly elegant and most of all black and white.
• 7A Ridge This 11x19' kitchen need to house 11 different appliance and still have room for 4 people to sit and eat a meal. It was tight. Well we are very pleased with the results.
• 7E Crescent: Kitchen We have finished another 1937 GHI kitchen here in our hometown of Greenbelt. These clients were looking for a retro kitchen with an original focus on the kitschy '50s but through 3 design rounds and 3 concepts, the final design is a far more modern take on Mid-century with elements from the '50s, '60s, and early '70s. They love it.
• 7E Ridge Rd This cozy unit is one of the historic 1937 Greenbelt Homes that has been lovingly preserved by its owner. However, the kitchen was outdated and inefficient, with flat-packed cabinets from a big box store that had seen better days. The owner decided to give this space a makeover, and the results are stunning. The new kitchen features modern appliances, beautifully painted tiles as the focal moment, and plenty of new useful storage. The dining area, which used to be a dark and uninviting room, has been transformed into a bright and cozy sitting area that complements the kitchen. The owner is thrilled with the new look and functionality of her kitchen and dining area and enjoys spending time in this beautiful space.
• 8056 Leishear Rd This primary bathroom was a real collaboration with the homeowners. They wanted a brighter sunnier bathroom, along with a more modern, spa, feel. The final room is something they can really be proud of.
• 9J Research This was a new home for its home owner but it needed a little love. The seller really should have called us, but they didn't. Good for the new owner as she was able to pick out new paint colors, bathroom textures and fixtures, and get a new first floor.
• 9J Research 9J Research: Post Purchase Update This was a new home for its homeowner but it needed a little love. The seller really should have called us, but they didn't. Good for the new owner as she was able to pick out new paint colors, bathroom textures, and fixtures, and get a new first floor.
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• Bathrooms Everyone has one in their house but not everyone likes what they have. Bathrooms like everything do wear out. Refreshing your bath is important. It's where you start every morning and end every day. Why not do it somewhere that doesn't have tiles following off the wall, mold that can't be cleaned, and toilets that don't stop running. A new bath is a great thing.
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• Full Sevice Pre-Sale Preperation Your complete home staging, repair and remolding service. We will do an evaluation on your home and create a list of must dos and optional fixes to make your home desirable and a money make machine.
• Greendale: New Kitchen Make Over 12 Greendale: Kitchen Greenbelt is famous for its historic 1937 homes. Equally important to the community are the many single-family ranches built in the historic area in the '50s and '60s. This ranch on Greendale had seen some interesting and ugly renovation in its 1/2 century of life but this new young owners looking were looking to create a wonderful home and breath new life into their new home and community. They ask me to help give some real CPR to what was supposed to be a kitchen. The results are stunning.
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• Home Evaluation The Home Evaluation is economical solution to your home staging and sells preparation needs. We come to your home and walk through it as any potential buyer would, with no door, drawer or backyard missed. Then with a frank conversation we let you know what you need to do to make your home desirable. We do this by walking you through your own home reviewing what we would do if this was our property to sell, room by room. We then leave you a little home prep basket to get started.
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• Honey Do Report The Honey Do Written Report is an in depth evaluation of your home and what should be done to make your home saleable. We come to your home and walk through as a buyer would. We then go through the house again taking pictures and measurements of all your rooms, furniture, and decor. On our second visit to your home we then walk you through this your own Honey Do Report.
• Interior Design and Remodel We can work with you from conception to competition. So if you have a kitchen, bathroom, or evening just your master that needs to be updated, redecorated, redesigned or just re-imaged we can help. Your house should be worthy of you and your family. You can hire us as much or as little as you need.
• Kitchens One of our favorite projects is kitchen remodels, especially small or "weird" spaces. The challenge of making a functional and beautiful that our clients love is very rewarding. We also find many times small spaces come with smaller budgets only adding to the complexity of finding just the right solution to bring smiles to our client's spaces.
• Minimalist Kitchen This greenbelt historic home has a small kitchen, perfect for this single retiree trying to live a simple minimalist lifestyle in her retirement years. Working closely with our client we gave her all the storage she wanted without the visual clutter. She also wanted to display items collected while living and working aboard. In other words, a kitchen that was functional for her that would bring her peace and joy.
• Multiple Room Projects Sometimes you just need a "House/Home" makeover. This may be because you just purchased your home OR you have been in it for many years now and it just time to spruce. We can help
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• Pre-Sales Prep Looking to sell your house fast and for more. We would be happy to make that happen. We are not simple stagers or realtors but professionals that will "flip" your house for you to sell. Take a look at our work.
• Pre-Sales Preperation Your complete home staging, repair, and remolding service. We will do an evaluation on your home and create a list of must-dos and optional fixes to make your home desirable and a money make machine.
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• Woodland Way: Kitchen Reno The mid-century home built by a local legend and historical figure was beginning to show its age especially in the kitchen. The goal was to create a bright and inviting kitchen that was modern but would still fit with the mid-century house and natural surrounding that define the historical town of Greenbelt