Remodeling is a hot topic — judging from the record turnout at the AIA Minnesota/Star Tribune "An Evening of Architecture and Design" event at International Market Square last week.

More homeowners are staying put and exploring ways to make their homes better, which means more energy-efficient, functional and smarter for the way they live today -- and for the future.
A panel of four AIA accredited architects gave advice on "Designing to Stay" and answered questions about the latest green building materials, working with a contractor and how architects charge for their work. They said they will design and advise on almost any size project and offer a wide range of services. You can just meet for a one-hour consultation, if that's all you want.

New York architect Dennis Wedlick's amusing presentation of the 12 Home of the Month winners put any doubt to the notion that architects don't have a sense of humor. A juried panel chose the dozen recently built or remodeled homes from around the Twin Cities. The projects run the gamut -- from a modern sustainable steel-roofed home (photo pictured by Troy Thies ) to a revamped Hastings farmhouse with a kitchen to die for.

I hope you'll check out our Home of Month photo spreads and stories on the first Sunday of the month in the Homes section. They just might inspire you to knock down some walls and open up your living spaces, put on a four-season porch or update your cheerless 1980s laminate kitchen.

I'm fed-up with my narrow front foyer because there's no room to greet or say goodbye to guests. I wish I could bump it out 10 feet.

What bugs you the most about your home? What do you want to change?