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Children giggle as they race through the ice-cold sprinkler, Fido shakes furiously to release the suds from his fur, and a gardener exhales in relaxation while providing nourishment to her perennials. Roll up the ragged garden hose, because these people are all enjoying their new outdoor showers.
Swimmers, gardeners, pet owners and naturalists can all benefit from the versatility of outdoor showers. Place one by the pool to rinse off after a swim, or install one at a beach house to hose off sand and salt. After working in the garden, a shower serves as a quick and easy way to clean dirty clothes and vegetables. An outdoor shower can be used to clean fishing gear at a lakeside vacation home, or it can be used in its customary fashion for an invigorating al fresco shower or spa experience. Even pets can benefit from the shower with a grooming session.
An outdoor shower is the newest traditionally indoor space to join kitchens and family rooms in the growing trend of outdoor living. What was once thought of as primitive has now become an affordable luxury. read more
Swimmers, gardeners, pet owners and naturalists can all benefit from the versatility of outdoor showers. Place one by the pool to rinse off after a swim, or install one at a beach house to hose off sand and salt. After working in the garden, a shower serves as a quick and easy way to clean dirty clothes and vegetables. An outdoor shower can be used to clean fishing gear at a lakeside vacation home, or it can be used in its customary fashion for an invigorating al fresco shower or spa experience. Even pets can benefit from the shower with a grooming session.
An outdoor shower is the newest traditionally indoor space to join kitchens and family rooms in the growing trend of outdoor living. What was once thought of as primitive has now become an affordable luxury. read more
Homes speak to you if you listen to them; with a little time and lot of planning any home can be changed to fit how you and your family live in the space. A St. Petersburg couple loved their contemporary home, but felt it needed a little tweaking to not only make the floor plan work for their needs, but to also open up one of the assets of their home, a view of the inter-coastal waterway.
“I grew up a few blocks from here, and being able to look out on the water is a fundamental need for me,” says the female homeowner. The beauty of the water, however, was also a distraction for her husband in his old study location. He often pulled the shades to avoid the lure of the view. “I never could work in that space. I just couldn’t get anything done,” he says laughing. read more
“I grew up a few blocks from here, and being able to look out on the water is a fundamental need for me,” says the female homeowner. The beauty of the water, however, was also a distraction for her husband in his old study location. He often pulled the shades to avoid the lure of the view. “I never could work in that space. I just couldn’t get anything done,” he says laughing. read more
These essential elements of nature all blend to create a feeling of peacefulness and serenity at The Villa Sorrento, Campagna Homes’ new model home situated on the Fox Hollow Golf Course in Trinity, Florida. read more
Outdoor living should be as laissez-faire as possible—at least Charlotte and Derek Embody think so.
When designing a new pavilion for their Odessa home, the couple envisioned a lounge area that would be low-maintenance and full of amenities.
Thanks to the pros at Phillips Environmental, that’s exactly what they got.
John Heidemann, the Clearwater-based company’s design director embarked on a 6-month-long project to create a placid poolside cabana apart from the house. It would transform the previously empty 3-acre yard into a warm, functional space.
“We had a great house for the past six years, and our pool was already really nice, but beyond that, we had this massive yard. It constantly grew weeds and wouldn’t grow grass,” Charlotte said. “I would look out there every day and visualize more patio space.”
Then, she and her husband noticed that her neighbors had just finished an exterior addition by Phillips Environmental, and were “blown away,” she said. They contacted Heidemann and relayed their not-yet-formed ideas about what would suit their family and entertaining needs. read more
When designing a new pavilion for their Odessa home, the couple envisioned a lounge area that would be low-maintenance and full of amenities.
Thanks to the pros at Phillips Environmental, that’s exactly what they got.
John Heidemann, the Clearwater-based company’s design director embarked on a 6-month-long project to create a placid poolside cabana apart from the house. It would transform the previously empty 3-acre yard into a warm, functional space.
“We had a great house for the past six years, and our pool was already really nice, but beyond that, we had this massive yard. It constantly grew weeds and wouldn’t grow grass,” Charlotte said. “I would look out there every day and visualize more patio space.”
Then, she and her husband noticed that her neighbors had just finished an exterior addition by Phillips Environmental, and were “blown away,” she said. They contacted Heidemann and relayed their not-yet-formed ideas about what would suit their family and entertaining needs. 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
Each year the Florida Orchestra Guild stages its Designers’ Showhouse to benefit the Florida Orchestra. A number of our best local designers participate, each designing a specific space. Normally, the Showhouse is one home. This year was special, with two Showhouse condominium homes depicting completely different styles in the same building.
Design Coordinator, Jean Losier, ASID of Robb & Stucky Interiors, set the basic theme and color palette for unity within each condominium but each one exemplified opposite ends of the style spectrum. “It’s an object lesson in showing how completely different an environment can be. The uniqueness is in the décor, not the space.” read more
Design Coordinator, Jean Losier, ASID of Robb & Stucky Interiors, set the basic theme and color palette for unity within each condominium but each one exemplified opposite ends of the style spectrum. “It’s an object lesson in showing how completely different an environment can be. The uniqueness is in the décor, not the space.” read more
Candice Olson In person she’s just like she is on TV—warm and witty and very attractive. Yet HGTV “Divine Design” star Candice Olson is all business when it comes to her passion for interior design. Olson recently toured the country to introduce her new line for Norwalk Furniture, the C-3 Collection, a combination of casual, carefree and contemporary upholstery over clean, classic seating silhouettes.
In line with Olson’s approach to personalized design, each sofa, chair, chaise or headboard has its special name: Bette, for Bette Midler; Tina for Tina Turner; Martin for Dean Martin; and especially Pyper, for Olson’s daughter; and more. read more
In line with Olson’s approach to personalized design, each sofa, chair, chaise or headboard has its special name: Bette, for Bette Midler; Tina for Tina Turner; Martin for Dean Martin; and especially Pyper, for Olson’s daughter; and more. read more
“This was not just a renovation; not even a major renovation. It was a very major renovation,” Portia Weiss says laughing. In fact, when all was said and done, practically the only original parts of the home that were kept were three outer walls, the marble floors of the foyer and living room, and the elevator. Two-and-a-half years later, the house was completely transformed. read more
Fiji, Aruba, Hawaii—fewer locales can conjure up images of pristine waters and sun-drenched days as these exotic islands. But to the dismay of travelers everywhere, increasingly longer lines and frequent delays at airports nationwide mean getting to these isles of delight isn’t without its headaches. F Travel experts agree that taking your trip off-season and arriving at the airport early may help you get to your destination on time; though there’s no way of preventing even the slightest airline hold up from ruining the vacation you’ve waited for all year. Of course with life’s hectic pace the last thing anyone wants to worry about is whether or not they’ll have to spend part of their vacation in the airport, lounging at the gate. read more
Life is busy, busy, busy for dual-career couple George and Madelyn Kinemond—he as Director of Finance for a major company and she as owner of her own interior decorating firm. Their primary residence is a large Tuscan style home in Tierra Verde, but they were intrigued when, in 2003, the opportunity arose to purchase pre-construction a two-story penthouse at the McNulty Lofts in downtown St. Petersburg, just minutes from George’s office. read more
It all began in the mountains of Arizona many years ago. The now retired Tampa jewelers, Alvin and Brenda Magnon, were traveling there and fell in love with a little log cabin in the woods. “We went down into town, found out who owned it and bought it in twenty minutes,” Brenda declares. It was the beginning of a long love affair with all things western. read more
Jean and Sandra Fluet had “Tuscan elegance” on their tongues when conceptualizing their house in Palm Harbor. They enlisted the artistic eyes of Yvette Bedell, a designer with Annabelle’s Fine Home Furnishings & Decorative Accessories in Odessa, to play on the theme.
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The first time Michelle Rogers visited her future South Tampa home, the cabinetry for the kitchen was in the process of being delivered. Devonshire Properties director of sales, Paul Wiezorek, laughs as he clearly remembers the day: “The cabinets were lying every which way on the floor, and I was struggling to stand them up vertically so Michelle could get a good look at them.” The effort paid off.
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English writer Charles Caleb Colton once said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery—well that applies to your gardens as well. Whether designing a new garden or sprucing up an existing one, even the most dedicated gardener needs inspiration once in a while. read more
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
Add some spice to your bedroom with Anichini’s vibrant Taj collection.
Handmade silk, sleek sateen and soft cotton in alluring earth-toned colors
will entice you to enjoy a good night’s sleep. read more
Handmade silk, sleek sateen and soft cotton in alluring earth-toned colors
will entice you to enjoy a good night’s sleep. read more
The blues of today bring a crisp, clean look to any bedroom or living room. From bright and happy to classy and traditional, its versatility will never go out of style! read more
“We looked for a year before we found this waterfront property online,” says Barbara Krai, “and then spent nine months in renovation. But it was worth the wait.” She and husband Doug Eadie wanted their home to be a sophisticated, elegant space that would, at the same time, embrace the casual Florida lifestyle. And they needed to incorporate his-and-hers home offices, each with a different purpose. But what they encountered was a typical bungalow that hadn’t been updated since the 70s. Although the location—in up-and-coming Oldsmar with a bay view of Safety Harbor—was ideal, it took a lot of imagination to envision turning this old-fashioned structure into their dream house. “Let’s just say, it had tremendous potential,” Barbara adds wryly. read more
It’s not often a master bathroom receives the same attention to detail as would a high-end custom kitchen. Apart from being one of the most neglected rooms in the home when it comes to looking its best, the bathroom is typically thought of as needing to be practical, rather than pretty. Unlike most active kitchens—which function as round-the-clock multi-purpose spaces—the master bath offers one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the home where one can quietly slip away and escape the hectic pace and chaos of everyday life. read more
“I love the process of building a home. I equate it with being pregnant. You’ve got to enjoy the journey!” Tammy Bradley says with a laugh. The lovely, comfortable family home that grew out of an eighteen-month gestation is a testament to her devotion and hands-on approach. read more
Even though their new Pass-a-Grille villa on the inter-coastal waterway has a Mediterranean architectural style, attorneys Trish and Bill Loughery did not feel constrained to choose only the typical Tuscan décor. “I selected French Country for the kitchen because the clean lines and pastel colors fit perfectly with the rest of the house,” says Trish. “I wanted a lighter feel here on the water.” read more
What started out as an idea for a sunroom for Gary and Lorrie Puckett, rapidly blossomed into an entire outdoor living area, complete with free-standing pavilion, outdoor kitchen, waterfall and a tiki hut. Tying them all together are beautiful gardens lovingly hand-cared for by the Pucketts themselves. Gary, the lead singer from “Gary Puckett and the Union Gap”, the group made famous in the 60s and 70s with such hit songs as “Woman, Woman” and “Young Girl,” and his wife Lorrie were living a bi-coastal life with homes in San Diego and Florida. When the hassle of commuting got to be too much, they chose to settle in Pinellas County, close to Lorrie’s family and to the University of Florida where their daughters are both enrolled. After much searching, they settled on this Rutenberg home because of its large lot size, privacy and rear pond. Builder Mark Rutenberg introduced them to Ryan Hughes, of The Hughes Group, for the landscaping. It took off from there. 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
Last year it seemed that pubs and bars were all the rage in the custom home industry. Almost every home had a designated area for a custom watering hole. This year, bars and pubs are still a hot trend—but the theme of creating a personal atmosphere for relaxing and spending time with friends and family has been extended to include separate billiard rooms and areas. 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.
Anyone who has had houseguests has done the whip-the-house-into-shape scramble–clean the house, pick up clutter, wash the sheets, stock the fridge, prepare the guest room. We do this because we want to show our home at its best and make our guests feel comfortable. read more
Building your dream home can be a dream. But that dream can quickly become a nightmare if homeowners make poor decisions when it comes to selecting a builder. read more
Images of North Carolina initially come to mind upon seeing the lovely Palm Harbor home of Stacey Shy and Jamie Cheek. Stacked field-stone walls and warm taupe colors bring a woodsy feel to a Mediterranean design. However, stepping inside the home banishes those thoughts. read more
What does “casual elegance” look like? Harold and Michelle Koster’s master bathroom is a prime example. The Tampa spa, with its varied marble tones, sturdy columns, organic accessories and inviting colors is a blend of regality and simplicity. read more
“We just hate shopping,” laughs Caren, “so when we decided to renovate our kitchen, we were dreading the process of finding a designer.” Both busy professionals, Stephen and Caren Buckley acted on a spur-of-the-moment drive-by when they noticed an interesting display in the window of Kitchen & Bath Design Center of Tampa, Inc (KBDC). “It looked like a kitchen that would fit our home and lifestyle,” Caren adds. Little did the Buckleys realize that their shopping anxiety would soon be relieved by the capable expertise of KBDC designers Jim and Cathy Harnish. read more
Bill and Donna Streit’s home and gardens are tucked away at the far end of the Hunters Creek neighborhood in southern Brandon. Tall overhanging trees shade the winding roads foreshadowing a taste of what is in store. read more
Restful and calming, green in all its revitalizing hues elevates the senses while nurturing the soul. So bring a little good luck to your home—and green it up! read more
To rephrase some current pop-culture lingo: interior design is definitely “the new black.” All you have to do is turn on a television to see the latest trends, tips and techniques for transforming a home into a haven. From celebrity designers to celebrity homes, design elements are being discussed everywhere. The downside of this onslaught of media attention can be information overload. Consumers and homeowners have more choices and options than ever before, but most of these interior design shows make home improvement projects seem easy to accomplish by do-it-yourself homeowners. Some interior design projects may not be as easy as seen on TV, so there will always be consumers in need of home-building, remodeling or redecorating help. One way to make the process as efficient and productive as possible is to hire an interior designer. read more
Whether your next paint project
is a room or a piece of furniture,
read on for some tips before
you pick up your paintbrush. read more
is a room or a piece of furniture,
read on for some tips before
you pick up your paintbrush. read more
If “location, location, location!” is the rule of thumb for home buying then “stage it, stage it, stage it!” may soon become the rule for home selling. The need to create a competitive edge for a home and sell it quickly has spawned an entire industry of home staging professionals, who work from the knowledge that buyers make the decision to purchase within minutes of entering a home. Home stagers are the unbiased third party that can look at a home through the eyes of prospective buyers and see what the seller may unconsciously overlook. read more
One of the first things an interior designer wants to know about their client is a little bit about their lifestyle. Do they have children? Is their home the setting of formal dinner parties or family barbeques? What are their hobbies, and do they like to cook? Believe it or not, all of these answers affect a homeowner’s decision when picking out material to use for their countertops. read more
For many people the word “wallpaper” can conjure up some pretty unpleasant memories. read more
“It was going to start as a kitchen renovation with new cabinets and taking down the wallpaper,” Lorrie Isringhausen says with a laugh. Now, three years later, the only elements left of the original home are the subfloor and the outer walls. Everything else changed right down to the window frames. Lorrie and her husband Jason, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals since 2002, were looking for a home in Florida to spend time at during the off-season. After checking the east coast around Palm Beach and further north, a friend told them about the Tampa Bay area. Jason and Lorrie checked it out and decided it was just the right fit for their low-key Midwestern style. Lorrie and Jason knew they didn’t want to be in a gated community and they knew they wanted to have some land. “With our ATVs, bikes, and dogs, we didn’t want to be annoying the neighbors. We like to romp around,” Lorrie says of their active lifestyle. After much searching, they found what they wanted in Tarpon Springs. “We fell in love with the property, especially the lot,” she says. “And we purchased the lot next door as well.” All together they have 12 acres to play in—more than enough room for their daughter Madolyn to explore and enjoy. 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
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
The classic bungalow home, with its many styles and variations can be found in communities throughout the United States. With so many geographic areas covered, there are nearly as many styles of gardens that go with bungalows as there are bungalows. The small but elegant Hyde Park bungalow of Chip Vogel and Scott Scherschel is an excellent example of a formal English garden design scaled down to fit a city lot. In Florida, the landscape design often features hot vibrant colors and lush tropical foliage to compliment the warm, humid climate and Mediterranean architecture. This home is the anomaly. While some of the plantings may be Southern, the end result is a formal, Northern effect. read more
Plenty of people are
thinking pink this year. read more
thinking pink this year. read more
At one time or another, most of us have ooohed and aaahed while visiting a model home, envisioning ourselves ensconced there surrounded by the finest furnishings and latest décor. The visual perfection we experience, however, doesn’t just happen. It is a product of the creative partnership between builder and interior designer during the construction process, involving a myriad of decisions, both large and small. When this synergy exists, the selection and placement of furniture, finishes and fabrics greatly enhance the architectural design of the structure itself. And, importantly, the model helps homebuyers clarify which options they will want. 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
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
In the never-ending search for the perfect home, nearly 40 million Americans each year pack up their households in anticipation of creating a new life and memories elsewhere. Whether it’s relocating across state lines for a job or just down the street to a larger home, our country has always been a nation on the move. But finding the ideal place to call home often takes a great deal of time and effort for those with particular needs to meet. While the rate in which families are traditionally moving is showing no signs of slowing, there’s an opposing trend quickly gaining popularity in many areas throughout the country for families looking to “trade up” their homes. The process of tearing down and rebuilding homes on site is common in many populated areas where empty land is not readily available for new home construction. This has become an ideal solution for families requiring a larger house, yet wanting to remain in the same neighborhood where they feel most at home. read more
Just for the fun of it, that’s how Jim Rumph lived during his mischievous 51 years on the planet. He left in his wake a cosmic trail of whimsical, clay time capsules that lampooned and immortalized the culture and personalities of the day. read more
Earlier this spring, The Florida Orchestra Guild of St. Petersburg presented “Designers’ Showhouse 2007,” the 33rd annual fundraiser on behalf of The Florida Orchestra. This year’s newly constructed Mediterranean-style home is located in the lovely Snell Isle area. Before moving in, owners Larry and Precella Wallace welcomed twenty designers from ten leading interior design, furniture and accessories firms to display their creativity. 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. Step into a home designed with a contemporary flair, you’ll experience something that’s not only clean and sophisticated, but inspiring, orderly and soothing at the same time. In today’s world of clutter and fast-paced living, the contemporary design gives a welcome refuge from the wild. But what exactly is contemporary? read more
Color and art are the topics of conversation for this modern masterpiece. While the waterfront home sits imposingly, if not absolutely perfectly, its views give way to a wide canal full of grand homes as well as the Gulf of Mexico. The layout is both expansive and intimate thanks to the geometric design of the rooms, which are anchored with extensive canvases and lighting that bring the spaces together. read more
The “Sacred Tree” sits in a smooth valley of lush grass at the front corner of the property; a large live oak that was zealously protected throughout the entire construction of the Baumgarts’ large Tarpon Springs home over a period of two and a half years. read more
Style and personality—while they are the elements that define the homes and spaces in which we live, finding and choosing the right style for any home renovation can be a challenge. Developing interest and drama within a space, such as the kitchen, can be done in numerous ways. Color, texture and design are some of the most important elements to consider when building a new kitchen or renovating an existing one; however, foregoing short lived trends and opting for a mix of timeless and classic styles can allow a home to remain fresh and inviting for years to come. read more
J. Michael Flanigan, an appraiser for the PBS series Antiques Roadshow, shares some tips on what he thinks will be hot for the long term in the world of collectibles. 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
It appears that every facet of the home building industry is inching closer to customization —custom home pubs, custom home theatres, custom outdoor kitchens and custom home gyms. With homeowners gaining independence on selections in their homes, it was obvious that their decision-making power would extend to their own back yards—especially their pools. read more
When you ask to Deborah Petrisak what she likes best about her and her husband Dennis’ newly designed master bathrooms, you’ll quickly learn she has nothing to hide…well, that is, about how pleased she is with each one. read more
“Every time I turn a corner, I smile.” Glenda Spencer and Thomas Wilkins share that sentiment when they talk about the obvious effect their growing art collection brings to their enjoyment of their sizable Innisbrook home in Palm Harbor. Both have been serious art collectors for several years and now many of their favorite pieces are showcased throughout their residence. read more
Feel like blasting out your rock ‘n’ roll favorites no matter how loud? Or smoking a stogie with no complaints about the smell? Or watching your kids put on a dress-up performance in a real theater…right in your home? If so, read on! read more
Every Southern plantation must have a name and this one is no exception. Magnolia Bluff, the stately white brick home of Pam and Les Muma, sits on a bluff overlooking the sparkling waters of Clearwater Bay. Built on three acres, this two-year-old home looks like a vision out of the Old South. read more
Travelers Laura and Hartmut Liebel often dreamt of bringing Europe home with them. Lured by the classically aged décor and crisp lines, they sought to metamorphose their own kitchen from cramped to castle-worthy. 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
Selecting new drapery for your windows can be just as stressful as going to your favorite salon for a haircut. You explain to the stylist that you want a trendy new hairstyle, maybe something that matches your personality. It isn’t until the final snip of the scissors, when you’re spun around to face the mirror, that you see the new you. Just as a new hairstyle transforms your face, drapery can revamp an entire room, whether it’s fun and flirty, bold and colorful or formal and perfectly coiffed. 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
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
Gold accents and glittering chandeliers trim the halls of this waterfront town home in Tierra Verde. Mahogany cabinets, marble floors, and walls in Venetian plaster make it a residence truly fit for royalty. read more
After a long day out and about, you come home to your luxurious new abode. Fiber-optic lighting glows softly along the stepped edges of the coffered ceiling and illuminates the custom-etched glass cabinets. As you relax in your soft leather chairs, you admire the 42-inch plasma TV screen that silently descends into view. A wave of surround sound music completes the effect. read more
Jerry Glaser has built a lot of homes. Highly regarded from St. Pete Beach to Pasco County, Glaser Homes, Inc. ranks in the top echelon of exclusive custom home builders throughout the Tampa Bay area, as well as across the country. So there’s no doubt that Jerry knows what he’s talking about when he calls the Odessa home of Bill and Nancy Baumgart his finest—and most complex—project to date. read more
Teamwork built this stunning and imaginative kitchen. In orchestrating the construction of the immense residence of Bill and Nancy Baumgart (see page 24), builder Jerry Glaser of Glaser Homes, Inc., worked closely with Nancy to insure that her kitchen—the center of family life in any home—would be warm and inviting for everyday use as well as streamlined and efficient for large events requiring on-site caterers and servers. “Even though we have a lot of living space in this house, the family mostly hangs out in the kitchen and family room,” Nancy points out, “so I wanted a kitchen that was open and easily accessible.” read more
Creating a seamless flow from the interior of a home to the outside is the mission of The Hughes Group. The Tampa-based landscape company is fast becoming known for its lushly landscaped exteriors and custom pool and spa designs. Owners Ryan Hughes and Tiffany Hughes, a brother/sister team, and their staff recently completed three respective projects in Tampa, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. Each with a distinct ambiance, tailored to its natural environment and the structure of its adjacent home. read more
People are drawn to a good soaking. Although the walkout shower has stolen the limelight over the past decade with the plethora of designer showerheads and stunning new ceramic and granite backdrops, the current trends and innovations indulge those seeking the serenity of the ultimate bathing experience. This year’s National Kitchen and Bath Show continued to ignite the bathtub and whirlpool industry with dramatic innovations in style and technical advances for bathers who prefer to be immersed. Regardless of the latest advancements, consumers still begin their search for the best bathtub with the basic four variations. 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