Throw in a little Spanish Colonial, a dash of the Native American, terracotta roofs and arches. Voila! You get a picture of the wonderful Southwest style house plan blending into the desert landscape with its charm, warmth, and splashes of color in the interior and exterior designs.

Taking a page from the carriage houses of the late 18th century that were later converted into rental rooms, workshops, and studios, today’s garage apartments are a step up in style, luxury, and efficiency. We look at these trendy and imaginative living spaces for college-age children, overnight guests, in-laws, and more.

Perhaps some of the more interesting – and overlooked – exterior features of a home are the window shutters of various shapes, designs, and colors. Forget about the kitchen and the porch for a minute, and think about how you can give your home a fresh look with these decorative accents.

The Time’s Up and Me Too movements have focused attention on women’s role in society, and today’s women architects continue the trailblazing that their predecessors started by achieving success and renown in their still-male-dominated field. During National Women’s History Month, we acclaim the outstanding achievements of some extraordinary contemporary architects.

Have you ever considered a duplex home? This option can be the perfect solution for a multi-family investment property or just extra space for your own family and friends. Explore the potential of building a duplex home to invest in the kind of property that offers endless future options.

James Abram Garfield, who was born on a frontier farm in Ohio, chose a farmhouse for his family’s “forever” home. The lush lawns of Lawnfield, with its famous front porch, provided the stage from which Garfield conducted the campaign that got him elected the 20th President of the United States.

From the modernization of foreign embassies to memorial landmarks, convention centers, college residences, state-of-the-art libraries, and more, Peter Cook, Marshall Purnell, William Stanley III, and Ivenue Love-Stanley have made marks in architecture, design, and interior planning. During Black History Month, we showcase their work and creative vision.

Looking for a new home and curious about Southern style homes? Love large wrap-around porches, spacious rooms, high ceilings, and a comfortable living style? Then a Southern home design with two stories is perfect for you. We take you on a tour of the style and show the details of every room.

For traditionalists who want a modern twist to their home design and still hold on to the familiar elements of their Colonials, Victorians, or Farmhouses, the transitional style is the perfect compromise. A fusion of the classic and contemporary, transitional design provides clean, minimalist, sophisticated lines that are increasingly popular today.

If you’re looking for a home plan that makes great use of big spaces and encourages a relaxed vibe for entertaining and family functions – all on a single level but with the appearance of a rural estate or Farmhouse – a Country style Ranch home could be right for you.