There were many things to love about these homes, opened up by generous owners to benefit the San Jose Day Nursery. All were very different from each other ranging in style from Tudor to Art Deco to Southwestern Zen, and I walked away with several ideas. Some I can implement now, with not too much time and money, and some for later requiring more resources.

For my immediate inspiration, it turns out décor doesn’t have to be highbrow.  In more than one home, family photos were artistically photographed, framed and placed.  And in the wine cellar of Erin and Michael Craig’s 1929 home hung a shadow box containing a German 9mm Luger.

We all really loved Anna and Chris Pizzo’s Tudor, which I think had less to do with square footage and more to do with all the little details–like the faded stenciling in the hallway–and eclectic accessories, many of which came from the Vintage Flea Market in Alameda.

With a little more planning and money, I’d copy the Pizzo’s outdoor dining room exactly—an impressive arbor with a chandelier hanging from it. I’d add a concrete couch decorated with colorful pillows like the Hermosa home along with concrete raised garden beds painted bright colors. I’d turn myTV into art , and if I ever purchase bunk beds for my boys, I’ll wire a light switch high on the wall so you can reach it without getting out of bed.

With a much bigger budget, I’d add on to the front of my house and not worry about the fact that I just remodeled my kitchen with a corner sink overlooking the yard. Because in Stephanie Angeli’s home, such a kitchen sink overlooks the family room that was an add-on and it turned out uniquely great.

If I had a bigger lot, I’d consider a swimming pool with different lounging levels and contrasting materials like Kris and David Gambelin’s home. If couldn’t get such a lot and wanted to get really creative (or crazy), I’d move next to my sister, tear down the fence between us, and create one big, shared, drought resistant landscape like the Gilliand home. This was the home gave me the case of the envies. I’m not sure if it was the Japanese soaking tub, the utility room bigger than my bedroom, or the calmness that permeated the air, but I didn’t want to leave that space.

I guess for now, I’ll pull up a cushion in some quiet corner of the house and dream. Thanks to the tour, I have some images to reference.

Kim Koooyers is a freelance writer in San Jose and blogs at gratitude365.

Also, keep coming back for more indepth stories and slideshows of the six homes on the tour!