Encircling a sleek pool, this garden for a growing family offers comfortable spaces in which to play, relax and dine. New raised planters and containers overflow with citrus, herbs and colorful Mediterranean plantings. Synthetic turf provides a soft, inviting play place in a shady area of the yard. Photo by Martin Cox

Photography by Deb Scannell
Inspiration for a contemporary back porch remodel in Charlotte with a roof extension

This is a "Joshua" from Vintage Porch Swings in Charleston SC. It has a vintage white finish with our fabrics package. See our website at www.vintageporchswings.com or visit us on Facebook.

Creating a cozy spot in a kitchen with lots of storage is ideal. Add in this view and this is where everyone wants to hang out.
Kitchen/dining room combo - small country dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Seattle with white walls and no fireplace

Ron Rosenzweig
Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical backyard rectangular pool remodel in Miami with a gazebo

The family living in this shingled roofed home on the Peninsula loves color and pattern. At the heart of the two-story house, we created a library with high gloss lapis blue walls. The tête-à-tête provides an inviting place for the couple to read while their children play games at the antique card table. As a counterpoint, the open planned family, dining room, and kitchen have white walls. We selected a deep aubergine for the kitchen cabinetry. In the tranquil master suite, we layered celadon and sky blue while the daughters' room features pink, purple, and citrine.

Laundry closet on second floor of custom home by Boardwalk Builders. Rehoboth Beach, DE www.boardwalkbuilders.com photos Sue Fortier
Laundry closet - mid-sized modern single-wall porcelain tile laundry closet idea with open cabinets, white walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

This back patio is an ideal spot at any time of the day to take in views of the lake.
Patio - traditional concrete paver patio idea with a pergola

Example of a large classic medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Denver with white cabinets

The Pai Pai is the automatic hangout spot for the whole family. Designed in a fun tropical style with a reed thatch ceiling, dark stained rafters, and Ohia log columns. The live edge bar faces the TV for watching the game while barbecuing and the orange built-in sofa makes relaxing a sinch. The pool features a swim-up bar and a hammock swings in the shade beneath the coconut trees.

Placed within an idyllic beach community, this modern family home is filled with both playful and functional spaces. Natural light reflects throughout and oversized openings allow for movement to the outdoor spaces. Custom millwork completes the kitchen with concealed appliances, and creates a space well suited for entertaining. Accents of concrete add strength and architectural context to the spaces. Livable finishes of white oak and quartz are simple and hardworking. High ceilings in the bedroom level allowed for creativity in children’s spaces, and the addition of colour brings in that sense of playfulness. Art pieces reflect the owner’s time spent abroad, and exude their love of life – which is fitting in a place where the only boundaries to roam are the ocean and railways. KBC Developments Photography by Ema Peter www.emapeter.com

Sunroom with glass garage doors on a lake house outside metro Detroit. Photo: Kirk Allen / http://kirkallenphotography.com/

Design ideas for a large traditional drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone garden path in San Diego.

kyle caldwell
Inspiration for a country enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor home theater remodel in Boston with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a modern bedroom remodel in Los Angeles

A dark brown pergola blends well with a wooded background and has a rustic theme. A defined space for an outdoor kitchen (notice the countertops in the background) engenders an ideal spot for outdoor get-togethers and summer BBQs!

This elegant breakfast nook offers the ideal spot for morning coffee.

Home weight room - large contemporary home weight room idea in Orlando with white walls