This is from our second DC finalist, Hilary. Comment away!

DC can be a very tidy place. Set out on a grid system of four mirrored quadrants, the District sometimes feel well manicured but a little bland, as if the city itself shops at Ann Taylor.

And yet, there is Ruff & Ready...

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This is from our first DC finalist, Rachael. Comment away!

The cherry blossoms are about to bloom in DC: does this inspire you to
sneeze and duck for cover, or reenergize your home decor? One idea is to create a cherry blossom themed reading nook. Cherry blossom products are not just for the throngs of tourists flocking to DC and they're not necessarily in pink, white and green. Below are some decorating tips to bring the beauty of the tidal basin into your home...
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This is from our first Boston finalist, Anne. Comment away!

"Modern" is about clean lines, clear colors, precise geometry, and a pared-down sensibility, right? Well, unless you're Droog, the 21st century Dutch design collective who brought us the fanciful Heat Wave Electric Radiator. This design finds some local Boston echoes in the form of railings found throughout Boston's South End, North America's largest collection of Victorian-era housing... More

You'll recognize our guest writer's name from her House Tour -- and also probably from her work on TWoP. Will her post inspire you to tackle your own January Jumpstart Project?

We have lived in this house for over four years, and I have hated this fireplace for at least three of them. It's attractive enough, I suppose, but it's got at least four different colors going on, including a pale purple wash around the top edge up there. You can't see it, probably, but IT IS ALL I SEE. The only solution I can see is to paint that baby white. All of it. More

Post from Paris: La Cave de Mattias

We have a great assortment of weekly bloggers who contribute to AT: New York. Here are the top hits in April. All the of the posts below were MOST VIEWED by you, the readers, according to our Google Analytics....

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I admit that to some my pronouncements on Density, Structure and Lighting may seem totally contrived.

Forgive the build up. It's really all about creating good Flow.

Flow is that feeling you have when a party is going well: guests mix, enjoy what you're offering, and maintain the buzz of many conversations. You know it when you see and hear it.

Having the right number of guests (density) can get people into each others' personal space so introductions and interactions are natural. Having your party space laid out well (structure) can help keep guests mixing and moving.

Lighting can help set the mood and cue people to relax. Good flow follows… More

(Note: We know June is over, but we just folks keep sending us pics of their Outdoor Homes and we've got to share them)

- All Info on Outdoor Home Month! -

Name: Gloria Palma-Oliver
Location: Cali, Columbia

Hello, Columbia! Even with bars on the windows, the outdoors gets inside of this home. Note how well the green of the planting goes with the greens and yellows of the rest of the decor. (Thanks, Gloria!)

Greetings, AT! I know June was outdoor month and here I am sending some pics on July 2nd... More

- Send in your pics for Outdoor Home Month! -

Name: Neal
Location: Stuy-Heights, NYC

This is a total treat. Neal emailed on Friday and sent us an amazing slideshow of the making of his garden. If this doesn't inspire, nothing will. (Thanks, Neal!)

Hope i got this in in-time. It's a slideshow of my backyard here in
"Stuy-Heights". It's been a labour of love, starting from Fall 2005 (with a sledge hammer!) and finally finishing in Summer 2007 (with a little mulch). Well not quite, but now i'm just going to sit back with a cuppa and watch my plants grow... More

- Send in your pics for Outdoor Home Month! -

Name: Laura F.
Location: Manhattan, NYC

Who knew this was in back? New York is full of these, but we only get to see them when we're invited in. (Thanks, Laura!)

"Yes, it's 14th Street.

Somehow I lucked into this East Village apartment with a garden 8 years ago and it's been a joy and a challenge ever since. In addition to completely changing my experience living in NYC (I rake in the fall), it also has provided some unique challenges. Because of the buildings around and behind me, I get light that is neither full sun, part shade or shade, but instead a sporadic of all of these..." More

- Send in your pics for Outdoor Home Month! -

Name: AED
Location: NYC

Coming in from the homefront, AED has not only kitted out her sky high terrace with wood tiles, plants and seating, she's also added a full on fountain and nightime lighting. (Thanks, AED!) More