Brian Patrick Flynn

This traditional blue bedroom features white plantation shutters, an iron bed with blue linens, a wooden dresser and a distressed white bedside lamp.

Set up a stylish table for spring inspired by citrus fruit.

For day-to-day use, this space is used for laid-back, casual dining. The cool pastel palette keeps the room looking young and fresh and the unexpected use of kitchen island lighting over the dining table helps keep the spot brightly lit after dark.

Pine that was stained a dark walnut creates the open storage shelves below the counter in the baking center. The shelves resemble a freestanding piece of furniture, with display storage for a bread box, dessert stands, mixing bowls, glass cannisters for flour and sugar and a marble rolling pin. A new window above peeks out to an alluring water view.

Keep the conversation casual and intimate by hosting game night for family and friends at the coffee table. Lay out an assortment of cards and creative games and serve chips, dip and crackers in simple vessels. For an artisanal touch, try serving beer in clear glass vessels and keep glasses within arm’s reach to make self-serving easy.

Glass and metal framed garage doors enhance the industrial accents in the massive space while keeping the space bright and airy with natural light.

Black paint with charcoal trim adds drama and transforms the exterior of this contemporary home built in 1974, previously painted a neutral tan brown color. “To make sure the house fit in with the really nice modern homes up in this part of the country, we wanted to go with a black exterior,” says designer Brian Patrick Flynn.

The kitchen’s easy style relies on a clean design and well-chosen materials instead of lots of decoration. “The kitchen is probably the most modern or contemporary thing in the house, mostly because it’s kind of minimal,” says designer Brian Patrick Flynn. “But it’s minimal because there’s so much architecture.”

Gifting wine at the holidays is classic and well-received universally, but when paired with totally unique gift-wrapping, this go-to gift idea quickly becomes something very special.

Trying to give a new spin on simple brown bags and boxes? Try using one of our inexpensive and impressive DIY tricks. With these packages, you're sure to impress all your gift recipients.

An excellent gift for new homeowners is a kitchen essentials cake stand presentation. To create one, pick up basic kitchen supplies ranging in height and shape. Next, arrange them on top of a cake stand, interspersing small seasonal accents for color and texture. Lastly, use a small chalkboard or gift tag to address to the recipient.

Create one-of-a-kind ornaments from multicolored buttons and thread. Add thread to a needle and knot the end, then slide an assortment of small neutral-toned buttons onto the thread as a tree base. Gradually build a tree silhouette with an assortment of large buttons added along the bottom, medium buttons in the center and smaller buttons near the top. For a tree topper effect, add a small star decoration on the top with looped string as a hanger.

Everyone loves an adorable ornament and this little elf will bring instant cheer to any style tree!

If you’re more of a minimalist, check out this gorgeous wreath with its toned down floral elements and simple ornamentation. This star wreath puts a fresh spin on a classic holiday shape!

The open floor plan for the living area and dining space finds unity in the bright white color palette with sea green and pink accents. The soft colors draw focus on the real showstopper: floor-to-ceiling views of Puget Sound.

This wide view of the kitchen highlights the open layout and the beautiful stairwell with custom-made railing. The stairwell connects the home’s three levels and replaces an existing staircase enclosed in dry wall. “It was like a big dinosaur in the room,” says project manager Scott Branscom. “The stairs also separated the kitchen from the living room and blocked your view.”

Pure white walls and ultra white tile helps the master bathroom feel bright while the full windows and skylight fill the space with light.

Painting the home black and using charcoal as an accent color on the trim work gives this 1970’s home a modern facelift. The dark colors also highlight the windows and highlight the home’s striking angles and roofline.