Meet the 2024 Extraordinary Faces of Home

The 2025 Real Simple Home event is set to feature two distinct residential spaces in One Park Row, downtown Manhattan: a four-bedroom penthouse suite and a two-bedroom “DIY Annex.” These spaces have been transformed by a team of ten designers, including a celebrity, a group of content creators, and an organizing expert. This initiative marks the first time Real Simple has showcased two apartments for its annual home event. The penthouse suite has been collaboratively designed by several notable figures. Alvin Wayne, founder of Alvin Wayne Interiors, is responsible for the primary suite, bringing his signature blend of modern and vintage elements. Jason Saft, owner of Staged to Sell Home, has taken on the open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen, leveraging his extensive experience in real estate staging. Drew Barrymore, the renowned actor, producer, talk show host, and business owner, contributed her design aesthetic to a dedicated “feel-good room.” Noz Nozawa, a San Francisco-based designer known for her vibrant, layered interiors, applied her style to the penthouse's wrap-around patio. Alexandra Gater, a Toronto-based stylist and home decor expert, focused on the home's second-floor den, emphasizing budget-friendly yet beautiful design. Candace Griffin, founder of Candace Mary Interiors, designed a children's room, incorporating timeless elegance with modern touches. Mandy Cheng, owner of Mandy Cheng Design, created a versatile guest bedroom/office space. The “DIY Annex” apartment was conceptualized and executed by three prominent content creators. Drew Michael Scott, known for his Lone Fox brand, designed the living room, showcasing his expertise in DIY projects and interior design. Mallory Fletchall, a Brooklyn-based content creator and owner of Reserve Home, contributed her ideas to the annex, drawing from her experience with timeless interiors and vintage finds. Valeria Jacobs, the creative mind behind Rebecca and Genevieve, brought her unique DIY perspective to the space, informed by her passion for interiors and content creation. Rounding out the team is Tyler Moore, also known as Tidy Dad, an organizing expert who ensured both spaces were optimized for storage and functionality, offering practical solutions for a well-ordered home. This comprehensive design effort aims to offer a wide range of decorating ideas, organizational strategies, and inspiring transformations for both luxury and budget-conscious homeowners and renters. The project brings together diverse design philosophies and practical approaches to create engaging and functional living environments. #RealSimpleHome #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ManhattanApartments #DesignerShowcase #DIYHomeDecor #CelebrityDesign #HomeOrganization #LuxuryInteriors

The 2024 Southern Living Idea House is located in the Kiawah River community on Johns Island, South Carolina. This 2,000-acre property, situated on 20 miles of coastline, showcases the natural beauty of the Lowcountry, including salt marsh, maritime forest, and wildflower meadows. The selection of this location was influenced by the presence of two significant live oak trees, which are central to the home's design and landscaping. To bring the vision for the Idea House to life, a team of South Carolina-based professionals was assembled. This team included interior designer Allison Elebash of Allison Elebash Interior Design, architect Kirsten Schoettelkotte of MHK Architecture, builder Tom Dillard of Dillard-Jones, and landscape architect Scott Parker of DesignWorks. Their collective goal was to create a home that respects the area's history and natural environment, emphasizing a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The architectural design by Kirsten Schoettelkotte drew inspiration from historic Lowcountry farmsteads, particularly given the site's proximity to a working farm. The main structure features three dormers and three porches, complemented by a taller right wing and a separate carriage house, creating the impression of a property that evolved over many years. Materials such as James Hardie lap siding, copper accents, and a cedar-shingle roof were chosen to enhance this aged aesthetic. Landscape architect Scott Parker focused on preserving the health of the existing live oak trees, making their well-being a primary consideration in all design decisions. The landscaping around the oaks utilizes native plants, mimicking the maritime forest environment, while areas closer to the house feature more formal gardens, reflecting Charleston and Lowcountry traditions. Interior design elements by Allison Elebash prioritize organic finishes to align with the natural backdrop and humble architectural origins. Unlacquered brass fixtures from Waterworks were used throughout, allowing for a natural patina to develop over time. The kitchen features an oversized custom plaster hood above a Monogram range and handmade zellige tile backsplash from Clé, further contributing to the earthy texture palette. Thoughtful design details are evident throughout the house. A walkway made of tabby, a concrete made from crushed oyster shells, leads to the front porch, creating an inviting entrance. Copper gas fixtures by Carolina Lanterns & Lighting and planters filled with 'Diamond Spire' gardenias and 'Soft Caress' mahonias from the Southern Living Plant Collection enhance the hospitable atmosphere. Inside, the dining room features Marvin sliding doors that frame views of the marsh, with simple furnishings like wavy side chairs and a custom walnut table by Eric Brooks. A freestanding white oak staircase, designed with The Heirloom Companies, offers views of the neighboring farm. An installation of Murmurations (sculpted porcelain pieces) by Christina Watka adorns the walls, reminiscent of barnacles, and a Coley Home game table and swivel chairs provide function to a corner space. The living and dining areas are unified by a natural sisal floor covering from Fibreworks, with a vintage rug from Zuma defining the family room. Art, including a painting by Paula Rubino over an Alabama Stone limestone fireplace, and built-in shelves contribute to a layered, homey feel. The entry hallway is enhanced by a custom mural wallcovering by Rebecca Atwood Designs, creating an immersive experience akin to "forest bathing." The primary bedroom features Rebecca Atwood Designs' Marble Fern Wallpaper on the ceiling, color-matched to the wainscot painted Sherwin-Williams’ Soft Sage, creating a serene, canopy-like effect. Classic white bedding from the Southern Living Home Collection at Dillard’s, a handcrafted four-poster bed by Reid Classics, and mid-century modern nightstands from Chelsea Textiles complete the space. The home includes playful yet versatile twin bedrooms with Rebecca Atwood Designs’ Gridded Ikat print headboards, Regina Andrew sconces, and Mary Maguire watercolors. A guest suite functions as a "second primary," featuring Rebecca Atwood Designs’ Little Palm Wallpaper on walls and ceiling for a cohesive, elegant feel. An upstairs den offers a cozy retreat with a Coley Home sectional, wood-clad walls in Sherwin-Williams’ Sand Trap, and unique pieces like a bouclé chair and a leggy lamp. The carriage house, designed with a lighthearted, beachy aesthetic, incorporates durable materials like Mirth Studio floor tiles and wooden wall hooks, with hand-painted stripes and modern furnishings upstairs. Outdoor living was a priority, with a screened outdoor living room to mitigate insects. Resin-wicker chairs, a stone-top cocktail table, and Zuri Premium Decking provide durable yet stylish outdoor spaces. The 2024 Southern Living Idea House is open for tours from August 9 to December 22, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting Communities In Schools of South Carolina, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, and the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation. #IdeaHouse #SouthernLiving #KiawahRiver #LowcountryDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #HomeDecor #SouthCarolina #CoastalLiving

Detail Homes, a boutique design-build firm based in St. Paul, specializes in crafting unique custom homes. The firm prides itself on delivering high-quality houses while meticulously managing budgets and ensuring design integrity. Their commitment to timelessness and meticulous attention to detail, from initial planning to final completion, distinguishes them within the construction industry. Founded in 2009 by Chris Van Klei and Ben Richter, Detail Homes leverages their combined expertise. Van Klei, with a background in construction, architecture, and interior design, drives the creative vision for the firm. His passion for home design and construction began at an early age, evolving from working with a finish carpenter at 14 to framing new homes by 16, solidifying his career path. Richter oversees the operational aspects, including budget management, business planning, financing, and overall operations, providing valuable asset management for both the company and its clients. This dual leadership ensures a comprehensive approach to home building, combining creative design with efficient execution. Detail Homes prioritizes collaboration, frequently partnering with architects and interior designers to explore innovative options and resolve challenges throughout the building process. This collaborative spirit extends to their clients, aiming to streamline the building experience and minimize stress. The firm focuses on ensuring that each completed home perfectly aligns with the client's desires and needs, a dedication that often leads to repeat business and referrals, which Van Klei considers the highest compliment. A recent project exemplifies their integrated approach. On an urban St. Paul lot, Detail Homes was involved from the very beginning, assisting clients in selecting the ideal lot and architect. Working in conjunction with Henri Interiors and Ben Nelson Residential Design, the team collectively realized the client's specific vision. The result was a single-level Modern English Tudor featuring exterior elements like timber details, stucco, and natural stone accents. Inside, the home incorporates period details such as large vaults, exposed beams, white oak floors, and arched doorways. A thoughtful courtyard layout allows for seamless indoor-outdoor flow from multiple points within the residence. The open-concept main level was designed to evoke a sense of coziness, making it suitable for diverse occasions, from large family gatherings to more intimate settings. This meticulous attention to design detail, combined with the cohesive teamwork between the architect, interior design team, and Detail Homes' staff, ultimately brought the client's dream home to fruition. The project showcases the firm's ability to integrate various design and construction elements to create a distinctive and functional living space. #LuxuryHomeTour #DetailHomes #CustomHomes #DesignBuildFirm #StPaulRealEstate #ModernEnglishTudor #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeBuilding

Milwaukee Magazine has released the finalists for its 2025 Home & Design Awards, a competition that garnered over 180 project submissions across 21 distinct categories. These categories span a wide range of home-related disciplines, including Décor, Bathroom, Kitchen, Do-it-Yourself projects, Landscaping, and Architecture and New Construction. The winners of these prestigious awards are scheduled to be revealed at the official Home & Design Awards event, which will be held on September 25 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. The event is presented by Zuern Building Products & Design Center and Marvin. The awards ceremony will offer attendees an opportunity to engage with Milwaukee's design community during a cocktail hour, which will feature appetizers and drinks. A highlight of the evening will be a presentation by guest speaker Max Humphrey, an interior designer based in Portland, Oregon. Humphrey is recognized for his distinctive laid-back, Americana-inspired aesthetic. His career path is noteworthy, having transitioned from a background in punk rock music and TV production to establishing his design firm after a decade of designing homes in Los Angeles. His extensive portfolio includes a diverse array of residential, commercial, and hospitality projects throughout the United States. Humphrey's work has received acclaim, appearing in publications such as Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and The New York Times. He is also the author of two books, "Modern Americana" and "Lodge." Individuals interested in attending the event and learning more about the awards can find additional information and purchase tickets through milwaukeemag.com/hdawards. An early bird discount of 20% on tickets is available for purchases made by August 15. The list of finalists for each category showcases a diverse group of design professionals and firms. In the Décor categories, finalists include Amy Carman Design, Anne Frentzel Interiors, Upgrade Kitchen & Bath for Basement design; Anne Frentzel Interiors and Natasa Jones Interiors for Bedroom design; Color Zen Interiors, Haven Interiors, and Nicholas Carl Design for Dining Room design; FORM, Haven Interiors, and KMB Design Consulting for Living Room – Contemporary; and Anne Frentzel Interiors, FORM, and Stone House Collective for Living Room – Traditional. For Bathrooms, finalists in the Full Bath category are Interiors by Richmond, Refined Renovations, and Stone House Collective. The Half Bath category features Interiors by Richmond, Peabody’s Interiors, and Refined Renovations. Anne Frentzel Interiors, KMB Design Consulting, and Upgrade Kitchen & Bath are finalists for Bath Remodel. The Kitchen categories present finalists such as In Good Company, Natasa Jones Interiors, and Sazama Design Build Remodel for Small Contemporary kitchens; Amy Carman Design, RJ Builders, and Studio Ehr for Large Contemporary kitchens; Kristin Burke Interiors, Nickel & Oak Design, and Upgrade Kitchen & Bath for Small Traditional kitchens; and Distinctive Design Studio, Peabody’s Interiors, Refined Renovations, and Sazama Design Build Remodel for Large Traditional kitchens. Amy Carman Design, Anne Frentzel Interiors, Refined Renovations, and Three Sixty are finalists for Kitchen Remodel. In the Outdoor/Landscaping categories, finalists include David J. Frank Landscape, Deep River Partners, Wade Weissmann Architecture and LandWorks for Deck/Patio/Pool design, and David J. Frank Lands for Landscape projects. Architecture and New Construction categories feature Bielinski Homes for Builder-Produced Home; Bruns Architecture, Color Zen Interiors, Distinctive Design Studio, and Miller Marriott Construction for Custom Home; Amy Carman Design, Deep River Partners, and KMB Design Consulting for Condominium or Townhouse; Bruns Architecture, Catron Design Haus, and Healthy Cities for Historic Renovation; Anne Frentzel Interiors, Stone House Collective, and Studio Ehr for Whole House Renovation; and Amy Carman Design, Johnsen Schmaling Architects, and Stone House Collective for Vacation Home designs. #HomeDesignAwards #MilwaukeeMagazine #InteriorDesign #Architecture #Renovation #Landscaping #DesignCommunity #MaxHumphrey #HomeDécor

This comprehensive guide details every design element and product used in the 2024 Southern Living Idea House, a Sea Island Farmhouse located in Kiawah River, South Carolina. Designed by Allison Elebash, the house features a blend of traditional Southern charm and modern sophistication, meticulously curated to inspire home decorating. The guide is organized room by room, providing specific brands, colors, materials, and even installers for each item, from major structural components to decorative accessories and plants. The exterior and landscape section highlights Marvin Ultimate and Elevate windows and doors in Gunmetal, James Hardie siding and trim, and Sherwin-Williams paints in Origami White and Porpoise. Noteworthy outdoor features include a Clopay Canyon Ridge garage door, Zuri Premium Decking in Walnut, and extensive landscaping using plants from the Southern Living Plant Collection, such as Roman Candle Podocarpus, Misty River Sweet Olive, and various Gardenia and Hydrangea varieties. Propane-fueled items like the outdoor grill, pool heater, and lanterns underscore modern amenities integrated into the design. Local contractors, such as Pain-less Home Improvements for window installation and Aqua Blue Pools, are also specified. Throughout the house, consistent choices include William M. Bird hardwood flooring in Veranda, Asheville Collection, Vineyard color, and various tile selections from Melcer Tile. Custom cabinetry, millwork, and closets were provided by Village Millworks, while plumbing fixtures from Bird Decorative Hardware and Bath feature Waterworks and DXV brands. Lighting fixtures are predominantly from Regina Andrew, contributing to the cohesive aesthetic. Painting was done by AE Painting, and wallpaper installation by East Coast Paper & Paint, demonstrating the detail involved. The main level features spaces such as the Front Porch, Entry, Powder Bath, Kitchen, Scullery, Friends' Entrance, Laundry Room, Dining Room, Living Room, and Back Porch/Outdoor Living Room. Each area showcases a unique palette and selection of furnishings and decor. For instance, the Kitchen includes Monogram Luxury Appliances, custom range hood by The Heirloom Companies, and Emily Daws Textiles for custom stool cushions. The Living Room incorporates a Lee Industries sofa and chairs, alongside custom pieces from Brooks Custom Woodworks and artworks from various galleries, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable environment. The Back Porch extends the living space outdoors with Teak + Table furniture and a Charleston Bedswing Company porch swing. The second floor comprises a Den, Den Bar, Upstairs Primary Bath, Upstairs Primary Bedroom, Office, Office Bath, Coffee Vestibule, Twin Room Vestibule, Twin Bedroom, and Twin Bath. The Den, for example, features Sherwin-Williams paint in Sand Trap and Bateau Brown, a Coley Home sectional, and numerous artworks. The Den Bar includes Monogram Luxury Appliances and bespoke glassware from Estelle Colored Glass. Bedrooms are furnished with Reid Classics mattresses and beds, Chelsea Textiles bedside tables, and bedding from the Southern Living Home Collection at Dillard’s, ensuring both comfort and style. The Office space is designed with a Brooks Custom Woodworks desk and Chelsea Textiles chest. The Carriage House, including its Entry/Stairwell, Vestibule, Powder Bath, Kitchenette, Bedroom, and Bath, continues the design philosophy with elements like Mirth Studio decorative flooring, GE Profile and Café Appliances in the kitchenette, and coordinated paint schemes. Dog-friendly features such as The Houndry dog beds and bowls are also integrated. The Backyard and Garage areas are not overlooked, featuring a Propane Heated Pool by Aqua Blue Pools, Teak + Table outdoor furniture, and a detailed list of garage storage and recreational items, emphasizing a holistic approach to home design and functionality. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SouthernLivingIdeaHouse #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #LandscapeDesign #KiawahRiver #AllisonElebash