Few things express what’s special about Pittsburgh like its homes do—from old school brick row houses in Lawrenceville and Gilded Age marvels in the East End to mid-century Modern gems tucked into the South Hills, this city has great architectural bones worth building on. But a great renovation is about more than just knocking down walls; it's about honoring what makes a house work while updating it for how people actually live today. Whether it's a full gut renovation, a thoughtful addition, or a tech-savvy, energy efficient kitchen overhaul, Pittsburgh homeowners are proving that smart renovation work can breathe new life into even the city's oldest properties. We're highlighting some of the most compelling home renovations in and around Pittsburgh—projects that offer real inspiration for your own next move.

Pittsburgh's historic homes tell the story of a city built by steel money and immigrant craftsmanship. Preserving that history takes a different kind of expertise than a standard renovation. From the ornate woodwork of Shadyside's grand old homes to the brick row houses of Deutschtown and the arts-and-crafts bungalows scattered through Regent Square, historic preservation is about protecting original character while making a house livable for modern life. That means understanding period-appropriate materials, navigating historic district guidelines, and knowing which original details are worth saving—and which trade-offs make sense in order to achieve energy efficiency and accommodate life as we live it today. Whether you're restoring a century-old staircase, matching original plaster work, or simply trying to figure out where to start, here's what Pittsburgh homeowners should know about preserving the city's architectural legacy.

The kitchen is not just just a place to cook—it's where Pittsburghers gather for Steelers Sundays, holiday celebrations with three generations of extended family, and gatherings of old friends and new when everyone needs some togetherness. Whether you're working with a classic Pittsburgh center-hall layout or an open-concept condo in one of the city's newer builds, great kitchen design today means balancing serious culinary functionality with the space and comfort you need to be a great host. Think oversized islands for casual seating, thoughtful storage that keeps countertops clear, and finishes that can handle real life without sacrificing style. From layout ideas to the details that make entertaining effortless, here's how Pittsburgh homeowners are designing great kitchens that work hard, look good, and feel comfortable.

Decorating trends can start on runways, at major design events in Europe and the US, or on savvy design blogs, but the best Pittsburgh homes know how to channel trends into something that works in the here and now. We're here to help find the best of national and international style moments and make them right for Pittsburgh’s particular mix of historic charm and no-nonsense practicality. Whether you're drawn to the warm, earthy palettes trending across the 2020s, the return of maximalist pattern-mixing that regularly cycles into peak popularity, or a more restrained approach that lets original architectural details shine, Pittsburgh's design landscape offers plenty of room for experimentation. This section rounds up the decorating ideas and trends worth paying attention to right now—from color and texture to furniture silhouettes and the small styling choices that make a house feel fresh and stylish. Whether you're redoing a single room or rethinking your whole home, here's what's shaping how Pittsburgh interior designers and homeowners are decorating today.

There's something special about celebrating a big holiday at home in Pittsburgh. We dress our houses for every occasion—garland on the mantel for Christmas, a beautifully set table for the first night of Hanukkah, pumpkins lining the porch steps for Halloween, or springtime place settings ready for Easter brunch. The holidays and milestones that punctuate our year deserve homes and tables that to make them memorable, and Pittsburgh’s designers, event planners, and homeowners offer plentiful inspiration for doing exactly that. From New Year's Eve entertaining to birthday celebrations and family gatherings that call for something a little more festive, this section is a year-round guide to decorating for the moments that matter most. Whatever you're celebrating and whenever you're celebrating it, here's how to bring seasonal beauty and thoughtful style into your home.

Bringing great home design ideas into reality requires knowledge of where to shop and who you can trust to bring a project to life. Pittsburgh's home and design community runs deeper than most people realize, from independent furniture makers and ceramicists working out of Lawrenceville studios to new and longstanding retailers in Shadyside and the Strip District and beyond, plus the contractors, tile setters, painters, and renovation specialists who turn design plans into finished rooms. Supporting local businesses means better craftsmanship, more personalized service, and pieces you won't find in every other house on the block. Here, we're rounding up the makers, showrooms, and renovation resources Pittsburgh homeowners should have on their radar—whether you're sourcing a statement piece for your living room or assembling a full team for your next renovation.