ALL POSTS IN [Inspiring Spaces]

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The bold color palette of Saguaro Palm Springs is the work of renowned architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat, of New York-based Stamberg Aferiat Architecture. The property has been infused with hues that reflect the indigenous flowers of the Southwestern desert.

This photo is pretty Pin-worthy, don’t you think?

MORE ON COLOR: LIZ GRAY’S POPULAR “TUESDAY HUESDAY” SERIES >>

Colorful Saguaro Hotel of Palm Springs

The Saguaro Hotel on E. Palm Canyon Dr.

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There’s something about catching up on the morning news and drinking a cup of coffee in a kitchen nook that feels cozier than gathering around an expansive dining table. I mean, that’s the whole point of a kitchen nook, right? It’s supposed to be quaint, cozy and secluded, which, oftentimes, is exactly what you want when you crawl out of bed in the AM. A tiny corner or sliver of extra space is just the right amount of room to set up a small eating spot. Everyone needs that moment of their own before conquering the outside world each day. Why not steal that time in the comfort of your own kitchen?

Grab some inspiration from a few of our favorite designers who have mastered the art of the breakfast nook.

Cozy Breakfast Nooks at HGTV's Design BlogDesign by Brian Patrick Flynn

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn created this vibrant, coral space not only as a breakfast area, but as a work space and museum of sorts. Built-ins with lucite shelves allow this photographer’s vintage camera collection to be front and center.

Cozy Breakfast Nooks at HGTV's Design BlogDesign by Anisa Darnell

Designer Anisa Darnell wanted to keep the homeowners’ personalities at the forefront of this nook design. Eclectic styles are brought together through a neutral zebra-print banquette, bentwood chairs, Saarinen table, capiz chandelier and rustic, vintage wall art.

See More Morning Spots

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I’ve always been a news junkie. I take time out every morning to read the headlines to learn what’s going on in the world. Frankly, I have no patience for anyone who isn’t up-to-date with world events. In my reading this morning, this “Trash Made Into Homes” story from CNN.com caught my eye. It’s a story that captures human ingenuity at its best!

Waste — what to do with it? It’s a worldwide problem that’s mounting. The city of Karachi, Pakistan produces ten thousand tons of waste every day. Much of that is non biodegradable and is burned or goes to landfills. But one local environmentalist thinks she has found the answer.

Nargis Latif is devoting her life to protecting the environment in the most over-populated city in Pakistan (Karachi). Her project, Gul Bahao, deals with two major issues — reducing waste and an increasing need for housing.

Gul Bahao works in conjunction with local factories to collect clean waste that they simply don’t need. The waste is then used to fill up large sacks (or bricks), which are then bound together to form structures. The homes are low in cost and put up in a matter of hours.

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The 43rd annual Decorators’ Show House & Gardens at Tuffeau Estate in Atlanta is open to the public now through May 12th. An array of the Southeast’s most brilliant designers have showcased their talents by transforming more than 30 design spaces in the estate into spectacular pieces of art.

If you are in the area in the coming weeks, this is a must-see destination. Over the weekend, some of our bloggers had the privilege to get inside and check out this home — and, wow. Below are several of our favorite rooms.

**All Photos Courtesy of Jeff Roffman Photography, LLC**

Decorators' Show House

Upstairs Master Bedroom Designed by Fernandez + True Interiors

Decorators' Show House

Butler’s Pantry Designed by Kellie Griffin Interiors, Inc.

Even More Stunning Images

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When the Design Happens crew first set our eyes on this gorgeous country wedding, it was love at first sight. Jenna and Andrew Lombardi exchanged vows on a 300-year-old Georgia farm, keeping the southern charm going with simple, nature-inspired touches like a wildflower bouquet, baby’s breath headpiece and lots of hay.

See more photos from Jenna and Andrew’s romantic, Georgia wedding >>

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I grew up in Seattle and as a result, I spent a lot of time playing in the rain. Parents, you can probably see where this is going: before my muddy feet could even touch the doorstep, my mother would send me directly to the shower.

Although my puddle-splashing days are [mostly] over, I’m still known to spend an hour in the shower after a storm. So instead of dreading those rainy days, use them as an excuse to relax – preferably in the comfort of one of these luxurious showers or bathtubs.

Susan Fredman Bathroom / Imperia Tub For Two / Stone Outdoor Shower
Bath Crashers Eco-Tub / Bath Crashers Spa Bathtub / Wooden Outdoor Shower

More stylish bathroom remodel ideas:

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The pressure’s on, and tensions are at an all-time high. These rooms are ready to face-off for the title of HGTV.com’s Best Room of the Year in our much more aesthetic, design-inspired take on March Madness. Since March 19, you’ve been voting for your favorite design for every room in the house. These, my friends, are the winners as determined by you! Now, vote for your favorite room from the selection below. I know — it’s overwhelming. But scroll slowly and pick the room that speaks to you the most. I know my pick (and I’ll reveal it on Tuesday). Cast your vote by choosing the corresponding letter (A through O) in the ballot below the image. Come back Tuesday to see if your pick won!

Want to take home a prize? Of course you do! Tell me in the comments why you chose the room you chose. One lucky winner will win an HGTV tote bag and this month’s issue of HGTV Magazine.

March Madness Finals: Vote For the Best Room of the Year on HGTV's Design Happens Blog

Head back Tuesday to see which gorgeous room won HGTV.com’s Best Room of the Year. Until then, don’t forget to cast your vote.

You may only comment once to be considered, and you don’t have to purchase anything to win; a purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Odds depend on total number of entries. Void where prohibited by law. Only open to legal residents of 50 U.S., D.C. or Puerto Rico, and you must be at least 18 years of age to win. All entries (comments) must be entered between 11:00 a.m. ET on April 07, 2013 and 12:00 p.m. ET on April 09, 2013. Subject to full official rules. By leaving a comment on the blog, you acknowledge your acceptance to the Official Rules. ARV of prize: $15. Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC, d/b/a HGTV, 9721 Sherrill Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37932.

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Did you hear the big news “circling” Disney? On November 25, 2015, Disney Pixar will release an unexpected sequel to animated favorite Finding NemoThe sequel, Finding Dory, will feature the whole undersea crew, and Dory will be voiced by none other than Ellen DeGeneresYay!

Starting a countdown 2 1/2 years out might be a little crazy, so let’s just swim through some coastal rooms for now. The best part about these spaces is that they’re likely landlocked or situated in a city somewhere. If you can’t be seaside, then bring the sea to you.

Coastal Home Office at HGTV's Design HappensArchitecture by ZeroEnergy Design

Coastal Breakfast Nook at HGTV's Design HappensDesign by Lynn Morgan

More Sea-Inspired Designs

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Today is the final round before next Sunday’s championship. You’ve voted on everything from kitchens to basements, and today we have three more spaces to throw into the mix. Are you ready? Vote for your favorite playroom, closet and sunroom. Then, come back next Sunday to see who made it to the finals from each set of rooms. Did your pick make the cut? You’ll just have to check back and see.

March Madness: Vote For Your Favorite Playroom at HGTV's Design Blog

Vote for Closets + Sunrooms, Too!

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  • Nominee 1: Funky beach cottage in Venice, California.

  • Nominee 3: Charming Cottage in Kansas City, Kan. >>

  • Nominee 6: Private island paradise in Bokeelia, Florida.

  • Nominee 5: Monet-Inspired Gardens in Rancho Santa Fe,