Terri and Jim loved many things about their home, but the outdated, poorly designed kitchen, laundry room that was shoved into the corner of the kitchen, and loft that was annexed from other living spaces needed a complete makeover. The house is nestled on a large lot filled with mature trees that offer filtered morning and afternoon light. Establishing a strong visual link from the front yard through the house and into the back yard was a high design priority, as well as connecting the living spaces with an open floor plan, all without increasing the overall footprint of the home. Agate Architecture's completed remodel includes a full kitchen and dining room renovation, a new mud/laundry room, renovation of the second-floor loft, a new staircase, and exterior improvements. The use of Douglas Fir as a main unifying material and simple clean lines lends a bright Pacific Northwest style, with natural light in abundance. Terri and Jim’s home is now a truly exceptional space for everyday use and family entertaining.

This Martha's Vineyard style custom home includes many elements that establish a traditional East Coast home: white horizontal clapboard siding, tapered wood columns, shutters and red brick wainscoting. The predominantly red, white and blue color scheme honors the history of America, and a handmade American flag quilt underscores the theme. The outdoor space expands the living area, yet still feels intimate and contained.

Bedroom - transitional dark wood floor, brown floor and tray ceiling bedroom idea in Atlanta with gray walls

On the left, the original pared-down Living and on the right, the new BLUE BOX of Open Kitchen, Dining and ancillary spaces. Photography by Beton Brut.

Located in Argyle, Texas, this comprehensive whole-home renovation was conceived by USI Design & Remodeling who reimagined the home's interior architecture, transforming a collection of compartmentalized rooms into a cohesive environment designed for modern living, entertaining, and daily comfort. The project encompassed the kitchen, family room, dining room, lounge, office, primary bathroom, and supporting circulation spaces, creating a unified experience that feels both expansive and intentional. Throughout the home, refined materials, custom millwork, and carefully curated finishes establish a sense of understated luxury while maintaining warmth and livability. The renovation extends beyond aesthetics to create a home tailored to the family's evolving needs. Consistent architectural detailing, layered textures, and thoughtful proportions establish continuity throughout the residence, allowing each room to feel connected to the larger design narrative.

he dining space at Project Stone Creek is designed to feel inviting, balanced, and effortlessly refined. Natural light pours in through oversized windows, framing the room and creating a calm, open atmosphere that encourages gathering. Soft neutral tones, layered textures, and warm wood flooring establish a timeless foundation, while carefully selected lighting adds a subtle architectural presence overhead. Positioned just off the kitchen and adjacent to the butler’s pantry, this space was intentionally planned to support both everyday meals and more formal entertaining. The result is a dining room that feels connected yet distinct, offering a comfortable setting where design, flow, and livability work in harmony within this custom home in Woodstock.

Screened, covered porch with eating area and gathering space
Large transitional porch idea in Charlotte

Cory Barton, Barton Design
Inspiration for a small eclectic shade side yard concrete paver landscaping in Minneapolis for summer.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

The Home Jayden Homes introduces the modern European inspired Arrabelle. Specializing in home placement, Jayden Homes has expertly situated this six-car over/under garage home to maximize panoramic views. An open concept home, the Arrabelle welcomes you home with an enchanting courtyard with barrel ceiling and gas firepit. Main level highlights include a state-of-the-art kitchen with a walk-in pantry, oversized island and gourmet appliances. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is the focal point of the great room and adjoining dining area with an indoor/outdoor bar top. The brick-walled master retreat opens to the covered deck. The 680 square foot covered deck is perfect for outdoor entertaining, with a fireplace and outdoor kitchen including a pizza oven and gas grill. A guest suite with private bath and huge mudroom with pet cubby are also located on the main level. Designed for recreation, the lower level is ideal for fun with friends and family with a large rec room, built-in soda bar, wine room with secret entry, and home theater. Two additional bedrooms and baths are located on the lower level. The Builder Celebrating over three decades in Colorado Springs, second-generation Jayden Homes builds award-winning homes in El Paso, Elbert and Douglas Counties. A quality-conscious, custom home builder, Jayden Homes places an emphasis on establishing a partnership with our clients. Recipient of the 2019, 2018 and 2016 Parade of Homes Industry Award of Excellence and the People’s Choice Award, Jayden Homes provides an extraordinary home building experience with a well-thought-out process that allows for less waste and a more efficient method to the construction of your custom home. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau and active members of the Housing and Building Association, Jayden Homes believes communication and education are key to a successful home building relationship. From selection of your homesite to perfect homesite placement to design and construction, Jayden Homes will walk together with you to provide a home worthy of our mantra New Memories Coming Soon. The Interior Design Old World charm meets modern inspiration in the casually elegant Arrabelle. The great room and dining room welcome the outdoors in with walls of windows and sliding glass doors accessing a full covered deck with outdoor kitchen and panoramic views. The great room showcases exquisite wood beams and gorgeous hardwood floors. Decorated with a light and airy decor, creamy neutral accents complement the richness of the home’s extensive tile and brick work. A mix of wood, stone and brick, show stopping light fixtures, and textured design elements are found throughout the Arrabelle. The finished lower level features a cozy theater room in a classic movie themed decor. Designed for entertaining, the rec room walks out to an outdoor living area with hot tub, and showcases a soda bar, game room and enclosed theater room. Be sure to look for memorable touches like the wine rack Murphy door at the entry into the wine room.

Through the in-house design and engineering team at Pioneer West, home buyers are able to contribute to the planning and objectives for their home. Along with establishing a design concept, Pioneer West and the buyer will determine a budget. Design concepts and budgets can be discussed and adjusted while the final design is established. Progressing through the process as a team assures a high performance home that meets each family’s needs and budget. In this case, the family desired formal living spaces in a informal setting.

This stunning dining room is the first space seen upon entering the home. Walls are a soft, turquoise blue and custom drapery panels grace the bay window. The mirrored table was puchased at Z Gallerie and the antique server is a family heirloom. The large chandelier is from the Midtown Collection available at Lamps Plus. Ocotillo, Chandler, AZ Photos by Phil Johnson.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston III Traditional Farmhouse in Akron, Ohio, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elegance. Offering an expansive 3,751 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this estate-scale floor plan features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and an included 3-car garage. The heart of the home is a chef-ready, open-concept kitchen anchoring the main level, brilliantly appointed with abundant counter space, a large central island for gathering, and an included "messy kitchen" secondary pantry and prep zone for flawless organization. Designed for effortless entertaining, guests can mingle in the sophisticated bar area situated within the flexible bonus room before transitioning into the adjacent dining area and cozy hearth room for a relaxed post-dinner retreat. The home’s layout beautifully integrates warmth and dual focal points with two distinct custom tile fireplaces—one creating an inviting centerpiece in the main great room, and a second anchoring the intimate hearth room. This seamless flow extends directly to the rear of the residence, where a large covered patio expands the footprint into a premium indoor-outdoor living space perfect for summer get-togethers, outdoor dining, and lounging. A smart split-bedroom layout ensures maximum privacy, keeping the secondary bedrooms grouped on one side of the home while establishing the primary owner’s retreat as a private sanctuary. Elevating custom luxury to new heights, the primary suite features a show-stopping, two-story walk-in closet integrated directly off the owner's bath, utilizing a built-in staircase to access a unique lofted second-story wardrobe space that provides entirely separate, dedicated storage for each partner.

Contemporary. Expansive. Multi-functional. An extensive kitchen renovation was needed to modernize an original design from 1993. Our gut remodel established a seamless new floor plan with two large islands. We lined the perimeter with ample storage and carefully layered creative lighting throughout the space. Contrasting white and walnut cabinets and an oversized copper hood, paired beautifully with a herringbone backsplash and custom live-edge table.

The landscape of this home honors the formality of Spanish Colonial / Santa Barbara Style early homes in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. By re-grading the lot and allowing for terraced opportunities, we featured a variety of hardscape stone, brick, and decorative tiles that reinforce the eclectic Spanish Colonial feel. Cantera and La Negra volcanic stone, brick, natural field stone, and handcrafted Spanish decorative tiles are used to establish interest throughout the property. A front courtyard patio includes a hand painted tile fountain and sitting area near the outdoor fire place. This patio features formal Boxwood hedges, Hibiscus, and a rose garden set in pea gravel. The living room of the home opens to an outdoor living area which is raised three feet above the pool. This allowed for opportunity to feature handcrafted Spanish tiles and raised planters. The side courtyard, with stepping stones and Dichondra grass, surrounds a focal Crape Myrtle tree. One focal point of the back patio is a 24-foot hand-hammered wrought iron trellis, anchored with a stone wall water feature. We added a pizza oven and barbecue, bistro lights, and hanging flower baskets to complete the intimate outdoor dining space. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Landscape Contractor: Premier Environments Steel Pergola: Porter Barn Wood Photography: Sam Rosenbaum

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in DC Metro with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Photography by Erica George Dines
Inspiration for a staircase remodel in Atlanta

The Yin-Yang House is a net-zero energy single-family home in a quiet Venice, CA neighborhood. The design objective was to create a space for a large and growing family with several children, which would create a calm, relaxed and organized environment that emphasizes public family space. The home also serves as a place to entertain, and a welcoming space for teenagers as they seek social space with friends. The home is organized around a series of courtyards and other outdoor spaces that integrate with the interior of the house. Facing the street the house appears to be solid. However, behind the steel entry door is a courtyard, which reveals the indoor-outdoor nature of the house behind the solid exterior. From the entry courtyard, the entire space to the rear garden wall can be seen; the first clue of the home’s spatial connection between inside and out. These spaces are designed for entertainment, and the 40 foot sliding glass door to the living room enhances the harmonic relationship of the main room, allowing the owners to host many guests without the feeling of being overburdened. The tensions of the house’s exterior are subtly underscored by a 12-inch steel band that hews close to, but sometimes rises above or falls below the floor line of the second floor – a continuous loop moving inside and out like a pen that is never lifted from the page, but reinforces the intent to spatially weave together the indoors with the outside as a single space. Scale manipulation also plays a formal role in the design of the structure. From the rear, the house appears to be a single-story volume. The large master bedroom window and the outdoor steps are scaled to support this illusion. It is only when the steps are animated with people that one realizes the true scale of the house is two stories. The kitchen is the heart of the house, with an open working area that allows the owner, an accomplished chef, to converse with friends while cooking. Bedrooms are intentionally designed to be very small and simple; allowing for larger public spaces, emphasizing the family over individual domains. The breakfast room looks across an outdoor courtyard to the guest room/kids playroom, establishing a visual connection while defining the separation of uses. The children can play outdoors while under adult supervision from the dining area or the office, or do homework in the office while adults occupy the adjacent outdoor or indoor space. Many of the materials used, including the bamboo interior, composite stone and tile countertops and bathroom finishes are recycled, and reinforce the environmental DNA of the house, which also has a green roof. Blown-in cellulose insulation, radiant heating and a host of other sustainable features aids in the performance of the building’s heating and cooling. The active systems in the home include a 12 KW solar photovoltaic panel system, the largest such residential system available on the market. The solar panels also provide shade from the sun, preventing the house from becoming overheated. The owners have been in the home for over nine months and have yet to receive a power bill.

Envision Virtual Tours The town of Blue Ridge offers eclectic shopping and dining in a quaint small town setting. With the historic Blue Ridge Depot at its center, Blue Ridge is a center for arts and galleries, antiques, unique shopping and eateries. Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. It was established as a railroad town, with the depot at its heart. Visitors would ride the train to town, eat dinner at the Blue Ridge Hotel, and take a leisurely walk to the mineral springs after dinner. Today's visitors still ride the train and take leisurely walks along Main Street, enjoying the antique and specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, small town atmosphere and friendly people of Blue Ridge. The town was founded in 1886 as a result of the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. In the early years, at different times, there were five hotels and several boarding houses in downtown Blue Ridge.