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Choose the right style. When it comes to choosing kitchen lights, take your cues from your home’s architecture and the lighting styles in the rest of the home. Choosing similar styles (or at least having a unifying theme such as shape or finish) will create a sense of flow among the spaces. This is particularly important in an open-plan kitchen that flows directly into a living or dining area.When it comes to decorative lighting trends, the Scandi look is still popular, as well as simple styles in natural wood and black, white and industrial metallics.
7. Fire PitsFire pits extend the deck season by cozying things up on chilly nights. This Los Angeles roof deck has gorgeous sunsets to boot. Share: Have you recently added a deck or freshened up yours? What’s your favorite thing about it? If you’re just dreaming of a deck, what would you want to include in the design? Please share with us in the Comments.More: What to Know About Adding a Deck
Further EvolutionThese two factors led to the development of the current type of stone garden. This new form also fit well with the advent of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, or the appreciation of that which is imperfect or incomplete. Stone gardens, therefore, began to be adopted beyond Zen temples as even samurai and merchants began creating their own. However, in the middle of the Edo period (1603–1867), naturalistic gardens that favored living plants stole the spotlight for a time.Stone gardens experienced a resurgence in the Showa period (20th century), when gardener- historian Mirei Shigemori (1896-1975) created over 200 timeless examples. Despite holding to the traditional rules of stone arrangement, his gardens weren’t blind imitations of the old ways. Instead, he combined his own innovations and modern aesthetics with traditional forms.
8. Geometry in the LandscapeThis contemporary home shows what a big difference the right garage doors can make, especially when those doors face the street, as they often do. Here they resemble Japanese shoji screens and play off other windows and proportions on the facade and landscaping.See more of this house | How to Replace or Revamp Your Garage Doors
9. Outdoor CinemaThis grand house in India follows similar principles. But I suspect the movie projecting across the pool onto the wall may have been a major factor in all of those “Add to Ideabook” clicks from Houzz users. That is one super-cool idea. See more of this house | How to Create and Use Ideabooks
This open-plan kitchen — connected to a dining area and living area — features built-in speakers in the ceiling. Although it’s easier to install these during a remodel, it’s not too difficult to add them to an existing kitchen. Consider hiring an acoustical consultant to help figure out the best places to install speakers. Using built-in speakers throughout your entertaining areas allows you to play music more quietly and still hear it in different rooms (rather than having it too loud in one room and too quiet in another).MoreHow to Refresh Your Kitchen on Any Budget5 Ways to Avoid Holiday Season BurnoutA Clean Home for the Holidays in 5 DaysKey Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen
2. Design your kitchen around a fireplace, or add one. Is there anything cozier than a crackling fire at a family holiday? If you are expanding your kitchen into another room or even building a new home, consider including a fireplace in the kitchen. We always light fires in our living room during winter parties, but it’s not enough to draw the crowds; everyone still hangs out in the kitchen. If a new fireplace is not an option for your renovation plan, try to open sight lines to a hearth in another room that has one.Find kitchen designers in your area
Projects to Consider in a Kitchen Remodel1. Create out-of-the-way seating. Lounge seating is great for keeping guests comfortable and out of the way when you’re cooking, so consider adding a window seat or sofa. While many kitchens have bar stools, lounge seats are more comfortable, and lower seats are easier for elderly guests to use. Built-in seating can also include storage for pots or platters. This kitchen window seat feels inviting with its bright cushions and garden view. Adding a lounge seat to a window could be a way to enhance your kitchen for guests without investing in a full remodel. Or it could be a good project to consider as part of a larger kitchen remodel down the road. Kick Back in Comfort in Your Own Kitchen Lounge
The kitchen packs a lot of punch in the open-plan living, dining and cooking area. From the breakfast bar, the couple can look out through windows to views of the Mississippi River. The Sputnik-style chandelier is from Restoration Hardware. The dining table migrated to this home from the couple’s former house. “It’s an heirloom to them,” Jorgensen says, “so why not include it in their midcentury home? A little Craftsman never hurt anyone.”MoreThe Case for the Midcentury Modern Kitchen LayoutMake a Splash in Your Kitchen With a Waterfall Countertop
Photos by Canary GreyKitchen at a Glance Who lives here: A retired couple Location: St. Paul, MinnesotaSize: About 175 square feet (about 16.2 square meters)Designer: Jennifer Jorgensen of J. JorgensenWhen a retired couple purchased this midcentury gem from Jennifer Jorgensen’s close friend, they asked the designer to help them renew the main living areas, including the kitchen. “They were open to suggestions and wanted to bring back the midcentury feel,” Jorgensen says. The previous kitchen had a mishmash of white-and-wood cabinets installed between the 1960s and 1980s, with a small island and a countertop that had tiny tile and large grout lines. The homeowners wanted to keep the open feel of the original kitchen but also have a sense of separation from the living area. Jorgensen designed a custom wall of open shelves in walnut to delineate the space without blocking views. The walnut used for the shelves relates to the walnut-covered fireplace in the living area.
5. Cut some branches to bring indoors. Red berries and garlands of greenery make beautiful, natural holiday decor. If you have red berry bushes or evergreens in your yard, trim some and bring them in. If not, look for bundles of berry branches and garlands of greenery at your local grocery store. If you have kids (or curious pets) in the house, be sure to check in advance whether any holiday plants you’re bringing in are poisonous — poinsettia, for instance, as well as many red winter berries, are poisonous to pets and people.6 Rockin’ Red Plants for Winter Gardens
4. A comfortable bed. Since I was a little girl, I have taken pride in my neat, pretty and comfortable bed. Not much has changed. On a daily basis I look forward to crawling between my crisp sheets and laying my head on the soft pillows. It’s something we might take for granted, but after a long day, having a comfortable bed to rest in makes any challenge I’ve faced a bit easier and helps me recharge for the next day. It’s one of the most cherished places in my home that I’m consistently thankful for.
3. An organized linen closet. Earlier this year I had a battle with my linen closet, in which it seemed to be hiding the matching pillowcase for one of my sheet sets. In fact, this was a recurring frustration. I finally put an end to the irritation by purchasing several storage baskets and placing each bed ensemble in its own basket. Now every time I open my linen closet, it’s a peaceful encounter. Thank you, storage baskets!Browse storage baskets
4. Floating BedThe integrated bed platform, headboard and nightstands give this bedroom a clean, contemporary look. But the most relaxing bit is the sense that the bed is floating off the floor. This creates an uninterrupted view of the rug beneath it and doesn’t allow for any clutter to gather down there.Notable detail: The smoky glass pendant lights continue the orb shapes in the artwork across the entire extended-headboard wall.
6. Scandinavian SimplicityA pleasing mix of just-barely-off-white and tans highlights the beautiful old beams in this bedroom. Notable detail: If space is too tight for a sitting area like we saw in No. 17, see if you can carve out a window seat like this one.
8. Rustic LuxeThe key to rustic luxe is to contrast rough-hewn finishes like reclaimed wood with sumptuous textiles like velvet and chenille. It’s an easy formula to achieve — just keep in mind that the bed should stay plush and comfortable; the rest of the mix will work itself out.Notable detail: The wall that opens wide to the outdoors can transform this bedroom into a glamping experience.
13. Coastal CasualBeachy textures on items like the natural fiber rug, branches, woven baskets and fringed blankets enhance the neutral palette in this English bedroom. Notable detail: The white painted wood keeps things casual.
20. Warm GraysIf the most popular picks for 2017 are any indication, gray is here to stay, especially in the bedroom, where the warmer gray hues lend a sense of calm. Notable detail: This could be the world’s fluffiest rug — can you imagine anything softer to step on first thing in the morning? If you don’t have a rug or carpeting in your bedroom, try placing a small area rug right on the spot where your feet hit the floor when you get out of bed.
1. A Classic Swing SpotAnd the No. 1 outdoor room of 2017 has a prominent trait that’s an oldie but a goodie: a porch swing. Of course, the beautiful architecture and bluestone patio are draws as well. But it’s that lovely swing covered in Sunbrella fabric that won our hearts. It’s the ultimate spot to swing away and watch the fireflies. Notable detail: The extra depth to the swing — there’s plenty of room to curl your legs up underneath.
2. Moroccan-Style CourtyardThe patterns on the rug, screen and faceted lights give this English courtyard some exotic Moroccan style. Vines add a lush feeling while the fire pit and cushy chairs add comfort. Notable detail: The house is open to this courtyard on all sides, so the homeowners can enjoy it whether they are indoors or out.See more of this home
7. Southern CharmThis grand porch in South Carolina’s low country is a paragon of Southern comfort. Deep upholstery, plenty of throw pillows, well-placed tables for drinks and a well-appointed porch swing made it a spot where many Houzzers could see themselves enjoying some sweet tea.Notable detail: The haint blue ceiling — this trick is indigenous to South Carolina — was originally used to keep haints (ghosts) from entering the house.See more of this home
8. Party DeckThis photo doesn’t even show the incredible lake views from this Texas deck; the design itself was cool enough to catch the eye of many Houzzers. Complete with a bar, hightop dining table, built-in sofas and a cocktail table with a recess for drink-chilling ice, it’s the ultimate weekend party spot. Make sure you click on the link below to check out the lake views and the chill cocktail table.Notable detail: The table lamp-like lighting brings indoor style outdoors.See more of this property
15. Island DreamingThis sleeping porch on Amelia Island in Florida has room for two to enjoy the fresh breezes and sounds of the sea while drifting off for the night or grabbing a catnap during the day.Notable detail: Ropes holding up the beds add a nautical touch.
17. Lakeside LuxuryOverlooking Lake Keowee in South Carolina, this porch is the perfect setup for a football weekend. A stately stone fireplace, a giant TV and comfortable seating make it just the spot to watch the game, or conversely, to turn off the noise and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.Notable detail: The beautiful wide-plank flooring.See more of this home
19. Cooking, Eating, Toasting and Soaking The designers fit a lot into this 1,000-square-foot yard in San Francisco, including a dining platform, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit and a sunken hot tub with an ipe deck surround that matches the main deck.Notable detail: The steps on the deck double as stadium-style seating.Learn more about this backyard design
20. Jungle HouseThis balcony in the beach town of Guarujá, Brazil, provides treehouse-like views into the lush forest. The architects chose Accoya wood for the decking and a minimalist style that complements and puts the focus upon the view. Notable detail: Clear glass railings maintain the most open view possible.See more of this home
Cleaning regimen. Clean your copper sink daily with mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth or sponge, then dry with a cloth to prevent water spots. It’s best not to use abrasive cleaners or tools like steel wool.The development of patina is a natural process with copper, but if you want to try to intervene in the look of your sink, there are some steps you can take — you will just need to be ready to take on some work. You may want to apply a product that can help prevent water spots, especially if you have hard water that could leave mineral deposits. One option for protecting the sink from such spots is a spray wax applied once per month.Too much moisture can lead to green spots in your copper sink’s patina; this is a mineral buildup that you can remove with your fingernail or a soft cloth, or with warm water and a sponge. Some soaps may also cause green spotting if they sit on the sink’s surface for too long. Sometimes these sinks can also get a brown film; similarly, it can be wiped off with a cloth or scratched off with a fingernail. For some people, none of this is really a big deal — others will find staying on top of the development of patina an annoyance. How to protect it...
Fireclay is a popular material for farm sinks; using wax on them regularly can help with water flow.3. FireclayBasics to know. Fireclay sinks are made from a mixture of clay and glaze fired at temperatures of at least 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in the clay and glaze fusing together to create a durable, ceramic-like finish. This material is non-porous and highly resistant to scratching or chipping. Though they are generally stain-resistant, designer Lauren Davenport, of Davenport Designs in Atlanta, recommends rinsing a sink thoroughly after placing red wine, coffee or tea bags in it, as they can leave a mark on the sink. You can place hot pans and dishes in the sink without fear of damaging the material. These sinks are often apron-front and found in farmhouse-style kitchens. Cleaning regimen. Use mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge to clean fireclay sinks of daily messes. For heavier, crusted-on messes, apply baking soda or a mild abrasive cleaner to a sponge or soft cloth and clean off the gunk. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.These sinks often have flat bottoms and food can accumulate in the sink’s corners. When this happens, you ...
1. Take charge. Designer Tracey Stephens was tasked with creating a retro-style kitchen that features vintage furniture and checkerboard floors for a New Jersey family of four. But the requirements of the technology age were not lost on the design. The kitchen includes a drawer with a built-in charger, complete with regular and USB outlets. “It’s so nice not to have all of those devices out and dealing with cords all the time,” homeowner Jody Suden says. Drawer charging station: Docking Drawer 18MoreHow to Refresh Your Kitchen on Any BudgetStash It All: Know the 3 Zones of Kitchen Storage
7. Your barn door is open. This Michigan kitchen features two barn doors on a single sliding track. One of the doors slides open to reveal a walk-in pantry, while the other door leads to the living room. Therefore, if the homeowners want to hide a messy pantry or keep guests out of the kitchen, the solution is just a slide away.Find barn door hardware
8. Pretty and practical. For designer Sarah St. Amand’s own kitchen in Toronto, she selected a stunning quartz for the countertops and backsplash. “I knew I wanted to mimic marble, but marble isn’t the best choice for busy people and families in their kitchens because it’s porous and stains easily.” The quartz she selected gives her the best of both worlds.
9. High contrast. While white kitchens continue to resonate with home design fans, those with more contrast are gaining steam. This Pennsylvania kitchen caught a lot of eyes with a backsplash and stools that navigate between the charcoal gray island and the white cabinets.Tile backsplash: Tundra gray marble polished, MSI Tile
7. Minimalist. Although technically a wall-side planting, this planting bed outside a contemporary Los Angeles home would work just as well along a foundation. The design is elegant in its simplicity. Pale rush marches along the exterior to create a graphic planting that feels distinctly modern. Clump-forming pale rush, native to New Zealand, is surprisingly drought- and heat-tolerant and does not require a damp-soil habitat like some other rushes.
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