What happens when top magazine editors team up with the best builders and hottest designers in the country? The collaborative result is an “ idea house,“ featuring the best of the best in home design today. Innovative and beautiful, these stylish designs also take into account the kind of real-world functionality necessary to accommodate busy family lifestyles. And now, thanks to the Design Idea Book, you can take an armchair tour of 39 of these inspirational houses. You`ll see how leading experts combine the latest technologies and materials with design and color theories, and see page-by-page how they`ve organized space to put every square foot to work. Whether you`re in the market for a new home, plan to renovate, or just want to make the most of what you have, take a cue from these experts, and discover how you can apply these winning design principles to your own home. Features: 400 photos showcase stunning designs from 39 “ idea houses” Expert advice from today`s top magazines, premier architects, and interior decorators Covers the very latest in home-building materials, technologies, and furnishings Encompasses a range of styles, from coastal to cottage, classic to contemporary Innovative room-by-room ideas for color, storage solutions, fabric choices, and more