Remodeling ‘Uh-Oh’ Moments

“Is there a problem over there?” Ford asked as he led the way to the kitchen.

“Something about the hot water heater, 

a protracted debate over drawers versus doors on some sort of cabinetry 

and Buddy bitching about O rings. 

Otherwise, it looks to me as if the work over there is going very well.”

Tribute

 

________________________

Photo by Deirdre Doherty Interiors - Search powder room pictures

A benefit of working with a designer is having someone who will ensure every detail in a space is exactly as requested. In other words, when things go wrong, it’s good to have an advocate on your side determined to make things right no matter what. Here, seven designers share an “uh-oh” moment they encountered and how they went above and beyond to solve it and make the homeowner happy.

HOUZZ

Elements of an Inspiring Home Gym

 

“What gym do you use, Legs?”

She opened the bottle. “My own.”

Bed of Roses

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Photo by TNHometour.com - Browse home gym photos

It’s not so much the size of your workout area that matters — whether you have a corner devoted to yoga or an entire home gym. Finding the motivation to use your workout space is often the hardest part. Here are 10 elements to give your workout space (and you) a jolt of inspiration.

HOUZZ

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Two treadmills, an elliptical, a recumbent bike, Bowflex, free weights, a bench press—not to mention the huge flat-screen and the glass-fronted fridge holding bottles of water and juice.Towels, he noted, neatly folded, alcohol wipes, killer view.

“Convenient,” he said, “and efficient.”

Happy Ever After

A Modern Masterpiece by the Sea in Japan

 

He had placed no paintings on the walls. The ocean was art enough.

Dance of Dreams

____________________

Photo by hannat architects - Search bathroom design ideas

The home now highlights the two rocks floating in the sea ahead, expanding into a dreamy landscape. 

HOUZZ

____________________

"This is a lovely place. I can see why you come whenever you have the chance. 

I've always loved the ocean. 

We stayed in a house on the Pacific once in Japan."

Dance of Dreams

Awesome Backyard Home Offices

Now she pulled open the door of the utility shed. It was a big square building, as wide as the

average barn, with hardwood floors and paneled walls. Uncle Jolley hadn't believed in the primitive.

Hitting the switch, she flooded the building with light.

As per her instructions, the crates and boxes she'd shipped had been stacked along one wall. The shelves where Uncle Jolley had kept his gardening tools during his brief, torrid gardening stage had been packed away. The plumbing was good, with a full-size stainless-steel sink and a small but more than adequate bath with shower enclosed in the rear. She counted five workbenches. The light and ventilation were excellent.

It wouldn't take her long, Pandora figured, to turn the shed into an organized, productive

workroom.

It took three hours.

A Will and A Way

____________________

Photo by Garrison Foundry Architecture + Decor - Look for living room design inspiration

Tour the personalized studios and sheds Houzz pros designed and built for themselves

HOUZZ

____________________

Boyd gave a hoot of laughter and opened the door of the workshop. "What do you think?"

The garage-size room was full of tables, machines, shelves, tools, stacks of wood There appeared to be a number of projects in progress, but Jonah couldn't tell what they were, or what they were intended to be.

"Impressive," he decided, diplomatically. "What do you do here?"

"I make a great deal of noise. Other than that, I haven't figured it out. I helped Keenan build a

bird-house about ten years ago. Came out pretty good. Cilia started buying me tools. Boy toys, she calls them."

He ran his hand over the guard of a skill saw. "Then I needed a place to keep them. Before I knew it, I had a fully equipped workshop. I think it was all a ploy to get me out of her hair."

Night Shield

Art Can Improve Your Room Design

The pretty plants and
bland pastel paintings on matte-white walls didn't hide the fact
that law was the order here. The carpet was a muted gray, the
deeper-toned chairs in the waiting area were likely just the wrong
side of comfortable.
"We wouldn't want people to be at their ease now, would we?" she
thought bitterly.

The Pride of Jared MacKade

_________________

Artwork can bring together the elements of a room by 
being a focal point, 

a color inspiration, a harmonizer 
and more

Photo by Horchow - More living room photos

Artwork can often make or break a space. 

HOUZZ

_________________

 She stopped by a landscape, all rocky hills and trees gone violent with autumn.

"This one," she decided. "He needs this one where that horrible white-orchid still life is hanging."

"I'd have thought you'd go for the orchids." When Regan turned, her eyes narrowed blandly, Savannah smiled fully 
for the first time. "Yeah, I can see I'd have been wrong."
"Greens and mauves," Regan announced. "Deep greens. And those chairs in the outer office have got to go. 
I've got a couple of library chairs in mind. Deep-cushioned, high-backed. Leather.
And I figure hardwood with area rugs, instead of that gray sea of
wall-to-wall."
Yes, of course. Savannah could already see it. Regan MacKade was obviously a woman who knew what she wanted. 
"Look, I'm not a humble person, but can you actually see my paintings jibing
with your taste... or Jared's?"
"Yes. And I think, all things considered, that you and I will work together very well." Regan held out a hand, waited. 
"Well, are we going to give Jared a break and get him out of that tomb?"

The Pride of Jared MacKade

We Can Dream

“Hey, what’s said in the—What is this room?”

“Butler’s pantry.”

“No shit?” He let out a half laugh as he scanned

the space again. “Okay, what’s said in the butler’s

pantry stays in the butler’s pantry.” That got a smile

out of her, a faint one.

Happy Ever After 

___________________

Beautiful Butler’s Pantries

Photo by McCarthy Homes QLD - Browse wine cellar ideas

These stylish butler’s pantries are the ultimate accent piece for any dream kitchen — butler not included

HOUZZ

___________________

His eyes narrowed as she slipped into the butler’s pantry for the wine. 
“Are you looking for a kick in the ass?”

“Actually, I’m looking for a nice pinot grigio,” she called out. 
“Ah, here we go. I hope I’m invited to dinner,” she continued as she brought 
the bottle back to the kitchen.

Whiskey Beach

How to Create a Home Gym You’ll Actually Use

Struck with admiration and not a little envy, she stopped at the base. The slope of the hill

opened the lower level to the rear of the house through wide glass doors and windows, and a

small and pretty slate patio beyond, where the dog currently sprawled on his back, feet straight

up, sleeping.

But inside, on safety mats over the wide-planked oak floor, stood the machines. In silence, she

wandered, studying the elliptical trainer, the weight bench, the rack of weights, the recumbent

bike, rowing machine.

Serious stuff, she mused.

An enormous flat-panel TV covered one wall. She noted the components tucked into a builtin,

and the glass-front bar fridge holding bottles of water. And in the corner where the wood

merged with slate rested a whirlpool tub in glossy black.

"Matt's work?"

"Yeah. Mostly."

"I'm more and more pleased with my instinct to hire him. You never have to leave here."

"That was sort of the idea. I like to hole up for long stretches. It was designed as a family

room, but since my family doesn't live here, I figured why haul myself to a gym when I can

bring the gym to me? And, hey, no membership fee. Of course, it cuts out being able to ogle

toned and sweaty female bodies, but you've got to make some sacrifices."

"I have a basement," Cilla mused. "An actual underground basement, but it's big. I gave some

thought to finishing it off eventually, but more for storage and utility. But with the right lighting..."

Tribute 

___________________

Photo by Studio 133 - Browse home gym ideas

Start the new year off on the right foot with expert tips on designing a home fitness space you’ll stick with

Year after year, getting more exercise tops New Year’s resolution lists. And while the number of people committed to this popular goal often plummets by February, experts say having a dedicated space right at home that will inspire you to stay active can help.

HOUZZ

___________________

He stopped in the doorway. He’d seen their setup

at their beach house in the Hamptons, but that was

small change compared to this.

Two treadmills, an elliptical, a recumbent bike,

Bowflex, free weights, a bench press—not to

mention the huge flat-screen and the glass-fronted

fridge holding bottles of water and juice.Towels, he

noted, neatly folded, alcohol wipes, killer view.

“Convenient,” he said, “and efficient.”

Happy Ever After

Beautiful Snowy Scenes

It sat like it belonged there, content and well-settled in the woods.

Blood Brothers

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Photo by MossCreek - Browse home design photos

Photo by THV COLLECTION - Look for exterior home design inspiration

Whether the holiday season brings sunshine or rain where you live, we hope these 100 snowy scenes will bring warmth and cheer this holiday season. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy some winter armchair travel with these modern, traditional and contemporary-style exteriors shown in all their snowy splendor. 

HOUZZ

____________________

“It’s a beautiful spot, Cal.” Layla took the first out of his hands. 
“Currier and Ives for

the twenty-first century.”

Blood Brothers

Cozy Nooks, Daybeds and Corners for Reading

"Lucky me. You've got a lot of books," she commented.

She studied his profile, the sexy, angular lines of it,

the way the dark glasses concealed the fascinating

contrast of those eyes of pure, light green.

"It's hard to picture you curling up with a good book."

"Stretching out," he said, correcting her. "Women curl up

with books, guys stretch out."

"Oh, I see. That's entirely different."

Night Shield

______________

Photo by Cynthia Lynn Photography - Look for family room pictures

These snug spots may make you want to put on fuzzy 

socks and hunker down with a good book

HOUZZ

This Drone Video of Autumn in New England Will Lift Your Soul

Autumn had taken over New England,
with its exceptional style. Trees roared with color, 
and as they passed their peak, the air took on a snap
 that hinted slyly of winter.


Julia @ The MacGregor Brides 

_______________

Everyone has heard about the incredible leaf colors that blanket parts of New England and the Midwest during autumn. But to actually see the red, yellow and orange leaves glowing like embers along hilly landscapes, around glassy lakes and dappled among harbor towns is another thing entirely. 

HOUZZ

_______________

It was balmy early autumn, perfect New England weather, 
with the trees just beginning to hint at the wild color to come 
in the evening
light of a slowly deepening sky. 
When he got home, he promised himself, he was going to 
take a glass of wine, sit on his back porch
and survey his kingdom.

Ian @ The MacGregor Grooms

How to Celebrate the End of a Remodel

"No doubt. The problem remains how I find time to squeeze in party planning while I'm

installing kitchen cabinets, running trim, hanging doors, refinishing floors and hitting a very long punch-out list, not to mention exploring the world of sofas, couches, divans and settees."

"You buy a grill, a bunch of meat and a whole lot of alcoholic beverages."

Tribute

__________________

Photo by The Cousins - More deck ideas

Homeowners and remodeling pros share their favorite ways to mark the completion of a long home project

HOUZZ

__________________

"A party's a good thing, Cilla. People come, people you know and like, enjoy being with. You show off what you've done. You share it."

Tribute

Find Your Spirit Colors

"This is the color?" Jordan rubbed his chin as he studied her list. "Island? What

kind of color is Island?"

"Greeny blue. Sort of." She handed over the paint chip. "See? What's wrong with

it?"

"I didn't say anything was wrong with it. It's just not something that makes me

think bookstore."

"It's not just a bookstore, it's ... Damn it." She held the sample up, she held it

down. She crossed her eyes and still couldn't envision it on the walls of her space.

"Malory picked it out. I was going to go with this off-white, and she and Zoe

jumped all over me."

"White always works."

She hissed out a breath. "See, they said I was thinking like a man. Men won't pick

color. They're scared of color."

"We are not."

"What color's your living room in New York?"

He shot her a bland look. "That's entirely beside the point."

Key of Knowledge

_________________________

Photo by Peruri Design Company - More living room photos

Dressing your home in colors that embody your personality calls for reflection, inspiration and a readiness for risks

HOUZZ

How to Design Your Garden for More Meaning and Connection

She gestured, waited until he stopped looking into her eyes, followed her direction. 
“You’ve got a couple of rosebushes over there. You should dig them up. 
Make sure you get good root balls, cover them with burlap, 
and take them to your mother. 
I bet your sister would know how to get them going again. 
It would mean something to your mother.”

In his throat, emotion lodged with gratitude. 
“There are times I don’t know what to say to you. Times you just blow a hole through me.”

He drew her in, held on. “I’ll dig them up,” he told her. 
“She’ll like that, and I wouldn’t have

thought of it.”

“You might have.”

“I’d throw it all out,” he stated, looking over her head at what might’ve been his. 
“That’s the wrong way. There’s some of those daffodils trying to come up on
the side of the house. I could dig them up, too. 
Savannah always liked those when we were kids.” 

Come Sundown

_____________

Photo by Marian Boswall Landscape Architects - Browse landscaping photos

Gardens can connect us to the natural world in meaningful ways, whether we’re plucking the first ripe berries of the season or pausing to watch wild birds flit through foliage. While we most often talk about the nuts and bolts of landscape design — the shrubs, pathways and irrigation systems that make them work — let’s take a moment to explore the less tangible ways we can design our gardens to foster connection with nature.

HOUZZ

_____________

She trailed off, stopped. “There’s a bench,” she murmured. “There’s a
beautiful bench exactly where I wanted one.”
“That’s your surprise. Welcome home, Abigail.”
Her vision blurred as she stepped forward to run her hands over the smooth curve of the back, the arms. 
It looked like a log, hollowed out, polished to a satiny gleam, and on the middle of the back was a carved heart with the initials A.L. and B.G. in the center.
“Oh. Brooks.”
“Corny, I know, but—”
“No, it’s not! That’s a stupid word. I prefer romantic.”
“So do I.”
“It’s a beautiful surprise. Thank you. Thank you.” She threw her arms around him.
“You’re welcome, but I get to sit on it, too.”



The Witness

Fill Your Garden With Visions of Serenity

At times she thought of the gardens as her children. 

She had created them, taking the time to plant, to nurture, to discipline. 

And they brought her joy.

Face the Fire

____________________

Photo by Lore Patterson - More landscaping ideas

These 9 ideas can make your garden feel like a sanctuary designed just for you

HOUZZ

____________________

But as he walked he glanced around, then stopped, staggered. Her gardens were a world.

Arches and arbors, slopes and flows. Stone paths softened by moss spreading through the cracks meandered through rivers and floods of flowers. Some were tender with spring, some already reigned. Not just blooms, he realized, but the green. 

There were so many tones and textures of it that each spill or shimmer of pink or white, yellow or blue against it added a wonder. 

There were pools of water, the glint of copper from a sundial, the charm of a dancing faerie twirling in the shrubbery. 

He could see benches tucked here and there, some in sun, some in shade, inviting visitors to sit, to enjoy. 

He couldn’t imagine what it would be like when the young plants burst into full summer bloom, when the vines finished their climb up the arbors. 

Couldn’t conceive of the color and shape, the perfume. 

Unable to resist, he wandered along some of the stone paths, trying to imagine how she had done it. 

How she had turned what had been a pretty, if pedestrian, garden, a stretch of manicured lawn, and the single formal terrace he remembered into a celebration. 

Face the Fire

Home in the Woods Turns Nature Into Art

“Good. The house should be stone and wood, don’t you think?”

His hand was in her hair, just toying with the ends. “This is hardly the spot for vinyl siding.”

“We’ll plant the garden together.”

River's End

______________________

Photo by SALA Architects - More exterior home photos

A new house near Lake Michigan has pavilions that frame lush views of the surrounding forest

HOUZZ

Book Nooks

"I keep them here and there around the house, so if you're in the mood, you don't have to go far.

 A book's a pleasant thing to have nearby."

Born in Shame

___________________

Photo by Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc. - Discover hallway design inspiration

15 Cozy Book Nooks and What They Want You to Read

Put the beach reads away; these comfy spaces are creating a fall reading list. What books do they suggest to you?

HOUZZ

___________________




My suggestions of Nora Novels for each of these rooms:

The Search 

(Fiona's Home once she tears that kitchen wall down. 

The suggested solarium turned into a reading nap and cuddle nook)

“A good, generous window would give you a view into the woods.
Maybe wide-planked floors. You’d have room for a table if you wanted an alternate to eating in the

kitchen.”

Photo by Priority 1 Project Management - Browse kitchen photos

The Return of Rafe MacKade

(Rafe's home)

"Faintly the scent of paint stirred in the air. But she thought the room was
waiting to be lived in."

Photo by Building Concepts and Design - Discover home office design inspiration

Once More with Feeling

(Brand's home in Cornwall)

"Raven had felt an instant affinity for the house, She liked the muffled
roar of the sea outside her window and the breathtaking view."

Photo by Heide Hendricks - Discover family room design inspiration

Home for Christmas

(Jason's home)

""Hong Kong." The widow pursed her lips as she arranged cookies on a plate. "You've been to all your
places, Jason. Were they as exciting as you thought?""

Photo by TaC studios, architects - Discover living room design ideas

Sacred Sins

(Teresa's home)

"It was a room that reflected the senator’s background and, Ben realized, Tess’s.
Comfortable wealth, a knowledge of art and style."

Photo by Austin Patterson Disston Architects - Discover family room design ideas

For Now, Forever

(Daniel MacGregor's home, before Anna)

"The first time I walked into the bedroom, I saw how little of yourself was there."

Photo by Realm - Discover living room design ideas

Chasing Fire

(Ella's Home)

"It was big, he noted, and all open so one space sort of spilled casually into the next. He didn’t
know much—or anything, really—about decorating, but it felt like it looked. Bright, happy,
relaxed."

Photo by Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc. - Look for hallway design inspiration

Northern Lights

(Meg's Home)

"The position of the pillows and
throw on the sofa told him she'd had a nap in front of the fire at some point."

   

Photo by Rikki Snyder - Search family room design ideas

Born in Shame

(Murphy's Home)

"He explained the raftered
ceiling, and the little room off the right where his mother still liked
to sew when she came to visit."

   

Photo by Lucy Call - Look for living room pictures

 Reflections

(Ruth's bedroom at Seth's home)

"Two days later Ruth sat on the couch, a child on each side of her. She read aloud from one of Justin's books. Nijinsky dozed in a patch of sunlight on the floor. She was feeling more settled.
She should have known that she would find exactly what she had needed at the Cliff House."

Photo by Tobi Fairley Interior Design - Browse bedroom photos

True Betrayals

(Gabe's Home)

"She followed him through a wide arch into a living area. This too opened into another room
through archways. Glass doors invited the night inside."

Photo by - Browse family room photos

Obsession

(Naomi's home)

"“You don’t want all your books in one
place anyway. We should scatter some
around.”"

Photo by Red Element Design Studio - Look for living room pictures

Born in Shame

(a reading nook for Shannon's bedroom at Brie's home)

"The room was more than anything Shannon could have expected.
Wide and airy with a charming window seat set under the sloping
eaves"

Photo by Miller-Roodell Architects Ltd - Browse family room ideas

Second Nature

(Hunter's home)

"She hadn't expected anything so, well, normal in Hunter Brown's home. The living room
was airy, sunny in the afternoon light. Cheerful. Yes, Lee realized, that was precisely the
word that came to mind. No shadowy corners or locked doors."

   

Photo by KitchenLab | Rebekah Zaveloff Interiors - More home design photos

For The Love of Lilah

(Lilah's Books&Naps' Nook)

"She liked long naps, classical music and her aunt's elaborate desserts. When
the mood struck her, she could sit, sprawled in a chair, prodding little details of his
life from him. Or she could curl up in a sunbeam like a cat, blocking him and
everything else around her out of her thoughts while she drifted into one of her private
daydreams."

   

Photo by - Discover family room design inspiration