Search results for "Lessons" in Home Design Ideas

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

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.

Photo: Mina Brinkey © 2013 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional gray floor bedroom remodel in Tampa with white walls
Inspiration for a transitional gray floor bedroom remodel in Tampa with white walls
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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

I loved working with IKD. As I ran into questions (I debated putting in an appliance garage) they´re very helpful with what I’d need through the online chat. That was much more effective than the time we struggled with installation door fronts and spent an hour on hold with IKEA customer service.
I also have counseled other friends to work with local installers directly instead of contracting through IKEA for the countertops. I love my quartz countertops but the delays were very frustrating.
We like the subway tile and how the range hood has plenty of space around it.

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.

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized coastal galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Charleston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, gray backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Learn from the experts and avoid common bathroom remodeling mistakes. Our professionals share valuable insights to help you navigate the renovation process smoothly. From poor layout choices to inefficient fixtures, gain the knowledge you need to create a stunning design.
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#bathroom_decor
#bathroom_remodel
#bathrooms
#Mission_Viejo
#bathroom_renovation

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.

Builder & Interior Selections: Kyle Hunt & Partners, Architect: Sharratt Design Company, Landscape Design: Yardscapes, Photography by James Kruger, LandMark Photography

The goal of the architect should not be to design his best house, but to design the best house for the homeowner. Everyone has different needs and desires. The challenge is to find our how to make your perfect house come to life.

The exterior deck continues the invitation this new room provides to visitors who may come to this retreat. Whether inside or out the nearby bay beckons feelings of relaxation.

An imposing heritage oak and fountain frame a strong central axis leading from the motor court to the front door, through a grand stair hall into the public spaces of this Italianate home designed for entertaining, out to the gardens and finally terminating at the pool and semi-circular columned cabana. Gracious terraces and formal interiors characterize this stately home.

The owners of this home wanted to have a home in the style of Sir Edwin Lutyens. He designed in the late 1800's, early 1900's when the styles were more elaborate and fancy. He took the elements of the times and made the lines clean and distinctive.

The now open wall that was the rear of the home invites the outdoors inside. The finish carpentry was completed by the homeowner. This labor of love after their already over thirty years of living in this petite hideaway takes on a new chapter that will be filled with entertainment and grandchildren.

Chuck Choi
Minimalist eat-in kitchen photo in New York with flat-panel cabinets and stainless steel appliances
Minimalist eat-in kitchen photo in New York with flat-panel cabinets and stainless steel appliances

The design phase went flawlessly. We gave IKD our measurements and overall concepts. We loved the design the designer came up with. My husband and I had several custom additions so he left several things open-ended so we could add those in. The designer gave us our final IKD design just in time for us to order everything from the IKEA kitchen sale and I ordered everything to be delivered to our home.

This week we showcase an IKEA kitchen design project that involved a custom corner tall cabinet. It was the kind of challenge we were delighted to work on. Many thanks to Jen, from Salt Lake City, Utah, for choosing to work with us!
Before we jump in with the questions, here’s what Jen’s kitchen looked like:

Reminiscent of a classic European mansion, this home artfully combines stonework, stucco and brick to create a friendly and inviting entrance.
Example of a large transitional three-story exterior home design
Example of a large transitional three-story exterior home design
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