house tour

We always knew interior-designer-turned-apothecary-owner Alison Evans had great taste, but moving across the country to restore a historic home (in under just four months!) takes vision. Built by a sea captain in the early 19th century, the home hadn't been touched since the '70s, but beyond the layers of dingy linoleum, wallpaper, and carpeting, Alison and husband Jon could envision their dream home. Located in East Orleans, MA, their new hometown is known for its sweet mom-and-pop shops, fabulous farmers market, and the best beaches around — including an exclusive residents beach just a five-minute drive from their home! Keep reading to see some of our favorite design moments in the house and get Alison's tips for starting a decorating project from scratch.

Photos courtesy of Organic Photography

Each Spring, Bay Area home enthusiasts flock to the San Francisco Decorator Showcase to get their design fix. If you're close to San Francisco, I recommend checking out this historic mansion's jaw-dropping transformation in person before it closes on May 27. Brimming with creative design solutions, I snapped some of my favorites that can be applied to any home. Keep reading to see which moments caught my lense!

One of Chicago's most important homes is on the market. Mayflower Place, as it's known, is a 24,500-square-foot house situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. A true mansion, the house has been the site of society balls, European royal visits, and a lot of heartbreak.

Read on to see the house and learn more about its wild past.

When designer Benjamin Dhong was asked to deliver a heavy hand of modernism to his client's San Francisco townhouse, he took it with a grain of salt. Benjamin's intuition told him that his Aston Martin-driving, bespoke suit-clad client could appreciate a more elegantly outfitted pad, and he was right. More collected than minimal, this three-story home blends a bevy of traditional elements with contemporary counterparts. See which design choices topped our must-try list!

Photos courtesy of Angie Silvy Photography

With a loft-like, indoor-outdoor vibe and an airy, contemporary style, this hilltop Rancho Santa Fe property features fresh design ideas worth copying. Streamlined furnishings, colorful (and collectable) Blenko glass plus natural elements all contribute to the laid back look. We love it so much that we rounded up a few key elements that will help you steal the style. Read on!

For fans of minimalist Swedish design, we're highlighting cool, contemporary pieces to help you copy the look of this striking Stockholm property. With its streamlined pieces in neutral shades, polished black accents, and rustic wood furnishings, this site's modern, eclectic vibe is worth stealing for your own space. Take a tour of the gorgeous property, then check out similar pieces to get the look!

After managing several projects for established interior designers, Lauren Ranes launched her own design firm in 2011. When approached about reimagining a Spanish revival in San Francisco's Presidio Heights neighborhood, Lauren knew it would make the perfect debut project for Lauren Ranes Interior Design. Her clients, young professionals with small children, wanted a design plan that wasn't entirely influenced by the home's Mediterranean architecture. Lauren's vision was to create a contemporary spin that showcased the couple's taste for tailored pieces, bold colors, and fun design. Keep reading for a tour of the home, plus Lauren's tips for achieving an eclectic dining room, a sophisticated kids' room, and more!

Photos courtesy of Mark Johann

We've watched director Judd Apatow and his wife, actress Leslie Mann, collaborate hilariously in movies like Knocked Up and This Is 40. Now, we're peering into their latest joint project: a Malibu Beach bungalow overlooking the Pacific. According to Curbed, the couple scooped up the property that was formerly owned by late Pretty Woman producer, Laura Ziskin. Dating back to the 1930s, the beachfront home oozes with charm but feels strikingly contemporary — thanks in part to buckets of white paint, an open floor plan, and sleek design features. Keep reading for decorating ideas you can steal, regardless of your zip code!

Although she started as a fashion stylist, these days Estee Stanley is probably best known for her interiors. What started out as decorating advice and favors for celebrity friends blossomed into a very busy second career as Estee took on more and more home renovations and redesigns. Now clients seek her out when they are looking for her signature style of casual, practical elegance, with a nod to European sensibilities. As co-founder of home decor collection HomeMint (with friend Justin Timberlake, ahem), Estee Stanley has ensured that her fantastic eye is available to everyone, not just her celebrity clients.

We sat down with Estee for a tour of the project closest to her heart — the house that she shares with her family in LA's Hancock Park. Keep reading to find out why she believes in waiting for true (decor) love, what she really thinks about kids' rooms, and where she gets her design inspiration.

Beautifully decorated digs might be a given when the home dweller is ex-fashion-designer-turned-stylist/realtor Alicia Lawhon. What makes her LA home remarkable, though, is her thoughtful approach to styling artful, deeply personal interiors — one that even solves the occasional design dilemma through meditation (true story!). We caught up with Alicia to discuss the notable nooks, creative crannies, and fascinating links between her home and her life — both past and present.