Articles by Mitchell Parker

In today’s world, typing in a search term online seems as common as breathing. But a look at those collective searches — and how they change over time — can unearth a surprising picture of what’s important to people at a given moment. So we looked at …

A small home bar or beverage station is one of those features that can have an outsize impact on the way a home functions. It’s not on the level of a belly-up-to-the-bar-style Irish pub, but a compact home bar can spark a lively atmosphere in a relati…

A lot of activity can happen in an entrance to a home. Shoes and boots come on and off, appearances get checked in the mirror, mail and keys are stored, coats and bags are hung up. Plus, an entrance is often the first and last impression of a home and…

After finding designer Robin Bryant of Factor Design Build on Houzz, these homeowners asked her to create soft contemporary interiors that juxtapose the more traditional red-brick exterior…

There are two options when designing a shower entry: curb or no curb. While there are benefits to both, the curbed, or low-barrier, option stands out as the budget-friendly choice because it’s easier to construct than a true curbless design. But cost …

A kitchen island offers a lot of obvious benefits, like more countertop space, extra seating and additional storage. But there are many not-so-common island features that can really improve the look and feel of a kitchen. Here are five worth considering.

A shower-tub combo combines the shower and bath functions into one space-saving setup. This classic arrangement is great for a hall bathroom because it offers flexibility for guests and kids. And with the right design treatment, this feature can becom…

This empty-nest couple in Marin County, California, wanted their home to be the spot where everyone wanted to hang out — their college-age kids, their friends and their kids’ friends. To transform the classic cottage into an entertainer’s dream, the c…

A vanity is the workstation of a bathroom. Washing, brushing, primping, storing — a lot happens here. So when choosing a bathroom vanity, you want to make sure you’re maximizing its potential. Design and remodeling pros have some ideas. We asked mor…

An island offers many common-sense improvements to a kitchen. Among them are more countertop space, an efficient work triangle, casual seating and additional storage. But there are other not-so-obvious features you can create with an island. Think fac…