Modern farmhouse style has been incredibly popular among homebuyers and renovators for nearly a decade. But some architects report that requests for modern farmhouse designs are dropping, and media reports claim the style is growing stale. Are they right? Or is modern farmhouse simply evolving? Here’s what you need to know. Elements of modern farmhouse… Read more »
Have you ever seen a commercial building under construction with a steel frame and wondered whether you could build your home with steel instead of wood framing? The answer is yes, and the trend is growing. A steel frame has many benefits, so let’s look at these tough-as-nails homes. Strong bones A steel frame home… Read more »
Ceiling beams add style and interest to rooms, especially those with high or vaulted ceilings. They can also add structural support. You can choose from a variety of types of ceiling beams to highlight many different design styles. Here’s what you need to know about ceiling beams. Faux or functional Ceiling beams can provide structural… Read more »
Houses or landscape walls made of natural stone have a timeless elegance. Increasingly, those gorgeous stone walls may not be natural stone but a manufactured veneer made to look natural. Veneer stone is lighter, easier to install and cheaper. You may not be able to tell the difference. What are the pros and cons of… Read more »
Homes with a crawl space are at risk of soil moisture creating a humid environment, resulting in mold and wood rot to the beams and floor decking above. Mold can cause health problems, and rot can cause expensive structural damage over time. A vapor barrier is needed to prevent this damage. Moisture can come from… Read more »
The grim statistics say that half of all residential fire deaths occur in bedrooms between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. That’s why building codes across the country have strict requirements that bedrooms have direct access to the outdoors via a window or door. If you’re planning to convert an attic or basement space into a… Read more »
The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted fundamental changes in most aspects of American life. Interior design is no exception. As people have spent more time at home for both work and socializing, Google search trends have shown increased interest in design styles that focus on comfort. Here’s what you need to know about post-pandemic interior design… Read more »
The Covid-19 pandemic sent Americans home, not just for shelter but for work, entertainment, exercise and more. As the virus continues, will it begin to influence what your house is like? Here’s what the experts think about post-pandemic home design. Lessons from the past Homes changed after the 1918 influenza pandemic as people wanted more… Read more »
It can be tempting to tackle home remodeling projects yourself to save money, whether by doing the work subcontractors would otherwise do or by being your own general contractor and hiring subs. The question may not be, can you be your own GC, but should you? Here’s what you need to know. Benefits of do-It-yourself… Read more »
A growing number of products are manufactured with 3D printing, and now the technology can even build houses! Is a 3D home something you’d like to pursue? See what you think. From novelty to practicality Although 3D printing processes began receiving patents in the late 1980s, the technology has really come into its own in… Read more »
Getting the keys to a freshly built house is exciting, but buying one requires the same steps as purchasing an existing home coupled with overseeing a construction project. Let’s take a look at what’s involved in buying a new construction home. Should you hire a real estate agent? When working with the builder’s sales agent,… Read more »
Pocket walls and doors, floating plumbing fixtures, mirrors that talk to you — all of these trends and more are new and creative ways to live large in limited space. Let’s take a peek at some fashionable home design trends that create space. Space-enhancing doors and walls An alternative to traditional swinging doors that take… Read more »
If you’re a homeowner, the more you know about your house and its components, the better you can care for your investment. A roof provides one of humanity’s most basic needs: shelter. Here’s a quick primer on roof structure, styles, and materials. Basic roof structure The framing boards that form the pitch of a roof… Read more »
Dormer windows are a ubiquitous feature of American homes. You have seen these windows set into sloping roofs many times, but perhaps haven’t known what they are called. If you are building a new home or want to add dormers as part of a renovation, here’s what you need to know. The purpose of dormers… Read more »
In recent years, once-popular brass has taken a back seat to brushed nickel, stainless steel and oiled bronze when it comes to interior design. But brass is now shining once again. Read on to learn how brass is back! Home colors are getting warmer The return of brass comes on the heels of a return… Read more »
Knowing about your home’s components will help you make good decisions when it comes to your biggest investment. You need a working knowledge of window design if you’re building a new home or replacing windows in an existing home. Here’s our crystal-clear guide to windows. Types of window design Single-hung windows. The part of any… Read more »
The modern farmhouse style is one of today’s hottest trends in residential design. The style mixes classic farmhouse basics with modern, industrial and rustic accents to create homes that are both cozy and uncluttered. Is a modern farmhouse living the life for you? What defines a modern farmhouse interior Traditional farmhouse style, with its liberal… Read more »
Barns are no longer just spaces for livestock and farm equipment. Today, living in converted barns or brand-new, barn-like homes has become popular. Here’s what you need to know about the growing trend of barndominium living. The rise of the barn living It’s been common for people to convert barns into temporary places to live… Read more »
People often think of hiring an architect when designing a house or a big remodeling project, but a residential designer may be able to provide the help you need. What is a residential designer, and how can one help you with your project? Comparing a residential designer and an architect Residential designers and architects can… Read more »
Rooms above uninsulated garages may be harder to cool and warm than the rest of your house. You also may notice car odors in those rooms. The solution to these problems is to insulate and air seal the garage ceiling. Here’s what you need to know about installing garage ceiling insulation. In through the garage,… Read more »
