417 Home's Whole House Design Winner for 2022

The 2025 Westchester Home Design Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in home design across Westchester County, highlighting various categories such as Use of New Trend, Dining Room, Basement, Home Office, Children’s Bedroom, Small Space, Powder Room, Whole Home Design, Specialty Room, Closet and Organizational Space, Butler’s Pantry, Mudroom, Modern Kitchen, Outdoor Living Space, Modern Bath, Living Space, Traditional Bath, Use of Pattern, Entry Hall, Primary Bedroom, Traditional Kitchen, and Use of Color. Katherine Gold Design was recognized for the "Use of New Trend" with a primary bedroom featuring wood drenching, incorporating fluted walnut paneled ceilings to create a warm, deep, and timeless aesthetic, blending vintage and contemporary elements. FIELDHOUSE, led by Megan Albert, won in the "Dining Room" category for a design that integrated natural surroundings through subtle, timeless mural wallpaper and functional furniture for a young family. Indigo Z Home, under Mary Brendler, won for "Basement" design, transforming a space into a sophisticated wine cellar and cigar lounge with climate-controlled cabinets, iron accents, and a rich chocolate brown palette complemented by luxurious seating. Curated Nest, with Erin Coren and Lina Galvão, received awards for their "Home Office" and "Children’s Bedroom" designs. The home office, described as farmhouse chic, offers privacy with custom arched French doors, blending traditional and modern elements, and providing multifunctional seating in neutral tones. The children’s bedroom features a cozy twin bed with custom drapery, integrated storage, and a desk that doubles as a vanity, all in a seafoam green palette with warm rattan and caning accents. Rachel Gray Interiors was honored in the "Small Space" category for converting an unfinished attic into a vibrant, versatile bonus room for guests and teens, using a blue and white palette with yellow accents and functional storage benches. Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors designed a "Powder Room" with rich, layered details, dark saturated colors, a Phillip Jeffries wallpaper, and a custom quartzite sink. Lulu Home, by Alana Irwin and Cami Luppino, earned recognition for "Whole Home Design" and "Entry Hall" projects. Their whole home design in Rye showcased a modern luxury new build with seamless architectural precision, custom woodwork, specialty marbles, and custom furnishings. The entry hall design included a custom rug from India, a smoky glass chandelier, and an oak wood statement wall. Lynn Biase of Lynn Biase Design transformed a sunroom into a year-round retreat, winning in the "Specialty Room" category. The design incorporated new flooring, a refaced fireplace, a custom bar, and wine storage, using earthy colors and deep green velvet sofas. For "Closet and Organizational Space," Ruth Riemer of Riemer Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry and Jacqueline Touby of Jacqueline Touby Designs created a seamless entertaining bar with Tambora Manaslu doors and integrated lighting, while Susan Murray of California Closets designed a 100-square-foot high-functioning closet with leather countertops, high-gloss finishes, and bronze glass display doors. Rachel Gray Interiors also won for "Butler’s Pantry," designing a space that bridges the kitchen and dining room with a blue quartzite slab, navy cabinets, and hammered unlacquered brass hardware. JWH Design & Cabinetry's Jennifer Howard and Manor + Woods' Kerry Jacobs received an award for "Mudroom" design, creating an efficient space with custom cabinetry and ample storage. The "Modern Kitchen" award went to Veronica Campbell of DEANE, Inc. and Alana Irwin and Cami Luppino of Lulu Home for transforming a dark kitchen into a bright, open space with bleached white oak floors, mixed door styles, and a custom stainless-steel hood. Scott Hirshson of Hirshson Architecture + Design was recognized for "Outdoor Living Space" with a resort-style design featuring a sleek pool, a covered area with a gas fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen. Mary Brendler of Indigo Z Home also won for "Modern Bath," creating a spa-like retreat with concrete elements, fluted dolomite tile, blue marble, and custom white oak accents. Justine Wolman of Justine Wolman Interiors designed a "Living Space" that is warm and refined, featuring a custom built-in bar, an olive mohair sofa, and a mix of textures and tones. Alisberg Parker's Susan Alisberg and Ed Parker received an award for "Traditional Bath," converting a cramped bathroom into a serene space with a palette of light colors, Azul Celest marble flooring, and custom white oak cabinets. Katherine Gold Design also won for "Use of Pattern" with a dining room transformed by Farrow & Ball's Lotus wall covering, a geometric wool rug, and a striking Cynara chandelier. Leon Berry of Leon Berry Interiors designed a "Primary Bedroom" as a tranquil retreat with layered neutrals, clean lines, and subtle organic textures. Lastly, Scott Hirshson won for "Traditional Kitchen" with a design featuring painted and walnut cabinetry, brass hardware, and marble countertops, while OE Innis of Innis Interiors won for "Use of Color" with a transitional space using soft peach tones, grasscloth wallpaper, and contrasting blue printed wallpaper in the adjacent bedroom. #HomeDesignAwards #InteriorDesign #WestchesterCounty #LuxuryHomes #ResidentialDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #OutdoorLiving #SpacePlanning

The Homes & Gardens Design Awards recognize exceptional product designs that introduce character and sophistication to interior schemes. These annual awards highlight items, from prominent statement pieces to subtle accents, that are both contemporary and enduring in their appeal. This year's awards encompass a wide array of categories, celebrating innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability across various home furnishings and decor. In the rug categories, 'Lithic' by A RUM FELLOW was honored as the Best Rug Collection. Inspired by British landforms, this collection features designs that mimic weathered stone, evoking the wild landscape through ethically handcrafted rugs made from Tibetan wool, New Zealand wool, cactus fiber, and silk. These rugs are STEP and GoodWeave-certified, emphasizing their ethical production. The Best Rug Design award went to 'Acres' by Pelican House x Lucy Williams Home, a flatweave, handwoven from 100% New Zealand wool, reflecting the English countryside's pastoral beauty. For outdoor and sustainable rugs, 'Aster' by Weaver Green was recognized for transforming 100% recycled plastic bottles into wool-like fibers, creating ultra-durable yet authentic-looking kilims. The Best Runner Design was awarded to 'Skye' by Bombay Sprout x Laura Stephens, crafted by fourth-generation weavers in India from hand-harvested jute, a biodegradable and recyclable material. For flooring, 'Chicopee' by Unnatural Flooring won for its herringbone weave, combining sisal's rustic charm with synthetic yarn's practicality, making it water-resistant, UV-stable, and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Furniture awards included 'Bill's carver' by Studio HÁM for Best Chair, inspired by early English antiques and made from oak with a woven seagrass seat. 'Lomada' by Isabel & Co received Best Desk for its custom-made design from solid oak, upholstered in various fabrics. The Best Sofa award was given to 'Dajo' by Porta Romana, noted for its retro aesthetics, modern craftsmanship, deep seat, elegant curves, and polished beech plinth. 'The Nautilus' by Astrid Houssin Interiors won Best Stool, offering decorative versatility with bespoke RAL colors and hand-painted finishes. 'The Bedroom collection' by Sims Hilditch x George Smith secured Best Furniture Collaboration, drawing inspiration from the Cotswolds' rolling hills. NiX by Nicola Harding's 'Shipshape chest of drawers in Sage Green' was recognized for Best Storage, featuring FSC-certified solid oak, a bold painted finish, and distinctive vertical handles. 'The Artesian' by Collection Seven won Best Bed for its customisable design, featuring poplar burl veneer posts and a luxurious upholstered base and headboard. 'Tides' by Brogan Cox x NAT MAKS was celebrated for Best Use of Colour for a Product, with marbled ink designs inspired by coastal life. Lighting categories saw several winners: 'Campanilla pendant light' by Birdie Fortescue for Best Affordable Design, offering handcrafted quality and timeless elegance. 'Insulator AB pendant' by Novocastrian won Best Fixed Ceiling Light, inspired by train journeys and made from machined brass and pressed glass. 'Thelma lantern' by Jamb received Best Pendant Light, blending historical craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. 'Bloomsbury' by Max Rollitt was named Best Table Light, honoring the Bloomsbury Group's artistic legacy with hand-turned and painted designs. 'Copper Coast rechargeable accent light' by Visual Comfort & Co x Waterford earned Best Portable Light, combining crystal craftsmanship with lighting expertise. 'Simone' by Hector Finch won Best Wall Light, drawing design cues from the Vienna Secession movement. Other notable winners include 'Bedding in Eva Belle by Liberty' by Coco & Wolf for Best Bed Linen, featuring a traditional ditsy floral print. 'Galia' by Porta Romana was awarded Best Mirror for its organic ceramic shape and customisable glazes. 'Anemone candle' by Grove England received Best Home Fragrance, combining chamomile, jasmine, and neroli with warming notes. Natasha Hulse's 'Bespoke design' won Best Headboard for its intricate, hand-painted, and embroidered artistic creations. 'The Palaces Collection' by The Soho Lighting Company x Historic Royal Palaces was recognized for Best Accessories Collaboration, drawing on historical patterns and crafted from solid brass. Rowen & Wren won Best Product Made in the UK for its commitment to British craftsmanship and sustainability. For outdoor accessories, 'Lampshade parasol in Double Cream' by Plia Parasols won for its fade-proof fabric and bullion fringe. 'Chatterley' by Francis Sultana for David Gill Gallery received Best Outdoor Collection for its sculptural, patinated bronze pieces inspired by the British landscape. Finally, 'Diamond Majesty mattress topper' by Vispring won Best Sustainable Design for its use of nature's finest materials and commitment to environmental responsibility. #HomesAndGardens #DesignAwards #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #LuxuryFurnishings #LightingDesign

The "Design 9 Awards" recognize a Rustic Canyon residence that has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a "cold, early '90s eyesore" into a warm, modernist treehouse. This renovation, spearheaded by architect David Thompson of Assembledge+ in collaboration with Jamie Bush + Co., emphasizes a deep connection with its natural surroundings and a celebration of midcentury design principles. The project was inspired by the canyon's natural beauty, aiming to create a home that felt intrinsically linked to its environment. The design incorporates materials such as cedar cladding, cork floors, and extensive use of glass, which collectively work to blur the distinction between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. This integration of architecture with nature fosters a sense of being immersed in the lush landscape. The interior design reflects Jamie Bush's characteristic organic and playful sensibility. Key pieces include vintage Warren Platner chairs upholstered in lilac velvet and a custom ceramic fireplace mural by Stan Bitters, which serves as a focal point in the living room. The overarching goal was to construct a meticulously detailed home predominantly from wood, furnished and decorated to align with this organic and natural aesthetic. Landscape architect Chris Sosa further enhanced this vision by creating a seamless transition from the natural Rustic Canyon environment to the meticulously designed landscape around the home. Sosa's work incorporated sycamores, oaks, and textured grasses, which soften the architectural lines and integrate the structure even more deeply into its setting. This thoughtful landscaping ensures that the home feels truly suspended among the trees, offering a serene and integrated living experience. According to David Thompson, the completed residence is a prime example of warm modernism, representing a contemporary interpretation that remains rooted in the enduring principles of California's midcentury design. For the homeowners, who returned to their transformed property after the Palisades fire, the renovation was described as "nothing short of extraordinary," providing them with a tranquil sanctuary. The project details highlight Assembledge+ as the architect, Jamie Bush + Co. as the interior designer, Ceci Clarke Inc. as the builder, and Sosa Landscape Architecture & Terremoto as the landscape architects. The furniture and decor resources include notable brands and designers such as B&B Italia, Blackman Cruz, Bob Kinzie, Casey Johnson Studio, Endicott, iCork Floor, Kneedler Fauchère, Knoll, Marc Phillips Rugs, Roger Capron, Stan Bitters, and The Future Perfect, showcasing a blend of custom pieces, vintage finds, and contemporary designs to achieve the desired modernist aesthetic. #HomeRenovation #ModernistDesign #RusticCanyon #InteriorDesign #Architecture #LandscapeArchitecture #MidcenturyModern #CaliforniaDesign

This article details the winning project for the 2022 Best Outdoor Space Design Award, which aimed to transform an underutilized backyard into a tranquil outdoor oasis prioritizing function, entertainment, and relaxation. The project was spearheaded by Nathan Taylor, owner and principal designer of Obelisk Home, for a client with a midcentury-style home in Southern Hills. The client, an avid entertainer, sought a backyard capable of hosting large gatherings, which the existing space with its small sitting area and large, raised flower bed could not accommodate. Taylor noted that the original backyard only offered enough space for about six people. The renovation involved removing the substantial raised planter and extending the existing cement slab to create more gathering areas. A key addition was a pergola, designed with exotic massaranduba wood to complement the home's exterior. Taylor strategically angled the pergola's slats to provide shade from both the morning and afternoon sun. Beneath the pergola, a fire pit was installed, becoming a central feature for social gatherings. Additional spaces were designated for lounging and dining. To enhance relaxation and entertainment, a hot tub was integrated adjacent to the fire pit, set halfway into the ground for convenient access. Throughout the design process, the home's inherent midcentury style significantly influenced the choices, from furniture selection to the color palette. For instance, Adirondack chairs with a distinct midcentury modern aesthetic were chosen over traditional designs. An existing vintage 1950s outdoor patio set received a fresh coat of paint, integrating it seamlessly into the refreshed space. The color scheme, featuring vibrant turquoise and yellow pillows and cushions, served to connect the outdoor design with the home's interior midcentury palette. The client initially resisted the idea of painting the house exterior black for over a year but eventually embraced it, calling Taylor to proceed with the bold change. Following the completion of the design, construction, and landscaping phases, the transformed backyard proved to be a highly functional and inviting space. The client successfully hosted an artist group of 35 people, with guests comfortably distributed across the fire pit area, dining table, and other seating zones, underscoring the success of the project in creating a versatile and enjoyable outdoor entertainment space. The article also provides a comprehensive resource list, crediting Nathan Taylor of Obelisk Home for interior design and decorating, Lauren VanDrie of The Landscape Co. for landscaping and design, and Cory Eden of Fortitude Construction as the contractor. Other contributors include Obelisk Home for wall coverings, furniture, and light fixtures, Sherwin Williams for paint, and Jeremy Mason McGraw of Global Image Creations for photography. This detailed list highlights the collaborative effort and expertise involved in bringing the award-winning outdoor space to fruition. #OutdoorSpace #DesignAwards #BackyardRenovation #MidcenturyModern #OutdoorLiving #NathanTaylor #ObeliskHome #LandscapeDesign #HomeImprovement

The Livingetc Style Awards for 2025 highlight a selection of top decorating products, emphasizing color, pattern, and texture to personalize living spaces. These awards recognize designs that bring personality to walls and surfaces, reflecting a confident approach to self-expression, often drawing inspiration from the natural world. The 'Best in Class' award goes to the Aurora fabric collection by Yarn Collective x Sister by Studio Ashby. This collaboration, inspired by the hues and textures of an early-morning sky, introduces two patterns and three plains that are described as cheerful and sophisticated. Judges praised the alluring and soft subtleties of the colors, noting the collection's dynamic and fresh feel. The 'Fabric of the Year' is awarded to Mata by Élitis, a design that evokes vintage floors and the comforting, retro style of the 1970s. Available in three colorways, the green variant was particularly noted for its livability. The design is said to bring a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood picnic blankets, making it feel very homely. Judges suggested a sofa upholstered in Mata would be an even more impactful use of the fabric than a simple cushion. For 'Best Wallcovering,' Indomito by Arte is recognized for its geometric pattern, carefully embroidered onto a woven raffia background with hessian. This natural material creates a distinct textured feel. The wallcovering is seen as versatile, capable of making vast spaces feel grand while also adding coziness to smaller rooms. The 'Best Kids’ Collection' is the Storybook Papers wallpapers by Little Greene. This collection, born from the creative director's personal connection to the target age group, features beautiful illustrations reminiscent of Beatrix Potter. These wallpapers are lauded for their artistry, appearing more like murals than traditional wallpaper and designed to delight young children. The 'Best Decorative Touch' award goes to the Kaleidoscope collection by Samuel & Sons, a collaboration with passementerie artist Elizabeth Ashdown. The collection is celebrated for its vibrant and varied colors, bringing a playful and fun final flourish to interiors. The 'Best Paint Collection' is 'The Dependables' by Beata Heuman x Mylands. This collection of 24 colors is designed to be a reliable toolkit for homeowners, ensuring well-curated and elevated spaces. It offers a solution for those overwhelmed by paint choices, providing dependable and effective options. Fromental’s Papier Chinois wallpaper collection receives the 'Best Decorating Innovation' award. This collection combines traditional hand-painted panoramic wallcoverings with augmented reality (AR) technology. When viewed through a smartphone, the birds, bees, and butterflies depicted on the wallpaper appear to take flight, creating an enchanting experience for both children and adults. The 'Best Sustainable Fabric' is Heavenly Hemp by House of Hackney. Made from 100% hemp, a renewable resource, this fabric was praised not only for its eco-friendly credentials but also for its aesthetic appeal and tactile quality, offering a perfect earthy feel. Naperon by Farrow and Ball is named 'Colour of the Year.' Inspired by the comforting warmth of a home-cooked meal, this color was chosen for its immediate appeal and its ability to evoke a sense of coziness. It was highlighted as a standout among the brand's new color launches. The 'Best Textile Collection' award goes to Ancient Memories by Marcel Wanders for Fischbacher 1819. This collection of fabrics is noted for its evocative nature and haunting beauty, featuring cloud-like shapes that create a dreamy atmosphere, sparking anticipation for its diverse applications in interior design. Finally, 'Best Kids’ Wallpaper' is 'Run Away to the Circus' by Annika Reed Studio. This design combines a blue stripe with whimsical illustrations, balancing playfulness with a sense of childlike wonder and nostalgia. It is considered ideal for children's spaces due to its charming and pretty aesthetic. #InteriorDesignAwards #DecoratingTrends #FabricDesign #WallpaperTrends #PaintColors #SustainableMaterials #TextileArt #HomeDecor #KidsRoomDecor

This article highlights the 2025 Best Traditional Residence Winner, a beachfront single-family home located on Fisher Island, Miami. The project is a collaboration between Alizée Brion of Light On White Studio, Zeb Jarosz of Jarosz Architects, and Jose Ortega of CDC Builders. The primary design objective was to integrate a classical Mediterranean exterior with modern, timeless interiors for a young family's permanent residence. The interior design employs a neutral color palette that balances warm and cool tones, utilizing whites, taupes, grays, browns, and blacks. Tailored furnishings are complemented by sculptural lighting featuring brass and bronze accents. Each room is designed to evoke a distinct mood; for instance, the kitchen showcases a bold black and white theme, the family room incorporates dark gray, and the library is characterized by rich brown hues. The overall aesthetic aims to convey a sense of calm and permanence, achieving a cohesive blend of classic minimalism and contemporary living. A significant aspect of the home is its art collection, which thoughtfully combines the client's existing pieces with new custom works by artists such as Jean Philippe Lagouarde, Ali Enache, and Aythamy Armas. These artworks were specifically chosen to harmonize with the minimalist and dynamic interior environment. Fisher Island's unique characteristics, including its exclusive ferry access and seasonal construction limitations, presented specific challenges for the project team. Despite these constraints, the collaborative efforts among the designers, architects, builders, and the client resulted in a successful realization of the homeowner's vision for a clean-lined and classic aesthetic. The article details various design elements and resources used, including flooring from Ann Sacks, lighting by Apparatus and Kreon, furniture from Liaigre, accent tables by Fernando Mastrangelo, and millwork by Robert Carpentry. Paint colors, such as Benjamin Moore's Simply White, also contribute to the home's tranquil atmosphere. This project serves as an example of how a complex design brief, constrained by location and logistical factors, can be successfully executed through a strong collaborative approach, yielding a residence that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for its inhabitants. #DesignAwards #TraditionalResidence #FisherIsland #InteriorDesign #Architecture #MediterraneanStyle #LuxuryHome #MiamiDesign #CustomInteriors

The 2024 Westchester Home Design Awards showcase a diverse range of innovative and inspiring interior design projects across various categories, providing a comprehensive overview of contemporary home aesthetics and functional solutions. The article highlights 19 distinct categories, ranging from bedrooms and kitchens to more specialized areas like mudrooms and outdoor living spaces. Each featured project demonstrates a unique approach to design, reflecting current trends, client preferences, and creative problem-solving. One prominent theme is the successful integration of modern and traditional styles, as exemplified by Curated Nest's "Best Use of New Trend" award for a Bronxville home. This project skillfully blends modern grandmillennial style with traditional Tudor and Arts and Crafts influences, incorporating elements like black iron window grids, arched reading nooks, wainscoting, and custom-built libraries. The use of distinct wallpapers, such as British marbled-paper style and traditional William Morris patterns, alongside handmade Moroccan-star floor tiles and bright white-oak wide plank flooring, illustrates a thoughtful balance between historical charm and contemporary lightness. This home, designed for a retired British couple, demonstrates how personalized design can infuse character into new constructions. The awards also recognize excellence in specific spaces, such as apartments and small spaces. Elizabeth Strianese Interiors transformed an abandoned mill building in Beacon into an entertainment loft for a NYC businessman, earning an award in the apartment category. This project creatively utilizes color and natural materials, balancing rustic exposed brick with luxurious finishes like wool, silk, leather, and marble. The design maximizes natural light by placing bathrooms in interior sections and features innovative storage solutions like a kitchen with a library ladder. Jennifer Husch Design and Brooke Katz Interiors received an award for "Best Use of Small Space" by converting a butler's pantry in a New Rochelle Tudor home into a sophisticated wet bar. This design maintained the home's 1920s charm by preserving leaded glass windows while introducing modern elements like a crackled emerald tile backsplash and centrally located appliances for entertaining. Color and functionality are also celebrated. Curated Nest's powder room in Westchester won for "Best Use of Color," featuring a vibrant, youthful aesthetic with a floating concrete sink and whimsical wildcat wallpaper. For children's rooms, Decorating Den Interiors Larchmont created a lively yet calming space using floral wallpaper, custom-painted rattan furniture, color-blocked valances, and playful accessories. Dining rooms, like Ania Dunlop's award-winning design in Rye, move beyond neutrality with graphic wallpaper, matching wainscoting, and a captivating cloud-like light fixture. Entryways, as demonstrated by Emily Shron Interiors in Scarsdale, establish the home's tone, updating a 1920s Mediterranean stucco with a streamlined black-and-white palette while respecting its architectural heritage. Further categories highlight specialized areas and whole-home approaches. Melissa London Interiors designed a masculine home office in Croton-on-Hudson, inspired by a dramatic Icelandic horse photograph and incorporating leather, steel, brass, and wood finishes. Manor + Woods in Rye received an award for a living space that merges high-contrast and transitional design, drawing inspiration from the homeowners' world travels with global patterns and serene family-friendly fabrics. Garrison Foundry Architecture + Design Westchester's powder room in a 1906 colonial home exemplifies clever use of small spaces, featuring a custom walnut vanity, faux soapstone counter, and cloud-patterned wallpaper. Bedrooms like Ania Dunlop's design in Scarsdale prioritize vibrant colors and textures, creating a serene oasis with architectural lighting and a nature-inspired landscape photograph. Modern and traditional kitchen and bath designs are also recognized. Indigo Z Home's modern bath in Katonah features a reconfigured space with a freestanding tub, mosaic-tile accent wall, and fluted white-oak vanity. JWH Designs in Rye transformed a dark traditional kitchen into a bright, modern space with white and natural wood cabinetry and a unique island. Madison Hudson Design's traditional kitchen in Harrison became a functional and vibrant space with colorful cabinetry, quartz countertops, and efficient storage solutions. Sean Jancski Landscape Architects' outdoor living space in Rye includes a modern pool cabana, lounge areas, and a woodland walkway, demonstrating integrated outdoor design. Lastly, California Closets' organizational space in Rye showcases a stylish walk-in closet with custom lighting, hardware, and innovative storage, while KAM Design Larchmont's mudroom in a 1920s Tudor blends functionality with historic charm using chevron-patterned floor tiles and custom cubbies. Curated Nest also won for "Whole Home Design" for a 3,200-square-foot modern farmhouse, infusing personality and warmth through architectural details, vibrant colors, and performance materials, aligning with a Montessori-inspired approach for a family with four children.

The Best Bedroom 2022 winner transformed an underutilized attic space into a multi-functional teenage boys' bedroom, accommodating sleeping, gaming, lounging, and storage needs. The project, led by Nathan Taylor of Obelisk Home, aimed to create a versatile space that could evolve with the teenagers. The existing attic, originally a dark and neglected area above a garage, was converted as part of a larger whole-house remodel. The design strategy involved expanding the attic floor plan over a newly built mudroom on the main level to create sufficient room for a lounge area, closet, and bathroom within the bedroom suite. A key aspect of the renovation was the creation of a private, apartment-style feel. A new staircase was constructed, providing the boys with their own direct access to the bedroom, separate from other upstairs areas of the house. This architectural decision enhanced privacy while still keeping them connected to the family. To address the challenge of limited headroom in the attic, Taylor collaborated with Dale Peer of Dale Peer Home Designs to re-engineer the dormer roofline, ensuring adequate vertical space for the sleeping area. The sleeping arrangement features two twin beds positioned on either side of a large south-facing window. These beds are equipped with king-sized headboards extending along the walls and include pull-out trundles. The trundles offer flexible sleeping solutions, easily movable for sleepovers or overnight guests. Storage was a significant consideration in the design, given the rapid growth and changing needs of teenagers. Taylor incorporated extensive cabinetry and drawers wherever space allowed, providing organized storage for clothing, books, and gaming equipment. The aesthetic elements contribute to a timeless and adaptable environment. The room is outfitted with soft neutral carpet, camel leather slipcovers, blue fabrics, and reclaimed wood accents. These choices create a sophisticated, retreat-like quality, ensuring the room remains relevant and appealing as the occupants mature. The overall design successfully converted a once-unappealing attic into a bright, welcoming, and highly functional space that caters to the diverse requirements of teenage life while also offering long-term adaptability. #DesignAwards #BedroomDesign #TeenageBedroom #AtticConversion #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ObeliskHome

This article presents the winners of the first annual Hudson Valley Home Design Awards in 2025, showcasing innovative and inspiring projects from regional interior design professionals across several categories. Each featured project highlights specific design challenges, homeowner visions, and creative solutions implemented by the respective firms. The 'Kitchen' award goes to Jennifer Lynn Interiors in Kingston for a Hyde Park project. The homeowners desired an open, inviting, and functional space for daily living and entertaining. The transformation involved taking the space down to the studs, extending the island to accommodate four chairs, adding an entertainment buffet, improving ventilation, and incorporating thoughtful storage solutions like open shelving and reconfigured cabinetry. The design drew inspiration from the clients' existing butcher block island, which was integrated into floating shelves and a unique floating round table at the island's end. The overall aesthetic blends farmhouse charm with a California-cool style, resulting in a timeless and personalized kitchen. For 'Outdoor Living Space,' Jacobschang Architecture in New York won for a Hastings-on-Hudson property. This project maximized broad views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. Due to the sloped terrain, the pool and pool cabana were strategically placed alongside the house, creating a direct connection between indoor and outdoor living areas oriented towards the river views. The design integrated the foundations of an original 1920s house, using these existing walls to support the cabana roof and provide privacy from the street. The contrast between the historic stone walls and the new wood cladding created a unique material presence. Nancy Mah Design in Pawling received the 'Great Room' award for a Pawling residence. The homeowners sought a minimalist, nature-inspired retreat for relaxation and entertaining, emphasizing natural light and showcasing the surrounding scenery. The design focused on creating a calm and restorative environment through sustainable practices, Scandinavian minimalism, and passive solar heating and cooling principles. The use of natural materials, expansive windows, and architectural details established a harmonious balance, with warm lighting and pops of color in furniture and art enhancing the elegance and connection to nature. The 'Primary Bath' award went to DW Design & Décor in Croton-on-Hudson for an Ossining project. The goal was to transform a dark, outdated primary bathroom into a bright, airy, and tranquil space. The design incorporated a larger shower area and a standalone soaking tub, which was angled to optimize space and functionality. A sophisticated black, white, and gray palette formed the foundation, complemented by a custom vanity with hidden storage and tailored top-down/bottom-up fabric shades for privacy and views. Subtle hues from window treatments and artwork added warmth to the monochromatic scheme. Finally, Garrison Foundry in Garrison received two awards: 'Child’s Bedroom' and 'Mudroom.' For the child's bedroom in Cold Spring, the design focused on functionality and personal expression. A window seat with storage was built to utilize existing architectural features, and the child's personality was incorporated through a vibrant magenta paint and bow-inspired drawer pulls. The project demonstrated how simple choices like wallpaper and paint can reflect individuality. The 'Mudroom' project, also in Cold Spring, was a collaboration aiming to infuse character into a home with good bones but lacking personal touches. Inspired by Scandinavian and Shaker design, the mudroom was made open and functional, featuring a soft green hue and tumbled limestone floor to provide warmth and classic charm, setting the aesthetic tone for the rest of the home. #HomeDesignAwards #HudsonValleyDesign #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #OutdoorLiving #GreatRoom #BathroomRenovation #ChildrensBedroom #MudroomDesign

The 2012 Made in the South Awards recognized exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in the Home Category. The overall winner was Wood Studio's Lookout Mountain Rocker, a testament to traditional woodworking by brothers Keith and Dylan Cochran. Based in Arley, Alabama, near the William B. Bankhead National Forest, the brothers dedicate eighty hours to each rocker, meticulously crafting them without computer-controlled tools or external help. Their process emphasizes the use of native, air-dried wood such as walnut, cherry, or maple, dried for two years to preserve structural integrity and natural luster. They pair this with vegetable-dyed, hand-stretched leather for the seat and back. The Cochrans' commitment to quality extends to their joinery, where they scrutinize wood grain to prevent stress from humidity changes and utilize mortise-and-tenon joints, secured with brass pins for lasting durability. This dedication to their craft is deeply rooted in family history, as their father, Randy Cochran, designed the original Lookout Mountain Rocker over thirty years prior. Randy, an industrial design graduate from Auburn University, incorporated minimalist and Bauhaus principles into the rocker's design, focusing on essential form and function, such as low arms for holding a toddler. The rocker's name and inspiration come from Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, Alabama, where Randy developed a profound respect for natural growth, influencing Wood Studio's designs to avoid artificial straight lines or contrived curves. Randy founded Wood Studio in the mid-1980s, and his sons joined full-time in 2001. Despite economic challenges post-9/11, they persevered, eventually gaining recognition through the Sundance Catalog. The brothers later relocated their workshop to Arley, while Randy returned to Fort Payne to manage the business and pursue his own woodworking. Their work is celebrated for its "Shaker contemporary" style, a term coined by gallery owner James-Ben Stockton, highlighting their faith in the inherent beauty of natural wood like white oak and ash, rejecting paint or uniform finishes that would obscure the wood's unique character and texture. Each piece is distinct, even two walnut chairs with natural tan hide will differ in color and texture. In addition to the overall winner, the Home Category also recognized several runners-up. Nordt Family Farm, based in Charles City, VA, was honored for its delicate, color-blocked blankets woven from merino wool, with Dianne Nordt personally weaving approximately eighty-five blankets per spring shearing. Kaminer Haislip from Charleston, SC, received recognition for her sculptural silver coffeepot, blending traditional European silversmithing with Art Deco and Scandinavian modern influences. Finally, Fire Pit Art from Lebanon, TN, was acknowledged for Rick Wittrig’s durable fire pits, crafted from quarter-inch steel, reflecting a strong tradition of no-nonsense craftsmanship and designed to last for a century. #MadeInTheSouthAwards #WoodStudio #LookoutMountainRocker #HandcraftedFurniture #TraditionalWoodworking #ArtisanCrafts #SouthernCraftsmanship #HomeGoods #ProductDesign

San Diego Magazine has announced its 2025 Home + Design Awards, inviting design professionals and students to submit their residential or commercial projects for recognition. The awards are presented by Room & Board San Diego and aim to highlight outstanding design talent within the region. The article details the judging panel, consisting of notable figures in architecture and interior design, and lists the winners and reader's picks across various categories for the 2025 awards. The judging panel includes Daniela Deutsch, Dean of the School of Architecture and Professor at NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego, who also serves on the Board for the San Diego Green Building Council. Megan Groth, an architect, urbanist, educator, and author of "Places We Love: San Diego Tijuana," brings her academic and practical expertise to the panel. Keith York, a native San Diegan known for documenting the region's modernist art and architecture through ModernSanDiego.com and his work with architect-designed properties, is also a judge. The panel is completed by Beverly Feldman, an interior designer and entrepreneur specializing in multifunctional furniture and innovative design solutions, and current Chapter President of the American Society of Interior Designers. The awards encompass a wide range of categories, recognizing excellence in both residential and commercial design. Residential Interior Design categories include Bathroom, Living/Family Room, Kitchen, Dining Room, Bedroom, Closet, and Home Office. Winners and reader's picks in this section include firms like Barton + Barton for "All Good, Tahoe" and "Aviara," Hello Home Interior Design for a Teenage Girls’ Bathroom, EEZ Interiors for "Pink Love" in the Kitchen category, and Jaccard Interiors / Shelley Jaccard for "Craftsman Charmer Dining Room" and "Pretty in Pink Primary Bedroom." JG Color Studios, Jennifer Guerin, was recognized for "Victorian Closet," while Blythe Interiors won for "Hacienda Medley," and M + M Interior Design for "Dolphin Place" in Staircases. Residential Exterior Design categories covered Outdoor Kitchen + BBQ, Front Yard Landscaping, ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), Exterior Renovation, Patio/Porch, and Use of Paint Color. Brookside Landscape Design garnered recognition for "Leucadia Coastal Modern" and "Kitchen Atelier." Andrea Doonan horticulture + design received an award for "Urban Oasis," and Anne Sneed Architectural Interiors for "VO House." Before Breakfast was acknowledged for "Urban Courtyard," and JG Color Studios for "Exterior Paint. Commercial Design awards were given for Restaurant Design, Bar Design, Event Venue Design, Hotel/Resort Lobby Design, Hotel/Resort Room Design, Commercial Landscape Design, Office Interior Design, and Coffee Shop/Cafe Design. MY Studio ID won for "Cocina De Barrio, Encinitas," with Reader's Picks going to Busalacchi Restaurant Group – Taylor Shaffer for "Lala," Tiger Veil / Rachel Larraine Crawford for "salon d’eau de vie Speakeasy (Bivouac)" and "Bivouac Cafe," Nolen Communities, Tecture Design + Fabrication for "Hatch Gatherings," and DesignX Architecture + Interiors for "Whissel Realty." Schmidt Design Group, Nolen Communities received a Reader's Pick for "Fox Point Farms." Special "Home of the Year" categories were divided into Interior and Exterior. For Home of the Year: Interior, Savvy Interiors/Susan Wintersteen's "Eclectic 70s Ranch by Savvy Interiors, Carlsbad" received the Judges’ Pick, with Reader's Picks for various styles including Modern (Fish & Co / Lisa Carolla – "The Seaford"), Coastal (House of Heacock/Megan Heacock White – "Paseo Residence"), Contemporary (Rachel Crawford & Carl Pallini – "Leucadia Home"), Eclectic (Jackson Design and Remodeling – "Historic Craftsmanship"), Craftsman (Equity Builders – "Archambault Residence"), Mid-Century (Savvy Interiors/Susan Wintersteen – "Eclectic 70s Ranch by Savvy Interiors"), and Rustic (Salt and Sky Lodging Co – "Dark Moon Chalet"). For Home of the Year: Exterior, Brookside Landscape Design's "MCM Avocado, Encinitas" was the Judges’ Pick, and Reader's Picks included Brett Farrow Architect, Inc. for "SEA4," Architects Magnus for "Casa Mariposa," Equity Builders for "Archambault Residence," and Brookside Landscape Design for "Neptune." Finally, a Student Submission category (No Fee) recognized Julian Carrera for "Sundays" (Judges’ Pick) and Sam Iacometti for "Bloom" (Reader’s Pick) for Best Overall Design.

This article highlights the winning design for the 'Best Dining Room' category in the 2022 Design Awards, featuring a modern and elegant dining space created by Denise Wright of DKW Designs. The project's primary goal was to furnish a dining area capable of accommodating up to ten people, ensuring the furniture was durable enough for a large family while maintaining an elegant aesthetic suitable for entertaining guests. The homeowners, recently engaged and combining their families, sought a fresh start in their new southeast Springfield home, desiring a space that would foster new memories and facilitate their love for entertaining. They enlisted Denise Wright to transform their dining room into a functional yet sophisticated environment. Wright adopted a 'casual elegance' approach, simplifying the design with a light color palette punctuated by rich dark tones and cool metal accents. A 120-inch Palecek dining table, distinguished by its dark espresso finish and subtle texture, serves as the room's focal point, providing contrast against the newly refinished natural oak floors. To infuse vitality and color, Wright incorporated greenery and easily interchangeable artwork, allowing for future personalization as new pieces are acquired. A unique design element is the selection of distinct fabrics for the host and hostess chairs. The homeowner was particularly drawn to a fabric with an open pattern, which Wright favored for its non-busy appearance. For the side chairs, a durable performance fabric was chosen, emphasizing ease of cleaning to withstand spills, an important consideration for a family-oriented space. Wright expressed her preference for varying chair fabrics, noting that it enhances visual interest and distinguishes the host and hostess seating. Among the various decorative elements, a Schlitz bar lady statue holds particular sentimental value for the homeowners. This statue, previously displayed in the homeowner’s father’s office during his ownership of a local beer distributorship in the 1970s, was repositioned by Wright to a more prominent spot on the mantelpiece. Complementing this, the adjacent butler’s bar showcases two additional family heirlooms: vintage Schlitz beer steins. These heirlooms harmoniously align with the lighted Tiffany-style globe of the bar lady statue, creating a cohesive narrative within the space. The article also mentions the seamless integration of design elements between rooms, as Wright extended the color palette from the dining room into the adjoining living room through a large archway. The same linear tile used for the fireplace surround in the dining room was also applied to the backsplash of the butler’s bar, contributing to a unified and transitional aesthetic that moves away from traditional styles. The article lists the key contributors to the project, including Denise Wright of DKW Designs as the interior design/decorating project lead, and Jeremy Mason McGraw of Global Image Creation as the photographer. Other suppliers mentioned include Unique Tile for stone and tile, DKW Designs for furniture and artwork, and Schaffitzel's Flowers & Greenhouse for plants. This comprehensive overview details how a modern, elegant, and highly functional dining room was achieved, skillfully blending contemporary design with personal touches and durable materials suitable for a lively family and frequent entertaining. #DesignAwards #DiningRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DKWDesigns #ElegantDining #ModernDesign #FamilyHeirlooms #SoutheastSpringfield

This article highlights the winning bathroom design by Denise Wright of DKW Designs in the 417 Home Design Awards 2020. The homeowners, residing on a large piece of land with natural views, sought to integrate the outdoors into their master bathroom while maintaining privacy and luxurious amenities. The initial concept involved an outdoor shower, but concerns about privacy led to a shift towards bringing the natural environment indoors. Wright's design for this serene bathroom drew inspiration from a beachside resort, aiming to create a private getaway within the home. Every detail was carefully chosen to evoke the essence of the sea, from the blue and tan tones of the countertops to the capiz shells on the chandelier, fostering a bright and breezy atmosphere akin to an ocean retreat. A prominent feature in achieving this peaceful ambiance is a floating wall located in the center of the room. This wall, designed around iridescent glass mosaic tiles, incorporates ocean and sand colors and cleverly conceals a glass-enclosed shower behind it. A large tub at the base of this wall features a waterfall faucet, mimicking the sound of ocean waves, further enhancing the tranquil environment. To address the homeowners' varying preferences for privacy, remote shades were installed. These shades offer flexibility, allowing for expansive outdoor views when fully open, partial closure for privacy while still enjoying the scenery, or complete closure for maximum seclusion. The bathroom also includes distinct "his and hers" elements, such as one vanity equipped with a makeup counter and another featuring a coffee bar. The home's modern timber frame, with exposed beams on the bathroom ceiling, contributes to the overall open and airy feel. Additionally, the bathroom is furnished with luxury amenities, including a towel warmer, heated flooring, a plush area rug, and iridescent accessories, transforming the space into an at-home spa experience. The design successfully blends the desire for an outdoor connection with the need for privacy and sophisticated comfort. #Decor #Design #DesignAwards #HomeDesign #BathroomDesign #LuxuryBathroom #InteriorDesign #DKWDesigns

The 2025 Sunset Western Home & Design Awards recognize top interior design firms and individuals who are creating distinctive and luxurious living spaces across the Western United States. This article highlights eight award-winning designers and firms, showcasing their unique approaches to interior aesthetics, ranging from livable luxury and small space solutions to organic modern and full-on glamour. Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, a Seattle-based architecture and interiors firm, was awarded for 'Best Livable Luxury' for their work on a remodeled Pacific Northwest island home. The design emphasizes quiet luxury through a blend of rich textures, including velvet, bouclé, honed marble, and handmade oak cabinetry, creating an idyllic and cozy family compound. Their expertise lies in masterminding properties with exquisite detailing that evoke a sense of understated opulence. Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors received recognition for 'Best Small Space Solutions.' Jung, based in San Francisco, specializes in optimizing compact living areas, particularly in elegant city apartments and Bay Area bungalows. Her designs are characterized by a playful use of color and ingenious millwork that integrates smart storage solutions, effectively maximizing space without compromising on style or functionality for busy families. Susannah Holmberg Studios earned the 'Best Organic Modern' award. Holmberg, who relocated to Salt Lake City, draws inspiration from the American West, evident in her palette of warm neutrals. Her work, such as a four-season poolhouse in Park City featuring rosy zellige tile, showcases a strong artistic background with curvilinear shapes and bold, sculptural accents that appear in her projects throughout Utah and beyond. Redmond Aldrich Design, led by Chloe Redmond Warner, was honored for 'Best Scene-Setter.' Warner's approach involves creating immersive and imaginative interiors, as demonstrated by a Montana mountain home inspired by a fictitious Japanese art student. The San Francisco-based designer is celebrated for her creative vision, infusing luxury spaces with wit and distinct style. Romanek Design Studio, under the direction of Brigette Romanek, achieved the 'Best Full-On Glamour' award. Romanek’s clientele includes notable figures, reflecting her ability to craft stylish and comfortable environments. Her designs are distinguished by sculptural lines, museum-quality vintage pieces, and whimsical touches such as bold art and vibrant color schemes. Morrison Interiors, based in Orange County, was recognized for 'Best Family Compound.' Denise Morrison specializes in designing upscale retreats that balance luxury with a relaxed atmosphere. Her own Idaho lake-view home exemplifies her style, featuring comfortable seating, high-end finishes, and a low-key vacation ambiance, designed to accommodate large gatherings. Amber Interior Design Studio received the award for 'Best California Neo Classicist.' Amber Lewis's interiors are quintessential Californian, characterized by soft fabrics, organic materials, comfortable seating, understated opulence, and an uncluttered informality. Her work is described as modern, timeless, and exceptionally comfortable, resonating with contemporary lifestyle preferences. Finally, Sarahliz Lawson Design was honored for 'Best Elevated Mountain' design. Lawson, from Saratoga, California, is known for her classic designs with a contemporary twist. Her work, including a luxurious Tahoe residence, brings urban sophistication to mountain living, creating refined rural retreats that offer a compelling alternative to traditional outdoor activities. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignAwards #WesternHomes #LuxuryDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions #OrganicModern #GlamourDesign #FamilyCompounds #CaliforniaStyle

The article discusses six expert tips for designing a home that can adapt to various life stages, catering to first-home buyers, upsizers, and downsizers. Ebony O’Brien, Evolve studio manager at Bold Living, emphasizes the importance of understanding priorities, which can differ significantly across these groups. For first-home buyers, affordability and space for growth are often key, while upsizers may prioritize flexible rooms that can evolve with a changing family structure. One crucial tip is to opt for classic and timeless designs in major elements like kitchen cabinets and bathroom tiles. This approach ensures lasting value and allows homeowners to personalize their interiors with accessories without frequent major renovations. A neutral design provides a versatile foundation that can be easily adapted to different styles over time. Flexibility in floor plans is another critical consideration, particularly for upsizers and downsizers. Designs that allow for rooms to be repurposed, such as converting extra bedrooms into home offices or hobby spaces, are highly beneficial. For instance, the Bold Living 'Athena 351' design offers spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, and separate zones, accommodating the needs of growing families and multi-generational households by providing a kids’ retreat and a master bedroom separated from other living areas. Functionality is also paramount; homes should be stylish yet practical for daily life. Examples include incorporating a mudroom for families with children or avid gardeners to manage dirt and mess, and designing wider hallways and accessible bathroom spaces to accommodate changing mobility needs. The article highlights practical features like placing washing machines and dryers at bench height with storage underneath to prevent bending. The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is another key design principle. Creating a seamless connection between the outdoor living area, indoor kitchen, dining, and living spaces promotes a cohesive environment suitable for families and entertaining guests. The Bold Living 'Balwyn' design is cited as an excellent example of this indoor-outdoor flow. Effective storage solutions are essential for all homeowners. The recommendation is to choose designs that include built-in cabinetry to minimize clutter. Bold Living offers existing floor plans with ample storage and the option for customization to meet specific storage requirements. Finally, understanding when to save and when to splurge is crucial for managing budgets at different stages of homeownership. First-time buyers, for example, might prioritize affordable designs with essential features like three bedrooms, open-plan living, and indoor-outdoor connectivity, like the 'Felix' design from Bold Living. Prospective buyers can explore design ideas and display homes at Bold Living's Evolve Design Studio and various display locations across Southeast Queensland. #BuyingAndBuildingNew #FeaturedHomeBuilders #FeaturedHomeDesigns #HomeDesign #Interior #InteriorDesign

The 2025 Sunset Western Home & Design Awards celebrate exceptional kitchen design, recognizing five designers for their innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing culinary spaces. These awards highlight how kitchens serve as the heart of the home, not just for cooking but also for working and entertaining. Heidi Caillier Design, based in Washington, was honored for the "Best Moody, Low-Light Kitchens." Caillier, an expert in pattern mixing and unique details, excels in designing kitchens with limited natural light. Instead of attempting to brighten these spaces, she embraces their inherent moodiness, utilizing rich Old World colors, distinctive marbles, and strategic directional lighting such as sconces and pendants. Her experience from her time in San Francisco, where such challenges are common, has honed her ability to transform these spaces into captivating, functional areas through elaborate millwork, rare Italian tiles, and antique carved marble sinks. Audrey Scheck Design, operating out of Austin, Texas, received recognition for the "Best Western Kitchen." Scheck's signature style incorporates fieldstone, shiplap, and classic hardware, which are integral to creating timeless kitchen designs. Her work, including a notable project in West Lake Hills, consistently achieves an earthy and grounded feel without resorting to an overly rustic or 'country' aesthetic. This approach ensures her designs possess a lasting appeal that transcends fleeting trends. For the "Best Outside-the-Box Kitchen," Mandy Cheng Design, an L.A.-based designer, was celebrated for her bold and playful approach. Cheng challenges the conventional notion of kitchens as sterile, purely functional spaces, advocating for them to be as vibrant and enjoyable as any other room in the home. Despite specializing in full-house remodels and acknowledging the common preference for white quartz counters and steel appliances, she actively encourages clients to explore more creative and temporary design elements to infuse personality and fun into their culinary environments. Heliotrope Architects, based in Seattle, earned the award for "Best Masterful, Minimal Kitchen." The firm is known for its midcentury-inspired simplicity, meticulously avoiding superfluous details and wasted gestures in their projects, which span residential, retail, and restaurant designs across the Pacific Northwest. Heliotrope's kitchens are exemplary in their restraint and seamless flow, prioritizing low, under-counter storage to maintain unobstructed views. Their designs frequently incorporate materials like concrete, brick, and stone, yet manage to achieve a warm and inviting atmosphere. A key feature of their work is the integration of indoor-outdoor spaces through expansive windows and sliding glass doors, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior environments. Finally, Ali Henrie Design, from Utah, was recognized for the "Best Classic Kitchen." Henrie specializes in creating generous, light-filled spaces that exude comfort and invite people to relax. Her kitchens particularly showcase her meticulous attention to detail and a focus on coziness. Key elements of her design philosophy include ample custom cabinetry, abundant seating options, and a soothing palette of soft neutral colors, such as cloud gray and celadon green. These choices contribute to minimizing visual clutter and fostering a serene, organized kitchen atmosphere. #KitchenDesign #HomeAwards #InteriorDesign #WesternDesign #ArchitecturalExcellence #HeidiCaillier #AudreyScheck #MandyCheng #HeliotropeArchitects #AliHenrieDesign

The Houzz Best of Houzz 2025 Awards highlight the most popular home designs and professionals, offering insights into upcoming interior design trends. Based on a community of 70 million homeowners and designers, these awards are a reliable predictor of future trends. Mitchel Parker from Houzz provides expert commentary on the featured designs, including kitchen features that enhance entertainment, inviting home offices, striking powder rooms, tranquil spaces, and more. One significant trend is the creation of 'quiet places' within the home. In contrast to many busy areas dedicated to daily tasks, these spaces are designed for relaxation, napping, reading, or silent contemplation. A comfortable sofa or bench near a window is ideal, as is a shaded outdoor area with cozy furniture for enjoying nature's sights and sounds. This emphasis on designated calming zones reflects a growing desire for mental well-being in home environments. Kitchens are evolving to prioritize entertaining, with many Houzz homeowners seeking features that facilitate social gatherings. Parker notes the popularity of extra-long islands that combine counter seating with a stepped-down dining table, offering face-to-face seating. This design supports communal dining and interaction. The Houzz Kitchen Trends Report further details other popular kitchen design elements for 2025, indicating a shift towards highly functional and social kitchen layouts. Another emerging trend involves the integration of home bars or beverage stations. These dedicated areas, equipped with beverage refrigerators and coffee bars, allow guests and children to serve themselves without disrupting the main kitchen activities. This not only enhances convenience during entertaining but also maintains the cook's workspace in the kitchen. Powder rooms are also becoming focal points for bold design statements. Parker suggests using these small spaces to create a 'moment of surprise' that can deviate stylistically from the rest of the home. Dramatic wallpaper and vanity combinations are a surefire way to achieve a striking and memorable look, adding a touch of personality and luxury to an often-overlooked area. With more people working remotely, inviting home offices are becoming essential. Designers on Houzz recommend equipping these spaces with built-in storage, comfortable furniture, and stylish colors and decor to foster an atmosphere conducive to productivity and organization. These offices are designed to be appealing and efficient, supporting both work and household management tasks. For living rooms, the focus is on providing ample and varied seating options for guests. Sofas, chairs, ottomans, and stools are combined to ensure everyone has a comfortable spot during social events. This trend emphasizes smart entertaining solutions, a theme that also appeared in the Houzz Emerging Winter Trends Report. Outdoor entertaining areas are also gaining prominence, offering extended options for social gatherings. These setups include designated spaces for lounging, dining, cooking, and even TV watching, maximizing the home's entertainment potential and blending indoor and outdoor living seamlessly. Mudrooms are being designed for enhanced functionality and organization. Proper storage solutions, such as lockers, shelves, hooks, and cubbies, help keep dirt, mud, snow, and sand out of the main living areas while significantly reducing clutter. This trend highlights a practical approach to home organization. In bathrooms, spacious low-curb showers are a popular choice due to their ease of access compared to traditional tubs. They also contribute to a light and airy aesthetic and prevent water from spilling onto the main bathroom floor, combining practicality with modern design. Wood vanities are trending in bathrooms to introduce warmth into spaces that often feature extensive tile and metal finishes, which can otherwise appear cold. The natural texture and color of wood balance these cooler elements, creating a more inviting atmosphere. Finally, bedrooms are increasingly designed as relaxing retreats. Homeowners seek soothing color palettes and plush, comfortable bedding to create a calm and inviting ambiance after a demanding day. This trend emphasizes personal comfort and tranquility within the bedroom space. #HouzzInteriorDesignAwards2025 #InteriorDesignTrends2025 #HomeDesignTips #HousingTrends2025 #KitchenDesign #HomeOffice #OutdoorLiving #BathroomDesign #BedroomDesign

The 2025 Sunset Western Home & Design Awards celebrate exceptional landscape design and architecture across the West, highlighting a diverse range of styles from minimalist to maximalist, and from native plant specialists to edible garden enthusiasts. The awards recognize designers and firms that integrate architecture with natural surroundings, focusing on authenticity, sustainability, and innovative outdoor living spaces. This year's featured winners showcase a blend of artistic vision and practical functionality, transforming outdoor areas into extensions of the home. Among the distinguished winners, Lucas & Lucas, based in Northern California, received recognition for "Best Wine Country Wild." This dynamic design duo is celebrated for seamlessly uniting architecture and landscape, creating integrated indoor-outdoor environments. Their projects, which range from contemporary estates to intimate gardens, demonstrate a profound connection to the land and a commitment to regional authenticity, ultimately crafting spaces that epitomize the essence of California living. Inner Gardens, under the leadership of Stephen Block, was awarded for "Best Gold-Standard Garden." Block's visionary approach brings the philosophy of wabi-sabi to life, designing landscapes that embrace natural beauty and deliberate imperfection. His firm is distinguished by its integration of vintage vessels and striking container plantings, merging antique charm with a relaxed West Coast aesthetic. Each garden by Inner Gardens is conceived as a meticulously curated retreat, where timeless design principles meet a deep appreciation for nature, evolving into living works of art that mature gracefully over time. Pine House Edible Gardens, led by Leslie Bennett, earned the title of "Best Kitchen Garden." This firm specializes in converting outdoor areas into verdant, productive landscapes that highlight the aesthetic appeal of edible gardening. Their designs expertly combine visual appeal with practical utility, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. Pine House Edible Gardens develops spaces that foster both physical and spiritual nourishment, embodying the quintessential California garden-to-table lifestyle. Christian Douglas Design was honored for "Best Lush, Layered Landscapes." The firm excels in reimagining outdoor living by thoughtfully incorporating edible gardens into elegant landscape designs. Their "food-forward" methodology marries classical design principles with regenerative agriculture, yielding spaces that are both visually stunning and highly productive. From expansive estates to compact urban courtyards, each project cultivates a profound connection to nature and promotes the pleasure of harvesting homegrown produce, transforming typical gardens into remarkable, sustainable havens. Finally, Appleton Partners, under the creative direction of Marc Appleton, Andrew Scott, and Ken Mineau, received the award for "Best Outdoor Living Room." This firm is renowned for transforming outdoor areas into enduring retreats that meld historical inspiration with contemporary elegance. Their designs feature sun-dappled courtyards and fluid indoor-outdoor transitions, celebrating nature and fashioning deeply personal, comfortable landscapes. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and a client-focused approach, Appleton Partners crafts spaces that are both artistic and inviting, perfectly capturing the West's characteristic casual sophistication. #LandscapeDesign #Architecture #SunsetAwards #CaliforniaLiving #EdibleGardens #SustainableDesign #OutdoorLiving #GardenDesign #HomeDesignAwards

The 2022 Design Awards recognized two projects as tied winners in the Best Mudroom or Laundry Room category. These projects, designed by Nathan Taylor of Obelisk Home and Haden Long of Ellecor Design, focused on creating highly functional spaces that seamlessly blend contemporary aesthetics with classic styles. Both designers aimed to elevate these typically utilitarian areas into integral parts of their respective homes, emphasizing both design impact and usability. Nathan Taylor's winning project, for a new construction family home, involved an L-shaped laundry room that also served as a high-traffic thoroughfare from the garage to the kitchen. The homeowner's primary request was for the space to feel like "just another room in my house," necessitating a design that mirrored the home's overall "contemporary meets traditional" style. Taylor achieved this by using custom-finished white oak cabinets in the same color as the adjacent kitchen cabinetry, ensuring continuity. High-end elements such as quartz countertops, brushed gold hardware, and custom-printed marble floor tiles were incorporated to add a luxurious touch. The backsplash featured a beveled black subway tile in a herringbone pattern, offering a modern twist on a traditional material. Instead of traditional can lights, a lighted rod was installed over the countertop, providing both illumination and additional hanging space. The room also included a built-in desk for productivity and custom lockers and cubbies for each family member, complete with shelves, drawers, hanging space, and individual outlets for charging electronics. Haden Long's winning design for Ellecor Design focused on a from-scratch laundry room as part of a larger new construction project, prioritizing "function, function, function." The client, a business owner and professional organizer, sought a multi-functional space with abundant and smartly designed storage, including a dedicated area for dogs. Long integrated farmhouse-style elements that connected the laundry room to the rest of the home, such as white overhead cabinets complemented by custom-stained oak lower cabinets, penny round floor tiles, and quartz countertops with subtle gray and gold veining. Creative solutions for pet integration included sliding doors under a peninsula for the dogs. Storage innovations included pullout drawers beneath the sink for hidden trash, an inset pocket for paper towels to keep countertops clutter-free, and another pullout drawer for laundry next to the washer and dryer. A floor-to-ceiling cabinet with pullouts near the patio door housed appliances, cleaning supplies, and a charging station for a vacuum, ensuring every item had a designated place. A unique colorful dog wallpaper was chosen to incorporate the pets' theme and add a vibrant touch. Both winning projects demonstrate a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to integrating functional needs with sophisticated design. They showcase how laundry rooms and mudrooms can transcend their traditional roles to become beautiful, efficient, and well-integrated spaces within a home, catering to the specific needs and aesthetic preferences of the homeowners. The designers successfully combined practical storage solutions with high-quality materials and thoughtful stylistic choices, resulting in award-winning designs that are both elegant and highly practical. #DesignAwards #MudroomDesign #LaundryRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ContemporaryStyle #TraditionalStyle #FunctionalDesign #StorageSolutions