design: Carrie Preston (Studio TOOP) and Jasper Helmantel (Cruydt Hoeck), 2011 location: Appeltern, NL status: built in 2012 by Appeltern Model Garden Complex photos: Jolanthe Lalkens, June 2013 Designed as assignment from both the Dutch gardening magazine Groei & Bloei and the television and radio nature program Vara's Vroege Vogels, this garden serves as a model of how homeowners can incorporate lots of plant life and wildlife into the design but without sacrificing practicality or aesthetics. The garden is deliberately contemporary in its style to emphasize that nature-rich gardens need not look a certain way - insects and birds don't care if the lines are straight or curved. At the same time the garden makes use of affordable, simple, no-nonsense materials. The 40x60 cm paving stones are one of the most common and affordable paving options in the Netherlands, available en masse for free on the Internet. Conceptually we imagined a garden completely paved with the tiles (as to many gardens are) and what would happen if took out some of these stones, used them to build benches and structure and added plants where the tiles had been. In the construction of the benches we include other materials such as bamboo sticks and insulation bricks that create habitat for insects such as solitary bees. The plant palette is based on a selection of native and host plants in combination with the 26 plants plan set up by Groei & Boei -- a list of plants aimed at making the use of more plants in gardens accessible and less intimidating. The choice for the number 26 corresponds with the number of letters in the alphabet in line with the famous Dutch garden designer Mien Ruy's comment that if we only need 26 letters to create a whole language, we should be able to combine and mix 26 plants to express far more than we think.

Perfect for the cooks kitchen, a large spice roll out cabinet makes things easy to find. Items are clearly labeled on the top and in alphabetical order!

Perfectly embedded on an acre of land overlooking a pond, in the heart of Willow Bend of Plano, this dated, traditional home got more than a complete facelift. The wife is a “farmer’s daughter” and could have never imagined having a home like this to call her own one day. Finding a 15’ dining table was a tall task… especially for a family of four. Using a local craftsman, the most gorgeous white oak table was created to host everyone in the neighborhood! The clients told a lot of stories about their past and children. The designer realized that the stories were actually treasures as she incorporated their memories and symbols in every room. She brought these memories to life in a custom artwork collage above the family room mantel. From a tractor representing the grandfather, to the Russian alphabet portraying the roots of their adopted sons and some Cambodian script, there were meanings behind each piece. In order to bring nature indoors, the designer decided to demo the exterior wall to the patio to add a large folding door and blew out the wall dividing the formal dining room and breakfast room so there would be a clear sight through to the outdoors. Throughout the home, each family member was thought of. The fabrics and finishes had to withstand small boys, who were extremely active. The use of outdoor fabrics and beautiful scratch proof finishes were incorporated in every space – bring on the hotwheels.

Example of an eclectic bedroom design in New York

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HIP URBAN PAD Super stylish condo at Zinc Condominiums in the heart of the NW Alphabet District. Great open layout, with lots of natural light - this top floor high efficiency corner unit is nicely appointed with modern finishes, bamboo floors, a private 5x17 balcony and storage unit. Walk-score of 91 in one of Portland's best neighborhoods! Contact us for more information about this building and current availability via email at info@danagriggs.com or by visiting our website at www.DanaGriggs.com

HIP URBAN PAD Super stylish condo at Zinc Condominiums in the heart of the NW Alphabet District. Great open layout, with lots of natural light - this top floor high efficiency corner unit is nicely appointed with modern finishes, bamboo floors, a private 5x17 balcony and storage unit. Walk-score of 91 in one of Portland's best neighborhoods! Contact us for more information about this building and current availability via email at info@danagriggs.com or by visiting our website at www.DanaGriggs.com

Example of a small trendy open concept dark wood floor family room design in Austin with a music area, gray walls and no tv

Perfectly embedded on an acre of land overlooking a pond, in the heart of Willow Bend of Plano, this dated, traditional home got more than a complete facelift. The wife is a “farmer’s daughter” and could have never imagined having a home like this to call her own one day. Finding a 15’ dining table was a tall task… especially for a family of four. Using a local craftsman, the most gorgeous white oak table was created to host everyone in the neighborhood! The clients told a lot of stories about their past and children. The designer realized that the stories were actually treasures as she incorporated their memories and symbols in every room. She brought these memories to life in a custom artwork collage above the family room mantel. From a tractor representing the grandfather, to the Russian alphabet portraying the roots of their adopted sons and some Cambodian script, there were meanings behind each piece. In order to bring nature indoors, the designer decided to demo the exterior wall to the patio to add a large folding door and blew out the wall dividing the formal dining room and breakfast room so there would be a clear sight through to the outdoors. Throughout the home, each family member was thought of. The fabrics and finishes had to withstand small boys, who were extremely active. The use of outdoor fabrics and beautiful scratch proof finishes were incorporated in every space – bring on the hotwheels.

Mesmerizing panoramic city and mountain views from every window in this penthouse level condo. This urban retreat is a zen like space from the bustling city below - with a neutral color palette and high-end timeless finishes. Great two bedroom layout with open kitchen, eat-at island, wood floors, balcony, deeded parking space and storage unit. Amenities abound in this central location, with Downtown, The Pearl and Alphabet district practically at your doorstep! Contact our team for more information and availability.

Ryan Patrick Kelly Photography
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Example of a trendy home design design in Philadelphia

Hey Fam! We are delighted to announce that we have been nominated for - My Home Improvement magazine's "Best of 2023" contest in the category of Outdoor Living. Voting opens July 12th at Noon and will close on July 18th at 11:59 pm. How to vote: Visit our website at: https://atlantahomeimprovement.com/best-of-2023/ Scroll through the alphabetized categories to find your nomination. Vote for just your entry or as many entries as you'd like! *IMPORTANT: You must click the “vote” button at the bottom of the last page, or your vote will not be counted. You can vote once per day, per email The voting page will not be active until July 12th at Noon. Vote for us!!

Example of a trendy kids' room design in Los Angeles

Example of a kids' room design in Atlanta

design by Pulp Design Studios | http://pulpdesignstudios.com/ This project for a large family with six young children had to be functional, durable and comfortable. With the home being located outside of the city in a rural part of town, Pulp Design Studios took inspiration from nature, choosing warm neutrals as the back drop for pops of green, blue and red.