Continuing my work on the "earth, air, fire & water" theme in our "back forty" out in our summer place in Springs, NY (see yurt raising here), I just (this weekend) finally finished getting the super cool, new wood stove powered hot tub ready for use. More

This month we have been focusing on bathrooms, what we like, what we don't and what is new in the world of bathroom decor and design. In the process we have also shared items that would make the bathroom of our dreams. In my view, having a bathroom as near to resembling a spa as possible would be my ideal design. That is why this unique shower space is my selection my most extravagant bathroom fantasy. More

In 2009 we spent an unforgettable week in a renovated farmhouse in Tuscany with friends who have been going there for over a decade. Off the beaten track, up a long dirt road, the house was isolated, but had a terrific sunset view looking down over olive trees and vinyards. We ate wild cherries and mulberries off of the trees, made pizza outside in the wood-fired oven and spotted wild boars running through the trees at dusk. Oh yes, and there was a pool. :-)

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The days are getting warmer and sparklier, and it's time to head outside. What better way to enjoy your yard than by playing shiny, pretty games while ice cubes tinkle merrily in your drink? And for those of us without yards, someone really needs to invent Fire Escape Horseshoes... More

Some may think the shower's basic design can't be improved upon. There are at least two companies that disagree, marketing extreme conceptual showers that challenge the way we bathe. Would you try them out? See more about the Loop and the Horizontal after the jump. More

It may look like something that can beam you up, but step inside the G-Pod and you'll be transported to a cozy space designed for living or entertaining at home. More

There are places you go when you travel far from home that feel like home, or, to be more precise, you WISH were your home. And when I'm in places like this I always take notes and try to bring back new ideas for my own home (or my fantasy home one day). Here are a few pics of a trip we took to Mustique, courtesy of a friend's family, which is one of those special places. More

Whether you rent and can't make improvements, have a non-traditional tub placement, or just need more towel real estate, free-standing towel bars are an easy solution. From ladders to heaters, here's the splurge versus save roundup of towel racks of all shapes and styles. More

Does your dream bathroom include a fireplace? From the looks of these bath-palaces-of-bliss, maybe it should. More than a place to clean the body, the bathroom is a place to relax, to unwind, to soak, and to unplug. (That is, of course, unless your dream bathroom also includes a flat screen TV).

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What's not to love about vertical gardens and green roofs? The actual task of making them, maybe? No worries, GSky Plant Systems can do the work for you. The company has installed over 50 vertical gardens in North America, and offers four different systems based on size and complexity needs — indoors and out. More