This coastal Maine cottage shows how barn-inspired architecture works best when form, material, and site lead the design. Instead of relying on decorative cues, the project uses proportion, massing, and restraint to create a compound that feels grounded, quiet, and settled. The exterior keeps familiar barn silhouettes, broken into several volumes to reduce scale and...

For years, living room art played a supporting role. It filled space above the sofa, softened blank walls, or added a finishing touch once everything else was decided. That hierarchy is quietly collapsing. In 2026, the most compelling living rooms are being designed from the wall outward, with art acting as structure, scale reference, and...

For a long time, cabinet doors felt non-negotiable, especially in kitchens and utility rooms where storage was supposed to stay hidden and controlled. I designed and lived with plenty of them, assuming solid fronts were the only way to keep a space looking finished. What changed my mind wasn’t a trend or a styling trick,...

These 25 mantel setups show how greenery, stockings, candles, and simple seasonal accents can bring a clear festive look to any fireplace. Each idea focuses on balanced decor, texture, and Christmas details that enhance the room with ease. 1. Natural Fireplace Setting A linen armchair, wrapped gifts, and a simple garland frame the fireplace for...

Dog Run Ranch in Spicewood, Texas is a modern hill-country retreat that blends contemporary comfort with the honest materiality of traditional ranch architecture. Anchored by a majestic oak tree at the top of the site, the 5,200-square-foot home unfolds down the hillside, positioning each pavilion and outdoor space to capture long, open views of the...

In 1949, the average home size was 909 square feet. By 1970, it had grown to 1,500 square feet, and in 2024, it had grown again, with average US sizes reaching around 2,100 square feet. It’s no secret that as household consumption has increased, so has the house size required to hold the possessions. But...

Designing a comfortable and stylish guest room is an excellent way to improve the experience of your house guests and make their stay more enjoyable for everyone. A tastefully furnished guest room will demonstrate your attention to detail, enhance your hospitality, and make your guests feel valued. These guest room decorating ideas will save you...

The coastal design aesthetic is timeless and relaxing, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the coastal environment. Summer is an excellent time to experiment with coastal decor in your home because the warm, breezy weather complements the organic, relaxed aesthetic. Coastal design captures the essence of beachfront living by incorporating elements such as open...

Love them or hate them, many homes have awkward nooks that are hard to fill. While these nooks pose design challenges, they can be an asset with a little creativity. If you’re stumped about what to do with the awkward spot in your home, try one of these ten ideas. Create a Book Nook Deep...

Eggshell paint has a low sheen. As a result, it provides accurate color and is still washable, making it one of the most popular paint finishes. When choosing interior paint, you have two big decisions. First, and probably most importantly – the color. Once you nail that down, you need to choose a sheen. Sheen...

Blustery Sky Sherwin Williams is a deep blue-green paint color that adds drama. It’s ideal for a distinctive exterior, stylish cabinets or a dramatic dining room. It’s a strong color so it might not top everyone’s popularity list. However, those bold enough to choose it are well rewarded when it comes to style What Color...

Floating cabinets are a unique blend of functionality and style. They bring together the best features of these two concepts by being versatile, modular, practical and exciting. They also have the added benefits of a lightweight appearance and adjustability. Let’s see them being incorporated into a few interior designs.  20 Interior design ideas featuring floating...

We typically associate balconies with small apartments where they serve as the best way one can connect with the outdoors and the surroundings without leaving the house. But even given how important the balcony is in this context we find it difficult to actually decorate it and to make it look and feel like part...

Houses with basements are amazing and have a ton of potential. However, for some unknown reason, not everyone takes advantage of the basement area which is a real shame because there’s so much you can do with this space. If not for anything else, you could at least use it for storage. A few shelves...

A magnificent seaside site in South Africa now has a home that capitalizes on the terrain and the views in the most spectacular way.  It’s also the ideal home for a family, with six floors of laid-back, luxuriously designed living spaces, ranging from a serene outdoor courtyard and pool level to a top-tier bedroom section....