Subtle Color Splash

Thorougly Modern MasterDesigner Troy Beasley pairs bold geometric shapes with luxe fabrics and an energizing color palette for a look that is appealingly polished. I love the yellow with the grey, black and white, the room feels fresh and still peaceful!High Style Meets High TechDesigner Troy Beasley takes luxury and convenience to a new level in this master bedroom. The 12-foot chocolate mohair headboard visually grounds the room while elegantly concealing controls for the room's lighting and electronic devices. Bright Is Just RightDesigner Gina Fitzsimmons deftly balances vibrant lime and cool blue with crisp, clean white for a look that is both energetic and serene. Subtle SophisticationAnchor gray walls create a soothing, neutral backdrop...

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Love Your Laundry Room

Concealed Laundry Sliding doors and a front-loading machine combine for beauty and efficiency.By concealing a front-loading washer and dryer in a custom cabinet, this space becomes multipurpose. One minute it's a fully functional laundry with plenty of room for folding and hanging clothes. Then, once clothes are put away, it becomes a decorative serving area. The key to this laundry solution is the front-loading washer and dryer, because a square cabinet fits around the appliances to conceal them. Although front-loading appliances may cost more than standard units (full-size stacking units are a similar investment), they are worth every additional penny when making an awkward, little-used space more efficient. Stenciled motifs on each door...

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Design Touches

Add SeatingA chaise longue (French for long chair) is a relaxing addition to the bedroom. Designed for reclining, they're the perfect spot for reading a book or catching a quick snooze.Creatively Use SpaceA converted  seldom-used attic was transformed into a sprawling master suite complete with a spa-like bathroom, entertainment lounge and bedroom proper. The suite's three areas are clearly defined yet still feel connected, courtesy of partial wall dividers like the floor-to-ceiling draperies separating the bedroom from the rest of the suite. Opt for Old World EleganceA custom canopy and rich drapery panels make the bed the dramatic centerpiece of this luxurious master suite. Certainly a high-end look, a bed crown is a relatively...

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Dining Room Styles

Bold Yet BalancedErinn's Tip: "When designing this room, I started with the drapery fabric, which has a repeating pattern of little white monkeys — it's very whimsical and fun. Once the drapes were pleated, the pattern became more subtle, which is nice. I contrasted the small pattern in the drapes with the large geometric rug. Finally, I selected a bold citrus fabric for the vintage Italian chairs. The three patterns are very different but work together beautifully because the scale is varied." Design by Erinn Valencich.Spicy Spanish StyleDesigner Erinn Valencich gave this room a modern twist with a fabric shade in a large-scale print and ethnic-inspired rug. Errin's Tip: "Paired with solid walls and furniture, the patterned shade and rug really...

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Beginner's Guide to Gardening

Get Growing So, it's garden time. Your outdoor space is cleared out, cleaned up, and ready to be planted.And whether you're taking on larger endeavors or simply planting containers for the patio, it's important to do your homework and really know your outdoor area before getting started. With the following to-do list (don't worry, it will be easy!), you'll be fully prepared to take on shopping for and planting your garden with confidence and style.Guide to a Nursery Garden nurseries can be a bit overwhelming when you visit for the first time. There are so many beautiful plants to choose from, how do you know what's best for your home? Lydia Pursell, owner of Leaf 'N Petal, says, "The best customer is a prepared customer."What to Do Before:•...

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Spring Accent Trends

Filigree Inspired by a global appreciation of ironwork scrolls and delicate embroidery, filigree is popping up on walls, bedding, and textiles. The finely wrought designs, full of swirls, curlicues and flourishes, are as fresh as a sweet pea tendril. Pierced and intricately carved designs fall under this highly decorative look. I love the cool colors, classy and warm!A Bit of Spice Bands of filigree criss-cross this Moroccan pendant light, found at Horchow. Every room, whether traditional or modern, needs a dose of ethnic design. Asian Interlude Asian motifs compose a patchwork of design across the back and arms of a rattan chair. Flank a round skirted table with these exotic imports. $525Available atGump's San FranciscoA Dose of Damask...

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Coastal Carolina Estate

Living Room Elements such as upholstered walls, an oversized ottoman, and a woodsy fireplace make this large living room feel cozy. Designer Philip Sides used limed oak to surround the fireplace, giving it a look of sun-bleached wood. The symmetrical styling and lounge-like seating add to its peaceful feeling. Dining Room Soft colors and objects continue into the dining room, where a stylized teapot pattern engulfs the small space with softness, covering the walls and hanging as draperies. A Chinese pot as a table base and a hand-carved egret further emphasizes the room’s relaxed character.Kitchen Stained black cabinets recede into the background of this kitchen that opens to the dining room. A contrasting island with a medium stain looks like...

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Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar KitchenMore than $300,000 was spent on the custom-designed saltwater aquariums, one of which doubles as a bar.The kitchen includes a separate seating area designed for enjoying the Florida sunrise.This Florida kitchen features dramatic vaulted ceilings and custom wood cabinetry. The countertops alone cost more than $150,000.This state-of-the-art game room features an impressive array of electronic games, TV monitors and other pleasing distractions.This one-of-a-kind space, with custom build glass floors, is even more impressive when lit at night.When space for more game stations ran out, the dining room became a game room annex.This garage houses both vintage classic autos and modern sports exotics. It also comes with its own...

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Focal Points

Soothing SpaceA smoky gray paint color allows plenty of design creativity. RMS user JeanninePC99 stayed with the silver and gray theme, adding modern, gray-toned accent pillows to a slouchy white sofa. A sleek, black coffee table provides the perfect home for ceramic gray fish statues.The eye immediately goes toward the beautiful accent pillow and the fish statues creating an excellent focal point.Modern MetallicsA fresh combination of white, black, gray and metallic silver creatively installed this modern masterpiece. Floor-length metallic silver window treatments add a subtle glow next to soft, gray walls and white furnishings. Faux wheat grass planters bring in a deep green hue for an added touch of color to a simple palette. Design by RMS...

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