After a chilly, rainy spring and being cooped up indoors, most of us are eager to enjoy outdoor spaces. But designing these areas takes as much planning and aesthetic sensibility as creating an interior room. This space designed by Amanda Sinistaj is a prime example.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, we celebrate ecologically mindful design, from sustainably sourced woods to solar panels and bioswales.

Mixing high-end items with more moderately priced pieces to stay on a client’s budget is a balancing act that professional interior designers are adept at handling with skill and taste.

Personality is the ingredient that adds life to a space. Professional designers work extensively with clients to help them uncover their personal style and create a home that reflects their unique design sensibility.

As another calendar year turns the page, it’s time to start off on a fresh foot. That includes design, where a streamlined simplicity is the goal, such as this space designed by Laura Zender. Careful editing will reduce clutter, and rearranging items can create an invigorated look.

Ideally, shelves should bring clarity and order to a space. But too often they become a repository for random knick-knacks, clutter, and out-of-scale items. Balancing creativity with practicality, designers know how to maximize shelf space and make it look attractive.