Explore a delightful recipe with Lauren Liess for wild garlic soup that emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients. The process includes foraging for wild garlic, chopping vegetables, and sautéing them before blending the soup. A fresh salad with greens, nuts, and a simple dressing complements the d...

The concrete pour encountered several challenges, including scheduling errors and insufficient manpower. Delays arose from miscommunication about the delivery site, complicating the process. During pouring, equipment issues and material inconsistencies added stress. Safety concerns, particularly ...

Set in Duck, North Carolina, Dune House is a thoughtfully renovated coastal home designed for ease, light, and everyday living. Lauren Liess reimagines the interior with white oak floors, a sand-inspired palette, and a collected mix of vintage elements—including a reclaimed front door and origina...

The team focuses on constructing gable walls and trusses for the roof in Needham. They decide to prefabricate trusses on-site for a proper fit. Emphasis is placed on the importance of wall and roof structure, ensuring parallel walls and correct floor placement. Ventilation strategies are outlined...

Join a personal garden tour that showcases tropical plants and highlights recent changes and new additions. Insights from botanist Dr. Francis enhance the experience, as the host shares their four-year gardening journey. The discussion covers practical gardening skills, care tips for slow-growing...

Framers start work on the foundation, ensuring precise alignment with a control line. The foundation is smoothed and sealed for airtightness. Lumber is prepared, with adjustments made for discrepancies. A drainage system connects downspouts to galleys, while groundwater is managed through a separ...

In this episode, Irene Chen visits a deeply personal tropical garden cultivated over 11 years by her plant friend Juni. As they walk through layers of lush growth, Juni reflects on her hands-on journey—sharing practical insights on pruning, repotting, propagation, and understanding each plant’s i...

Explore the structural walkthrough of a custom home, emphasizing collaboration between builders and engineers. Communication is vital for maintaining design intent and securing building department approvals. Inspectors focus on basement wall bracing and foundation design, highlighting rebar's rol...

Elaina and Alex on building a driveway as part of their journey towards financial independence. They encounter challenges with tree removal and tractor issues while planning for excavation and house design. Seeking inspiration for a modern farmhouse look, they also coordinate with electric servic...

This episode explores a 7,300-square-foot DIY jungle garden woven seamlessly into an art-filled home. Irene Chen visits the private garden of Russell Low, who has shaped the space as a personal retreat rooted in biodiversity and balance. Dense tropical planting attracts birds and local wildlife, ...

High stress levels arise from delays and permit issues in the project. Excavation begins after obtaining the city permit, but unexpected water complicates the process. Effective team coordination helps manage pressures. The foundation work progresses with careful preparation for pouring footings,...

From the moment they step into their new-old house, Lauren and David feel a pull that reinforces why they chose this place—and why they’re ready to make it their own. Early design decisions shift from wallpaper choices to settling on mortar over flagstone in the foyer, balancing aesthetics with p...

Elena and Alex embark on a project at Mason Dixon Acres, planting Black-Eyed Susans along their driveway. They prepare their equipment and address concerns about plastic waste, emphasizing their recycling commitment. With dry weather and potential snow, they plan to cover seeds with straw and imp...

The project utilizes Boral fly ash siding in a nickel gap orientation, focusing on moisture management and traditional nail layouts. It incorporates strategic ventilation planning with ERV intakes and boiler exhausts, alongside brick facade details for a Tudor style. Safe lead flashing and a chim...

The project focuses on sheathing and WRB installation using self-adhered materials. Roof construction is progressing with careful framing and material selection. On-site trusses ensure proper support. The garage is prepared for concrete with moisture control. Interior walls are being built with a...

The Elliot Project features a design that harmonizes comfort and elegance, inspired by its historical surroundings. Natural light fills the open layout, showcasing warm woods and playful wallpapers. The kitchen merges traditional and modern styles, while the dining room boasts dramatic lighting. ...

Work slows as Gavin and Nicole pause the renovation to address lime removal and reassess next steps before restarting in November. As walls are opened and checked, rotten joists and moisture damage come to light, reshaping plans for underfloor heating and future structural work. A new laser measu...

As life slows after months of building, Lauren and David reflect on how homes shape memory, identity, and a sense of belonging—especially the places we carry from childhood. Family gatherings, shared recipes, and familiar routines reinforce the comfort and safety that define home beyond design ch...

Travel inspires building and design, with the Grand Tour shaping architectural styles, especially in Thomas Jefferson's work. Jefferson's unique architectural contributions are highlighted, showcasing the importance of visiting Monticello for its design appreciation. The UVA campus features histo...

Wooden holdbacks from the dining room need repair, which includes reproducing moldings. The repair process involves making molds and casting replicas. Holdbacks for the salon are being cleaned and filled. There is also progress on curtain installation, along with plans for the blue China room's d...

The project begins with initial greetings and a focus on under slab plumbing work, including leak testing and an overview of the plumbing system. Details about the drainage system and challenges with plumbing pitch are discussed, leading to a trip to Home Depot for fittings. Hydrostatic testing e...

The update highlights the advancements in the Steve Teak project and Cassie Garner Interiors, focusing on the design of the homework loft and its connection to the main house. It covers roof framing techniques, interior design adjustments, and the introduction of a future laundry room. The kitche...

In this episode, Irene Chen tours an award-winning tropical home in Borneo where architecture and garden design are deeply intertwined. The surrounding landscape features easy-care tropical plants chosen for resilience and beauty, while natural forms and materials shape the home’s structure and f...