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Adapting Your Home to the Post-COVID Era

home office
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

The Scout Guide Cincinnati, Volume 5

DIGS as seen in The Scout GuideCheck us out in Volume 5 of The Scout Guide Cincinnati! We are so honored and excited to be featured alongside other excellent local companies and service providers. The Scout Guide is a pristine city guide for those looking for a local luxury experience. This is our first time being scouted, but certainly won't be our last.

You can pick up your own copy at stores like Whole Foods or swing by our office to grab a copy (and a cool DIGS bookmark) for you or a friend. Visit TSG website for local tips and features every day.



Photo: RVP Photography courtesy of The Scout Guide Cincinnati

DIGS Participates in Design With A Heart

NLFB Party For The House
We want to take a moment to share with you an organization that we here at DIGS are passionate about and support. For the last two years, DIGS has had the opportunity to work alongside New Life Furniture Bank through their Design With A Heart program. Last year, Brian Gibson was able to participate in the program, and this year, Christine Kommer has helped Charlie and her family make a house into a home.
New Life Furniture Bank logo

As the only furniture bank serving Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky communities, New Life Furniture Bank’s services are critical to the human service agencies they serve, and the families who depend on them to provide beds for their children, a table to eat at, and a sofa to gather around. Last year, 890 homes were furnished. This year, their goal is over 1,000. 
Christine Kommer takes notes at client Charlie's home
Each year, NLFB hosts a wonderful fundraising gala, Party In The House. In the best interest of public health and safety, they have opted to instead "party FOR the house" with a special four-day virtual giving campaign. 

No ticket purchase required, no Zoom virtual event to attend, no babysitter needed... just a donation (any amount is appreciated) to support the work of this outstanding organization. You can make a DONATION here. 

You are also invited to follow the special four-day giving campaign from November 10th–13th and see the results of this year’s Design With A Heart projects. The hope is that you will GIVE to support the work and mission of New Life Furniture Bank in making a house a home for our neighbors in need. 

Follow the campaign on NLFB's Facebook or Instagram and see the designers’ reveals. Christine's design makeover of Charlie's home will be featured on Friday, November 13th. 

DIGS is Scouted in Cincinnati

The Scout Guide Issue 4
Courtesy of The Scout Guide
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

Julia Morgan architect
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

An urban oasis in Hyde Park features a wall of windows and a two-way fireplace in the great room.
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

Custom bookshelf
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.

A Hyde Park Dream Galley Kitchen

Kommer Kitchen Design1
A recently completed kitchen and dining room design project by DIGS' Interior Design Christine Kommer sits pretty and bright in Hyde Park. No detail was overlooked, from every finish to the artwork and rug selection. This on-the-go family went from a closed off, low-functioning kitchen to a bright and airy galley kitchen that has them in love with cooking again.

Finishes include tile from Fireclay, area rug from Fazel Rug Gallery, chandelier from Currey & Co., lights over sink from Visual Comfort, a custom built range hood from Cincinnati's own Radius Concepts, and a Kohler sink.

Inspired? DIGS' excellent Interior Design and Construction teams are here to bring you the kitchen you deserve. Kitchen 2 Kitchen3Dining Room

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Finishes

Photo credit: Emily Gilbert
Let Elle Decor put your mind at ease when it comes to all things interior paint HERE. Decisions on color, paint base, and finish can have a major impact on your interior design. These things set the mood for your room.

Take into consideration how you want your walls to function for the room you're designing. Will they need to be washed often? How much natural light will you get? What will the rest of your room decor and finishes be like?

Taking the time to do your research on these things ahead of your project (whether you're doing the painting or hiring professionals) will result in fewer mistakes, potential re-dos, and will have you relaxing in your freshly painted digs before you know it.

Photo credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Photo credit: Chad Mellon

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.