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.

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.

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.

Remember your parents’ collection of old record albums and the wood cabinet where they were lovingly stored? How about that dumbwaiter or the laundry chute in a restored home? Today these “old-home” features are “spicing up” new homes. Here’s a closer look at some of these vintage pieces.

Just think – now you can build a home gym complete with a wall mounted smart television, connect online to the Internet, and voila - you can join others in an interactive fitness class from home, giving you the options for when to work out. Trends indicate that over the next few years cardio equipment will include sophisticated tracking mechanisms for our workouts that can connect to your mobile device, home computer, and gym.

Sit back, put up your feet, bring a book or drink, and escape to the front porch to relive that carefree life of long ago. A classic feature of the American home that disappeared from the architectural scene for a while, the porch is back in style, stronger than ever.

Finally! A home with your dream open floor plan—no more outdated layouts, traffic-blocking walls, and small rooms. What’s the next step now that you have your unobstructed, free-flowing space? Think of these helpful tips as you review, design, and create an attractive and comfortable open floor space.

Home gyms, exercise pools, courts and spas offer home owners a healthy lifestyle.

It may appear to be a “one-of-a-kind” creation, with its sleek and sophisticated architectural style. But the 2015 New American Home can be everyman’s home, with its open floor plan, courtyard, rooftop deck, and indoor-outdoor connection that can be replicated anywhere in the country.

Ever dream of sipping champagne on the patio of a secluded Tudor in the Hamptons, a palatial manor in California, a New York City penthouse with breathtaking views, or perhaps a chateau in Texas? Not quite within your budget? Let’s take you on a “tour” of house plan alternatives that may work out—with some vision and inspired originality.