The 2021 Southern Living Idea House is inspiring on multiple levels—from the stunning location in Louisville, Kentucky overlooking the Ohio river, to the design-driven home that marries European countryside vibes with a timeless aesthetic. Dubbed the “forever home,” the concept was to design for all stages of life, with thoughtful spaces that meet the ever-evolving needs of families today. The 5,545-square-foot, Colonial Greek Revival Cottage-style home is located in The Breakers at Prospect community and is the collective effort of many. While it may have formerly been a trend to embrace open layout living spaces, following the pandemic families are seeking spaces in the home that feel separated, to allow for privacy. Rooms with clear intentions allow more options for areas in which to spend time, depending on your mood, and this home perfectly balances livable and lively ideas. Marvin products were chosen for this project to maximize the use of natural light, allow airflow from outdoors to indoors, and provide expansive views that overlook the Ohio River. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Awaken Skylight Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung G2 Window Marvin Ultimate Picture Window Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Round Top Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door G2 BUILDER: Jason Black and Jimmy King of Artisan Signature Homes ARCHITECT: Brandon Ingram of C. Brandon Ingram Design INTERIOR DESIGNER: Sarah Bartholomew, Sarah Bartholomew Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Josh Myers of Myers & Co. Landscape Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY: Laurey W. Glenn, Marta Xochilt Perez, and Kriech-Higdon Photography for Southern Living

Linda Hall
Example of a small classic beige tile powder room design in New York with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, marble countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

Interiors by Morris & Woodhouse Interiors LLC, Architecture by ARCHONSTRUCT LLC © Robert Granoff
Living room - mid-sized contemporary formal living room idea in New York with multicolored walls and a standard fireplace

Max Kim Bee
Example of a large transitional guest dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in New York with gray walls

Just off of the master bedroom in our recently completed George to the Rescue project was a small and original bathroom. Tiny, pink, and stuck in the '60s, it was a less than ideal place for a working mom of two kids to start and end her day. We created a bright and fun, but low maintenance retreat for her behind a custom sliding barn door. We claimed an additional 2 feet for the bathroom by moving the wall and stealing a bit of space (it wasn't missed!) from the bedroom. Oversized ceramic subway tile laid to look like shiplap (shiplap! Everyone loved shiplap!) gives the now spacious shower an updated farmhouse feel. Exaggerated shower hardware (an 18" handle!), @hansgroheusa faucets (generously donated!), a pivoting rounded rectangle mirror, and a pair of articulating arm sconces all in matte black finish punctuate the space and mirror the hardware finish throughout the renovation. The elegant floral Anna French wallpaper is a surprising background for the substantial charcoal and white marble-topped vanity, and makes this a feminine space, just for a well-deserving mom.

Example of a mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Louisville

Inspiration for a transitional master medium tone wood floor, brown floor, shiplap ceiling and wallpaper bedroom remodel in Charleston with multicolored walls and no fireplace

Beautiful French inspired home on the lake with color infused family room and dining room. Young homeowners looked for tradition with a twist. Bright, bold color in a soft livable environment.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This unit, located in a 4-flat owned by TKS Owners Jeff and Susan Klimala, was remodeled as their personal pied-à-terre, and doubles as an Airbnb property when they are not using it. Jeff and Susan were drawn to the location of the building, a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, 4 blocks from Wrigley Field, as well as to the vintage charm of the 1890’s building. The entire 2 bed, 2 bath unit was renovated and furnished, including the kitchen, with a specific Parisian vibe in mind. Although the location and vintage charm were all there, the building was not in ideal shape -- the mechanicals -- from HVAC, to electrical, plumbing, to needed structural updates, peeling plaster, out of level floors, the list was long. Susan and Jeff drew on their expertise to update the issues behind the walls while also preserving much of the original charm that attracted them to the building in the first place -- heart pine floors, vintage mouldings, pocket doors and transoms. Because this unit was going to be primarily used as an Airbnb, the Klimalas wanted to make it beautiful, maintain the character of the building, while also specifying materials that would last and wouldn’t break the budget. Susan enjoyed the hunt of specifying these items and still coming up with a cohesive creative space that feels a bit French in flavor. Parisian style décor is all about casual elegance and an eclectic mix of old and new. Susan had fun sourcing some more personal pieces of artwork for the space, creating a dramatic black, white and moody green color scheme for the kitchen and highlighting the living room with pieces to showcase the vintage fireplace and pocket doors. Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

Nursery - eclectic wallpaper nursery idea in Los Angeles with beige walls

French country exterior home photo in Santa Barbara

Taylor Photo
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Chicago with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

RealTourCast
Entryway - traditional entryway idea in Louisville with a dark wood front door

Tom Crane
Large elegant dining room photo in Philadelphia

THEME Created for a baby girl, this room is magical, feminine and very pink. At its heart is the Carriage Crib, surrounded by a large oak tree with delightful animals, baby blocks, a cozy window seat and an upholstered play area on the floor. FOCUS The eye-catching size and detail of the Carriage Crib, with a dainty canopy held in place by woodland creatures immediately catches a visitor’s attention, and is enhanced by the piece’s fascinating colors and textures. Wall murals, fabrics, accent furniture and lighting accent the beauty of the crib. A handsome Dutch door with a minientrance just for her ensures that this princess feels at home as soon as she steps in the room. STORAGE The room has closet organizers for everyday items, and cubicle storage is beautifully hidden behind the wall letter blocks. GROWTH As the room’s occupant grows from baby to toddler to child and ‘tween, the room is easily transformed with age-appropriate toys, pictures, bedding and fabrics. The crib portion of the carriage can be removed and fitted with a larger mattress, saving both time and money in the future. Letter blocks are easily updated by simply removing the letters and replacing them with mirrors, colors or other images. SAFETY Standard precautions are taken to secure power outlets and keep exposed shelving out of reach. Thickly padded upholstered squares featuring colors and patterns that coordinate with the fabrics on the window seat and valance create a visually inviting, comfortable and safe place to play.

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2017 Houzz Living Room: April in Paris Designer: Jonathan Rachman Design
Living room - traditional formal living room idea in San Francisco with green walls and a standard fireplace

Joseph G Popper III
Example of a beach style white tile ceramic tile claw-foot bathtub design in Philadelphia with a vessel sink, white cabinets and white walls

Photo by Kirt Washington
Example of a classic carpeted sunroom design in New York with a standard ceiling

Fun first floor bedroom, with Anna French wallpaper and rattan wall sconces located over each full size bed.
Mid-sized beach style guest porcelain tile, white floor and wallpaper bedroom photo in Other with blue walls