Built-in bookshelves, saturated color schemes and plump armchairs create cozy spaces made for enjoying books.

Searches for “book nook” are up 69% this year, while searches for “reading corner” increased 45%. Whether you have so many books you need a rolling library ladder or you simply crave a place to relax with a good novel, you’ll find inspiration in these eight cozy reading rooms. 1. Books From Floor to Ceiling

The idea was to make this newly constructed home in San Antonio, Texas, feel like it had been there for decades. Bradshaw Designs and Al Jones Architects took deep green library shelves from the floor to the high ceiling.

When choosing the materials, patina was key. Chicago brick on the walls and chimney, a limestone…

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Find out which option is the ideal partner for your shower-bath combo.

If you don’t have the space (or budget) for a separate shower enclosure and bath, you’ve probably decided on a combined shower-bath. But should you go with a shower curtain, or choose a glass shower door or panels to enclose it? Some of us might gravitate toward the softer look of a colorful piece of waterproof fabric that can be changed at will, while others might love the no-nonsense efficiency of a sheer pane of glass.

To help point you in the right direction, here are five benefits each of shower curtains and glass doors.

Shower Curtains

They soften surfaces. Great swaths of fabric (waterproofed or backed with a water-resistant liner) can temper the…

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Listening carefully, not overpromising and being transparent with homeowners can help your projects run more smoothly.

Trust is important in any professional relationship. Home remodeling pros need the trust of their clients to work effectively and complete standout renovation projects. And without good working relationships, issues are harder to resolve and miscommunications can turn into serious delays. Lead With Patience

Building trust with a client begins at the first interaction. Whether it’s through email, over the phone or in person, it’s important to make a good impression from the start. Most clients don’t have a solid understanding of design and construction, so being patient with them is key. Let them know you have good…

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In a compact yard, it can be tricky to provide sunny and shaded spots, but there are ways to do it. Take a look at these seven gorgeous examples to see how to create a cool-off zone in your own little outdoor space. 1. Create a Green Canopy

In this courtyard, climbing vines grow up the walls and across the wood beams to soften the building and shade the dining area. As an alternative, you could use wire cables to run across the pergola frame.

2. Layer Leafy Plantings

Give your small patio a cool, tranquil vibe by densely surrounding it with large-leaved plants. Go for a few tall specimens to create overhead shade and supplement them with midlevel and ground-cover foliage.

3.…

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To recharge your batteries, think about what you want to do, not what you have to do, during your precious respite.

So often we look forward to the weekend, but once it arrives, it gets swallowed up by errands and chores — and before we know it, it’s over. That hardly seems fair! If you’re ready to reclaim your weekend, begin by shifting your thinking and consider your weekend a “mini retreat” — a well-deserved opportunity to rest and recharge. And while not every weekend lends itself to this relaxed approach, even when life throws you a super-packed weekend, pulling even a few ideas from the list that follows can help slow things down enough that you can catch your breath and savor the abundance around you. Morning Ideas

Start your…

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A client’s budget and their perception of the value your firm offers can have a huge impact on whether they hire you — and it can affect your professional relationship as the project progresses. That’s why it pays to follow these simple steps to make sure your customers have faith in your pricing and feel confident they’re getting value for money.

1. Explain Why Quality Is Key

Clients are often unsure about whether to go with a lower-cost service or one that’s at the top of their budget. Some guidance from you can make them feel more confident about their decision.

“I explain what they get for my time, essentially how I save them money in the long run and help to prevent them from making costly mistakes,” says interior designer…

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The dog days of summer are upon us. With intense sunlight streaming over our gardens, we’re reminded of just how brutal it can be in the heat. The tricky part is that spots in the garden that are hot now may be less so at different times of the year. Good landscape design understands these seasonal aspects of the garden and plans accordingly.

There are three main things to consider when designing a garden that’s cool in the summer: Maximize shade, use light-colored materials and increase airflow. Look at your landscape now to understand where the hottest areas occur so that you can plan a garden that creates long-term shade for the summers to come.

Getting Started

So much of understanding the landscape begins with simple, sustained…

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A family’s yard in Southern California was due for an update.  Principal designer Sacha McCrae helped them add curb appeal with plants, pathways and an inviting sitting area in the front yard of their corner lot.

McCrae describes her clients as warm, lovely and friendly, so it makes sense that they wanted a yard that would foster community with neighbors. “The most urgent project for them was improving the front yard, which we finished first,” the designer says. It includes a strong approach to the front door, a meandering pathway, a beautiful mixture of plant textures and a welcoming seating area with a fountain.

Photos by Sacha McCrae

Yard at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with two young children
Location: Orange County,…

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Adding storage components to an entry can help corral items before they clutter up a home. Including lively color and pattern can help set the mood for the rest of the home. You’ll find great examples of both approaches in these stylish mudrooms. 1. Blue-Green Cabinets and Handmade Tile Flooring

Designer: Dana Bass Designs
Location: Plano, Texas
Size: 175 square feet (16 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “Their favorite color was green and they wanted something fun and exciting to turn this boring, unused space into something functional,” designer Dana Bass says.

Special features. Blue-green cabinets (Lagoon by Sherwin-Williams) with locker-style storage, metal mesh inserts and deep drawers below a bench. Handmade Mexican tile…

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From the first days, which probably still feel like summer, to the last, when you may notice that first chill in the air, September is a time of transition. Get your home ready for the season ahead by ticking off these to-dos, from adding cozy layers to scheduling necessary maintenance — and then curl up in your favorite chair and savor the comforts of home. Sky House Company Things to Check Off Your List in an Hour or Less

1. Cozy up with warm layers. Have you felt that first nip in the air yet? When you do, think about swapping out lighter-weight bedding for flannel sheets and fluffy duvets. Bring added warmth to the other rooms in your house with throws and pillows in rich fabrics like wool, velvet or faux fur. Thicker area rugs and…

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