1 Basic Dough Can Make Three Beautiful Houses

1 Basic Dough Can Make Three Beautiful Houses This holiday season, craft a job that is fun for the entire family. Stunning gingerbread houses are easy to construct with a solid dough recipe plus also a thick royal icing to keep all of the pieces intact. Learn how to make miniature Victorian, log cabin and Cape Cod homes from edible pieces this winter.



Produce a Victorian-Style Gingerbread House A tasteful Victorian-inspired gingerbread house decked out in yellow icing and dusted in powdered sugar "snow" makes for a cheerful holiday display. Get the step-by-step directions.



Cut Out Gingerbread Pieces After rolling out gingerbread dough, utilize the Victorian house template to cut house pieces with a sharp knife.



Bake Pieces and Re-Cut After baking, then re-cut the gingerbread pieces to guarantee they will fit together flawlessly if assembled.



Construct House With Candy Melts Use warm candy melts to construct and attach the gingerbread pieces to form the Victorian house and porch.



Cover House With Royal Icing Cover the front, back, sides and roof of the house with royal icing in a soft yellow hue.



Utilize Chocolate Fondant as Roof Roll out chocolate and gently drape over the roof and press to stick into the icing.



Create Scalloped Shingles Utilize a scallop-edge cookie cutter or a small spoon to make scalloped shingle impressions in the fondant on the roof.



Produce Front Door Use white and green fondant to make the home's front door. Press onto a dragree since the "doorknob".



You're Finished! To finish, dust with powdered sugar "snow" and add little model trees for embellishment around the house.



Make a Log Cabin-Style Gingerbread House Use pretzel rods to craft a log cabin gingerbread home to serve as the centerpiece for a holiday dessert table or mantelscape. Get the step-by-step instructions.



Cut Out Gingerbread Pieces After rolling out gingerbread dough, use the log cabin template to cut home pieces using a sharp knife.



Construct House With Candy Melts After baking, use hot candy melts to build and attach the four sides of the log cabin. Then, coat the under edges of the roof pieces together with melted candy and place them on top.



Attach Chocolate Fondant Shingles to Roof Cut bits of chocolate fondant and use a knife or toothpick to serrate each slice to produce the look of shingles. Attach the pieces to the roofing.



Quantify Pretzel Rods Against House Use a sharp knife to quantify pretzel rods against the front of the house, cut to size.



Attach Pretzel Rods into Royal Icing Cover the front of the house with royal icing and attach the properly-sized pretzel rods.



Add Chocolate Fondant Planks Attach strips of chocolate just beneath the roof using royal icing. Use a knife or toothpick to serrate, making the look of wooden planks.



Add Chocolate Fondant Doors Use small pieces of chocolate to create doors. Serrate using a knife or toothpick, and then press a dragee into each one to make "doorknobs".



Publish a Fondant Wreath Circular fondant covered in green sanding sugar and confetti sprinkles is changed to a miniature holiday wreath.



You are Finished! To complete, dust with powdered sugar "snow", add small model trees and build a fondant snowman to get an extra-festive touch.



Make a Cape Cod-Style Gingerbread House This enchanting blue Cape Cod-inspired gingerbread house is guaranteed to delight holiday party guests. Dust with powdered sugar "snow" for a complete wintry effect. Get the incremental instructions.



Cut Out Gingerbread Pieces After rolling out gingerbread dough, use the Cape Cod template to cut out house pieces using a sharp knife.



Bake Pieces and Re-Cut After baking, re-cut the gingerbread pieces to ensure they will fit together perfectly if assembled.



Construct House With Candy Melts Collect the gingerbread pieces and use melted candy to start construction. Attach with a side piece to form the Cape Cod structure.



Cover House With Royal Icing Cover front, back and sides of the home with royal icing in a soft blue hue.



Use Chocolate Fondant as Roof Coat the roof with royal icing and press on chocolate fondant. Use a knife or toothpick to make shingles.



Create Front Door Use a small bit of red fondant to make the house's front door. Serrate using a knife or toothpick and press on a dragree into the right side as a "doorknob".



Produce Holiday Wreath Decorate a round bit of chocolate fondant with green sanding sugar and confetti sprinkles to make a festive holiday wreath to your property's exterior.



You're Finished! To complete, dust with powdered sugar "snow", add small model trees and construct a tiny fondant snowman for a festive effect.

Old-World Style

Old-World Style In this layout by Thomas Oppelt, the tasteful casita offers a glimpse of the surrounding countryside. Picture courtesy of Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty



Small Wonder Maintaining the historic integrity and character of this landscape was the main aim of this design. Rustic and understated elements add personality and authenticity. Style by Chad Robert



Garden Ambience A circular ring inscribed within the bluestone terrace continues through the outdoor kitchen and around the dining room. Design by Bob Hursthouse



Green Terrace Deeply textured stonework provides the frame to an intimate grotto decorated from the operator's unique orchid and fern collection. Wide stairs ascend to the adjacent terrace that's ideal for entertaining. Design by Bob Hursthouse



Hamptons Inspiration Pergolas provide poolside shade, while cozy furnishings and blue accents infuse the outdoors with a design all their own. Style by Debbie Talianko



Step Into Morocco Built-in seating doubles as a planter and a retaining wall to get a front yard garden area. Design by Lori Dennis; Photo by Ken Hayden



Tranquil Courtyard A vintage bench and Susani-print blanket make a beautiful seating option in this stone courtyard. Design by Lori Dennis



Alfresco Beauty Climbing vines and vertical gardens help make a romantic courtyard setting, perfect for dining outside. Style by Living Green Design



Making History This beautiful terrace was created and furnished to complement the historical residence. "Rustic and understated components add personality and authenticity," says landscape architect Chad Robert.



Relaxing Pool House The pool house is reminiscent of a Mediterranean beach cabin with soothing neutral shades and a great deal of natural lighting. Style by Rebecca Johnston



Secret Garden This stone cottage-style patio features a backyard, outdoor fireplace and a stunning water feature. Style by Mitch Kalamian



Dreamy Outdoor Entertaining A full-size kitchen, a cascading fountain and a raised pool flank the large lawn area, which includes an in-ground trampoline, which makes this an ideal place for entertaining families. Layout by Christopher J. Grubb



One-of-a-Kind Pergola Landscape designer Jamie Durie made an Asian-style space for relaxing and dining where the "walls" of the pergola function as an enclosure in addition to a place to showcase potted specimens.



Laid-Back Patio Sleek, modern loungers add a modern flair to this traditional patio. Style by Lori Dennis



Totally French This stunning doorway contributes to a romantic patio with black-and-white marble tile and a beautiful vertical backyard. Design by Jamie Durie



Fiesta Time An outdoor space with Puerto-Rican design sensibilities creates a family backyard haven. Traditional turned-wooden spindles that encircle the windows of the houses in Puerto Rico now divide the vivid colours of the walls. Design by Jamie Durie



Colorful Hardscape In this Sedona-inspired layout by Jamie Durie, ceiling tiles create the wall for the planter's seating surround. A dining grotto is concealed in the rear of this beautiful patio.



Destination: Comfort This patio is situated away from the house, surrounded by colorful landscaping and protected by trees. A short wall provides a sense of enclosure. The walkway continues on into some potting bench and a secluded arbor swing. Design by Jamie Durie



Contemporary Classic A lovely wall with Spanish arches serves as the background for this stunning backyard lounge area. The look merges all the clean lines of modern design and elements of Old World design. Style by Jamie Durie



Formal Touch Boxwood planters surround the pool, pool and lounging areas on this patio.



Rustic Chic A rustic fence encloses the backyard comprising herbs, flowers and vegetables in The Swag Country Inn at Waynesville, N.C.



Gathering Area Inspired by a visit to a Native American pueblo, Jamie Durie designed this circular adobe outdoor area. A conventional drying rack serves as an artistic shade structure over the new outdoor dining area.



Three Tiers of Relaxation Designed by Mitch Kalamian this tri-level backyard includes a refurbished pool on the first level, a spa on the second plus a lighted column onto the third.



Drab Entryway No More A terra-cotta tile patio and rich wall colour convert front entry into a stylish waiting and relaxation area. Layout by Pamela Berstler



Sculptural Elements A sculptural component adds an artistic touch to an Asian backyard filled with Sedum rupestre 'Angelina.' Design by Katharine Webste



European-Style Garden This gorgeous eight-sided pavilion is the focal point of a European-style backyard. Design by Keith Anderson



The Place for Pizza The focal point of the new kitchen is a pizza oven imported from Italy. The 36-inch oven was have a 52-inch base, so landscape architect Mark Schisler had to maneuver the counters three feet to accommodate it. The oven is covered with a stone veneer, instead of real rock, to save more space.



Pergola Lighting This outdoor kitchen and patio, designed for entertaining, is available from the deck, cellar and driveway of the house. The cedar pergola helps define the room and supply overhead lighting.



Outdoor Theater This terrace went out of a place with no place to sit into the ultimate in a resort-like sofa and dining space. When day comes, the place turns into an extra-comfy place to watch movies. A 3-D water feature along with a fire pit table finish the ambiance.



Extra Shade This modern kitchen space is nestled among the trees. Layout by Paul Wrona



Personal Playspace Whether it's for roasting marshmallows with the kids or grown-up fun, the fireplace frequently becomes the outdoor gathering spot for the family. A new retaining wall on the steep slope provided the terrain to get this terrace and fresh lawn. A berm of cryptomeria trees will provide privacy from the neighbors. Design by Mark Schisler



Western Outdoors An extra-large fountain and a Western-style fireplace are the focal points of this patio; the design and materials create a seamless extension of living space to your house. Layout by Scott Cohen

Retro Realness

Retro Realness Kitchens are everybody's favourite gathering place, and visual artists Whitney and Micah Stansell's house in Atlanta is not any different. It's filled with personality and retro chic to boot. Mint green is rapidly becoming my personal fave for kitchen software plus I really love using artwork in kitchens too. Not only do the Stansells have just two Jeff Guy portraits displayed on the windowsill, they've layered them with bits which their children have created. Micah and Whitney are really aware of goodwill in their house's layout: the color teal is represented again on the kitchen island and also the breadbox. Aside from the nostalgic selection and mixer, the counters are 4x4 tiles as opposed to one solid surface and were recently restored by Micah himself.



Meet the Stansells Seated on the front steps of the 1920s house on a quiet street in Atlanta, Georgia, Whitney and Micah Stansell are musicians and documentary makers. The Stansells are the second owners of this home and share it with their three children. From the 14 years they've been there, Micah and Whitney have finished a number of renovations, but always with regard to the home's unique structure. Both are motivated by the character of the older home and apply those values into a simple and happy life.



A Bold Intro The turquoise painted front door using a stained glass inset is simply a tribute to this joyful palette which awaits inside. Guests are immediately greeted by bright yellow walls motivated by a ginkgo leaf that Whitney found on a morning walk through the neighborhood. The wall color is the ideal backdrop for your Stansell's amazing art collection.



A Collected Space The family room boasts a collection of vintage furniture, finds and artwork curated to reflect and fulfill the needs of the young, modern family room. The triptych above the sofa, a product of a few of those Stansell's art installations, manages to bridge all the room's colors successfully. The 1970s settee was retrieved from a barn and brought back to life with the brightly colored teal upholstery. Whitney's present most prized possession is the Candice Greathouse photograph over the fireplace.



Family Heirlooms This pristine pair of cushioned seats was passed down from Micah's grandma's They're a perfect way to inject a small generational history into a young family's house. Family heirlooms are always a good idea. You will see that below the white painted crown molding is a white image rail. In many older homes, the walls are plaster rather than drywall. Plaster is much harder and more challenging to fix; hence, a piece of molding/rail is used as a coating to attach hardware and wire, after which your artwork to. Preservation is key in caring for older houses. The Stansells cleverly repeated the teal shade on the drapery panels, but utilized white sheers on the window inside for semi-privacy whilst still allowing light in.



Always Greener The Stansell living room is minimal in layout but dramatic in colour. The gorgeous green is definitely a showstopper trimmed out in white and a great match to the tulip-base white dining table. This chamber is a good illustration of the fun you'll have mixing furniture styles. The wood-stained chairs are more conventional, but they sit comfortably at a modern dining table, with a headboard chandelier and surrounded by contemporary art. The colour green is associated with expansion, harmony and security: I'd say that's a perfect fit for Stansell family dinners.



Constructed for Storage Every home needs to be so well equipped as to have extra storage for the kitchen, plus a landing spot for coats, bags and also to drop off wet shoes. This area is just off of the kitchen and adjacent to the rear door, so in the ideal position for the way this family functions. The two shelves flanking the cased opening hide pocket doors that result in the kids' play area and powder room. While the spaces are beautifully organized I can not help but be mesmerized by the stunning area rugs in the areas. They're definitely adding artful value within this zone of the home.



Boys Town This distance hosts the two Stansell boys, who discuss this bedroom which might also be described as their own small well-curated museum of interests. Their personalities and proof of their adventures are proudly displayed around their area. When you look closely you will spy that at least one of these boys is a budding chef. They also have a small family of hamsters involving them, plus they adore yellow tractors. The boys' room is a really good example of how I approach kids' spaces: always go ashore with walls and bedding. Between their toys, novels, artwork, rugs, etc. there will be plenty of opportunity for stimulation/adding interest without getting too busy. My fave in the room? The curtains are perfectly made: they seem fun and put an exclamation point on the whole space.



Oh the Places We'll Go! The Stansells are a family of musicians and at least 2 future world travelers. Maps are a simple and affordable instrument for decoration in a child's room. It's amazing how the boys share the same wall colour as their sister but the mood of these rooms is totally different solely based on decor. The boys were fortunate enough to have a carpet woven for their own room, which by the way successfully marries all the colors together harmoniously.



Sentimental Value Everything in the young girl's room has meaning. Here is a closer look at the quilt talented to her out of her mom and grandmother. Whitney and Micah bought this vintage bed, restored it, and lacquered it red particularly for their daughter. It works perfectly with her well-organized red bookcase. Micah had the vibrant rug woven specifically for her room when she was born. Lastly, the well-preserved hardwood floors are original to the home.



Girl Power We have made it upstairs to the household's private spaces and here's a snapshot of Whitney and Micah's daughter's room. The design hasn't strayed far from the principles already created. This room boasts yet another amazing shade of green and promotes imagination and creativity. There is a collage of the girl's own artwork above her bed plus a distinctive piece above the bookcase created by Whitney representing her younger self with her own mother. The quilt was hand sewn by Whitney and her mother and the adorable crochet animals were handmade by Whitney's sister. What is that for three generations of musicians? The plan is easy, the colors are bright and the mood is happy.



It's Easy as 1-2-3 Personalization in child room decor is another affordable method to make a room feel special. As performers the messages we are communicating to our younger clients must be a bit more literal. Where form meeting function is paramount for adult's spaces, possibly educational and practical decor take precedence with young children as it did here in the boys' room. Once the area has a great base, it is easily and inexpensively altered as children's interests evolve.



The Office Next Door Micah Stansell's office is actually in the home next door. The aesthetic is a complete departure from all the family home, nevertheless it is the perfect blank canvas for him to produce and edit film and exhibitions. The upper level white space is saturated with brightness via skylights and character-rich with a vaulted ceiling, wood beams and original exposed brick columns. The whole left side of this space is decked with storage cabinets hidden by white glass doors that blend into the walls. This space is a super thoughtful minimalist dream and perfect for any creative.