Inspired by conscientious homeowners and innovative design ideas, find out some solutions for smarter, more sustainable water use. Written By Christine Lennon June 21, 2022 Jonathan Feldman and Lisa Lougee felt a little sheepish about their lush lawn, which is spread out in a verdant carpet of meadow grass across the wide lot surrounding their 1911 Edwardian in the Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco. They’d invested years in the planning and building of their family house, which involved a lengthy renovation that opened up the back of the house with expansive windows, and created easy access to the large garden—a rarity in town—from two levels. “When we saw the house, we fell in love with the façade, and it had some really beautiful interior trim,” says Feldman, an architect and principal of Feldman Architecture . “But the key opportunity and challenge was that it was on this great lot which was covered in weeds with a few fruit trees. And there was no access. To get to the rear yard, you had to go through the front door and walk around through the weeds to the back.” Photo by Thomas J. Story The effort to transform that unloved patch of dirt into what it is today was massive. Earth was moved. Concrete walls were poured. And the house and yard were manipulated to make sure the garden would be appreciated through doors and windows that open on three sides of the house. Lougee, who is an interior designer, used light oak floors, soft gray paint, and pale blue grass cloth to brighten the house, which is situated in a persistently foggy, “light starved” section of town. The design also solidified Feldman and Lougee’s commitment to sustainability, earning LEED Platinum certification for its energy efficiency, material integrity, and the elaborate system for water collection, filtration, and reuse. Windows on two sides and a garden view give the kitchen and family room a “porch-like” quality, a rarity in the light-starved Richmond district. Armchairs, B&B Italia. Photo by Thomas J. Story Lougee kept the palette simple to avoid competing with details like moldings and built-ins. Counter stools, Tolix. Custom lacquer cabinets. Square Zellige tile; similar styles cletile.com. Photo by Thomas J. Story “We moved in during a serious drought year in 2017,” he says. “Our neighbors were letting their lawns go brown to conserve water, and there we were surrounded by all of this green. We felt we had to explain, so we put up a little sign saying, “Recycled Water: Ask Me How.” While the last couple of years have delivered a lengthy list of distractions deflecting attention away from the water crisis across the West, a persistent three-year drought has been quietly, relentlessly shrinking our water supply. Further complicating matters, the water infrastructure across the United States is inefficient, and the services it provides are inaccurately priced. Our water is scarce, but it’s also artificially cheap. Water utilities are about 90% publicly owned, heavily regulated and subsidized, and come in so many shapes and sizes that “not many of them have the capacity to perfectly capture the cost of service at all times,” says Newsha Ajami, a water expert and chief strategy officer for research at Lawrence Berkeley Lab who studied water use patterns at Stanford. Much of the infrastructure that supplied water to our communities was built many years ago, and hasn’t been updated. There are leaks, evaporation, and waste. Photo by Thomas J. Story “We are paying for the service. We aren’t paying for the environmental impact,” says Ajami. “It’s short-term thinking, I would say. It’s hard for water utilities to think about how much they have to raise their rates. We pay a lot more for energy than we do for water and the reality is that water is much more essential to survival. The challenge with undervaluing water is that we don’t end up investing as much in the system. It cuts into the maintenance, and it’s difficult to maintain a top-notch work force.” Because there isn’t as much money to be made in innovative water reuse and recycling systems, the business of making rainwater capture and gray water systems hasn’t flourished like the solar energy sector has. So the old systems, and the old habits, remain. When you think of the energy, effort, and expense invested in supplying clean, safe drinking water to the millions of people who live in a region with little rain and shrinking snow caps, the idea of dumping it on grass and funneling pristine water through a toilet seems exceptionally shortsighted. So conservationists like Feldman, who designs water-wise houses up and down the West Coast, have to experiment with their own solutions, sometimes installing giant, 40,000-gallon capacity rainwater tanks to contain rain that falls in intense, brief storms, all at once, to use during lengthy dry seasons. Behind the Feldman home, underneath the deck where the family gathers to enjoy peaceful days in the oasis they’ve created, including a row of river birch trees that cast dappled shadows throughout the house, are storage tanks that capture rainwater that’s piped to the drip irrigation. Alongside those is a state-of-the-art filtration system that recycles water captured from sinks, tubs, showers, and the washing machine—called gray water—and sends it through a separate set of pipes to flush toilets and water the lawn with what’s remaining. Installing it involved a double set of plumbing pipes to channel the water in the appropriate direction, and a lengthy wrestling match with the city. Many explanations and inspections were required to prove that the home’s recycled water was safe and contained to the property, meaning that it wouldn’t be entering the municipal supply. Trainor was the ideal collaborator, selecting trees like these river birches to grab and dapple the sunlight. This thirsty species only works here because of reused water. Photo by Thomas J. Story Lougee balanced her traditional tastes (Bergere chairs, grasscloth wallpaper) and her husband’s modern style (wide plank floors, MDF Italia dining chairs). Pendant light by Ochre. Photo by Thomas J. Story “It was a series of back and forth, and back and forth, and twisting arms and getting people to sign off on the plans,” says Feldman. “It’s easy to use rainwater in the landscape. It’s harder to use gray water. That takes jumping through special hoops. The building health inspectors have concerns and requirements, making sure it doesn’t get back into the municipal water, or get in a place where someone would interact with it in a way that might be dangerous. Then we wanted to use all that water back in the house to flush our toilets as well. That’s one step more difficult than just irrigation.” When asked if he got it right the first time, he’s quick to reply. “We absolutely did not,” he says. “It worked, but there were a lot of challenges with the gray water component. We had to amend it and add new filtration devices and remove others. It was really good for me as an architect to experience that. It’s easy for us to fall in love with what the brochure says and what the promise is.” The upshot is that these systems can be finicky. And while the brochures Feldman mentions make it look easy, there is always trial and error. For example, if the filters are not working correctly, there can be an odor to the water, and it can possibly kill the plants. Feldman had to install some water-monitoring software to keep an eye on the system to make sure it was all working correctly. “You can always shut it off and [the smell] goes away, but you have to be there to notice it, be hands on. That’s why we don’t recommend this system for vacation homes,” he says. “If you’re not there taking showers every day, it doesn’t really pencil out.” Waterworks tile, Blu Bathworks tub, and prints from an Albers exhibit. Photo by Thomas J. Story Photo by Thomas J. Story But the payoff for the effort in residential spaces is abundantly clear. “The rooms at the back of the house feel like a porch,” Lougee says. “Our primary bedroom has windows that wrap around two sides and open to this incredible view of the garden—turning the corner and walking in to see it flooded with light, especially in spring when it’s so vibrant.” “At first, when Jonathan and I were discussing the plans for a gray water system, I was probably like ‘How much is this going to cost? And will it affect the kind of couch I want to buy?’” she jokes. “But when we find ourselves in these horrible droughts, and our garden has been able to stay quite lush, I’m glad we did it. It’s worth it.” An attic office is accessed by a blackened steel staircase. The glass guard rail allows for sun from the skylights to illuminate the second floor. Photo by Thomas J. Story

Sunset Magazine Design - Other: Media

Building a strong base is critical for your Murphy Bed. This video gives you insight into what's involved!

Anita Yokota Design - Interior Designer

When a Berkeley couple was faced with a choice between selling their empty nest or remodeling, they chose the latter. The end result is pocket-size perfection that maximizes every square inch. Written by Christine Lennon February 15, 2022 Here’s a story that will sound familiar to anyone feeling the crunch of the West Coast housing market while staring their child-free future in the eye. After 15 years in their 1910 Edwardian Craftsman house, and having raised two now-grown daughters, a Berkeley couple arrived at a crossroads. Should they sell their beloved but somewhat tired 1,100-square-foot house, just a handful of blocks from Chez Panisse and a renowned East Bay culinary district? Should they cash in to the highest bidder and simplify their lives? Or could they dig in, take everything they’ve learned to love (and hate) about their house, and use that wisdom to make it the best version of itself? “It’s like seeing an old flame in a new light,” says Brett Foken, founder of Decorotation , the five-year-old Bay Area design firm the homeowners discovered once they decided to stay put. Foken and her design partner Kathryn Lazarus helped their clients rekindle that spark and fall in love with their house again. The result was a two-year renovation . At first, it was difficult to see through the flaws of an older house that felt dark, cramped, and loved a little too much. But thanks to the design team’s vision, and a truckload of patience, the payoff felt more meaningful than starting over. “When I looked back at the original brief, which was for a much smaller project, I thought, ‘Oh, that’s cute,’” Foken says with a laugh. Her clients were not looking for a full gut, but once they started imagining all of the possibilities, like functional storage in every room, and multi-purpose living areas that made the house feel more spacious and streamlined, the scope of the work crept into every square interior inch—and then out to the 2,000-square-foot lot. A gallery wall features the homeowners’ art collection in the living room, where a Schoolhouse green velvet sofa pairs well with a repurposed leather chair and rug, plus Lostine table lamps and a Sobu Dial coffee table. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Working with Chris McDermott Construction, Foken and Lazarus gutted the kitchen, adding a wall of windows and French doors to bring in new light, a built-in eating nook, a hidden laundry area , and soapstone countertops. In the living room, they refaced the fireplace in Fireclay Brick tile , and upgraded even the most minute details, adding push-button light switches, custom designed wallpaper and grasscloth, and fresh coats of moody paint from Farrow & Ball. The clients’ two offices pull double-duty as guest rooms for frequent visits with their children. Upstairs, the primary suite is a delight, with coved ceilings and wainscoting. Outside, a full garden refresh from California landscape design studio OR.CA —including a conversation circle, a dining area, and an enviable Japanese soaking tub—was the finishing touch. Photo by Thomas J. Story “The value of a house isn’t simply financial when it comes to older homes,” says Foken. “It’s easy to be guided by social media and caught up in trends. We didn’t pay attention to the should s but focused on the clients’ lifestyle, interests, and the house’s original bones. We kept going back to the phrase ‘the new heirloom.’ What that means to us is creating a home that will be cherished for generations.” Living small but intentionally makes homeowners think carefully about what they want and need, and establishes clear priorities, says Foken. “When you live in one place for so long, it can be hard to imagine things another way,” Foken says. “In the end, we were able to focus on every single detail, and take something old and make it new again.” See More of the House 1 of 9 Photo by Thomas J. Story Making the Most of a Small Space Grass-cloth wallpaper by Fayce Textiles complements a custom bench designed with The Long Confidence using ZAK+FOX fabric . Lostine hooks keep bags and coats organized in this well-used entryway. 2 of 9 Photo by Thomas J. Story Primary Colors In the primary bedroom, Parachute bedding is paired with Claire Burbridge wallpaper and an Armadillo rug, plus a bedframe and nightstands from The Joinery . 3 of 9 Photo by Thomas J. Story Don’t Be Afraid of Wallpaper More wallpaper from Claire Burbridge can be found in the guest bedroom. Burbridge, a friend of the client, is an artist based in Ashland, Oregon, whose work focuses primarily on nature. 4 of 9 Photo by Thomas J. Story There’s Nothing Vain About a Good Vanity A custom white oak vanity designed by Decorotation is the star in this bathroom bedecked in Fireclay tile on the floor and walls, a Watermark faucet , and Brendan Ravenhill sconces to bring some warmth to the space. “We didn’t pay attention to the should s but focused on the clients’ lifestyle, interests, and the house’s original bones,” says designer Brett Foken, founder of Decorotation. 5 of 9 Photo by Thomas J. Story Everything and the Kitchen Sink In the kitchen, custom-designed cabinetry is paired with soapstone countertops and backsplash. The kitchen also features antique brass cabinet hardware from a small maker found on Etsy, plus a custom-designed, super-deep open shelf niche for storing cookbooks and other odds and ends. 6 of 9 Photo by Thomas J. Story Stylish and Functional A custom storage bench by Decorotation is topped with cushions by ZAK+FOX fabric . The trestle table and stools are by The Long Confidence . 7 of 9 Photo by Thomas J. Story Invite the Outside In A Schoolhouse pendant hangs over the kitchen dining area, while Marvin windows and French doors welcome friends and family out to the backyard. 8 of 9 Photo by Thomas J. Story A Bold, Yet Cozy Hue Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue paint adds a pop of color to the exterior of the home, which features sconces by Rejuvenation . A fire pit and enviable Japanese soaking tub complete the cozy backyard. 9 of 9 Photo by Thomas J. Story A Home to Be Cherished Outside, a full garden refresh from California landscape design studio OR.CA —including a conversation circle, a dining area, and a soaking tub—was the finishing touch for the home. “We kept going back to the phrase ‘the new heirloom,’” says Brett Foken. “What that means to us is creating a home that will be cherished for generations.”

Sunset Magazine Design - Other: Media

Friends and family flock to an in-the-round Palm Springs garden that celebrates indoor-outdoor living. Written by Deanna Kizis August 3, 2022 A typical weekend evening for the endless supply of visitors at Casa de Ardillas (which translates to “House of Squirrels”) starts with a negroni and an “over-the-top” cheese plate. “After that, guests and I usually cook together—Mediterranean-style with grilled fish and vegetables, or Mexican food from the local farmer’s market with tamales, grilled vegetables, salsa, guacamole, and chiles,” says owner Charlie Kimble, the chief revenue officer at Ponto , a blockchain infrastructure company, who splits his time between New York and Palm Springs. Next comes dinner in the olive grove, and after that, expect a dance party by the infinity pool, where guests use the raised edge as a stage. In other words, if you’re looking for a lovely end-of-summer party, Casa de Ardillas is the place to be. A passthrough window makes it easy to serve drinks at the bar, where guests can pull up a seat in replica Harry Bertoia barstools. In the olive grove, a Teak Warehouse Capri table is ready for dining. Interior design by Christian Damerow. Photo by Thomas J. Story. The garden is the work of James Lord and Roderick Wyllie of Surfacedesign landscape architecture firm in San Francisco, who say they channeled multiple influences to create it, including Palm Springs modernism, old-school glamour, and the idea of an oasis in the desert. Meanwhile, Lord and Wyllie, who are partners in work and in life, first met Kimble back in 2012, when he rented the first floor of their house while living in San Francisco. “They invited me to dinner a lot,” says Kimble, “and we became friends.” So when it was time for him to install a new garden at his Palm Springs home, he knew whom he had to ask. To design the garden, Wyllie says, they looked to what they knew of their friend for guidance. “We knew what kind of garden he’d want to hang out in, because we’d hung out with him,” he says. “We were designing it a little bit for us, too, because we knew we’d go visit him and hang out with him,” he adds with a laugh. One enters the garden through a steel tunnel that leads to a concrete zig-zag path. Because the entry is offset, there’s the feeling that you’re entering a space that’s deliberately sectioned off from the street. “The portal in front is like a speakeasy situation,” says Lord. “It feels like if you know the password, you’re let in.” A secret steel tunnel opens to the garden like a portal, or a “speakeasy situation,” says James Lord of Surfacedesign. Here, homeowner Charlie Kimble brings in bikes with a friend, Andrew Gutterman. Photo by Thomas J. Story. The garden itself is intentionally free-flowing, however, as opposed to sectioned off into outdoor “rooms.” Surrounding the glass-walled modernist home on all sides, there’s a fire pit and seating area in the front, and an olive grove with a dining table beckons in the back, just steps from the kitchen with a Caesarstone countertop that extends onto the patio for socializing. From left: Kimble (second from right) joins friends Erel Topuz (left) Gutterman (far right), and Andy Santamaria in Blu Dot “Dog Days” Outdoor Lounge Chairs, which are clustered around a Paloform “Fold” fire pit. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Commanding the backyard is the infinity-edge pool. The home can be opened to the yards from so many access points that Kimble says he may have overdone it on the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. “I once had a roadrunner coming into my kitchen,” he says, “and I had a friend literally come out of the guest bedroom with a sparrow on his finger.” Sliding door to backyard. Photo by Thomas J. Story. In an outdoor shower off the master bathroom, Kimble left the original concrete floors but added Ann Sacks MADE Modern tile in Blue Lagoon. Hardware is AXOR Citterio. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Pool with mountain view. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Throughout the garden is a sense of conviviality, along with personal touches that hold special meaning. From the neon squirrel sign above the pool to five cactuses planted just outside a window that represent Kimble’s immediate family, this is a garden that’s meant to have a sense of play. Even those spiky guests by the pool are invited. “The soldier cactuses that reflect in the pool are a playful thing where you always have your friends at poolside whether they’re present or not,” says Wyllie. “They’re like party goers—it makes the pool feel lively and full of people.” Palm springs pool at night. Photo by Thomas J. Story. The result is a garden that celebrates friendship, which is not a surprise since that’s how it began. “How often do you have to have a project with your close friends?” says Kimble. “I want to do it again.” Desert Palette Designer Roderick Wyllie breaks down how the plants complement the colors of Palm Springs. Pink Santa Rita Prickly Pear Opuntia santarita. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Santa Rita Prickly Pear Opuntia santarita The designers “wanted to layer this light violet pink color,” Wyllie says, “which reflects the pink of the mountains in the morning at sunrise.” Pink Muhly Grass Muhlenbergia capillaris. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Desert Milkweed Asclepias subulata Desert milkweed is native to California deserts and loves it hot and dry, making it an excellent environmental choice for Palm Springs. Bonus: It attracts and nourishes butterflies, too. Yellow Palo Verde Parkinsonia aculeata. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Palo Verde Parkinsonia aculeata Yellow flowers add to the composition. “It’s like a fresh announcement that it’s spring in Palm Springs, plus the bright green trunk is beautiful and unusual.” Madagascar Ocotillo Alluaudia procera cactus. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Madagascar Ocotillo Alluaudia procera “This cactus is a deep green all year round, and we love how wild and sculptural it is. It punctuates the site with an animated form.”

Sunset Magazine Design - Other: Media

If you love light, airy spaces and rustic tones, you'll love this home reveal.

Truth and Co Design - Interior Designer

Neutrals never have to be boring! In fact, they make a perfect base for any pop of color you desire. Here, both brass and teal take center stage.

Breegan Jane Design - Interior Designer

Advice for parents and grandparents who want a perpetually full guest room: Move to Park City. And build a four-season house with room for everybody. Written by: Christine Lennon April 11, 2022 Wise parents understand that the best way to ensure regular family visits after their nest empties is to live in a house, and a place, people actually want to visit. Park City , with its views of the Wasatch Range, proximity to the Salt Lake airport, and year-round embrace of Rocky Mountain outdoor activities, is one of those places. And this 4,000-square-foot home designed by Unscripted Interiors , on a lot with a creek winding through the backyard, is one of those houses. “The homeowners have lived all over the country, and Utah is where they came for vacation. But now they are living there full time. They wanted to build their forever home,” says Kari Armstrong, principal of the Denver-based interior design firm, Unscripted. “They tore down their former, dated home and built this one from the ground up. We were involved from the very beginning, working with the architects drawing the plans." A custom A. Rudin sofa, a 13-foot dining table with bronze accents from Holly Hunt, custom chairs with leather detailing, and a fireplace hearth made from local “Park City Gold” limestone are some of the many bespoke details in the double-height great room. The rug was custom-made in Nepal. The light fixture is Ralph Lauren for Circa Lighting . Photo by David Patterson. Because of Unscripted's Colorado headquarters, Armstrong knows her way around a mountain house, and has particular skill interpreting the “Modern Americana” style that many of her clients request. At first glance, the red-white-and-blue color palette in this home isn't immediately obvious. The reds are woven into vintage Turkish carpets. Blue blankets and pillows add color to the bedrooms. White appears in the paneled hallways, and the custom tile installations in the kitchen and the bathrooms. A few rustic accents, like the antler chandelier in the primary bedroom, give a subtle nod to its Western location. But the Unscripted team's design ideas and the materials they used, including alpaca, local stone, petrified wood, bouclé, and linen, are sophisticated enough to work anywhere, and don't lean too hard on that ski-house button. Armstrong calls it "mountain-ish." "They definitely did not want the style to feel too rustic. And a lot of the art came with them from New York," she says. The built-in bar is a great example of how Armstrong and her team put a spin on traditional mountain house elements. They used leather, but for custom-clad cabinets finished with nailhead details by The Tanner's Craft . "They wanted space for visiting family, a separate area for their children and grandchildren to stay," says Armstrong. "Every space is well-used, and well-appointed. They really poured their heart and soul into this house.” Here, a few highlights from the newly completed home, including details from a "four seasons" sun porch which is kept cozy in the winter with a fireplace and breezy in the summer when the doors are open, plus a genius coffee and breakfast bar connected to family guest rooms. Get the Look Park City sitting room with wood panels, dog napping. Photo by David Patterson. A vintage rug and hand-carved ebonized wood side table from Bungalow 5 in the "Four Seasons" room. The custom millwork on the walls and ceiling is walnut. The outdoor rocker is from Gloster . Kitchen in Park City with white tile backsplash. Photo by David Patterson. Armstrong designed an elegant kitchen that can withstand heavy traffic. The custom herringbone pattern backsplash was created with tile from Concept Studio . The pendant lights are Urban Electric , and the cabinets are metal. Bedroom in Park City with antler chandelier. Photo by David Patterson. A custom bench with Holly Hunt patterned velvet and leather straps sits at the end of an ebonized wood and bouclé bed by Lawson Fenning. The Nepalese rug is also custom. The nightstands are lacquered grasscloth, from Bungalow 5. The lamp is alabaster and aged iron, available through Circa Lighting . Bunkroom/bedroom with white paneling in Park City home. Photo by David Patterson. "Dueling bunks" in a second-floor bedroom come with built-in, under-bed storage. They were custom-built for the space. A vintage Moroccan rug is soft underfoot on chilly nights. Secondary bedroom in Park City home with grey paneling. Photo by David Patterson. A wood-paneled guest room is painted Cornwall Slate by Sherwin Williams . The wicker sconces are from Currey & Company, and the bed is Lawson Fenning. The unscripted team sourced vintage blankets which they transformed into one-of-a-kind pillows for the guest rooms. Kitchenette with floating shelves and grey countertop at Park City home. Photo by David Patterson. The second-floor guest rooms come with a wet bar, which functions as an early morning coffee and breakfast station for early rising grandchildren. The floating, suspended shelves are custom. The faucet is by Kallista . Bathroom with black bath tub in Park City home. Photo by David Patterson. A Victoria & Albert freestanding tub is the focal point of the primary bathroom. The faucet is by Phylrich , and made in the U.S. Home bar in Park City. Photo by David Patterson. Custom leather cabinetry from Tanner's Craft dresses up a built-in bar. Outdoor dining at Park City home. Photo by David Patterson. Gloster outdoor dining chairs and bar stools accommodate the large family for al fresco meals. The rug is from Kravet. Garden shed in yard of Park City home. Photo by David Patterson. The owner's "she shed" near the concrete raised garden beds is a serene spot to escape the bustle of the main house.

Sunset Magazine Design - Other: Media

Doing laundry doesn't have to be a chore, even if it's in your garage like mine is! I took down the old, dilapidated cabinets and opted for open shelving so I can put up seasonal decor with room for my necessary organizational baskets and bins. Now when I walk in and I can have a moment to meditate while folding clothes! What is your favorite part of doing laundry, if any?

Anita Yokota Design - Interior Designer

A nostalgic walk down memory lane of some of my favorite Veranda covers through the years. Founded by my mother, Lisa Newsom, Veranda was conceived on our dining room table! Through the support of the design community, gracious homeowners, writers, photographers, and our tiny staff at the time (everyone wore 5 hats), we made it! Lisa's goal was always to present the best in interior design, architecture, garden design, floral design, art, travel, and food. While we are no longer with the magazine, after 35 years, Veranda is still going strong! OX Leslie

Leslie Newsom Rascoe Design - Other: Design Editor

In this tutorial, you'll see how I made over my living room (and a little office space) to have a BOHO feel. I captured my plans in a moldboard ( here ) and took my time in doing the project. I hope you'll feel inspired!

Erin Spain Design - Other: DIY

From her log cabin in rural Wyoming, Brooklyn transplant Stephanie Housley creates her woodland-themed pillow and textile collection, and relishes all that life on the range has to offer. Written by Christine Lennon December 2, 2021 Embroidery and home textile artist Stephanie Housley made her first trip to Wyoming to visit Yellowstone National Park and the Teton mountains on a family vacation from her native Ohio when she was 5. She has only a couple of photos to mark the journey. But her eyes were opened to the possibility of living in an awe-inspiring landscape, and the impression the mountains left on her young mind was as big as the state itself. It was huge. “You know when you have certain photos from your past that you love, and looking at them makes the memory feel more tangible?” says Housley. “You see them and you can remember how the sun felt. That’s how I felt about those Wyoming pictures.” Coral & Tusk designer Stephanie Housley outside her studio. Photo by Will Ellis. Later in life, after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, Housley worked for textile companies in New York, developing patterns and weaves for silk fabric mills. On a whim in 2008, she bought a professional embroidery machine—for $10,000—to experiment with at home in her Brooklyn apartment. Her goal was to make enough items to sell at Brooklyn Flea and small children’s shops like Acorn so she could recoup her investment. “At the time, a lot of my friends were having babies,” says Housley. “And I would make these embroidered fabric-matching and memory games as a shower gift. It took hours and hours.” Photo by Will Ellis. When she sat down to sketch what she would stitch onto smooth, undyed linen, it was life in nature that inspired her. She drew feathers, canoes, bears, tents, and foxes in various anthropomorphized states, wearing overalls or a fishing cap. From her urban world, she channeled the woodland theme of birds, nests, and trees, and her work quickly transcended the children’s market because of its uniquely artistic aesthetic. If Wes Anderson were a pillow he’d be one of Housley’s pillows. “Nature has always been the main inspiration behind our designs, whether that’s a depiction of an animal, its habitat, or general botanical themes,” she says. Photo by Will Ellis. High-end home goods icon John Derian caught wind of her creations. He placed a wholesale order, and Coral & Tusk , a line of intricately stitched pillows and home accessories, was born. “I was working at my regular job during the day, and coming home and working on Coral & Tusk all night,” she says. “It was an 18-to-20 hour day.” On a work trip to India, she asked a friend to help her find a small factory with a machine that could handle the intricate work. “We found one guy who had the right machine at the end of a dirt road, in an open garage. And that’s who I work with to this day,” she says. Housley and her husband, Chris, who owns a small digital archival media business, loved their New York lives—to a point. They knew they didn’t want to have a family and move to the suburbs like so many of their friends, but something was missing: nature. The West was calling. Stephanie Housley’s textiles add inviting layers to soft bedding. Photo by Will Ellis. “Chris I have been together since we were teenagers, and we took a road trip out to Idaho and Wyoming when we were first together, at 17 and 18, that was really magical,” she says. “Years later, we were still curious about life there, and thought we’d look for a summer place.” The hunt began for a home within an hour’s drive of the Jackson airport, so they could both hop on a plane and get back to their offices in New York without too much effort. They made a few unsuccessful trips over holidays and vacations, and then, in 2016, their real estate agent called them about a 30-year-old log cabin on 20 acres of rolling meadows, dotted with trees, that bordered forestland. There were views of three mountain ranges. “We’re 45 minutes from the closest jug of milk,” says Housley. “And once we got here, we knew we would do whatever it took to stay there full-time. People said the winters were so hard, and we were like, ‘What does that look like? What does that mean?’” They found out soon enough. “Our first winter here there was record snowfall and tundra temperatures, the worst in 40 years,” she says. “It was more snow than I’d ever seen. We didn’t have a tractor or a backup generator, or a secondary heat source, but we figured it out.” Her studio is filled with treasures she finds on walks and trail runs. Photo by Will Ellis. What they did have was the exact right aesthetic to make a rustic log cabin interior come to life. Housley’s textiles cover many of the surfaces, on upholstered chairs, in layers on warm, soft beds, and tacked onto the wall. It’s like the Three Bears’ cabin Goldilocks stumbles into and finds a “just right” place to rest. The furniture is spare and rustic, a mix of new and vintage with simple, Shaker lines. The high ceilings and wall of windows looking out to their deck and the mountains beyond are the real stars of the show. Housley’s studio is filled with treasures she finds on her daily walks and trail runs: red-tailed hawk feathers, stones, shed antlers, and fallen leaves. She has become an avid birder , and spends her off-days exploring scenic drives and hikes, and all of the increasingly cosmopolitan restaurants and shops that nearby Jackson Hole has to offer. A mix of old and new furniture brings the Wyoming cabin to life. Photo by Will Ellis. “I love the wide open spaces,” she says. “There’s more sky than you have ever seen. Mountains suddenly emerge from the valley floor and the air smells of sagebrush and pine.” The Housleys have become such figures in the local community that they joined the local volunteer fire brigade and get regular calls as first responders. “The closest hospital that’s small and not very well-equipped is an hour away, and every vehicle accident that happens here is handled by firefighters. They’re the ones who do the extrication and stabilize the scene,” she says. “I had no idea what I signed up for when we started training. It’s been a very enriching thing, and a real challenge. We’re trained for wildfires and structure fires, but the majority of our calls are accidents, whether it’s heavy equipment, an ATV, or a car.” Even with frigid, lonely winters and long days spent on the scene of accidents, the Housleys know that they’ve landed where they’re supposed to be. “There’s so much to enjoy that’s right in front of you all the time,” says Housley, who credits her mother for showing her how to see “the magic in the really, really simple stuff.” “I love finding something in nature that’s just sitting there waiting for you to enjoy it,” she says.

Sunset Magazine Design - Other: Media

This pool, tucked away between clean hedges and charming stone walls, is the perfect escape with a timeless feel. Dressed in grays and whites, the lounge areas boast a modern feel while still maintaining their comfort and casual feel. An outdoor space that reflects the interior is vital to a home’s completion, as the inspiration does not only exist for a main home. Carrying that inspiration outside with a blend of lines and textures is what can transform a pool or garden into a well-crafted oasis. A place to rest and rejuvenate, this slice of peace and comfort is meant to accessorize the main home and be the ultimate image of the modern pool day.

gary savitzky Architecture - Architect

When in doubt, run the stone all the way up the back! Can't figure out a suitable backsplash? Stone eliminates hard-to-clean grout lines, and it adds a seamless quality to the area. Pair white cabinetry with brass hardware and designer matching wall plates, and you'll love the result!

Breegan Jane Design - Interior Designer

A few of our favorite pools with views from NBC's Open House.

NBC's Open House Real Estate - Other: Media

Design by Jane Hallworth / 📷 by Sam Frost for Architectural Digest Jan 2022 Issue ( view issue )

Alex Andrea Seattle, WA

Stunning looks at a warm, modern home in Atlanta.

Truth and Co Design - Interior Designer

In the world we live in today, little tips like these can go a long way! I had the opportunity to be interviewed by @apartmenttherapy to give my advice! Check out the rest of the article in the link below: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-buy-less-stuff-37060709

Jennifer Beeston Real Estate - Other: Mortgage Lender

You read the headline right! Check out this process.

Krystal and Dedric Polite Real Estate - Other: Renovations

Love this farmhouse we built in Cumming, Ga with an INDOOR POOL! How cool did this turn out? If you can dream it, Red Barn Construction can build it!

Ken and Anita Corsini Real Estate - Other: Design/Construction

5 Must Have Plumbing Tools You Need as a Homeowner! - Plumbing Products - DIY Plumbing - In today's video I'll be showing you the 5 Must Have Plumbing Tools You Need as a Homeowner! From basic hand tools to tape measures, we cover it all! Let me know what you think is the most important tool YOU think every Home owner should have. Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, LEED AP, The Expert Plumber and welcome to my channel. On this channel I teach Realtors, homeowners, and home buyers how to save money on plumbing by showing them DIY plumbing, how to work with plumbers, and how to protect their plumbing.

Roger Wakefield Construction - Other: Plumbing

The views! The hills! We will take it all…

NBC's Open House Real Estate - Other: Media

This ultimate rustic retreat is sited around a concealed courtyard—and an epic fire pit under the stars. Written by Kristin Scharkey July 6, 2022 Greg Faulkner set out to build a modern Lake Tahoe home that felt like a campsite. A guest house sat alone on this piece of property at the base of Lookout Mountain, where the client skied virtually everyday for exercise. When Faulkner heard about that daily activity—and the homeowner's DIY Jeep hobby that enabled overnight adventures deep into the wilderness, even in the dead of winter—it changed the way he thought about the site. This wasn't a Tahoe weekend retreat to drive to, to sit in, to remark at how beautiful it was. This needed to be a base camp that the client could engage in—a well-designed tool. The CAMPout house designed by Faulkner Architects. Photo by Joe Fletcher. NICOLEHOLLIS interiors add to the base camp feel. Photo by Joe Fletcher. All appliances are hidden in a back pantry. Photo by Joe Fletcher. The resulting CAMPout House completely avoids additive elements that would be only for visual effect. Its beauty lies in its intuitive function. The guest house bedrooms became a wall for a new main house, dug deep into the site and lit from above with skylights. A symmetrical, razor-thin steel roof matches the surrounding pine needles and feels like canvas, propped up just like a lean-to tent to capture the light. The low slope of the bedroom portion is only three feet above the grade at its closest point. It surrounds a concealed, open-air courtyard with a firepit—like you’ve just arrived at the perfect bonfire raging at a campsite. Under the stars, it draws everyone to its flames and flickers through steel windows onto sugar pine walls and black basalt floors. The glass is sweeping and continuous throughout the courtyard. Exterior windows are smaller but strategically positioned to give the family snapshot views of the surrounding trees. The house surrounds a concealed, open-air courtyard with a firepit—like you’ve just arrived at the perfect bonfire raging at a campsite. Photo by Joe Fletcher. Open the front door and you’re greeted by what's heralded as a Donald Judd-esque interior by studio NICOLEHOLLIS —the dining area features a picnic-like table with benches for that backcountry feel. There's a deliberate lack of decorative light fixtures. And all the appliances are hidden in the back pantry while the barbecue is screened off behind the courtyard to keep the raw, rustic vibe. The space is beautiful because it’s reductive; everything is there for a reason. The Faulkner Architects team wanted to distill the materials down to singular choices for each design element; the quiet palette creates a calming presence throughout. "It is a repetition in behavior of the natural world, like a grove of pines, redwoods, oaks, or aspen," Faulkner says. "They have taken over their piece of land due to favorable conditions. They just feel right—aspens near water, redwoods on the Pacific coast, oaks and pines on the dry hills depending on altitude. They come from their place and evolve to be the climax species becoming a singular growth form. "We all know the delight of experiencing these natural places. Intuitively, we as humans recognize the similarity in minimized pattern and palette that is informed by the natural materials of the site. The overall effect is one of association with the place that allows us to sense the conditions that drew us here." Photo by Joe Fletcher. Photo by Joe Fletcher The home is meant to be both low-maintenance and fire-resistant. Instead of the typical wood-clad cabins often seen throughout the region, Faulkner’s team opted for double-insulated concrete walls with limited exterior glazing to conserve heat energy inside. Windows are tempered glass and protected by a perforated mesh on the back porch. Inside, the team only used dry, unfinished wood to keep it in its natural state—they wanted to smell and feel the authentic beauty of that raw wood. Ultimately, the house not only fits into but intensifies the landscape, growing up out of the mountainside slope. The team worked hard to bring the glazing right up to the underside of the roof planes, so that the actual thickness remains inside the clerestories. How the building meets the sky is "important," Faulkner says. "Thin lines transition and connect to the space and landscape with less friction." While small, these expensive details are what add to the elegance, eliminating clunkiness and aiding the home’s delicate, wild dance with the forest. The Faulkner team didn’t want it to contrast with its sense of place. "Its place is beautiful," Faulkner explains. "We want to change that as little as possible." Photo by Joe Fletcher.

Sunset Magazine Design - Other: Media

This kitchen was rebuilt from the joist up to the ceiling.

Old House Adam Construction - Remodeler

I went with a moody, richly-hued black for the backdrop, added in metallic details on everything from the frames, to the sink legs and even the golden tissue holder for a glamourous look to an otherwise unsuspecting room.

Breegan Jane Design - Interior Designer

For her own growing family, designer Leigh Lincoln of Pure Salt made a brand-new house feel loved, lived-in, and layered with the brand’s signature style. Written by Christine Lennon January 24, 2022 "Clean, coastal, calm, and simple" is how Pure Salt designer and co-founder Leigh Lincoln describes the home she designed for her own family in Rancho Mission Viejo, California. In late 2019, after an extensive search, Lincoln and her husband found a house that ticked off just enough boxes on their long wishlist. It had four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a yard for the kids to play in , and it was within walking distance of her siblings' houses (Fun fact: Lincoln is a triplet.) Bistro chairs and a built-in banquette create a toy dining nook, suitable for family breakfast or dinner parties. Photo by Vanessa Lentine. The con list was shorter, but contained two critical points: All of those features were crammed into a relatively small layout, and, more importantly, it was a somewhat generic new build. A framed vintage bathing suit and coast-themed photography, natural pillows, and a rustic wooden tray are part of the Pure Salt aesthetic. Photo by Vanessa Lentine. Undaunted, Lincoln was determined to up the charm factor, and pack all of her dream details into the floor plan. She added archways to the living room, a white-washed Saltillo tile floor, lots of custom storage, a built-in banquette and small bar in the dining room, and a Roman clay-clad hood over the range in the kitchen. Sliding doors that open to a a dreamy backyard, with an outdoor fireplace and a dining and entertaining area for a crowd, create the illusion of a much larger home. The designer’s Newport Beach home makes the most of its backyard space with a built-in fireplace and conversation area. Photo by Vanessa Lentine. "When I have the doors open, it makes for quintessential California living," says Lincoln. "I can seat 20 comfortably without feeling crowded. I’m so happy I took the time to really plan our indoor/outdoor floor plan according to our lifestyle. We use it weekly." In short, Lincoln gave the house the Pure Salt treatment. The design duo, Morford and Lincoln, at work in the kitchen. The backsplash is Zellige tile by Clé. Photo by Vanessa Lentine. Lincoln and her business partner, Aly Morford, founded their rapidly growing Newport Beach-based design business back in 2015. And they came into their careers as decorators and designers in a most unusual way. Lincoln’s son’s room is outfitted with accessories from her and Morford’s baby and kids’ brand Little Salt . Photo by Vanessa Lentine. Originally, they bonded as college roommates at Cal Poly, and painted furniture together on a campus lawn to decorate their dorm room. Lincoln and Morford were instant best friends. But when a move to Saudi Arabia for her husband’s job prompted a career hiatus, Morford turned it into an opportunity to examine how she wanted to spend her days. If she could create her dream job, what would it be? After a sort of creative epiphany, sparked by memories of their dorm decorating adventures, Morford wrote an email to Lincoln that she describes as her " Jerry Maguire -inspired manifesto." They should start an interior design business together, as soon as she was back in the states. Lincoln was game from the get-go. Woven pendant lights by Uniqwa and wicker dining chairs create an outdoor dining room with coastal charm. Photo by Vanessa Lentine. Six years later, their design business and shop, selling an in-house-created line of Pure Salt bedding and decor, and curated vintage and new merchandise, is thriving. Their aesthetic is heavy on creamy white paint—like Chantilly Lace from Benjamin Moore—soft pillows, inviting textures, white marble, and glossy Zellige tile from Clé, and has garnered an avid following on Instagram . Many of their signature design tricks are in play throughout Lincoln's house. The Gus canopy bed from the Pure Salt furniture collection fits the snug primary bedroom perfectly, creating the illusion of more space. Photo by Vanessa Lentine. "We want to set a relaxed tone. It's important to feel at ease in your space, and have it be comfortable for everyday living," Lincoln says. Part of that equation is filling a home with welcoming seating with soft, inviting textures. "We are known for our pillows," says Lincoln. "Our Hadley is a best-seller and a Pure Salt staple. You’ll see it in practically every design of ours, including my home! We’re always finding new inspiration and gathering new materials, so our pillow line is constantly growing with the most beautiful patterns and textiles. And we take that love for unique textiles to another level with our bedding collection and our signature reversible duvet covers." Lincoln installed a loft bed in her daughter’s room to maximize the space without adding clutter. Photo by Vanessa Lentine. Lincoln is quick to add that sometimes a fresh coat of paint and reorganization is all it takes. "The first thing you must do is clear out the clutter," she says. "You can’t feel relaxed with stuff everywhere. The eye needs a place to rest and it is much easier when your spaces are organized and nicely appointed with just the right amount of decor. I also believe in stimulating all of the senses, not just the eye. I play jazz every morning to set a nice, calm vibe as the kids get ready for school, and you will always find a candle burning in my home. It’s fun to have a signature scent, just like that amazing boutique hotel you love." The Pure Salt palette of soft white and gray extends to the exterior of Lincoln’s family home in Newport Beach. Photo by Vanessa Lentine. Combining fresh upholstered pieces with vintage art and accessories gives any house—even a brand-new builder's spec home—a lived-in and layered look that doesn't scream "decorated in a day." "My favorite item in the house is the French library ladder in the kitchen," Lincoln says. "I searched all over Europe for it and when I look at it, it always makes me smile."

Sunset Magazine Design - Other: Media

Check out how we install the cottages at our resort! We'll give you a hint. It involves a truck, a crane, and a hard working crew. It's all hands on deck as we bring Jack's cottage to Charmed Resorts. Jack's Cottage is the seventh addition to Charmed Resorts. With a 22ft beanstalk at the front of the cottage, this beautiful cabin has a bright and clean design with subtle colour contrast. To book this cottage, visit: www.charmedresorts.ca

Charmed Family Construction - Builder

Licensed in 48 states & ready to help you get into a home! If you want to start the process of buying a home, grab a slot on my calendar or call me at +1 (707) 478-0637 . I would love to chat with you! Book a time to chat here: https://calendly.com/jennifer-beeston

Jennifer Beeston Real Estate - Other: Mortgage Lender

Epsiode 3 of Rock The Block was all about increasing value in the Owner Suite. This coastal luxe en-suite turned out to be everything we thought it would be and more during the concept phase. There is no better way to add value, than to give more space and more storage. So the first thing we did was create two dreamy walk in closets with custom built ins and integrated lighting. Then we mapped out a bathroom floorplan that would allow a 9 ft super shower with smart technology, and matched the length of the vanity to it. The sea glass chandelier in the main suite added the perfect touch of glam and the amazing driftwood console table with marble top was made by my hubby Mike.

Egypt Sherrod Real Estate - Broker

Take a look inside our latest cottage as we explore the interior details and what this cottage has to offer. Jack's Cottage is the seventh addition to Charmed Resorts. With a 22ft beanstalk at the front of the cottage, this beautiful cabin has a bright and clean design with subtle colour contrast. Too book this cottage or check availability with other units, head to https://charmedresorts.ca/

Charmed Family Construction - Builder

Just a glimpse into this magnificent double lot residence on one of the best streets in Los Angeles. Design Nina Takesh

Nina Takesh Design - Interior Designer

I am OBSESSED with my office loft transformation! ☀️ I loved turning my dark and depressing office into a light and bright 'work from home' space! Now I am excited to step into my office loft and do my best work. 🤗 Installing a sun tunnel gave my office a ton of natural light that gives me energy to stay productive and floods my brain with serotonin that boosts my mood! You have to try this Home Therapy tip and install a sun tunnel in your home office!

Anita Yokota Design - Interior Designer

Is there anything more luxurious than soaking in marble? This is a tub I designed for UNICA, carved from a single block of stone. It is perfectly positioned for a breathtaking view of the Bel Air Canyon.

Breegan Jane Design - Interior Designer

A detailed look of my living room makeover! Be sure to watch the video ( here ) for a more detailed tutorial.

Erin Spain Design - Other: DIY

Neutral tones, natural elements and generous windows complement the view of the ocean in this luxurious design. Elegance is in the details. This home was featured on “The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals” So Cal Style episode.

Breegan Jane Design - Interior Designer

Murphy beds can be so helpful when you have a small space (or surprise guests). Learn how to build your own with this video series.

Anita Yokota Design - Interior Designer

This week, we're all about eye-catching interiors with some of New York's most innovative designers. We explore a chic sky-high pied-a-terre at 432 Park Avenue. Keith Baltimore celebrates his inner maximalist in his client's Upper West Side townhome. And, we explore how artist and designer Leyden Lewis brought a gallery-like aesthetic into his client's East Side home. Plus, Natalie Kraiem shows us how she threaded the line between chic and comfortable in her own Midwood, Brooklyn family home.

NBC's Open House Real Estate - Other: Media

There's a lot that goes into building one of our resort cottages. Here's a glimpse of some of the finishing details of Jack's Cottage before being shipped out to the resort! To book this cottage, head to: www.charmedresorts.ca

Charmed Family Construction - Builder

A beautifully rich, onyx-hued wall provides the perfect backdrop for golden hardware. The brilliant metallic almost appears jeweled next to its contrasting counterpart.

Breegan Jane Design - Interior Designer

The before photo is in this gallery from when I purchased the home. a design flaw and challenge, was an existing window not centered to a wall, and the wall being the only place to put the header of the bed. I created an optical illusion by centering my curtain rod to be the length of my bed, and centering my bamboo shade which went beyond the window. I then centered the bed to the wall, and had the curtains extend to the corners of the bed. To add in light, I opted for recessed lighting dimmable, and sconces on the sides of the bed. I also replaced the closet doors to be shaker. Added beach linen bedding and the like resulting in a mix of Boll & Branch, Quince , West Elm , Crate and Barrel , Restoration Hardwood Love love love! Took me a while to finalize this design and love it so much.

Tara Sails in Newport Newport , RI

Accessorizing your space is equally as important as accessorizing yourself. I love using mirrors in my designs to add a touch of intrigue and to visually open-up the space. After all, a room should reflect your own personal style, and what better way to reflect that than with a mirror? I just added the Wooded Manor Mirror featuring a beautiful owl motif from to my den and it’s the perfect finishing touch.

Nina Takesh Design - Interior Designer

The design for the chef's kitchen in UNICA needed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. These lighting fixtures in matte black are sleek and unassuming. They are actually retractable heat lamps that keep food warm. Smart design never sacrifices form for function.

Breegan Jane Design - Interior Designer

One of our favorite Red Barn plans is the Whitney. With 4 beds, 4.5 baths, 3200 square feet and a detached garage - we've built this plan a number of times around North Atlanta and it's always a fan favorite!

Ken and Anita Corsini Real Estate - Other: Design/Construction

The other side of this massive great room in an incredible newly built home, feature my custom Nina Takesh Channeled Sofa and Coffee Table.

Nina Takesh Design - Interior Designer

I love houseplants and I'm a huge believer in all that they bring to a home. Beyond the obvious aesthetics, houseplants have been proven to boost your mood, reduce fatigue, lower stress and anxiety, enhance productivity and improve air quality resulting in fewer headaches and healthier lungs. For those of you that have little faith in your ability to keep a houseplant alive, here are my five top houseplant suggestions that will not only look great, but find a way to survive...even with a little neglect 😉 The Snake Plant First up is the a plant that actually thrives on neglect. If you've never taken care of a plant before, this is the one for you as it truly embodies the definition of "unkillable". Responding best to extremely light watering and plenty of #personalspace, the Snake plant is a lone wolf and more than happy when left alone. It will appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer and the occasional, but that's about as much special attention as it needs. As for placement in your home, the Snake plant is a superb for the bedroom because it stores oxygen during the day, then releases it all at night. This little guy will make your debut into plant parenthood a breeze! The Kenita Palm The Kentia palm originated on Lord Howe Island, a tiny piece of land off the east coast of Australia. It was popularised during Queen Victoria's reign where the nobility saw it as a status symbol and began to grow it as a houseplant. Queen Victoria herself insisted palms were placed around her coffin when she died. With big, leafy fronds casting exotic shadows, this is an ideal beginner’s plant that gives impressive results with very little work from you. It's needs are simple liking lots of bright indirect light, regular misting and a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer. As a royal favourite, it will dazzle in any home. Fun fact: Kentia palms were used for decoration on The Titanic. In first class, naturally. The Peace Lily Originally from the tropics, the peace lily is now a common houseplant in climates around the world, largely due to its adaptability. With large leaves and tall, elegant flowers, this plant will bring a sense of elevated calm to any room. As an added benefit, the Peace Lily is a known air-purifier, so put one in your bedroom and rest easy as it works to keep your air fresh and clean. As for care, it's pretty tough and will usually bounce back from a missed watering (I can personally attest to this!). Mist every few days to keep it extra happy (it's a lover of humidity) and feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer. Devil's Ivy Don't let the name put you off. Devil's Ivy is completely harmless and in fact is one of the most common houseplants in the world due to its incredible versatility (it will grow on a shelf, a hanging pot or trained up a wall) and it's extremely low maintenance. Not one to make a fuss, it'll be fine in almost any light, although you'll see it grow quicker in a brighter spot. As for watering, it couldn't be more simple -- check it weekly and if the top two inches of soil are dry, give it a good drink. Misting its leaves is also encouraged, and it'll thank you for any extra humidity with a litany of new cascading leaves. The Swiss Cheese Plant He’s a classic with loads of personality. He’s really easy to look after and makes a style statement wherever you put him. Those majestic leaves can get dusty. Dust make it harder for him to absorb light, so give his leaves a gentle wipe if they look grubby. Happy planting, my fellow green-fingered friends!

Holly Johnston London, NY

This “Home Therapy” project was a labor of love; the young couple now can enjoy their time together with friends and family in this open concept kitchen area despite the home itself not being the largest. What's a limiting belief that you are working on in your home?

Anita Yokota Design - Interior Designer

Stunning looks at a warm, modern home in Atlanta.

Truth and Co Design - Interior Designer

Black and white play in this space evoking a yin and yang energy while the gold tones provide hints of regal refinement throughout. Less truly can be more when you artfully intertwine hues, finishes and metallics in a graceful dance.

Breegan Jane Design - Interior Designer

With the Shaper Origin you can quickly re-mortise hinge cups on a door and install new hardware. The key is an efficient track system combined with powerful software. No hassle, no CNC, no specialized hardware. Just insert the hinge into the Origin table, start your template project and follow along to shape the cup.

Shaper Tools Construction - Other: CNC Digital Router

Enjoy some of my Airbnb and home staging designs

Andrea Sealey Design - Decorator

Does this remind you od encanto?

Barbie Seattle , WA

This is one of our favorite projects from Flipping Showdown. Our friends Chris and Cam were tasked with turning this 100 year old farmhouse into a modern farmhouse … and they did not disappoint!

Ken and Anita Corsini Real Estate - Other: Design/Construction

Murphy beds can be so helpful when you have a small space (or surprise guests). Learn how to build your own with this video series.

Anita Yokota Design - Interior Designer

WATCH NOW Fatigued from quarantine, and uncertainty, millions are redefining their relationship with themselves and their homes. The new must-stream show, ‘Healing Through the Home’ with Rebecca Gitana, proves there has never been a better time to heal our homes and curate spaces that fully support our lives. During this one-hour television special, Rebecca Gitana invites viewers into her New York "Mothership" to explore the fundamentals of what it means to heal their home.Show creator Rebecca says, "This is a powerful show for homes of color and anyone who has had to survive so much to feel safe and reclaim their space in the world. I became a self-taught TV Producer, Editor, Jingle Composer, Graphic Designer, and more because the mission behind my work is that real.”She beamed about premiering her first international show based on her lifestyle brand and signature approach, Healing Through the Home ™. Her debut award-nominated series ‘Lifestyle Remix,’ which she also self-produced, and hosted, continues to air throughout New York City’s public access television.Rebecca Gitana Torres is a television producer, host, transformational guide, interior designer, lifestyle expert, environmental activist, entrepreneur, and social impact leader. Over two decades, Rebecca honed her unique methodology–– a signature philosophy blending mindful interior design, color therapy, clutter coaching, gardening, cooking for a vibrant life, Afro-Indigenous knowledge, metaphysics, and spiritual wellness, to bring to life her ever-growing in-person practice, and lifestyle content brand, Healing Through The Home ™. Flavored with her cultural heritage and countless in-session hours as a Transformational Guide, plus experiences as a life-long New Yorker with a wanderlust spirit, Rebecca’s compelling approach helps guide people from all walks towards lighting up their lives. For information, follow @RebeccaGitana and visit http://www.RebeccaGitana.com.

Rebecca Gitana Design - Other: Home Healing & Interior Design

Have you ever tried to change a lock? Its super simple and I can show you how.

Carter Oosterhouse Construction - Remodeler

A few years back I was lucky enough to be invited to Magee Homestead at Brushcreek Ranch. Having been awarded Best Luxury Ranch in the US a number of times, this Wyoming retreat combines historic charms with modern amenities. The interiors of the six cabin suites were expertly decorated by Simeone Deary Design Group of Chicago, and it got me to thinking: how might a ranch lover gracefully inject touches of the Wild West into a more urban space without overdoing it? Here are my six top tips on the subject. - Tones and Textures: for a design that subtly reflects some Western character, stick with earth tones and a diverse set of textures, ranging from chunky wool blankets and pillows, to finer mohair throws, linen furnishing and gently worn leather armchairs. - Pattern: When you conjure images of Western interior designs, you probably immediately think of cowhide rugs and pillows, leather accents and rich Native American patterns in reds, blues and greens. While I'd be careful on striking the right balance here, you'll be amazed at what a traditionally made chunky throw or a set of vintage printed cushions can do for a space. A word of caution here: avoid overly gouache cowboy, rodeo or horse inspired patterns. Less is more, so you want your choices to be elevated and refined. - Exposed Wood: Variations of exposed wood create a sense of atmosphere in a home, but perhaps most importantly, it adds tradition and emphasises belonging to a particular culture. By introducing wooden beams, wooden furniture or showcasing natural wooden finishings, a room will feel more relaxed and will fit into the surrounding wildlife, just as it would on the prairie lands of the West. - Books and Art: Adding a beautiful coffee table book on sustainable ranch farming or a set of wildlife prints showcasing birds and animals native to the West will continue to pull in elevated ranching vibes. - Light: Not everyone knows that 90% of natural light comes through the top third of your windows. In order to compete with the "big sky" and endless horizon of the American West, you'll want to make sure that you dress your windows to enhance maximum light capture rather than block it. This means that blinds should be hung above a window box rather than set in it, and curtains should have enough railing to be completely drawn and fastened away in the daytime. Maximising light from golden hour should always be the goal, no matter your location. - Accessories: Upon return from my ranch trip, I brought back with me an antler I'd found while out horse riding along with an abandoned horse shoe. I still have both today and they go a long way to creating a sense of atmosphere and transporting me back to the moments where I first gathered them. Small accessories like this can achieve wonders in evoking a Western sensibility.

Holly Johnston London, NY

Here’s a look at one of our favorite “drive by DIY” projects.

Old House Adam Construction - Remodeler

Here is a way of bringing more style to the bedroom. 1 x 2 primed MDF cut and attached to the design of your choice and then painted by spray gun. PRO TIP: use a paint sheen one step glossier then your walls to give it some extra pop.

Matt Blashaw Real Estate - Other: Home Improvement Expert

Channeling her intuitive skills for creating inviting and grounded interiors, Lauren Soloff built a layered and well-loved home for her own blended family. Written by Christine Lennon October 5, 2021 Five years ago, when Lauren Soloff and Adam Sher first brought their newly blended family to see the 1908 Craftsman they bought in Jefferson Park, a neighborhood in central Los Angeles filled with classic homes in varied states of restoration and repair, the kids did not get it. “The previous owner had worked hard to restore the house and was very into classic Craftsman details like flickering orange light bulbs in the hallway. It was dark. It felt a little bit like we were in an Edward Gorey book,” says Soloff, who has spent the last 15 years working as an interior designer, visualizing dream homes for her largely California-based clientele. The three tweens—Soloff’s son and Sher’s daughter and son, all from previous relationships—were wide-eyed and uncertain. Soloff was undeterred. “In my work, I felt like I could always tune in to what a house can do. I could guide projects from a very intuitive place,” says Soloff, who studied architecture at UCLA but found herself more intrigued by interiors . “I did have some anxiety about a Craftsman at first. So my instinct was to get rid of all of the details. I took out all the light fixtures and the wallpaper and I painted it white. Once I did that, I could start to see the house.” Homeowners Adam Sher and Lauren Soloff share a rare quiet morning with Tallulah (one of their four children) and their dog, Luna, on the front porch of their restored 1908 family home. Photo by Thomas J. Story. The newly married couple had scoured the city for a house that fit a long list of criteria. It had to be convenient enough to their kids’ three schools, have five real bedrooms (one for each of the children, and another so they had room to expand their family), and not cost a flat-out fortune. When they discovered this house, which had three bedrooms downstairs and a fully renovated attic space with two bedrooms, two baths, and a TV room with a kitchenette, they knew they’d found a winner, even under layers of moody paint and historic fixtures. “It was a proper house, and it felt rooted to me,” she says. “It was really important to us that the kids each had a dedicated space that was very defined as their own that wasn’t too far away, geographically, from their old lives. I wanted room for them to grow, physically, and as a family, adding a baby to the mix. We knew that the kids’ emotional lives were hinging on us getting settled. So to find a house with that essence, that felt like a traditional family house, was important. In a strange way, the house gave us more support.” A group of Westport chairs around a backyard fire pit, and planters filled with veggies, add to the city-meets-country feel. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Starting with a clean white slate, Soloff got to work infusing the rooms with her own warm, organic aesthetic, which has strong, simple Shaker influences mixed with an English farmhouse vibe—thanks to her skill with combining florals and patterns from classic brands like Claremont, Howe, William Morris, and Pierre Frey. Some strategic Danish modern furniture and contemporary art keeps everything anchored in the present tense. Their first furniture purchase, the massive RH dining table that she describes as “big enough to have piles of homework that you can just push out of the way and still have six people sit down for family dinner,” set the tone. A long table with room for dinner and homework was a priority. Soloff painted much of the woodwork (like built-in shelves) white to make the house feel light and open. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Nearly four years ago, when their daughter Tallulah was born, that last puzzle piece clicked into place. And since early 2020, when they were all stuck at home, Sher started using the front room for his legal practice, the now-teenagers each had designated corners for remote learning, Tallulah had a garden with chickens and pots full of strawberry plants to play in, and Soloff could retreat to her backyard home office. The layout of the house and all of its inviting nooks had made the chaos feel more manageable. While Soloff has wrapped up her last work projects, taking an indefinite hiatus to live a slower life and make space for whatever opportunities may come next, her own family home has helped her zero in on what makes a house really sing. A custom emerald green paint, Paperstone counters, and a checkerboard floor in the vintage kitchen. Photo by Thomas J. Story. Thomas J. Story “As I leave this world of interior design, I’m really aware of spaces that, to my mind, feel successful,” she says. “I always gravitate toward things that feel effortless. But I’m very aware that there’s a lot of precision and control that goes into making things feel that way.” In other words, a lot of loving effort goes into building a home for a family, and supporting the family that lives within its walls, to make it all look so easy. How They Got the Look 1 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Bright Colors Have Their Place Shoes in a spectrum of sizes tell a family story at the front door. Gentle Luna looks on. 2 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Go a Little Retro... In the primary bedroom, a Schuyler Samperton upholstered chair and vintage settee. 3 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story ...and Get a Little Moody, Too “Pemaquid Fog” wallpaper by Ralph Lauren and smoky blue tile in the primary bath. 4 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Take It Slow Soloff has an eye for “slower life” details, like wire baskets and vintage sketches. 5 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Curate Collections A mix of collected treasures, like this vintage chest of drawers, fills a bedroom corner. 6 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Make Storage Part of the Decor White porcelain, vintage tile, and fresh lilacs look at home in the built-in storage. 7 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Make Room to Play The second-floor rec room—with a kitchenette—felt tailor-made for a pack of siblings. 8 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Use Space Well The renovated attic space makes for a cozy pitched-roof bathroom, and a nook for a tub. 9 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Stay True to the Time Period Morris & Co. Bird and Pomegranate wallpaper, a pattern from 1926, in a guest bedroom. 10 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Mix Materials, as Long as They're Natural A mix of natural materials like rattan, woven grass, carved wood, clay, and bone give the living room a rustic elegance. Striped fabric on the ottoman is Claremont. 11 of 11 Photo by Thomas J. Story Even the Hen House Is Stylish Soloff’s chicken coop, home to four hens, was customized from a My Pet Chicken kit and painted in Off-Black by Farrow & Ball. Tallulah wears a dress by Dôen.

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NBC's Open House Real Estate - Other: Media

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