Bring Dining Rooms to Life

(SUMMER 2008) - Take a look back in time at the iconic television shows of the Leave it to Beaver and I Love Lucy era. Aside from the avocado appliances in the kitchen, another aspect of home decorating has gracefully transitioned into modern-day design; the dining room.

Building Your Luxury Home

(SUMMER 2008) - In today's quest for getting precisely what you want in yourhome surroundings, many homeowners opt to custom-build a new dream home, either ready to finish or from the ground up. If it's indeed a "dream home" exact toall your specifications and personal style, then custom building is the way to go.

Color me a new Kitchen

(SUMMER 2008) - The next hot color for the kitchen is...well...take your pick.

Decorator Spotlight: Amy Noonan

(SUMMER 2008) - Amy Noonan is a member of the design consultant team at Designs of the Interior (DOTI) in Austin.

A Funky Living Room for a Creative Couple

(SUMMER 2008) - Ava and Dave are in the process of reinventing themselves. Ava is an IT consultant-turned-stand up comic, and Dave is a real-estate agent who is trying his hand as a rapper.

Ask the Home Expert

(SUMMER 2008) - I have just recently inherited an oil painting that was passed down from a family member. It is in need of restoration. Can you help me with this process?

The Window of Opportunity

(SUMMER 2008) - Many Central Texans are letting in the light this summer by replacing or expanding windows in their homes. These remodeling projects not only increase Vitamin D levels, they often offer valuable energy-efficiency and lower energy costs.

Energy Savings with Room to Spare

(SUMMER 2008) - If you've been sitting on the fence about a kitchen or bath remodeling project, consider this: appliances account for about 20 percent of your home's energy consumption with refrigerators at the top of the list. Add lighting costs, and the amount leaps to 41.5 percent of your energy consumption.

2009 / 2010 Color Trends

(SUMMER 2008) - Interiors and Environmental Color Forecast

Practical Luxury

(SUMMER 2008) - Louise Negri can't remember the exact instant she was introduced to soapstone but says it seems like forever she had dreamed of installing it in her kitchen. When she recently built a ranch outside Austin, her dream became reality.

Designed to Fit

(SUMMER 2008) - Remodeling brings to mind contractors, hammers and nails. But don't overlook one of the most important parts of a remodeling project - an interior designer.

Cultivating the Cosmopolitan House

(SUMMER 2008) - Master bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor living spaces always rank high on home improvement projects. While many Austin homeowners are busily remodeling these areas this summer, many homeowners are requiring savvier products that offer durability, sophistication and customization.

Contemporary Ovens Offer Warm, Emotional Appeal

(SUMMER 2008) - The TurboChef 30" Double Wall Speedcook Oven was born when an engineer and mathematician were challenged to create a commercial appliance that cooked faster without compromising quality.

Eco-friendly Flooring Adds Beauty and Warmth

(SUMMER 2008) - You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and especially when it comes to the d?cor of your home. When remodeling, you'll want to create the right impression by paying attention to the fine details that set the stage from the moment your guests cross your threshold - and you'll find no other element can set that stage as beautifully as the effect of dramatic flooring in your home.

Sixties Bathrooms Go Contemporary

(SUMMER 2008) - The house is the ultimate canvas, poised to reflect its dwellers' personal flair for design, style and functionality. While remodeling produces creative opportunities, it can be an intimidating process.

New Products KitchenTech

(SUMMER 2008) - Thermador's Masterpiece Deluxe Series electric cook top features an exclusive infrared sensor technology called Sensor DomeTM.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Lakeway on Lake Travis

(SUMMER 2008) - Lakeway is a planned development consisting of approximately 5,500 acres of Texas Hill Country that stretches across meadows, hills and limestone cliffs to the shores of Lake Travis approximately 20 miles west of the Texas Capital - Austin.

New Products for the Bath

New Products in Decorating

(SUMMER 2008) - A Faustine Mirrored Nightstand from the Accents Provence Collection. These wonderful evocative pieces that capture the intoxicating sensuality of the southern part of France known as Provence.

Does Going Green Save Green?

(SUMMER 2008) - When it comes to homebuilding, ?green? is the new buzzword ?and in addition to the obvious benefit to the environment, savvy eco-friendlyhomeowners can enjoy the additional benefits of cost savings. Homeowners standto save significantly while doing their part for the planet, says Rick Dowden,certified remodeler with Masterpiece Remodeling & Design.

The Glass is Always Greener

Hybrid vehicles are taking the auto world by storm, combining the best features of gas and electrical engines. But did you know that houses, too, could be hybrid - showcasing commercial glazing techniques in residential properties?

Ask The Expert

I am considering a custom made iron front door? What should I budget?

The Connoisseur's Closet

Wine used to be the domain of an elite few or a treat shared on a special occasion. As Americans put greater emphasis on quality of life, once rare splurges are now commonplace. Consequently, the demand for in-home wine cellars and racking systems is skyrocketing as homeowners require more sophisticated means for storing and accessing their wine collections.

Breathing a Lifestyle into the Outdoors

Outdoor living spaces have taken on a life of their own. Quite literally, what was once viewed - and envied - as the year-round California lifestyle can now be found in every corner of the United States, in warmer and cooler climates alike. These are no ordinary outdoor rooms, but instead inviting gathering spots that flow the look and feel of a home's interior and a homeowner's lifestyle into their outdoor environment.

Creating Curb Appeal

When David Plyler of Austin wanted to transform his backyard into a relaxing retreat, he enlisted the services of Lone Star Land Design, LLC, a full service high-end residential and commercial design/build landscape firm and its president, Trey Jones.

Decorator Spotlight: Susanne Lee

Susanne Lee: Accessorizing Homes with Style

Condo Study is a Myth Buster

Looking around the downtown area, there seems to be a lot of cranes and construction. The activity ignited the Downtown Austin Alliance to commission a study on the condominium market in the area.

Filling the Gaps

In light of increasing environmental concerns and rising energy costs, prospective homeowners are searching for eco-friendly and pennywise methods to lower utility bills while reducing their carbon footprint. There are many "green" products for consideration during construction but one of the best options is premium insulation, an important yet readily overlooked element in the homebuilding process.

An Outdoor & Indoor Green Room

When Martha and Jim Salmon moved into their Northwest Austin home more than ten years ago, they also acquired some of their larger container plants: Mexican lime trees and split-leaf philodendrons, as well as other, smaller green friends.

Hardware with Flair

Hardware choices in today's market are as diverse as the homeowners doing the choosing. When it comes to selecting decorative hardware, options should reflect your individual tastes while complementing a home's personality.

The Heart & Soul of the Home

There's no doubt that the kitchen has always been the heart and soul of the Reed household. Both Eileen and Steve Reed love to cook, so it wasn't a surprise to anyone that when their children grew up and moved out, and the Reeds became official empty-nesters, the first item on their remodeling agenda was the kitchen.

Building Your Luxury Home

Ready-to- Customize Construction in the Luxury Market

Contain Yourself

The age old saying, "a place for everything and everything in its place," is an ambitious goal. It's not easy being organized.

Made For the Shade

Many love Austin's big, open skies, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing, especially when energy costs rise as quickly as the temperature under a hot Texas sun. But while it's sizzling outside, everything is cool inside Chip and Dee Dee Thomson's home overlooking the Barton Creek golf course.

Smart Moving Takes Less Stress

Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life, ranked by researchers as high as the death of a loves one or divorce. But with the right kind of planning and care, you can take the stress out of your move.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Alamo Heights

Residents (frequently called ?09ers for the 78209 zip code they live in) in this tony little neighborhood take great pride in their community, with its stately oak trees and unique residential architecture. There are no "cookie cutters" here. You can find a small cottage nesting side by side with a large manor house in Alamo Heights.

Organize It! The Garage Gets a Makeover

Albert Einstein had three rules of work, the first of which was: Out of clutter find simplicity. What a perfect analogy for GarageTek of Central Texas with its mission to organize garages across San Antonio and Austin. According to a recent study, Americans' garages are the number one area in their homes in which they want to get organized.

Clutter is Out of the Closet

Incorporating simplicity, order and clarity continues to be a powerful force in the organization industry as clients seek space to breathe and customized storage methods. For Meredith Jones of Westlake, the days of a cluttered, dated 6' x 10' master closet has been replaced with highly functional storage areas that make the closet work.

Bringing the Inside Out

Patios of previous generations were impersonal to say the least. Now, the backyard is no longer estranged from the home but considered additional square footage to embrace luxury in outdoor living.

2008 Parade of Homes

Admit it, you're curious. It doesn't matter if you're addicted to homebuilding shows like Flip this House or Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, or if you just can't resist an open house. Maybe you're not even in the market for a new home.

Plan-it Green

Is your home cold, drafty, or uncomfortable? Do you have high energy bills? Peeling paint? Excessive dust? Addressing these types of home problems can make your home more comfortable, and at the same time improve it's energy efficiency - saving you money on utility bills and helping to protect the environment too.

Pure Perfection

Most people install a backyard pool as a means of relaxation and family enjoyment. But what happens when endless maintenance requirements strip away all of the intended fun? Pool owners often become burdened by what seems more like a part-time job than a backyard oasis.

Realtor Profile: Jana Birdwell

(SUMMER 2008) - Jana Birdwell is addicted to real estate. This seasoned agent with 12 years of experience is one of the Top 25 Elite real estate agents in Austin, and she currently operates on 80 percent referral basis selling million-dollar plus luxury homes in the Austin area.

Redefining the Relocation Experience

(SUMMER 2008) - For some, like Shelia Rosart (and her husband, poodle and three children) moving is a lifestyle. The family has moved eight times in the past decade, relocating recently from Tokyo to Lakeway.

The Art of Spatial Design

Susan Brown Kinard, owner of Brownstone Designs, understands the art of designing spaces. But even this seasoned interior decorator knew when it was time to hire Closet Tailors to give her master closet the distinct order that it lacked.

A Sunroom for All Seasons

As summer approaches, visions of leisurely hours spent with family and friends dance in many homeowners' heads. Converting porches into sunroom is an increasing trend that provides yearlong access to a space that offers natural light and panoramic views and is the ideal setting for relaxation and entertaining.

Furnishings That Take the Heat

(SUMMER 2008) - Central Texans love their backyards. Whether it's basking next to a tranquil waterscape or kicked back in an elaborately designed outdoor kitchen, this is a space where quality fabrics and furnishings are often neglected. Investing in a skilled designer who understands our harsh climate will prove a valuable homeowner investment.

Working at Home

(SUMMER 2008) - For many homeowners, a functional home office has moved from a luxury to a necessity, and it is important to have a space that is useful for your specific needs. Where do you want to store supplies and files?

Being Out Is In- What's New and Now in Outdoor Living

Central Texans have always embraced the outdoors as an essential part of their lifestyle. Now home and garden design is catching up by bringing the outside in and the inside out. For many, the property surrounding a home has become an extension of the home itself. Homeowners want more than just a grill and a few deck chairs in their outdoor spaces. This has led to a boom in outdoor design, from building outdoor living and dining rooms, to expansive water features and elaborate gardens.

Building Green to Make Green

Imagine a high-speed chase through the neighbor's drive way, across their yard, behind your house and never even hearing it. For the Fransiks, that was a reality one night as they slept. "We slept through it. Our neighbors were stunned to find out how this happened right next to us and we never heard any of it," said David Fransik. "It was apparently quite a ruckus."

Artist Inspires Boudoir Charm

For soon-to-be newlyweds Ted and Kathy Gray, redecorating their master bedroom was an artistic endeavor - literally. Starting with a few sketches by art deco era artist Louis Icart, the Grays approached Debra Dunham, designer for ABC Blind and Drapery. With Icart's elegant and provocative twenties-era prints in hand, they asked her to redecorate their southwest Austin home.

Ask the Home Expert

I love entertaining in the cool springtime evenings. What is the best way to light my outdoor kitchen?

Home Entertainment That's Music to Your Ears

Maybe as a kid you had an uncle who tinkered with the latest hi-fi equipment. True audiophiles have come a long way since the days of vinyl. Gary Gustafson knows. His Austin company, Audio Video Designs, has installed home entertainment systems worth a jaw-dropping quarter of a million dollars.

Happiness Found in Your Own Backyard

Grilling hamburgers in the backyard has always been as much a part of Americana as Mom's apple pie. But nowadays it seems more and more Americans are ditching Dad's old crusty charcoal grill as they take their backyards to the next level.

Green Living: No Longer a Trend

It wasn't so long ago that "green building" for some people meant living in a treetop, or building a straw bale house. But building green is much more than simply the materials used to create a home.

Transforming a Bedroom Into Sultry Meets Cool

Milena and Bill are recently married 30-somethings who have just bought a house and that is where their similarities end. Milena is an energetic South American who loves to salsa dance and shake things up, while Bill is a conservative North American type who likes things a bit quieter.

A Tuscan Touch Inside & Out

When working out the plans for their new home in southwest Austin, Gerry Newkirk and his wife Gai knew they wanted the warmth and beauty fireplaces have to offer, but it was important that the indoor and outdoor fireplaces match the look and design of the Newkirks' Tuscan farmhouse-style home.

Exodus from Suburbia- The Fine Art of Urban Living

It's no secret, the Austin skyline is changing! From hillsides across the Texas Hill Country, to the unofficial "bird" of the Austin downtown skyline, the crane, signs of Austin's building and development explosion are all around us.