Articles by Elena Vega

Combine two classic tones, wood and white, and what do you get? A whole range of possibilities, it turns out. Here, see how designers mixed light, midtone and dark woods with pure white, cream and other hues to transform ho-hum baths into distinct des…

There’s something extra special about soaking in an outdoor hot tub, thanks to the refreshing open air, an eyeful of endless sky and perhaps the comforting rustling of nearby trees. And when you integrate a spa so it feels like a thoughtful design ele…

If you’ve ever wished you could visit a four-star spa without leaving home, this one’s for you. These designers removed blocky tubs, rethought awkward layouts and brought in elements such as steam showers, wet rooms and even a sauna and a cold plunge …

Adjusting living spaces as we age is a smart move: extra light here, less slip risk there, and who wants to spend more time than necessary scrubbing anything? In these four baths, designers considered all of that and then kept going, swapping out haza…

Even if it’s only steps away from the main home, a studio, cabin or other backyard structure can feel as if it’s a world away. It offers a clean slate for creativity — no distracting piles of laundry to fold, toys to pick up or “Do Not Disturb” signs …

Bleak winter skies and snow have you dreaming of a fun-filled, sun-drenched getaway? This article is for you. These four backyards from the East Coast to the West celebrate a vacation feel with elements plucked from posh resorts: pools, a hot tub, fir…

Turning to the past for a kitchen redesign in the present offers a lot of leeway. Without the strictness of a spot-on restoration, a vintage-inspired makeover lets you choose which elements conjure a comforting fondness for simpler times (even if the …

Evolving from the humble cook’s worktable of yesteryear, kitchen islands typically are now hubs for socializing, having casual meals and even doing homework. So when the four older islands below outlived their usefulness, designers went bigger and bet…

Evolving from the humble cook’s worktable of yesteryear, kitchen islands typically are now hubs for socializing, having casual meals and even doing homework. So when the four older islands below outlived their usefulness, designers went bigger and bet…

Some homeowners want kitchen cabinets to hold everything so countertops are free. Others want some open shelving to showcase a favorite collection. Whatever kind of storage would make you happiest in your kitchen, you’ll find inspiration here. You’ll …