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A small porch becomes a private party space with this imaginative makeover by landscape designer Jamie Durie, who created \"pocket gardens\" around the perimeter to create a living wall. The grasses and trailing plants in the planting pockets are non-fussy plants that add texture and color, and the homeowners will enjoy being able to pick fresh sprigs of parsley and mint.

The laundry room takes advantage of natural sunlight streaming through a tilt-and-turn window, which offers serene side yard views. A vibrant shade of coastal blue on walls is a fun way to jazz up an otherwise utilitarian space. A high-arc faucet lends a sculptural quality to the countertop. The spout swivels 360 degrees for complete sink access and offers both spray and stream functions. The high-efficiency front-loading washer and dryer provide a work surface to fold laundry. Five upper cabinets offer space to store cleaning supplies and linens. \"The pantry is so visible – it has to be sophisticated, in keeping with the kitchen and living room, which it does,\" says interior des

A sisal-style hall rug — elegant yet hard-working — protects strand-carbonized bamboo flooring from heavy foot traffic. The entry's pairing of rustic and elegant hints at the home's overall design scheme. A place to stop and store shoes or stretch out and take a nap, the built-in bench with storage cubbies stands in as the entry's focal point. The bamboo-clad staircase with sustainable mahogany-topped railing leads to second-floor living spaces. A fun feast for the eyes, artwork located at the landing hints at the vibrant color palette in the adjacent kids' bunk niche. In keeping with clean-lined, Zen home design, ornate wall trim and chair rails are eliminated. The rug's subtle

Can't find the perfect panel at the perfect price? Solution: Turn a non-curtain into a curtain. Alterations may be needed depending on the size of your window. They're neutral and cheap, and they come in a variety of dimensions to fit different window sizes. Add grommets for a more expensive look. Drop cloth: Trimaco 6' x 9' canvas, $14, homedepot.com; Grommets: Dritz in matte gold, $11 for 8, amazon.com A pair of rectangular tablecloths makes two nice, full panels. Hang with curtain clips and rings. Tablecloth Food Network 60\" x 84\" floral oblong tablecloth, $35, kohls.com; Rings: Wooden clip rings, $9 for 7, signaturehardware.com Two twin flat sheets will cover a 3-foot-wide wind

Window treatments in jewel tones, which range from deep reds to subtle blues, are sophisticated and create the atmosphere of luxury in any space. Designer Jennifer Duneier says, \"Jewel tones, like amethyst and turquoise, are popular mixed with soft metallics such as platinum or brushed nickel.\" Image Courtesy of Casa Fiora. \"Another trend is to layer shades,\" says Jennifer Duneier. \"A blackout shade might be installed right next to the window with a sheer shade in front of it. The Shade Store is a great resource for this, and they have a great line by Chilewich and also one by Robert Allen/Beacon Hill fabrics.\" Image Courtesy of Smith + Noble. Brighten up a room with cheerful dra

I'll admit it: When I was a little girl, I was all about the princess stuff. Oh, maybe not the way girls today are (Disney just didn't make as much merchandise back then)—but I was into it. I had a pink room full of pink and white flowery, flouncy accessories. I didn't only want to grow up to be a princess, though —I had other dreams—and that might explain how I grew out of the desire to live in a castle and grew into an eclectic sort of minimalist approach to design. Every now and then, though, I like to relive the princess fantasy, even if it's just by looking at pictures. These days, I'm drawn to majestic spaces that are more fit for a queen than a little girl princess

My 3-year-old daughter wants me to redecorate her bedroom. Exciting, right? The downside is that she wants a princess bedroom — think giant decals and a huge, twinkling pumpkin carriage bed. That's not going to happen. I'm hoping, however, that by making some smart purchases, I can give her the fairytale glamour she craves without selling out to covering the room with Disney merchandise. The first piece I'm seeking is a fabulous lighting fixture. — Natasha from Little Pink Monster by The Land of Nod Kids Daisy-Inspired Chandelier Light - $129.00  How lovely would this chandelier look with purple walls to pop against? It's fresh and sweet, just like my daughter.

When I was little, I desperately wanted a "princess" bedroom: a giant white iron bed, a flouncy canopy and, most of all, an explosion of pink and purple, right down to the tiebacks on the ruffled curtains. My vision at that age wasn't exactly a study in chic (it may or may not have included giant grape-colored flowers and gumball-pink polka dots). My mom, sensible as always, told me that if I still loved the idea in five years, we'd make it happen. I think you know the ending. Yet a little part of me still loves that pink and purple combo, and in these dreary days of winter, it seems like just the thing to brighten a household mood. I don't really have a place for this palette in my ho

An accent table, extra seating, additional storage ... a cube ottoman is one of those furniture pieces you can't go wrong with. They work well in tight spaces, can easily be moved around, make great extra seating and can incorporate storage. Some clever cubes have tops that can flip over into a tray too. When it comes to style, there's no end to the fun you can have with these pieces. Because they're so small, it's easy to get away with bold prints and interesting materials. Scroll down to take a peek at some great cube ottomans and the best ways to use them. by Garnet Hill Beaton Cube Ottoman - Garnet Hill - $280.00  These cubes have a punchy clover graphic that I've bee

Gone are the days when your coffee table had to be just a coffee table. In today's design world, the coffee table can be so much more. Whether an industrial element, something pulled directly from the woods or a piece of high art, these furnishings still serve their all-important purpose: a place to put your feet or drinks. by The Old Painted Cottage 1. Pick antique fixtures as conversation pieces. In this French-inspired living room, the industrial cart becomes a perfect place to showcase other collectibles. The rustic nature of the wood works beautifully with the neutral colors and textures in the rest of the room. by Rebekah Zaveloff 2. Everyday objects can be repurpos