Music room; Photography by Marty Paoletta
Example of a large classic enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor living room design in Nashville with gray walls, a music area, no fireplace and no tv

Cynthia Lynn Photography
Bedroom - contemporary dark wood floor bedroom idea in Chicago with white walls

Jonathan Reece
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional gender-neutral light wood floor and brown floor kids' room remodel in Portland Maine with beige walls

Inspiration for a coastal mosaic tile floor bathroom remodel in Providence with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and blue walls

Beach style blue tile mosaic tile floor and white floor bathroom photo in Miami with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Staircase - contemporary wooden straight staircase idea in Los Angeles with painted risers

Mountain home outdoor living area with a stone firepit and lounge seating. Brands & Kribbs Photography
Patio - rustic backyard stone patio idea in Denver with a fire pit and no cover

Inspiration for a handsome home study. Rice University inspired blue hue, a natural walnut Lawson Fenning desk, and beautiful built-ins to welcome the families book collection.

Mid-sized trendy galley ceramic tile and gray floor utility room photo in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and a stacked washer/dryer

Mid-sized contemporary brown two-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Denver with a mixed material roof

This award-winning and intimate cottage was rebuilt on the site of a deteriorating outbuilding. Doubling as a custom jewelry studio and guest retreat, the cottage’s timeless design was inspired by old National Parks rough-stone shelters that the owners had fallen in love with. A single living space boasts custom built-ins for jewelry work, a Murphy bed for overnight guests, and a stone fireplace for warmth and relaxation. A cozy loft nestles behind rustic timber trusses above. Expansive sliding glass doors open to an outdoor living terrace overlooking a serene wooded meadow. Photos by: Emily Minton Redfield

Mid-century modern gray floor living room photo in Raleigh with white walls and a ribbon fireplace

1950s backyard rectangular pool house photo in New York

Living room - traditional dark wood floor living room idea in Atlanta with no tv and blue walls

Photography by John Merkl.
Family room - transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room idea in San Francisco with white walls

Every home improvement project can feel like going into battle, but the sweet taste of victory is enough to make it worthwhile. If you ever feel intimidated by homes and gardens in magazines, don’t fret – you can turn your home into a beautiful beacon with easy curb appeal updates! Kevin and Annette Klingel are some of our favorite weekend warriors, and their latest project proves that anything is possible when it comes to dressing up your front garden. The Klingels recently gave their home and front garden a major renovation and entered their photos in the Window Box Contest. When we saw the gorgeous before and after pictures, we knew we had to get the inside scoop on their process and uncover their best curb appeal ideas. Curb Appeal – Before and After Before the renovation, the Klingels had a charming South Bend, Indiana rambler that was tidy and traditional, if a little unassuming. Deciding it was time for a much-needed update, the Klingels replaced their old green roof with a black barrel roof to match the style of their home. They also made a needed replacement and changed out the sidewalk and front stoop to a new version in classic black. After those dramatic changes, the Klingels just couldn’t stop! Loving the contrast between the new black roof and stoop and their cream house, they painted their shutters black. And here’s where we come in – Annette wanted to incorporate her love of flowers into the new home design and found the perfect planters and window boxes to match the shutters. They purchased ten black window boxes in a classic and chic design to put around their outside windows. The Klingels also used tall black planters around the entrance to the house. The window boxes and planters each received the same plant treatment – red, yellow, and orange impatiens with flowing ferns for a bright punch of color. Paired with hanging baskets and a few other accents, the Klingels house is now a masterpiece. From Drab to Fab The Klingels love their warm and inviting new front entrance, and the neighbors do too. Instead of getting overlooked, their house now stands out and is the star of their busy street, where it is seen by lots of people everyday. They have received tons of compliments about their new look – a crisp and clean front garden that stays true to the style of the home and neighborhood. The Klingels’ curb appeal update wasn’t without its challenges, but the end product is amazing, and as Annette says, definitely worth the time. The Klingels recommend starting with the necessary replacements and finding beautiful matching pieces to add curb appeal. With a little patience, elbow grease, and the help of a great garden supply store like Hooks & Lattice, you too can have the home of your dreams. Photos: Kevin & Annette Klingel

Inspiration for a timeless bedroom remodel in Nashville

© Alyssa Lee Photography
Inspiration for a timeless formal medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Minneapolis with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.