This front garden echoes the classic lines and Mediterranean feel of the home’s architecture. A thirsty lawn was replaced with vibrant aloes, agaves, and low water shrubs. An area of decomposed granite doubles as an informal play court. Photo by Daniel Bosler

Traditional kitchen with white cabinetry, furnished with appliances from LG in the new Black Stainless collection.
Inspiration for a light wood floor kitchen remodel in Tampa with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and black appliances

Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Boston

Cotoneaster lacteus, syn. Cotoneaster parneyii Le jardinet

'Mexican Cinnamon' basil growing in a window box off the front deck. It's easy to slip out of the kitchen and pick a few leaves as needed. Here, the central leader is pinched out to encourage bushy growth. Photo by Steve Masley

Trendy patio photo in New York

Home office - contemporary home office idea

Photography by Andrew Hyslop
Example of a mountain style brick floor hallway design in Louisville with white walls

Design: Debby Ruskin, Ruskin Gardens Co. Photo: Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

When it comes to selecting fixtures for your kitchen or bathroom, few options offer the blend of elegance, durability, and functionality like brass bridge faucets. These faucets, with their vintage charm and modern efficiency, bring a unique aesthetic and practical benefits to any space. This article explores the appeal of brass bridge faucets, their key features, benefits, and tips on how to choose and maintain them. The Charm of Brass Bridge Faucets Classic Aesthetic Brass bridge faucets are known for their classic, timeless look. The warm, golden hue of brass adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, making these faucets a focal point in any kitchen or bathroom. Their vintage design can seamlessly blend with various décor styles, from rustic to contemporary. Durability One of the standout qualities of brass is its durability. Brass is resistant to corrosion and can withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring that your faucet remains in excellent condition for years. This makes brass bridge faucets a long-term investment for your home. Versatility Available in various finishes such as polished, brushed, or antique brass, these faucets can complement a wide range of design themes. Whether you want a shiny, reflective finish or a more subdued, matte look, there’s a brass bridge faucet to suit your taste. Key Features of Brass Bridge Faucets Elevated Bridge Design The distinctive feature of bridge faucets is the elevated connecting pipe that links the hot and cold water lines. This bridge not only enhances the faucet's aesthetic appeal but also provides additional clearance, making it easier to clean large pots and pans or to accommodate larger sinks. Dual Handles Brass bridge faucets typically feature dual handles, allowing for precise control over water temperature. This functionality ensures a balanced mix of hot and cold water, providing you with the perfect temperature for your needs. Classic Spout Designs These faucets often come with high-arc or gooseneck spouts, which are both practical and stylish. The high spout design provides ample space for washing and filling containers, adding to the faucet’s functionality. Benefits of Brass Bridge Faucets Visual Appeal Brass bridge faucets serve as a statement piece in any room. Their elegant design and warm finish add a touch of luxury and can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. Functionality Beyond their beauty, brass bridge faucets are highly functional. The dual-handle design allows for precise temperature control, while the elevated bridge offers extra clearance for various tasks. This combination of form and function makes them a practical choice for busy households. Hygienic Properties Brass has natural antimicrobial properties, making it a hygienic choice for kitchen and bathroom fixtures. This can be particularly beneficial in spaces where cleanliness is paramount. Choosing the Right Brass Bridge Faucet Finish Options When selecting a brass bridge faucet, consider the finish that best matches your existing décor. Polished brass offers a shiny, reflective surface, while antique brass provides a more vintage, weathered look. Brushed brass has a matte finish that hides fingerprints and water spots. Coordination with Other Fixtures Ensure that your brass bridge faucet complements other fixtures in your kitchen or bathroom. Coordinating the faucet with cabinet handles, lighting fixtures, and other hardware can create a cohesive and harmonious look. Installation Requirements Check the installation requirements before purchasing a brass bridge faucet. These faucets typically require a three-hole installation, so make sure your sink or countertop is compatible. Maintenance Tips Regular Cleaning To maintain the luster of your brass bridge faucet, clean it regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch the surface. Preventing Water Spots After cleaning, dry the faucet thoroughly to prevent water spots. This is particularly important for polished brass finishes, which are more prone to showing spots and fingerprints. Addressing Tarnish Brass can tarnish over time. To address this, use a brass cleaner or a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda to gently polish the surface. Regular polishing can keep your faucet looking its best. Conclusion Brass bridge faucets are a beautiful and functional addition to any home. Their timeless design, durability, and practicality make them a worthwhile investment for your kitchen or bathroom. By choosing the right finish and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy the elegance and charm of a brass bridge faucet for years to come. Embrace the classic appeal of brass and elevate the look of your home with this stunning fixture.

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Chicago

Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

This Houston outdoor kitchen and entertaining area offers a modern take on Mediterranean style. Designed and built by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston, this fully loaded family and entertaining space echoes the stucco, travertine tile patio and Mediterranean style of the existing home while exuding a more modern, transitional style. “This was a high-profile client – both VPs of different oil and gas companies who entertain affluent guests on a regular basis – so they wanted to make sure they had high-end appliances and all the latest amenities they could order,” says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Outdoor Homescapes and owner of LGH Design Services in Houston. “They also have two kids, ages 7 and 10, and wanted a family gathering space that better accompanied their new, luxurious pool.” What really sets apart this outside kitchen design idea, however, is the way the elements are used throughout the space. “Usually, outdoor kitchen designs for a backyard are grouped into one island or cabinet,” explains Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. “But here, the patio, roof and fireplace were all in place, separated by stucco columns, and the outdoor kitchen elements had to work around them.” A 14-foot-long cooking island houses a built-in Fire Magic grill with a Magic View Window (allows the chef to check on food without lifting the lid and losing valuable heat). The island, the countertop of which is "Carnaval" granite from Lackstone, also features a Fire Magic power burner, warming drawer and trash drawer. On one side of the fireplace, forming an “L” with the cooking island, sits a built-in Primo ceramic grill. On the other side of the fireplace is a 3-foot-long cabinet housing a bar with a wine cooler, ice maker and upper cabinet. And finally, just outside the patio door is a 7-foot-long cabinet with a modern Kohler sink with a high-arc Moen faucet (sink and faucet from Faucets Direct), a trash drawer and another upper cabinet. Outdoor Homescapes of Houston, by the way, outfitted both cabinets with glass inserts, custom pulls and three-way sensor lighting. “At the beginning, this was basically a blank space with a fireplace in the middle,” says Maxey. So Outdoor Homescapes upgraded the fireplace with Austin Stack Stone in white (No. 401) from Colorstonescreenshot vickers mosaic tile rectangle. "The stone added that pop,” notes Maxey. The fireplace’s espresso-colored, distressed wood mantel (from Mantels.com) and upper wood cabinets were both stained with the Minwax color Jacobean. The ceiling fans were also updated with ones featuring similarly espresso-colored, wooden fan blades, to match. The table in the middle - a cast-iron, Mediterranean style gem with hand-forged scrollwork designs from Patio 1 in Houston – seats 10. “We wanted this kind of Mediterranean feel,” says Maxey. “We wanted rustic, but the appliance package was so new, with all its stainless steel, so we kept a the cabinets and the columns stucco instead of stone for a more clean, modern look and then did the custom tile backsplash and mosaic in more of a rustic, Mediterranean look." The backsplash is a 1-inch travertine tile background with 4-inch square metallic insets, both from Floor & Decor. The tile for the 18-by-24-inch rectangle mosaic came from Great Britain Tile Co. and included a Dianno Reale tumbled border and background. The bronze, diamond-shaped insets are tumbled Dark Emperdor tile and the scrolls are tumbled Noce tile. The client, who admits they have high standards, was more than pleased with the project – especially browsing through Outdoor Homescapes’ vast library of patio kitchen design ideas, the 3D virtual video tour that let them preview the project from every angle before construction. They also liked the personalized design consultation. "OH provides a very neat service where one of their designers will either shop/buy for you or shop with you for the more detailed pieces that will finish your home," reads the client's review on Houzz. "This was a very positive, personalized feature ... Lisha helped narrow down an enormous marketplace of materials and finishes to a few we could choose from."

Example of a trendy gray floor foyer design in Seattle with white walls

A cozy balcony garden on a second floor apartment. A new living space created for all members of the family-including a 15 month old.
Small farmhouse patio photo in Delhi

9. Maintain organization: Implement organizational systems such as labeled storage bins, dividers for drawers, and specific zones for different types of clothing. Regularly declutter and reorganize to ensure your walk-in closet remains functional and well-organized. 10. Regular maintenance: Keep your walk-in closet clean and well-maintained. Dust shelves and surfaces regularly, vacuum or sweep the floor, and check for any signs of wear and tear. A well-maintained closet will enhance its functionality and longevity.

We decided to use a separate induction cooktop and wall oven, so that the countertop could wrap completely around the cooktop surface. The range hood is a slimline model from Faber, and turns on when it is pulled out from the wall.