Name: Jackie and Sam Hiersteiner
Location: Shaw; Washington, DC
Size: 1,200 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years; Owned

Usually, friends drop by Jackie and Sam Hiersteiner’s place for some of Sam’s home-cooking, followed by a nip from his collection of small-batch bourbons; today I’m there to snap photos, and in Sam’s absence — he’s at work — Jackie has prepared a simple, lovely spread of fresh bread and cheeses. Beside it, champagne chills. The couple’s Maltese mix, Pappy Van Winkle (named for Sam’s favorite whiskey) hops into my lap. Their 1,200 square foot home in DC’s Shaw neighborhood is flush with warmth and hospitality.

Name: Alexis Finc and Brook Heintzelman
Location: West Hollywood; Los Angeles, CA
Size: 1,000 square feet
Years lived in: 1.5 years; Rented

Alexis and Brooks​ met in school in Wilmington, NC while pursuing graduate degrees in creative writing (him: fiction, her: poetry). But after graduating, a job brought them to the West coast — sunny LA to be exact — somewhere they never thought they would ever live. Their apartment today looks nothing like the dirty, cramped place they first viewed when they were looking to find a home in the city. (Two young guys with massive black leather couches were the tenan​ts at the time). However, Alexis saw the potential in the space and fell in love with the green framed windows, hardwood floors, decorative tiles on the Spanish inspired fire place, and all the natural light coming into the living area and kitchen. She quickly transformed the apartment into a cozy, personal space where she, Brooks, and their cat, Bear, could live. 

Name: Julie Bazigos Karatzis, owner of letterpress company Cartoules Press and agent at Secret Agent PR, her husband Spiro Karatzis, sister Eugenia Bazigos, and their parents Michael and Mary Bazigos.  
Location: Sarlata, Kefalonia island, Greece
Size: 1700 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths.
Years lived in: We bought the land in 2006, broke ground in October 2010, and completed the house in August 2012. 

What's your idea of the perfect summer getaway?  If it involves jumping on a plane to an exotic island, warm sand beaches, crystal clear water, great food and wine, and your own private villa, you're in luck. 

Name: Jeremy and Jenna Avellino
Location: Old Kensington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Size: 1,500 square feet
Years lived in: 10 years; Owned

When they first set eyes on this house ten years ago, Jenna and Jeremy knew they were facing the daunting prospect of numerous years of serious rehab work. While this might discourage most home buyers, Jenna and Jeremy leaped at the challenge. And now, finally, the fruits of their labors are blooming into a beautiful, welcoming home. 

Name: Thomas Hayes Gallery
Location: Hollywood; Los Angeles, California
Size: 6,000 square feet
Years in business: Since 2002. Originally under a different business name, but same company. Rebranded in 2009 as Thomas Hayes Gallery.

Thomas Hayes has made his gallery into a welcoming, homey space. The entire team loves cooking in the kitchen and having breakfast together, relaxing in the outdoor space with a koi pond, and freshening up in the dramatic bathroom. Everyone works long hours (no 9-5 here), so it is nice to work in a space that makes you feel like you are at home.

Name: Ashlae and Thom
Location: Denver, Colorado
Size: 1,100 sq ft
Years lived in: 10 months; Rented 

Ever thought of what a food blogger's space would look like if it were crossed with a history buff’s pad?! Well, look no further! In the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown Denver live food blogger Ashlae and her boyfriend Thom. Who would have thought that putting these two distinctly different personalities in an open concept loft would create such interior design perfection? 

Name: Victor and Adrienne Barranco
Location: Woodbridge, Virginia
Size: 3570 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, Own

Though situated in the suburban neighborhood of Woodbridge, Virginia, Victor Barranco and wife Adrienne’s home is built like a self-made cabin retreat in the woods. There is hardly an inch of the home that the couple did not remodel, paint, or build by hand. The crafty pair were kind enough to provide some before photos taken during the renovation process in what may be a first-time before and after House Tour post. You can view bits of the "before" process in the slideshow.

Name: Marlowe
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Room Size: 150 square feet

When I came across Marlowe's room, I fell in love with its bright colors and whimsical bohemian vibe. Like the rest of her mom Drea's home, the room is sunny and filled with fun patterns and thrifted finds. And with the addition of some fun party decorations, little Marlowe probably feels like she's waking up to a celebration each and every day.

Name: Architect Cass Cheesar, Carla Umlauf-Cheesar, Sophie 13, Ella, 11, and Maggie (our lab)
Location: Brentwood; Austin, Texas
Size: 2,200 square feet
Years lived in: 8 years; Owned

Architect and builder Cass Cheesar and his wife, Carla Umlauf-Cheesar, a native Austinite and realtor, renovated a 1952 home in the Brentwood neighborhood a few years back. While modern elements were brought in, they also maintained the spirit of the original home, all combined with their impeccable style. The end result is an elegant, playful home with Mid-Century lines, bursting with the personality of a vibrant family. 

Name: Sirima Sataman
Location: Dogpatch, San Francisco, California
Size: 800 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Rented

Walking into Sirima's loft, I was blown away by the openness of the space, despite the fact that it is both her home and an artist's studio where she teaches classes and workshops in printmaking. A combination of smart, vertical storage (keep an eye out for a kayak, two surfboards and two bikes) and a collection of great vintage pieces makes everything flow together seamlessly.