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Environmental conservation isn’t usually on the agenda, or even on the radar, when it comes to planning a dream home. So many other aspects can seem so much more important. Square footage, high ceilings and top-of-the-line appliances easily rush to the forefront of our thoughts because a dream home, after all, should be nothing less than exactly what you want. For NASCAR driver Joe Nemechek and his wife Andrea, building their exquisite home on Lake Norman meant blending the two philosophies. Teaming up with builder Willis Spivey, of Spivey Homes, the Nemecheks got a home that meets their needs and design desires but also takes care of Mother Earth. read more

It’s not unusual to adorn a home—even a bathroom—with beautiful porcelain sculptures. But how about a piece of art that doubles as a place to “relieve” oneself? An artist in San Francisco creates high-fire porcelain sculptures that can be plumbed and used as fully functioning urinals. “It was really a joke at first,” admits Clark Sorensen, whose urinals resemble seashells and flowers. “While standing over a urinal several times a day, I just started thinking about its shape and wondering if I could make one. The idea ‘blossomed’ from there.” Sorenson thought a few eccentric art collectors would purchase his creations: He was surprised when his first clients were women remodeling and building homes who wanted something unique for their husbands. Since then, numerous homeowners have installed his urinals. “Bathrooms are a very intimate space and are one of the most used rooms in any home,” says Sorenson. “We usually begin and end our day in our bathroom. It only makes sense that there is growing attention being paid to making it a more personal and expressive space for designers and homeowners.” read more

Mornings in Jennifer Pippin’s kitchen are bright mornings indeed. Golden sunlight pours in through the windows, which are purposefully situated on the north and east corners, as well as through the overhead skylights. Just beyond the kitchen is a covered porch, perfect for watching boats glide across the glistening waters of Lake Norman, visible through the canopy of trees. A fresh breeze blows in from the lake, and birdsong fills the air, creating a soothing feeling that lasts all day. read more

In certain cultures, bamboo is a plant of great significance and highly prized characteristics. Often considered a symbol of longevity, this evergreen plays a role in Asian folklore, myths and legends. But for one couple in the stately Royden community off Carmel Road, the appeal of bamboo is more than the stuff of myths and legends. For them, bamboo took on its own unique significance, becoming a symbol of tranquility and the centerpiece in their newly renovated master bathroom. “We initially wanted a waterfall or water feature over the tub but soon aborted that idea after understanding how difficult that was,” says the homeowner. “We transitioned from a water feature to a glass fused art feature.” read more

It is clear we have embarked on a new age for the home in the categories of kitchen and bath after seeing the products on display at the 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Chicago. There were products of the highest technical design as well as elements resembling beautiful objects of art. | Consistent at the show were products boasting being environmentally friendly, energy saving and efficient to new levels. Our top picks include: read more

Seven-year-old Trenton and his sister, three-year-old Avery, love helping out in the kitchen. In fact, they have their very own drawer filled with dishes and cups as well as their own refrigerator drawer packed full with drinks and snacks. On top of these luxuries the two also have responsibilities. “We teach them to carry their dishes to the sink after a meal, to clean up after themselves and things like that,” says their father, Gerald. “It teaches them responsibility early,” adds their mother, Rebecca. read more

Once upon a time, on a quiet cul-de-sac in the enviable neighborhood of Quail Hollow, a beautiful home perched somewhat uncomfortably on its lot. The driveway meandered up to the house at an odd angle, the landscaping was in need of a lift, and the façade lacked character. As for the backyard, it was a swampy tract of land whose only defining characteristic was the oversized garage jutting into its depths. 

Today, the transformation from what once was is so complete that it’s almost as if a magic fairy waved her wand. Carefully appointed details give the front yard enormous curb appeal, and the back is a lush landscape and stunning outdoor living area that Goldilocks herself would never leave. 

Craftsmen Construction Company, Inc., acted as general contractors, utilizing the talents of project manager Dan Owens and superintendent-on-site Dan Dyer, while Scott Reister of TG&R Landscape Group handled landscape architecture and plant installation. “From the before shots and after shots, you don’t realize how many steps were involved,” says David Brown, owner of Craftsmen Construction. “It’s mind-boggling.” read more

If square comes to mind when you think tile, it’s time to take another look. : Today, tile manufacturers are adding serious punch to home improvement offerings with cutting edge design and specialty product offerings that allow homeowners to create stunning, state-of-the-art spaces. These innovations give those who are building or renovating the ability to design floors, walls and countertops with a signature unlike any other. : These newest offerings range from old-world elegance to ultra modern clean and organic contemporary. All manufacturers are adding strong and gutsy accessory components and decorative jewelry type elements that add personal design and style. read more

In classical literature, an epic journey recounts the travels and adventures of the main characters and is long and complex in its narrative form. The story deals with an event of significance, and the style is stately and elegant. 

For Robert and Elizabeth Rostan, the quest to find the perfect house and then transform it into a showplace became what they dubbed “an epic journey.” Indeed, the process was long and complex, the transformation was significant and the end result is stately and elegant. read more

The American farmhouse dates back to the 17th century and was typically a small, box-shaped home that served as the backbone of a hard-working, farming family. Since having a large family was a necessity for a successful farmer, as the family grew in size, so did the house, usually one room at a time. Like clockwork, at the end of each day the kitchen would quickly fill up with family and farm workers, hungry from the hours spent working in the fields. Because of this daily event, the kitchen was always the largest room in the farmhouse since it was literally the heart of the home. read more

What are the three most important factors in assessing a potential piece of property? As they say: “Location, location, location.” Property experts recognize this fact, as do many homeowners. Miles and Sue had their eye on a piece of property in South Charlotte for several years. When it finally came on the market, the couple and their 13-year-old triplets were in Italy. Miles quickly placed a call to the realtor and said, “I want that piece of dirt.” read more

The Adirondacks of northeastern New York are famous for the rustic “Great Camps” that line the crystal clear, glacier-formed lakes, and the Massachusetts island of Nantucket is renowned for its historic seaside estates overlooking the glittering sound. read more

Like most people, you probably had a favorite story your parents read to you as a child. You might even read the same story to your children or grandchildren now. For some reason, there is something about it that speaks to you and you will never tire of it. Just like a fable or fairy tale, a true classic will never go out of style. read more

When you were a kid, chances are giving your own personal touch to your bedroom meant taping a poster or two to your walls. Sometimes placement was tricky because you had to pay attention to the imaginary line that divided the room and its contents between you and your sibling. read more

Everyone has them—those fine china or glass pieces that collect dust in the back of the china cabinet: discarded vases, family heirlooms and odds and ends that once had a mate to create a set. This holiday season, pull those precious items out of hiding and display them as unique candy dishes during a seasonal dinner or party. As long as the opening is large enough for candy to be accessed, almost any item can be used to house candy.

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Take one step into Tim and Natalie Parker’s home and you know you’re some place special. The color palette of the Ballantyne Country Club home is rich in color and definitely not your ordinary decorating scheme. It’s one that Russian-born Natalie is proud of. “I am Russian and I love everything dramatic,” she says. “I love golds and blacks and Egyptian colors like burgundies and blues. Everything dramatic appeals to me.” read more

The phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for is what’s known as serendipity. When Lou and Rosemary Paone began looking for available waterfront lots on which to build their second home, the chain of events was, by Lou’s account, quite serendipitous.

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In Scott and Kelly Mehler’s home, a hand-glazed tile provided by Renaissance Tile was the impetus for a, well, renaissance. In fact, the mocha subway tile was the genesis for a complete kitchen renovation. Collectively, the tiles are a study in clean lines and stunning gradations of color, yet each is individually made. The tile was one of the two elements that the Mehlers cited as must-haves when they began their project. The other was the impressive 48-inch Wolf range, provided by DCI Home Resource. Martin Vann, DCI appliance manager, accompanied the couple to a demonstration in which they were able to cook an entire meal on the range. read more

How better to impress your family, friends and neighbors than to invite them out for a drink…at your privately owned casual bar or formal pub. They will enjoy your hospitality so much, not to mention your beer on tap and upper shelf offerings, that closing time might not come at the standard 2:00 a.m. read more

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose... This line from the famous Torme and Wells Christmas carol seems like the ultimate oxymoron to people living in the Midwest and on the Eastern seaboard where temperatures rapidly drop after Halloween. However, the outdoor fire pit is quickly becoming a popular way to stay outside even when the temperature falls.

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There’s an ocean of incredible design ideas and functional features out today that keep the clean in the bathroom but certainly move far beyond the simple. Gone are the days when a separate tub and shower were considered a luxury. We’ve moved on to themed rooms with decadent marbles and granites, rich woods, and enough square footage to accommodate a respectable party. read more

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes—especially in a society where we want people to get right to the point—it is better to say what you mean and mean what you say. The trend of using typography as customized art in the home has become increasingly popular in the last five years, but the concept has its place written in history. read more

If these walls could talk, Tina Jenkins hopes they’re telling you to imagine you’re standing on a balcony overlooking the Italian countryside. You feel as if you can reach out, rest your hands on the concrete railing and gaze out over the rolling hills. “When I’m in there I feel like I’m in Italy, and I love that it brings back old, wonderful memories,” she says. read more

Showhouses are notoriously inventive, bold and quite often big on ideas. Arcadia Homes’ 2007 HomeArama house in Fort Mill’s picturesque golf club community of Springfield is all of those things plus a shining example of usable, comfortable living space.  “It’s easy to walk through home shows and get that sense that ‘this is really wow, but I couldn’t live here,’” says Arcadia managing partner Jeff Ecleberry. “We try and create livable luxury.” read more

The jeweled backsplash and rich custom cabinets in Steve and Jeannie Benedict’s Myers Park kitchen are just some of the many contemporary elements that push traditional boundaries and serve to create a bold, innovative twist on the heart of their home. read more

Plenty of people are
thinking pink this year. read more

History tells us that wallpaper’s popularity dates back to Renaissance Europe when the elite of society covered their walls in tapestries, but the emerging gentry had to resort to large sheets of paper hung on walls that featured scenes similar to those depicted on tapestries. In more recent years however, the emergence of faux paint finishes seemed to upstage wall coverings as the variety of faux techniques expanded along with the expertise of professional artists. But the tides may be turning again. Wall covering manufacturers are introducing such an array of magnificent materials and styles, that resurgence in popularity seems imminent. With so many great options, it’s worth taking the time to look around. Here’s just a peek at what you’ll see. read more

There’s a quiet revolution taking place in kitchens across the country. Backsplashes, which used to sit silently against walls, are beginning to resonate with design elements and flashy materials that command attention. New material choices and design ideas continue to fuel the revolution. read more

Images of Edward Scissorhands’ massive sheers frantically creating animal shapes in the back yards of suburbia seemed odd when the movie was released in the late-eighties. However, the topiaries have gone to the birds. Animal shapes have become a trend in landscapes across America as a way for homeowners to express their own personal style. While animal-shaped topiaries have been gaining popularity, the classic three-ball, ball and corkscrew topiary shapes remain as popular as ever. read more

Just as an artist creates a masterpiece, your home is your canvas.  You can stand before it, your mind racing with ideas, knowing that you have the freedom to create anything your heart desires.  The realm of possibilities is virtually limitless.  If you need a little inspiration, consider the world of contemporary furniture.  read more

Life is full of memories and, oftentimes, your home serves as the “memory box” that keeps those past events fresh in your mind.  Every time you walk through the front door or into the kitchen you might recall something that occurred years before.  It’s that sense of nostalgia that ultimately transforms a house into a home. read more

A blend of ingenuity and craftsmanship, Grace Mynatt’s home is a stunning example of the Arts and Crafts style, which honors natural materials and simplicity.  From the burnished copper and hammered wood details to the color scheme of rich gold, greens and reds, her home pays tribute to a bygone era. read more

The Giving Tree is a poignant book by Shel Silverstein about a benevolent tree that gives its all to the little boy it loves.  When the Robinson family built their Lake Norman home in 1998, they experienced the generosity of a real-life giving tree growing in their back yard.  The 60-foot oak acted as a green umbrella shading the house, which they positioned based on the tree’s location.  But despite the efforts of several arborists, the tree eventually had to be taken down, and the family’s outdoor living area was no longer livable.  Heat shimmered off the terrace, and this, coupled with a too-small screened-in porch and lack of exterior deck, prompted the Robinsons to begin a radical remodel.  read more

Despite its lack of walls, your back yard is an extension of your home.  And just as the floors in your kitchen or family room, what is underfoot is an important component.  Extending your living space to the outdoors often means stepping out your back door onto a deck or patio that is not only inviting and pleasing, but low maintenance as well.  Today, homeowners are in luck.  With so many new products on the market and multitudes of vendors out there vying for their share of the decking home-improvement industry, creating the deck of your dreams is easier than ever. read more

The world revolves around first impressions—the first day of school, love at first sight, and the first job interview.  With so much in life pending on those initial moments, it makes sense that more and more homeowners are focusing on the entryways to their homes. read more

It’s typically the simple things in life that bring you the most pleasure—spending time with family and friends, curling up with a good novel or taking a snooze in front of the fireplace.  We are often led to believe that excess is more, but sometimes there is something to be said for simplicity.  Cathy Powell used her belief that less is more when she set out to create the master suite in her new home. read more

The promise of sparkling waters, lush forest and rural beauty are what first drew the McSpadden family to Lake Wylie in 1987, and the promise of building their dream home on its shores is what kept them there. read more

You’ve heard it before—the kitchen is the heart of the home.  If you have ever hosted a party or Thanksgiving dinner for your family then you know it’s true.  Inevitably, everyone ends up gathering in the kitchen.  In addition to having enough space to accommodate your guests, you need the right appliances to suit your needs.  From stylish six-burner gas ranges to convenient refrigerator drawers specifically designed to keep your vegetables fresh, today’s appliance manufacturers leave little to the imagination. read more

With over 1,900 exhibitors and more than 103,000 building industry professionals in attendance, the 2007 International Builders’ Show provided builders, designers and homeowners alike with an up-close look at the hottest trends in home construction.  Simply referred to as “The Big Show” by those in the home building and design industry, the 63rd annual show in Orlando, Florida drew visitors from nearly 100 countries and proved to be the most spectacular Show to date. read more

The Lone Star State may be known for cattle ranching and oil, but for some discriminating homeowners, it's also renowned for its abundance of exquisitely detailed stone.  When Joe and Julie Tilton moved to The Point on Lake Norman from Austin, Texas almost two years ago, they drew creative inspiration for their master bathroom from a host of beautifully crafted stone materials. "In Texas, people use a lot of natural stone products," says Julie, "so we used limestone, marble and granite to create an intricate design." read more

Those who think Southern hospitality is limited to breezy verandas sheltered by robust limbs of magnolia trees, prepare to be enlightened.  The Regional South has always been agrarian, and even as its cities in places dazzle with contemporary sophistication, many that live down south try to extend a gracious hand toward the environment.  A growing number of manufacturers and retailers here prove that environmental responsibility can accompany modern élan and efficiency.  read more

For many Charlotte homeowners, lakeside living offers the best of both worlds-you're in close proximity to the everyday necessities in life, yet you're just far enough away to create your own secluded slice of heaven.  The shores of Lake Norman provide a most serene backdrop for Molly and Dave Johnson's enviable home. read more

Monday mornings in John and Angela Schellpfeffer's home can probably go from peaceful to hectic in the blink of an eye.  Getting three boys, ages 5, 8 and 11, ready for school is the first order of business each morning.  This requires time, patience and a strict schedule.  Throw in a cramped kitchen with no heat and a two-burner stove and you can imagine the chaos that could ensue. read more