Convenient Stepstool

Convenient Stepstool When designing a smaller toilet for children, smart details such as this pullout stepstool can save valuable floor space. Putting the sink enables for three vanity drawers, space below the sink and highest counter space. Design by Amanda Richards of Burlap & Denim



Built-In Cabinet "It does not cost a lot more to build organization into a cabinet," says interior designer Angela Todd. With this particular master bath, Angela turned the base section of the countertop to clutter-free cubby storage for hair-styling tools and other toiletries, complete with a entrance door and interior electrical outlets. The top part of the tower houses a small stereo and iPod docking station, although the floor has wide, full-extension drawers that hold brushes, curling irons and other bathroom necessities.



Cabinet Storage Tower Sleek vanities in custom finishes make this smaller-scale master bath feel bigger. The space required more storage, therefore designer Bea Pila put a tower cupboard between the two sinks. With its mixture of adjustable enclosed shelves in addition to pullout drawers below, the furniture-like tower provides a place for all.



Floating Vanity Storage Despite its small dimensions, this modern floating vanity designed by Anna Marie Fanelli packs lots of clever storage. The vanity's large center drawer houses a custom laundry hamper, whereas the drawers on the left feature dividers for easily organized creams, toothbrushes and more. "A hanging vanity makes the space appear larger, and makes it effortless to clean out the space," Anna Marie says.



Sleek Open Shelving Open storage in a sleek, contemporary-style vanity provides a spa-like feel to this master bathroom. "Rather than hiding your things, expose them for charm," says Bea. While the shelves are perfect for baskets or towels, drawers are helpful for stowing away personal items and beauty products. The single-sink basin provides more counter space to home everyday essentials.



Uncluttered Bathroom Sleek, contemporary lines and a surprising quantity of storage make this floating vanity an ideal option within this small bathroom made by Candice Loren. Three large drawers conveniently hold hair-styling tools, makeup, towels and other essentials, making it easy to reach a clean, uncluttered appearance.



Lots of Storage Designer Christine Suzuki constructed plenty of storage into this expansive lake house toilet, designed to accommodate large groups of folks coming in and out of the house. The vanity includes abundant closed cupboard storage, while the grand apron-front sink helps protect the cabinets from water. The open cabinets above offer simple access to beach towels and other lake house requirements.



Small But Mighty Adding extra storage into a little vanity can be a challenge. Designer Christopher Grubb chose a dressing table with a bottom drawer to store hair styling and toiletries. A boat spout allows for a more storage inside the dressing table.



Buffet Table Turned Vanity Denise Duffy of Bella Dreams flipped this antique buffet table into her fantasy master bath dressing table. A smart mixture of inside shelves and door-mounted organizers allows her to conveniently store towels and daily essentials.



Less Is More In a little bathroom, sometimes less. Why audience the space using a vanity cabinet if a small-scale piece can be practical? Designer Elizabeth Swartz utilized a custom-designed furniture piece as a dressing table for this petite powder room. "The combination of the open foundation and tall legs helps produce a lighter, more open texture," she says. Using a vessel sink means the drawers beneath remain spacious enough to store soaps, guest towels and extra rolls of toilet paper.



Hidden Drawer Elizabeth used a mix of closed and open storage to provide efficient business within this master bathroom. Open shelves offer easy access to towels, while pullout drawers, a tall cabinet and a full-height pullout cupboard handily store toiletries, beauty items, cleaning products and everyday essentials.



Customize Your Vanity Designer Jamie Gold considers in integrating as much practical organization into a vanity area as possible. These days custom vanities may contain tilt-out trays, drawer dividers and hair-dryer racks. In this master bathroom suite for two with his-and-her dressing table, one of the tall closets homes a wardrobe area, complete with a bar for hanging clothes. A drawer opens to show a built-in laundry hamper along with another vanity.



Extra Counter Space In older homes, master bathrooms frequently have limited space, therefore building as much storage directly into the vanity is essential. That can often mean scaling down from a double sink. "We have been noticing a transfer away from the need to have multiple sinks in smaller master bathrooms and a focus more on storage," says designer Jason Ball. Applying one basin opens up extra counter space and gives additional storage -- including pullout drawers on either side of the sink and a tilt-out center drawer to store toiletries.



Storage for Two "These clients had a significant list of specific needs for their master bathroom," says designer Kurt Hakansson. To create separate storage for every person, Kurt added two top wall cabinets on both sides of the double vanity with adjustable shelves and convenient outlets. In the center, base cupboard drawers offer storage for common products. Towel bars placed under every sink supply easy accessibility with a shelf beneath for extra towels.



Under-Sink Storage For this house, designer Laura Meyer balanced open sinks by incorporating tall cabinets on either side to hold towels and personal items. Laura augmented the under-sink storage by adding deep shelving, in addition to alloy bars for hanging towels.



Mason Jar Storage Among the challenges of converting a dresser to a one-of-a-kind vanity is your limited drawer space. To accommodate the under-sink pipes, drawers wind up being shallow -- frequently about 8 inches deep. Designer Leslie Hart-Davidson takes a creative way of this storage challenge. She utilized wide-mouth Mason jars to hold cotton balls and swabs, while votive-sized candleholders shop makeup brushes.



Medicine Cabinet Storage When working with a small space, each bit of extra storage pockets. Designer Pangaea installed a custom double-depth medicine cupboard in this modern bathroom. The recessed cabinet provides valuable interior storage, together with electrical outlets for charging toothbrushes and razors. "You can recess these on any interior wall provided that nothing else within the wall is in the way," she says. Other space-saving features include a 36-inch counter and a vessel sink, allowing for more storage underneath.



Super-Long Vanity Sleek and sophisticated, this custom dressing table is stocked with storage options. Designer Tracy Black made this elegant, oversized slice, which measures an eye catching eight feet long and 25 inches deep. "A vanity is so much more practical and functional with deep drawers instead of doors," she says. The spacious drawers and center cabinets easily accommodate bath and beauty goods, hair-styling tools and much more. The open shelf is a sensible spot for keeping towels or baskets and prevents the vanity out of overpowering the room.

Embrace Your Home's Style

Embrace Your Home's Style For her front lawn, designer Margie Grace of Grace Design Associates Inc.. Matched the hardscape to her house's architectural syle for a comfy cottage garden. To maintain the lawn low care she laid a large patio using Arizona flagstones, then stuffed the rest of the area with lush flower beds. A reclaimed concrete bowl has been changed to a water feature that brings the noise of rain into the backyard.



Use Your Imagination An getaway is the best place to flex your creativity. Designer Matt Partridge of Juergen Partridge Limited suggests thinking of a place that inspires you -- possibly a luxury resort you stayed at on your honeymoon or even just a photo you watched online or in a magazine -- pick which components you like best and integrate those into your own design. With this backyard, Patridge designed it to resemble a Caribbean resort. Separate destinations, from the pavilions to the pool, offer many features for your family to enjoy.



Add Ambience A fireplace carries an outdoor living room from typical to luxurious. It is the ideal gathering spot for adults and kids, whether they are cozying up on a cool day or roasting marshmallows. Designer Heather Lashbrook Jones of a Blade of Grass Landscape Design uses American and Corinthian granite to make this custom fireplace.



Create Go-To Destinations Produced by Scott Cohen of The Green Scene this garden has an oasis-like feel. Situated below the infinity edge pool is a lounge-like seating area, which can only be achieved by walking through the cement stepping pads. Water spills over the piled stone wall producing the sound of rain sticks.



Leisurely Walk Through This sunken garden is made in a formal style with stucco perimeter walls in quadrants. Because the backyard's grade falls three measures, proper drainage is essential. Designer Margie Grace of Grace Design Associates Inc.. Inserted a runnel down the stairs leading to a one-of-a-kind water characteristic she generated from a big aluminum syrup kettle. "In every space, add something to make people wish to linger," recommends Grace.



Work With the Natural Setting Make the most of your outdoor area by working with the surroundings. The lines of this garden and structures are geometric nearer to the house and become wavy and organic as the cultivated areas blend into the natural forest. Design by Juergen Partridge Limited



Do Not Compete With Surroundings Arches covered in creeping fig vines lead to the back entry of the elegant home. A neutral rock terrace offers timeless flooring without distracting from the gorgeous architectural aspects of the walkway. Layout by Thompson Custom Homes



Have Some Fun Stone crowns atop columns lead the way into a giant chess board made of prefab 2x2 concrete squares with exposed pebbles. Taking inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, designer Margie Grace of Grace Design Associates. Inc., has red roses on both sides and white roses on the other. Fourth of July roses, which are speckled and look like they're being painted for the Queen, are in baskets behind the seats. "If it's your fantasy, simply go there," says Grace. "Don't do it by halves."



Rethink the Space When designing for the outside, designer Matt Partridge of Juergen Partridge Limited says, "Be goal. Study your current space as if you have not ever been there before and believe what could I do to make this better?" With this casual entryway, he integrates an integrated seats wall, which maximizes the usage of this space without furniture.



Consider the Journey Crossing over water is a fun experience, therefore designer Scott Cohen of The Green Scene utilizes a definite bridge to link 1 patio to another. "An important part of hardscaping and landscape design is discovering how one will walk through the space," says Cohen.



Have a Seat Not just do this terrace's low walls act as room dividers, but they're also just the right height to be used as extra seating when amusing. A bluestone cap tops the fieldstone walls for a smooth, comfortable surface. Design by a Blade of Grass Landscape Design



Switch It Up Designer Scott Cohen of The Green Scene changes the flooring materials of this backyard patio to add visual interest and to help create different outdoor rooms. The covered seating area features Sweetwater flagstone, while stone-textured concrete is employed at the lounging area together with the pool's Baja shelf.



Strategy for the Elements Brick is used across the flooring and walls to create a cohesive layout in this outdoor living room. Among designer Brian Thompson's top strategies for designing outdoor spaces is to understand where the sunrise and sunset happen, as well as which direction is the historic prevailing breeze. "In Houston most of this year, our prevailing wind comes from the shore from the southeast, so we try to always make sure we take advantage of the submerged exposure," states Thompson.



Utilize Hardscaping to Define Even minimal hardscaping can be employed to define an area. For this brownstone backyard, a bluestone border delineates the proper lawn, which functions as a transition space within the landscape. Design with a Blade of Grass Landscape Design



Find the Right Material Consider your home's design when selecting exterior stuff; for instance, the classic hardscape -- brick -- lends a traditional look to any home. To tie the flooring and ceiling together, brick is also utilized in the archways and above the windows. Layout by Thompson Custom Homes



Mix Stonework A composite of different stones gives this outdoor room a customized and visually intriguing appearance. Stacked New England fieldstone is utilized throughout the backyard to make seating walls on the patio and retaining walls that terrace the yard. Antique cobblestone divides the bluestone terrace to create another dining area and conversation area before the fireplace, and reclaimed granite is used to make the steps and pillars. Design with a Blade of Grass Landscape Design



Create a Secret Garden Tucked into the corner of the backyard is a quiet place for morning coffee or even a friendly conversation. A pebble pathway leads to the hideaway, and various stone slabs are placed together to form the patio. Layout by Juergen Partridge Limited



One-of-a-Kind Touches Custom pieces take your outdoor space to another level. Designer Scott Cohen of The Green Scene discovered a craftsman in Mexico which follows the Old World method of hand carving stonework, and he commissioned four fire torches to display on the pergola's columns. Cohen says he loves to use fire in hardscapes as it generates lighting plus a relaxed resort-style ambience.



Make It Work One of the most essential things to do when creating your outside area based on designer Margie Grace of Grace Design Associates Inc.. Is to pick things that function. "Pick plants that will flourish where you intend to place them and substances that will withstand the elements. Even if you love it today, if it is a battle to maintain, you will come to dislike it intensely," says Grace.



Extend Your Area Before stepping down to the backyard, the homeowners walk out onto a curved terrace, which functions as an extension of their living room. Sofas mimic the shape of the terrace and provide a cozy spot to assemble under the pergola. To tie up the patio to the pergola, stacked stones make the lower half of these columns, and Sweetwater flagstone is used to veneer the terrace. Design by The Green Scene

Visions of Violet

Visions of Violet The highly anticipated Pantone 2018 Color of the Year is here, and their pick is Ultra Violet! Pantone states the colour (18-3838) communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future. Our editors have mixed feelings about it.



Essence of Empowerment The colour is both female and bold, which makes a perfect combo for a girl's bedroom such as this one envisioned where it (and she) can be friendly and fierce at precisely the same time.



A Shade That Rules Ultra Violet is perfect for making a surprising statement in any room, even the kitchen. Purple has been the colour of royalty, and it can look so regal and yet stylish and funky at the same time.



Dive Into the Darkness With Deep Onyx Move over millennial pink, we're onto bigger, darker and better things. Glidden's 2018 Shade of the Year is Deep Onyx (00NN 07/000)-- better called classic black. This most beloved neutral may be intimidating at first, but paired with sharp white furniture and metallic home accents, black partitions might become a staple in creating the modern home of your dreams.



Paint the Town Black If you are struggling on choosing a wall color for your area, take some advice from the Rolling Stones and "Paint It Black." Using a black such as Deep Onyx from floor to ceiling is the best method to add contemporary style to any bedroom, without being too overpowering. The shadow of the walls paired with light wood furniture and bright decorations creates a contrast that is merely to-die-for.



Create a Bold, Modern Contrast By pairing this luxurious black accent wall with white linens, neutral fittings and tiled, coordinating throw pillows, this modern bedroom becomes a dreamy, minimalist haven. Add some greenery and faux fur for that extra dash of mid-mod flair.



Spice up Your Spaces with Caliente Another bold accession to the 2018 Color of the Year family is Benjamin Moore's radiant, lush Caliente (AF-290). According to color specialists, this bright red colour is paired well with airy, peachy tones, and therefore don't throw of your millennial pink throw pillows just yet!



Make a Bold Statement Best used as a bold accent color, bright reds will certainly shine in almost any area. Pair with neutrals to play it safe, or combine with other bright hues to create an enjoyable, lively living space. For a chic, contemporary look, utilize crisp white furniture and linens to make your red walls pop.



Seeing Red The energy of red inspires creativity and easily becomes the focal point of any room. Use this lavish color to ensemble an otherwise plain gallery wall or dress up a drab staircase to the ultimate home makeover.



Turn Wanderlust Into Decor With Oceanside Described by its creators as, "a complex, deep color that provides a sense of the familiar with a hint of the unknown," Sherwin Williams' Oceanside (SW 6496) is your real colour of wanderlust. Inspired by thoughts of experiences in far-off areas and fantasies of tropical holidays, this rich, blue-green shade is destined to become a star in 2018.



Add Tropical Flair to Every Space Whether you are outfitting an entire living space or dressing up the family toilet, a bright blue color is a perfect color to make a bold, fun statement in any space-- regardless of the size. Throw this vibrant turquoise on any wall to make a tropical getaway in the comfort of your own house.



A Picture-Perfect Accent Shade If covering an whole room with a bright blue is a bit too over-the-top to your preference, this enchanting shade also makes a perfect accent color. Add a colorful front doorway to liven up your house's entryway, or perhaps paint some old furniture to make a vibrant contrast in rooms that are otherwise plain.



Live in the Moment Taking a step back from the bold and moving more into the serene, Behr's From the Moment (T18-15) adds some coastal calmness into the 2018 Color of the Year family. As stated by the color experts, "this comfortable color evokes a feeling of sanctuary and relaxation amid our busy, always-on lives."



A Perfect Fit for Every Space Whether you would like a beachy escape or a rustic farmhouse appearance, this light blue color can match any flavor. Paired finest with crisp whites and neutrals, this comfortable spruce blue is an excellent selection for just about any space. Throw in a few greenery to add much more freshness to the overall look.



Versatility and Tranquility Coupled with dark wood furniture, light linens and crisp home accents, a soothing blue may flip a dingy bedroom to the perfect tranquil hideaway. A perfect mix of soft green and blue, this shade is just as much versatile because it is cool and calm.