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The Advantages of Building a Concrete Block / ICF House

Once the rage in the United States, concrete block / ICF home plans are back in today’s architectural landscape. Along with being energy-efficient, durable, and storm-resistant, concrete block house plans are comfortable and quiet – and they come in classic styles that appeal to today’s home seekers’ aesthetic.

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10 Thanksgiving Home Decor Ideas – From Front Porch to Dining Table

Thanksgiving always has been about home – and family. What better setting to give thanks for the year’s blessings? And what better way to welcome house guests than with the fun, decorative ideas presented here? Take a closer look at 10 simple holiday decorating ideas for outside and inside the home.

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10 Hot Trends in Home Design for 2016

In the midst of the 21st century’s second decade, our lifestyles lead us to open floorplan living, technology affects us in profound ways, and even our pets demand more of our attention. House designers are responding to these changes, as you can see in our latest annual list of design trends.

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4 Ways the Kitchen Island Has Become a Hot Spot of the Home

Say hello to one of the trendiest elements in kitchen designs—the kitchen island! It’s become a treasured dream location in the home where everyone can gather to chat, eat, and yes, even work. From the vintage to the classic and ultra-modern, here’s a look at the kitchen island.

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Dos and Dont's: Trends in Modern House Plans

Just as trends in interior design change from year to year, so do trends in exterior design, as people building new homes choose house plans to fit their evolving lifestyles. Here are some of the do's and don'ts - and overall trends - we've identified in modern house plans for today.

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5 Remarkable Fisher House Homes That Reflect Local Style

All families need to have a place to call home but military families need a home away from home where they can stay while a loved one is receiving treatment. Fisher House Foundation makes sure these families have that place, with 64 comfortable residences across the country, five of which we spotlight for their reflection of local architectural style.

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The Halloween Story: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About “Trick-or-Treat” and All Hallows Eve

What is it about Halloween that makes children and adults await its arrival with excitement? It’s not all about frightening images of haunted houses, ghosts, goblins, and witches—or candy and costumes. With Halloween fast approaching, here are fun facts about the holiday, which dates back to the ancient Celts.

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Storage Ideas for Every Part of Your New House

Look around your house. Dismayed by the clutter? You’re not alone. Many books have been written about how to de-clutter. Ample storage is a key to the solution, so as you plan your new home, we examine eight rooms and areas to prove you can never have too much storage.

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Andrea Palladio’s Classic Architectural Designs Bring Renaissance Art to Life

The arrival of Columbus Day inspired us to celebrate another famous Italian, architect Andrea Palladio. Discovered when he was 30 years old and brought to Rome from Vicenza, Palladio’s concepts of balance, harmony, and classic design had a powerful impact on American—and worldwide—architecture.

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Man Cave 101: How to Design a Man’s Comfort Zone

The man cave has been steadily gaining popularity in home building recently. Today some man caves even feature amenities such as a separate shower, media display, gym equipment or a full bar. Keep in mind, having one’s own personalized space is actually often psychologically good for everyone!