Style & Structure: "If Walls Could Talk"...chronicles from behind the build

Half a season in, and everything looks a little different — including home. Danielle and Joe step away from the expert interviews and go personal in this candid halfway recap, reflecting on what this season's conversations about healthy homes have actually meant in their own lives. From the small swaps they've already made to the bigger changes still in progress, this episode is an honest...

Your home's health doesn't stop at the front door. In this episode, Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov venture outside to explore how the landscape around your home profoundly impacts your family's wellness—and how to create beautiful outdoor spaces without toxic chemicals. What you'll learn in this episode: The hidden dangers of conventional lawn care products and their impact on...

Your kitchen is the heart of your home—and potentially one of the most toxic rooms in it. In this essential episode, Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov break down everything you need to know about creating a truly healthy kitchen, from appliance selection to surface materials and beyond. What you'll learn in this episode: The great cooking debate: gas versus electric versus induction—which is...

Temperature isn't just about comfort—it's a fundamental pillar of health that most people completely overlook. In this episode, Danielle and Joe welcome back Dr. Nick Alenov for a fascinating exploration of how temperature affects your body, why thermal regulation matters, and how to design your home to support optimal health through strategic temperature control. What you'll learn in...

The future of home technology is here—and it's about far more than convenience. Todd from Front Row Systems returns to join Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov for a forward-looking conversation about the cutting edge of home automation and how emerging technologies can actually reduce stress, protect your health, and give you true peace of mind. What you'll learn in this episode: What the...

A child's bedroom is so much more than a place to sleep—it's their private sanctuary, study space, social hub, and creative retreat all rolled into one. In this special episode, Danielle and Joe are joined by Dr. Nick Alenov and Todd from Front Row Systems to explore how to design children's bedrooms that support health, development, and well-being at every stage of growth. What you&#3...

Silence is golden—and increasingly rare. In our modern world, noise pollution has become one of the most overlooked threats to health and well-being. Todd from Front Row Systems joins Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov to explore how sound—or the lack of it—shapes your home environment and impacts everything from stress levels to sleep quality. What you'll learn in this episode: Why acoustics are...

Light isn't just about illumination—it's a fundamental driver of your health, sleep quality, and overall well-being. Todd from Front Row Systems returns to join Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov for an enlightening deep dive into the world of healthy lighting and how the right systems can transform your home and your health. What you'll learn in this episode: How light profoundly impa...

Can a home be both energy-efficient and healthy? The answer might surprise you. Todd from Front Row Systems returns to join Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov for a candid conversation about where the green building movement gets it right—and where it falls dangerously short. What you'll learn in this episode: The critical distinction between "green" homes and "healthy" hom...

Not all "smart" technology is created equal. In this episode, Danielle and Joe welcome two special guests—Todd from Front Row Systems and Dr. Nick Alenov—to explore how thoughtful home automation can actually support your health rather than compromise it. What you'll learn in this episode: An introduction to Todd and Front Row Systems, leaders in intelligent home automation design Ho...

Water is essential to life, but what's flowing from your tap might not be as clean as you think. In this episode, Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov dive deep into one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of a healthy home: the quality of your water and how to transform it. What you'll learn in this episode: What truly "healthy water" looks like and why premium spring and...

Your home is a tightly sealed box—and that's actually okay, as long as you follow three critical rules. In this episode, Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov explore one of the most overlooked aspects of healthy homes: the air you and your family breathe every day. What you'll learn in this episode: Why indoor air quality in most homes is significantly worse than outdoor air, according to th...

Now that you understand where EMFs are hiding in your home, it's time for the good news: there are practical, affordable ways to reduce your exposure without giving up modern technology. In Part 2 of this series, Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov shift from problem to solution, offering actionable strategies you can implement right now. What you'll learn in this episode: Why an ounce of p...

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are everywhere in our homes, but the conversation around them can feel confusing, overwhelming, and polarizing. In Part 1 of this deep-dive series, Danielle, Joe, and Dr. Nick Alenov tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of healthy home design: understanding EMF exposure and why it matters for your family's well-being. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the...

In this episode of If Walls Could Talk , Danielle and Joe welcome back healthy-home consultant Dr. Alanov to continue our series on building healthier spaces—this time, with a real project as the backdrop. We unpack what “healthy home” really means beyond low-VOC paint: choosing the right lot (elevation, drainage, soil), shielding bedrooms from noise/EMFs, planning mechanical rooms and water purif...

Welcome to Season 3 of If Walls Could Talk ! Hosts Danielle and Joe kick off this exciting new chapter with a deep dive into healthy homes—spaces designed not just for sustainability, but for true human wellness. In this season premiere, Danielle and Joe share updates on their own journey, including their recent purchase of a building for Style & Structure. Introducing special guest Dr. Nick A...

In our season finale, Style + Structure co-founders Danielle and Joe take a playful detour from professional building to explore their ultimate personal dream homes, with insights and input from their spouses Karen and Matt. Joe, now an empty nester with his wife Karen, shares his vision for a home that balances sophisticated adult living with spaces that spark joy for their three sons and grandch...

As season 2 approaches its final chapters, Danielle and Joe dive deep into one of the most critical aspects of home construction: building a successful partnership with your builder. In this essential episode, they unpack the crucial elements of preparing for a home build, focusing on communication, budgeting, and setting realistic expectations. Learn how to choose the right builder, establish cle...

Join us for a sparkling recap of the Housing First Minnesota's annual awards gala, where the Style + Structure team traded their tool belts for formal wear! Special guest Lindsey, our Branding Manager, joins us to share the excitement of our double win - including a prestigious ROMA award for a stunning screen porch and deck transformation (plot twist: it's her own home!). But the night's biggest...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Mike from Emser Tile join us as we dive into the world of tile and natural stone! Emser has been an incredible trade partner for us, and Mike is here to share how they can source any tile and even create custom specialty lines. We’ll talk about some exciting collaborations we have in the works, along with a look back at the beautiful projects we’ve completed...

Join Style & Structure as we venture into our first neighborhood development at Elliott Crossings in Grant, MN. Nestled between Stillwater and Mahtomedi, this charming enclave boasts mature trees and spacious 7-10 acre lots. We'll discuss how this project marks a shift from our usual build-on-your-own-lot approach and explore the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. Drawing from ou...

Get ready for an exciting recap as Danielle and Joe dish on their adventures through this year's Parade of Homes! In this eagerly anticipated follow-up episode, our hosts take you on a virtual tour of their favorite homes from the showcase. With the final weekend kicking off today, Friday, September 27th, there's still time to visit in person - and our hosts' insights might just guide...

Join Danielle and Joe as they kick off their favorite time of year - the Parade of Homes! In this first installment of a two-part series, our hosts reminisce about their experiences having homes featured in past tours and share their excitement for the upcoming events. Did you know Minnesota boasts one of the largest Parade of Homes tours in the country? Tune in to catch their anticipation before...

Join us for an exciting episode of "If Walls Could Talk" as we introduce our newest team member and Chief Operating Officer of Style & Structure, Zaher Mailatyer! In this episode, we'll dive deep into Zaher's impressive background and his vision for the future of homebuilding. Learn how his personal experience of building his first home with his wife ignited a passion for rev...

Step into the world of outdoor living as we explore the art of creating stunning patios and decks. In this episode, hosts Danielle and Joe will take you on a journey through some of their favorite outdoor spaces they've built for Style & Structure, as well as give you a sneak peek at exciting upcoming projects. Our hosts will share insights on: Choosing the right materials for durability a...