Adapting Your Home to the Post-COVID Era

There are many home improvements we can make in this day and age; from needing more desk space to creating room for extended family, COVID has transformed the way we think about our home design. We have all spent more time at home over the past year than we ever have before, and it has not been without its challenges.

Virtual schooling, working from home, extended family moving in, and trying to bring entertainment to you--all of these things have given us a chance to step back from our home lives and reassess what our needs are moving forward. Elle Decor asked some architects and designers to make some predictions on the future of post-pandemic design. Here are some of the trends they foresee:

Home gyms. With people hesitant to rejoin their local fitness facilities, creating a home gym with extra space in the basement or a spare room is ideal for staying fit, healthy, and safe.

In-law suites. With more and more families needing to join spaces due to lack of work, colleges moving online, or other effects from Covid, creating more, but separate, living space can help solve problems.

Home offices. This is the big one. With so much of America's workforce jumping on the working-from-home-train, this seems like a no-brainer. Many of us have probably already shuffled furniture around and allocated space for this purpose, but creating a well-designed space solely dedicated to WFH can make all the difference.

Virtual classrooms.As with working from home, many families with school-aged children are now needing special spaces for the kids to learn virtually. Creating a separate space for a "classroom" can help kids focus and get the best out of their virtual education.

Exterior upgrades for better outdoor living. While we stay home, we want to utilize our space the best we can, and take advantage of the great space we have. This means turning our outdoors into a private, relaxing retreat. Whether it's installing outdoor heaters and heated floors to extend your outdoor season or perhaps adding that pool you've always wanted (we already saw a surge in pool additions in 2020), investing in your home's outdoor space can only benefit you, now and in the future.

Moving towards eco-friendly options. Since we are staying home a majority of the time, that means the energy bills are up. Experts predict that homeowners will be investing in eco-friendly home improvements this year to help with the bills as well as the environment.
pool

DIGS is Scouted in Cincinnati

Did you know that DIGS has been "Scouted" here in Cincinnati? If you aren't familiar with The Scout Guide, we suggest you check them out for all things local and luxury. DIGS' President + Owner, Jaime Masters, recently sat down (virtually) with The Scout Guide's McKenna Brooks to discuss what exactly we do here at DIGS in both interior design and construction. Read the full interview HERE to learn what drives Jaime's guidance of the company.

We are so excited to be a part of The Scout Guide this year, with the publication coming hot off the press mid-November. We feel that the brand that McKenna has curated here in Cincinnati is a great representation of what the city has to offer. We are lucky to appear alongside so many other great companies, service providers, and more. Our partnership is something we look forward to seeing grow over the next year.

Make sure to follow @tsgcincinnati on Instagram to keep up with all things Cincinnati and to see some DIGS highlights on their grid and stories. While you're at it, make sure you are following us, too @digshome. We can't wait to inspire you and help complete your next home project.
DIGS team photo

Female Pioneers of Architecture

The world of architecture has been around for centuries, but women have only recently become pioneers of the field over the past 100 years. Most have worked alongside names we recognize, while each female architect is as experienced and innovative as those names they appear with.

Veranda magazine recently featured six true 20th-century female pioneers of the architecture field HERE. Lauren Wicks writes, "Elizabeth Graziolo, founder and principal of Yellow House Architects, says 'there are not any true women in classical architecture that I can look back on... I know we exist; we just need to bring those women into the light for people to know about them.'"

Women have achieved many things throughout history, and breaking into the world of architecture is just one hurdle that has been jumped. DIGS is proud to employ strong women.

Know their names. Appreciate the work they have put into the field and the influences that can be seen because of them.

Marion Mahony Griffin
Julia Morgan
Norma Merrick Sklarek
Lina Bo Bardi
Beverly Willis
Denise Scott Brown
Beverly Willis architectJulia Morgan

A Modern Urban Oasis in Hyde Park

This gorgeous Hyde Park urban oasis sits nestled in a world of its own. Surrounded by trees, this specially curated home is the perfect getaway, every day.

DIGS did a complete renovation of this home, from construction of a brand new kitchen (with a bonus dirty kitchen) to all new bathrooms and living spaces designed. Highlighted here is the great room, which features a gorgeously designed fireplace that separates the great room from the dining room and kitchen. The two-story wall of windows allows natural light to fill the space from the second floor main entry down to this room of relaxation. An urban oasis in Hyde Park with the entry way overlooking the great room and a wall of windows.

Our client recently moved, allowing a new owner to come in and enjoy this beautiful retreat. Read more about the home HERE. If you're considering a home design, renovation, or construction project, don't hesitate to contact our team @ 513 533 3447 to discuss. Check out our portfolio of projects HERE.

Whether you are looking to change the design of your living space or do a total overhaul of the layout, we can work with you to give you a space you'll love to live in.

View from the kitchen into the dining room and to the great room.

A High End Closet for a High-in-the-Sky Condo

We are currently finishing up a high end closet project at a client's home in East Walnut Hills. The end product is a beautifully crafted custom closet and bookshelf. We are also providing new wall coverings and paint throughout.

Interior Designer John Harrison helped our clients select high end custom finishes, including closet hardware from Cincinnati's own Bona Decorative Hardware, ceiling lights from Visual Comfort, and specialty lighting from Juniper. We had the closet cabinets and bookshelf custom made based on our client's needs.

This week we are hanging Philip Gorrivan wallpaper in the foyer. We were able to snap some finished shots of the closet and bookshelf to share with you.
Juniper specialty lightingClose up of closet cabinetBona Decorative Hardware provided the pulls for the custom cabinet doors Let us expand your closet, redesign for functionality, and add those gorgeous finishing touches to make you love the space you live in.

Basement Bar Inspiration

What better time to upgrade your basement bar (or any bar) than right before the holidays? Elle Decor has gathered some inspiration for every space and style HERE, from lounge-inspired to contemporary and neutral. We love these ideas and the room they allow for creativity.

If your bar space needs a simple update, or if you'd like to create a brand new bar in your home, DIGS is committed to exceptional service and helping you create the perfect space for family and friends to gather.

The Perfect Chef’s Kitchen by Way of Thoughtful Design

The elegant and carefully planned design of this Kansas City kitchen shows in every detail.

As featured on House BeautifulLaura McCroskey's own kitchen remodel came years after living in her home. Her design "blended her elegant style with savvy incorporation of tools, appliances, and designated spaces to make cooking and hosting a breeze."

We love this kitchen for its thoughtful layout and consideration for every detail. We put the same effort into our own interior design projects and see these ideas come to life through our construction team.

Plan your next kitchen design project with DIGS, and watch it come to fruition, making your home functional and elegant.

Kitchen Trends of 2020

When it comes to remodeling our home, the kitchen seems to be the first thing on our minds, and rightfully so. Magic happens in the kitchen, providing nourishment, learning, and a space for gathering.

We gather inspiration from many places for kitchen layout and design, and Elle Decor has put together a beautiful collection HERE of 2020's top kitchen trends to fuel your renovation fire.

When you're ready, bring your ideas to our dedicated Design and Construction teams and let us give you the sophisticated kitchen of your dreams.

DIGS designed and constructed this expansive kitchen and butler's pantry for a client in Hyde Park.