Cocktails can be sipped from almost any vessel, from mason jars to a plastic, red, disposable cup. The drinking experience, however, should be special and enjoyed with all five of the senses. A good-looking drink complete with twisted or speared garnishes should amaze the eyes, while ears attune to the melody of ice clinking against the glass.

Like with most things, it can be immensely helpful to bring in a professional for guidance about how to remake spaces in our homes that are both trendy and classic. When it comes to interior designers, Texas boasts some of the best. Far from creating stereotypical all-white, completely unlivable rooms, these designers work tirelessly to create gorgeous custom spaces for their clients to revel in, show off, and enjoy. Some of the best designers in the state have given us a peek at what they foresee as 2019’s top home trends.

While it is common knowledge that outdoor air contains many toxins from vehicle fumes, insect repellents, and other pollutants, did you know the air inside your home contains toxins as well?  Cleaning products, scented items like perfume and candles, and particles carried in from outside can all create polluted air within your house. Luckily, there is an easy, and beautiful, way to help keep your indoor air clean!

The holidays are over and your picture-perfect decorations, the ones that have been up for months, are ready to come down. Somehow, the stowing away of these cheery treasures often brings about feelings that are anything but jolly; the new year’s storage is just not as exciting as decking the halls when the weather turns wintery. However, it is important to keep those treasures merry and bright, so that next year can be just as joyous! Consider these post-holiday storage solutions to keep your seasonal décor intact while also making next year’s trimming of the tree efficient!

While the true spirit of the holidays is all about spending time with loved ones, the gift-giving aspect has been known to strike fear into even the most seasoned celebrator's heart. So, what do you give the person who has it all? Here are a few ideas to put the merry back into the season.

Texas's dropping temperatures, the reemergence of boots, and pumpkin-flavored everything signal fall. Just as each seasonal change introduces an updated wardrobe, homes deserve the same attention! To ease the pain of losing long summer nights and sunny days by the pool, transition your home to reflect the beauty and coziness of the fall season.

Desiring a remodel for this year's Idea House as opposed to new construction, Southern Living set out to assemble an all-local team and choose the perfect structure. "We chose Austin as the site for our Idea House because it's a booming Southern city filled with curious, design-minded residents," said Zoe Gowen, Southern Living's Senior Home and Garden Editor.

With the changing of the seasons comes a change in the air, in people's moods and perspectives, and in color. Boxes come out of the closet or down from the attic with sweaters and dusty décor that has been stored safely away since this time last year. it is time to swap daisies with autumn leaves and the vibrant hues of summer with the subdued tones that accompany cooler weather.

Fall is the time to think about ordering spring-flowering bulbs online, through bulb catalogs, or from selections at local nurseries and home and garden centers. While you will not actually plant until November or December, consider the following tips on growing bulbs and deciding which ones to purchase.

It is summertime in Texas. The sun is shining brightly, afternoons are toasty, and flowerbeds and backyard gardens are begging for attention. What better time than now to begin a new recycling project for the good of your bushes and blooms? Now is as good a time as any to start composting!

Looking for a large lot that was still close to town, Jenny Tamplin and her family found the perfect setting just outside of College Station in which to build their 3,700-square-foot, four bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom home.

Summer in Texas would seem incomplete without some sort of patriotic, Fourth of July celebration. Despite the heat and the sun, locals often spend much of the day partaking in outdoor activities, from parades, to concerts, to fireworks, or even the backyard cookout. Whether the table is inside with the refreshingly cool air conditioner, or located under the pergola on the back patio, there are plenty of options for sprucing up your table for any Fourth of July entertaining.

Julie Hibbs founded her professional organizing company, Squared Away, in Houston back in 1999. “Helping her clients reduce their stress, increase their productivity, and better manage their time and energy” is her mission, explained Leigh Jackson, a long-time Squared Away employee. Learn how this Houston company was able to help after the devastating Hurricane Harvey.

Having lived in their Austin neighborhood for 20 years, Frank and Tara West jumped at the opportunity to build their custom home in a new development within the same area. A realtor by trade, Tara knew exactly how she wanted to have her four bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom, 4,100-square-foot home laid out and what would make it function in the best possible way.

A small community outside of Houston is just the right place for homeowner Darlene Sauvageau and her family. Close to town and work, the homeowner’s neighborhood is within walking distance of the grocery store, school, and a variety of shops. Originally intended as a short-term property, the house has been transformed into a beautiful 3,400-square-foot custom home with five bedrooms and three bathrooms.