6 Ways to Easily Transform Your Patio

To enjoy dinner on a rooftop deck as the sun dips behind the Rockies is truly the peak of summer delight.

But since increases in table separation may make finding a seat in your favorite eateries’ open-air spaces more difficult than ever, you should probably prepare a backup plan. Take some inspiration from this patio in Cherry Hills Village, designed by Paul Mahony, senior partner at Louisville’s KGA Studio Architects, to transform whatever outdoor real estate you have into a swanky spot for supping and sipping.

1. Go Green

Avoid uniformity when incorporating potted plants; after all, no two trees grow to exactly the same shape and height. A variety of container sizes and foliage—like the flowery annuals and taller topiaries the homeowners selected with help from Littleton landscaping company Designs by Sundown—adds visual interest.

2. Fired Up

Mahony used this home’s chimney to anchor a grand outdoor hearth to “entice guests to lounge outside.” A stand-alone firepit serves the same purpose, especially if you’re missing campfires.

3. Shed Some Light

“Your outdoor space is an extension of the interior,” Mahony says. “You’d rarely have a room indoors with zero lights.” The owners of this English cottage–style abode chose gas lamps and a rustic chandelier to cast a romantic glow, one you can also achieve with a few closely watched candles.

4. Stay Covered

It may not provide full shelter, but a pergola still creates the impression of a ceiling, Mahony says, driving home the outdoor-room concept. He collaborated with Denver’s Diamond Homes and Designs by Sundown to create this elaborate structure, but simpler versions (such as Toja Grid’s DIY pergola kits) offer a less expensive alternative.

5. Sitting Pretty

Avoid the inconvenience of carrying cushions inside before every 10-minute Denver downpour with colorful versions in a waterproof fabric like Sunbrella, which, Mahony notes, can be hosed down.

6. Set The Table

This patio’s teak table and chairs won’t stand up to Colorado’s weather patterns as well as powder-coated metal, but, Mahony says, “if you leave it alone, it fades to a nice, neutral gray.” To restore a soft, wood look even after years of outdoor use, just clean and stain.

To see some other patio tricks + tips, go to 5280.

Related Links

• 5 benefits of gardening(besides a yard full of gorgeous flowers)

• This kind of neighborhood has a big health benefit

• 10 timeless living room trends that will never go out of style

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Online listing views show renewed interest in migration to suburbs

Homeowners interest in outlying areas seeing increase from last year

Summer homebuying season continues to heat up.

In new data released by realtor.com on Wednesday, listing views in suburban ZIP codes grew 13% in May, nearly doubling the pace of growth in urban areas.

Suburban listing views in May 2020 surpassed listing views from May 2019, realtor.com said, as well as the start of the year. Of the nation’s 100 largest metros, 54% are seeing more interest in the suburbs.

According to last week’s realtor.com Housing Market Recovery Index, the housing demand component reached 114 last week, down 5.7 points over the previous week but still above January’s baseline. The home price component also surpassed the recovery threshold, with this week’s index reaching 100.7, up 1.2 points over the prior week and 0.7 points above the January baseline.

“This migration to the suburbs is not a new trend, but it has become more pronounced this spring,” Javier Vivas, realtor.com director of economic research, said in a statement. “After several months of shelter-in-place orders, the desire to have more space and the potential for more people to work remotely are likely two of the factors contributing to the popularity of the burbs.”

Time on the market increased by 25% in rural areas, 30% in suburban areas and 35% in urban areas.

Realtor.com noted that even though housing market interest has returned to the suburbs with property views stronger than pre-COVID levels, the rising demand has yet to materialize into home sales or a faster pace of sales.

Homebuyers are just dipping their toes back into the market.

“Suburban interest typically peaks during the summer, as families look to move before the start of the school year,” Vivas continued. “However, suburban interest in May outpaced last year’s July peak, which could indicate even stronger interest in the suburbs as the summer home-buying season continues to heat up.”

Here are the top 10 metros where suburban listing views increased most year over year:

• McAllen, Texas is shifting toward Mission (ZIP: 78572)

• Oklahoma City is shifting toward Norman, Oklahoma (ZIP: 73072)

• Augusta, Georgia is shifting toward Aiken, South Carolina (ZIP: 29801)

• Fresno, California Is shifting toward Kingsburg, California (ZIP: 93631)

• Minneapolis is shifting toward Andover, Minnesota (ZIP: 55304)

• Durham, North Carolina is shifting toward Rougemont, North Carolina (ZIP: 27572)

• Raleigh, North Carolina is shifting toward Clayton, North Carolina (ZIP: 27527)

• Colorado Springs, Colorado is shifting toward Peyton, Colorado (ZIP: 80831)

• Greensboro, North Carolina is shifting toward Brown’s Summit, North Carolina (ZIP: 27214)

• Knoxville, Tennessee is shifting toward Louden, Tennessee (ZIP: 37774)
  

  If you are wondering how current national and global situations might be impacting your property’s value, your neighborhood, or the Real Estate market in general, we are happy to provide more specific information.

  If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.
  

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5 Benefits of Gardening (Besides a Yard Full of Gorgeous Flowers)

Hey, you, watching HGTV. Put down the remote and pick up the trowel, because the real deal is way better for you than watching other people’s yard makeovers on TV.

Did you know that gardening burns more calories than walking? Or that the smell of soil actually increases serotonin levels? Or that planting flowers can promote monk-level relaxation? (Pure Wow)

RELATED: VICTORY GARDENS ARE TRENDING. HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Gardening burns calories

Light gardening and yardwork burns about 330 calories an hour, according to the CDC, falling right between walking and jogging. This probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise: Anyone who’s ever done substantial weeding and tilling knows how easy it is to build up a sweat (and how sore our arms and legs will feel the next day). But unlike walking and jogging, gardening is also a creative art, adds horticulturist David Domoney, so it also allows us to express ourselves in a way that hitting the gym doesn’t. And because your blood is pumping while you’re out there digging in the dirt, all that exercise will have added cardiovascular benefits too. Win, win, win.

2. It can help reduce anxiety and depression

Gardening has long been linked to the reduction of stress, anxiety and depression—ever heard of horticultural therapy? It’s been studied since the 19th century and was popularized in the 1940s and ‘50s when gardening was used to rehabilitate hospitalized war veterans. “Today, horticultural therapy is accepted as a beneficial and effective therapeutic modality,” the American Horticultural Therapy Association describes on its website. “It is widely used within a broad range of rehabilitative, vocational, and community settings.”How does it work? “Scientifically, there is evidence that suggests that there are two main modes of attention,” says Domoney. “Focused attention, which is what we use when we are at work, and fascination, which is what we use when we take part in hobbies such as gardening. In this theory, too much focused attention can lead to stress, and fascination then plays a part in restoring our attention and alleviating that anxious feeling we get when we are put under too much pressure, or feel like we can’t cope.” So it turns out that the best antidote to a tough day at work is not ice cream, but gardening. Duly noted.

3. Soil is a natural mood-booster

A 2007 study published in Neuroscience found that M. vaccae, a bacteria found in soil, activated serotonin-releasing neurons in the brain when inhaled. (And no, you don’t need to stick it up your nose or inhale tons of it to get the effects—just taking a walk amid nature or hanging out in your garden will trigger this response.)

4. Gardening will increase your vitamin D levels

Did you know that more than 40 percent of American adults have a vitamin D deficiency (eek)? Gardening for about half an hour a day, three times a week will help you get enough sun to keep your vitamin D at a healthy level. And the benefits are tenfold: by getting adequate vitamin D, you’ll reduce your risk of osteoporosis, cancer, depression and muscle weakness. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

5. It helps you stay mindful and present

There’s something wonderfully meditative about gardening, with the simple, repetitive tasks, the peace and quiet and the beautiful surroundings. And as garden guru Joe Lamp’l, creator of Joe Gardener, shares on the Think Act Be podcast, gardening has become a very Zen experience for him. “When I'm out there weeding, I want to hear the birds. I don't want to hear anything else. It's a quiet time, and I relish it. It’s a sacred time for me,” he says.Monastic gardens, which were tended to by monks and date back to the Middle Ages, became a spiritual retreat—not only for the monks, but for the entire community. The next time you’re watering your begonias, be mindful of how connected you are to the earth, to nature and to your community. Ahh, we feel better already.

RELATED: APARTMENT GARDENING: YES, IT’S A THING, AND YES, YOU CAN DO IT

If you are wondering how current national and global situations might be impacting your property’s value, your neighborhood, or the Real Estate market in general, we are happy to provide more specific information.

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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10 Timeless Living Room Trends That'll Never Go Out Of Style

Home trends come and go: That shag carpet or barn door might have seemed like a great idea at one point, but now, alas, it's an outdated eyesore.

Given how quickly tastes turn, homeowners hankering to decorate their space might often end up paralyzed with fear that whatever they invest in now won't stand the test of time. But here's some good news: Certain trends do endure. And, if you know what they are, you can design your home in a way that'll last for the long haul. (Realtor.com)

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Living Room Design Fails So Bad, They'll Scare the Living Daylights Out of You
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The living room—a space where the pressure's on, since it often functions as a space to entertain, a makeshift home office, and much more. If you want to make sure you get your money's worth and can enjoy what you buy for decades to come, stick with these tried-and-true ideas.

1. Sisal rugs

if you have to pick just one floor cover, let it be sisal.

"These rugs are timeless because of their natural look and the fact that they work with many styles of furniture, floors, and all kinds of colors," says Amy Bly of Great Impressions Home Staging and Interiors.
And if you're dying for a fun hue in your space, top this plain Jane with a brighter textile like a kilim or other colorful weave.

2. Exposed brick

Count yourself lucky if you have a wall of bricks in your home as this look isn't easy to pick up at a big-box store.

"Exposed brick is very popular, and most people find it appealing because of the rustic look and aesthetic," says Bly. "This material is a timeless trend because simply looking at it gives you a sense of history and permanence," adds Ana Cummings of the eponymous design firm.

3. Ripple-fold curtains

Drapes play a big role in living room design as they both decorate the windows and add color. Ripple fold is the classic look you'll see most often because it features beautiful flowing fabric that's simple and elegant."Hang these with drapery poles placed up high, right under the crown molding, and you'll make your windows appear extra tall," says Debra Kling of the eponymous color and design firm.

4. Built-in bookcases

Built-ins are useful, of course, but they also serve to anchor a room, adding an architectural element by framing a wall and flanking other impactful items like a large TV or piece of art.

"And having a spot for everything makes a room feel more livable," says Cummings.

5. Velvet furnishings

Anna Brockway, co-founder and president of Chairish, is a big fan of velvet in the living room.

"This fabric, along with mohair, is very luxe and adds a sumptuous texture and rich color to any space," she says. A well-priced pair could work as side chairs on each end of a couch or as extra seating to pull in when you're having a crowd.

6. Oversize art

Whether you have a modern living room or a more traditional space, placing a big piece of art over the fireplace or couch is a classy—and classic move.

"From contemporary abstracts to classical motif scenics, oversized art makes a room feel important, and the right piece can add drama and significance to your vignette," says Brockway.

7. Gallery walls

"A gallery wall feature will never go out of style because it's one of the only ways to truly add one's personality to what is typically a bland surface," notes Cummings.

Think of this combination as your own fingerprint, and put together any look that speaks to you, including traditional framed prints or photos, china platters, a collection of hats, or other mementos that hang easily.

8. Floral fabric

We've long brought nature into our homes, so keeping up the tradition with florals in the living room makes good sense.

"Having these types of elements in our interiors not only reminds us of the glory of a summer day but they play into our wellness and psychology—because how can you not be happy when you see a gorgeous floral?" asks Cummings.

9. Chesterfield sofa

Deliciously soft and sexy, a Chesterfield is the king of couches and it’s an investment you'll never regret. Buttery smooth leather, shiny nailheads, and stylish curves add up to a winning look that fits all kinds of living rooms.They come in different leathers and dozens of colors, and you can select antique bronze or polished nickel accents.

10. Accent chairs

An accent chair is a workhorse in the living room.

Choose from a slipper chair, ladder back, wicker seat, or peacock for an accent chair that adds interest and utility in the living room. "You can never have too many accent chairs—and when they're not in use, they can act as perches for other things like stacks of books," says Cummings.

This Kind of Neighborhood Has a Big Health Benefit

What to look for when you’re house hunting.

Take a walk: There are plenty of good reasons why this piece of advice is doled out time and time again to people who might feel stressed, sad, or in need of some fresh air. Spending just five minutes a day outside can have a major impact on your mood, and hitting your daily step goal can improve your sleep. Now a new study from Washington State University also shows that people who live in walkable neighborhoods have an increased chance of living to their 100th birthday.

This is great news for those who already live in especially walkable cities, like New York, San Francisco, and Boston. But it’s also possible to find a neighborhood that’s easy to navigate without a car no matter where you live. (Domino)

Map It

When you’re looking at a home, take out your phone and search for all the amenities you might want in walking distance: pharmacies, coffee shops, post office, parks, and even grocery stores. If the closest coffee shop is 20 minutes away, you might not walk there very often. But if it’s just 10 minutes away, it might become part of your daily routine. In a city, you should also consider the distance to the nearest form of public transportation.

Test-Drive It

Once you’ve found a coffee shop or park that interests you, go there yourself—this will help you to assess not just how long it takes to get there by foot but also how strenuous the walk is. If you’re going up a hill, even if your destination is just four or five minutes away, it will feel very different than a flat stroll. That also means making sure that short walks don’t involve going along a highway or navigating impossibly narrow stretches of sidewalk.

Assess It

Be realistic: How often do you imagine yourself navigating a certain path and when do you imagine doing so? Would you be comfortable walking it at both 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.? It’s not just about distance—it’s also about how pleasant it is. The more invigorating or comforting your scenery, the more likely you are to take advantage of a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood—and that can do you some good.

If you are wondering how current national and global situations might be impacting your property’s value, your neighborhood, or the Real Estate market in general, we are happy to provide more specific information.

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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