(BPT) - Designers are often drawn to a simple, modern look - however, layering unique patterns and textures in the home is a quickly growing trend. Keep your space harmonized, yet distinct, with the tips outlined below. Fancy Frames An empty wall holds endless potential. If the room is small, expand your...
A mixture of stone, brick and stucco makes a very eclectic exterior for French Tudor House Plan 82155. Decorative half timbering on the prominent front facing gable recalls the medieval influence which lasted in England from about 1485-1603. Resembling a carriage house entrance, the strap hinges and arches on the...
If there’s one lesson we’ve all learned by now, it’s the fact that the kitchen functions as the hub of the home. From spacious luxury designs to compact starter plans, this area becomes the focal point of every house. If you still question the necessity of a large, open kitchen,...
What makes a home inviting? As with any discussion of design elements, the answer is usually quite subjective. Diverse personal preferences make it difficult to nail down specifics, but a few general guidelines can help increase the attraction and comfort of several areas in your home. The front door and entry,...
(ARA) - Your home is bursting at the seams but buying something bigger is out of the question in this economy. And your improvement budget is limited, so you can't please every member of the family with whatever renovation you choose to fund. Or can you? Polls show that many American...
(ARA) - Today's modern fireplaces with stylized flames surrounded by colored glass and shiny metal are worlds away from the traditional brick fireplaces of yesteryear. Modern fireplace design is pushing boundaries with radical ideas that incorporate both function and beauty. As the focal point of a room, fireplaces are where people...
(ARA) - More and more Americans today are looking at their homes as a place of refuge in a stressful world of challenges and economic instability. Instead of going out to dinner or social events, they're cocooning with their families. Now, more than ever, their homes need to be restful...
(ARA) - For many of us, the return of winter means six months of snow, sleet and colder temperatures that force us to take cover indoors. Being stuck inside month after month can leave anyone a little bored. That's what makes winter an ideal time to tackle easy, do-it-yourself indoor...
As one of the most prominent interior architectural features, custom staircases are an increasingly popular way for homeowners to make a captivating first impression. Interior stairways help define a home's look and serve as more than just a connecting point between two levels. Today's stairway offerings include a wide selection of...
Hardwood floors add beauty, warmth and lasting value to any home. Combine that beauty and durability with the comfort, decorating freedom and the lower cost benefits of radiant heat, and you have a great combination. Add the overall environmental benefits and it is win-win all around. The concept of radiant heating...
