Luxury Living Journal

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Casa Ward: A home in the Sibillini Mountains

01 November 2024

Built over the ruins of a farmhouse, the summer home of a Swedish couple blends into the harsh, rustic landscape of the Marche mountains Casa Ward, a holiday home owned by a Swedish couple, beautifully embraces the trend of reusing materials from its own site. The house has an unusual origin story—its raw materials came from the ruins of a farmhouse that was nearly destroyed by a 2016 earthquake in the picturesque Sibillini mountains near Sarnano. Paris-based architect Carl Fredrik Svenstedt designed the new home with a concrete frame, using the salvaged stones from the original structure to give the house a rugged, earthy charm. This stonework flows seamlessly from the exterior into the interior, blurring the line between inside and outside spaces.   The house's design, with a classic pitched roof, takes an unexpected turn—it looks as if the roof has been sliced into sections, each one separated but echoing the others in a unique, linear sequence. Built to withstand future tremors, the home overlooks rolling hills, with massive picture windows that frame stunning views of the landscape. Terraces and an infinity pool reflect the sky, adding to the sense of connection with nature. Highly commended in the house and villa category, Casa Ward is a perfect blend of creative reuse and architectural innovation, seamlessly blending modern design with the rugged beauty of its surroundings.  


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Home Renovation Projects Under $1,000 That Add Lasting Value

11 June 2024

Enhancing your living space doesn’t always require a hefty budget. Numerous home renovation projects can add significant value to your home without breaking the bank. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply craving a fresh look, this Redfin article will unveil a curated list of budget-friendly home renovation projects, all under $1,000.  So, if you’re looking for easy DIY projects for your home in Grand Rapids, MI, your apartment in Portland, OR, or you want to increase your home’s value, discover how these cost-effective projects can breathe new life into your space. 1. Add fresh paint to the walls of your home A fresh coat of paint can significantly influence your home’s perceived value. It instantly revitalizes the space, making it feel brighter, cleaner, and updated. The cost of a paint project can vary, but on average, a gallon of quality paint may range from $30 to $50, and for an entire room, the cost can be around $200.  Consider timeless neutral shades like soft gray, warm beige, or crisp white for a versatile and elegant look that appeals to a wide range of tastes. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for an accent color like navy blue, forest green, or mustard yellow to add personality and character to your space. Alternatively, you can experiment with calming hues such as sage green or powder blue for a serene and inviting atmosphere. 2. Update your cabinet hardware A cabinet hardware update is a subtle yet effective strategy to elevate your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Swapping outdated or generic cabinet handles and knobs for modern, stylish alternatives instantly transforms kitchens and bathrooms. Consider sleek brushed nickel handles for a contemporary touch, or opt for vintage-inspired brass knobs for a timeless charm. This modest investment typically costs between $2 to $10 per piece. 3. Change the kitchen backsplash Transforming your kitchen with backsplash is a savvy home improvement project that seamlessly merges style and functionality. Introducing a custom kitchen backsplash protects your walls from daily wear and becomes a focal point that elevates the entire room.  Opting for affordable ceramic or glass tiles, which can be found for as low as $1 to $5 per square foot, allows you to stay within a $1,000 budget for a standard-sized kitchen. Or you can opt for a peel-and-stick backsplash that is not only budget-friendly but a quick solution to make your kitchen stand out.


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10 Kitchen Trends To Avoid In 2024: Experts Weigh In

11 June 2024

Trends are cyclical, and while there’s a chance linoleum flooring may come back in style, if you intend to undertake a full-on kitchen remodel, the last thing you want to do is pick a trend that’s outdated or overdone. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and whatever design choices you make can set the tone for the rest of your home’s design.  To help ensure your kitchen design choices withstand the tests of time, we reached out to kitchen and design experts to weigh in on kitchen trends to avoid in 2024 and alternatives you can use instead. Whether you’re hoping to remodel your home in Minneapolis, MN or you’re just gathering ideas while living in an apartment, you’re sure to find some easy ways to level up your kitchen design.  1. Modern farmhouse design If you like to find design ideas on social media, there’s no doubt you’ve seen the modern farmhouse design. Although it was all the rage a few years ago, Allisa Jacobs from Allisa Jacobs Home Styling warns homeowners about incorporating this trend into their home.  “This trend, complete with farmhouse sinks, barn lights, and rustic details, exploded onto the scene almost ten years ago yet now feels too trendy and overdone. Instead, opt for timeless accessories and hardware. And, if you have a hard time letting go of the modern farmhouse approach, just choose one element to incorporate such as black cabinet hardware or butcher block countertops.” 2. Gas stove tops Certified Kitchen Designers Joy Wilkins, Chrysan Liedholm, and Maurice Velez from Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins Inc. all agree, traditional gas stove tops are on their way out. “Gas cooktops and ranges, once very desirable, are slowly being phased out of many residential kitchens. Heat transfer inefficiency, indoor air quality concerns, and natural gas use regulations/limitations are leading more consumers to induction cooktops. They’re affordable, easy to clean, and offer higher heat transfer.” 3. Over-the-range microwaves “Over the past decade, almost every new construction kitchen had a microwave over the stovetop range. Not now.” says Erica Reilly from Miller Flooring. She continues, “New appliances have changed the game, allowing microwaves and other appliances to be hidden in the island or behind cabinet panels.”


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7 Ways to Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal

11 June 2024

Embracing the lively spirit of the season, now might be the perfect time to revitalize the exterior of your home and enhance its curb appeal. Transforming your home into a welcoming haven with eye-catching details can significantly impact the overall aesthetic. Whether you’re looking to refresh a rental home in New Bedford, MA, or a house in Portland, ME, this Redfin article will showcase seven compelling ways to elevate your home’s curb appeal and create a visual masterpiece. 1. Keep your yard and trees clean When enhancing your home’s curb appeal, no one wants to see an overgrown lawn or unkept landscaping when they drive up. Maintain a tidy exterior by mowing the lawn, eliminating weeds, and trimming trees (which usually costs around $150 to $1000, depending on the tree’s height). Trimmed bushes, colorful flower beds, and neatly mowed lawns not only showcase pride in homeownership but also create an inviting atmosphere. 2. Add a splash of color to boost your home’s curb appeal Enhancing the appeal of the siding can be achieved effectively by introducing more color. If the siding is in a shade of gray, consider painting the shutters or trim with a brighter color. Accentuating these elements will infuse more vibrancy and attractiveness into the house. 3. Bring in aesthetics through your house numbers Small details can make a big impact. Eliminate any confusion about the location of your house on the block by installing attention-grabbing numbers on the front door, a signpost, or any visible location from the street. With many designs, colors, and materials available, you can easily find an option that complements your home’s exterior. 4. Enclose with fencing Front yard fencing differs from backyard fencing as it is more decorative than defensive. Typically shorter to allow for a clear view of the surroundings, front yard fences come in various designs, such as the classic white picket fence, a low brick fence with a gate, a short latticework fence, or a chain-link fence with a gate. The cost varies based on the type of fence, but the average installation expense ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Of course, this will vary depending on the size of your yard.


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7 Weeks to Increase Home Value: Summer Home Equity Boost Challenge

11 June 2024

Summer has come around, and it’s the perfect time for home projects. If you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty, take Redfin’s Summer Home Equity Boost Challenge. Each week will present a new opportunity to improve an aspect of your home, increase property value, and have fun doing it.  Depending on budget, some may not be feasible right now, and that is totally okay.  Any effort is sure to yield positive results when working on home renovation projects. Enjoy the process and take pride in polishing up your home. Week 1: Clean and straighten up your house  Thoroughly cleaning your house – including pressure washing, deep carpet cleaning, and bathroom grout cleaning – is a cost-effective way to significantly increase your property’s value. A spotless home signals that the property is well-maintained and cared for. Pressure washing the exterior removes dirt and mildew, restoring the home’s original beauty and enhancing curb appeal. Deep carpet cleaning revitalizes your floors, removing allergens and stains, while a meticulous grout cleaning in the bathrooms makes these essential spaces look fresh and hygienic.  These cleaning efforts not only improve the overall aesthetic of your home but also convey a sense of care and attention to detail, making your property more attractive and desirable while also being a cozy place to live. Investing time and effort in a comprehensive cleaning regimen can yield a high return by boosting your home’s marketability and perceived value. Week 2: Curate an outdoor lounging area An inviting outdoor space, equipped with comfortable seating, shade options, and attractive landscaping, extends the living area of your home, making it more appealing to guests and potential buyers. It offers a versatile space for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors, which is increasingly sought after in today’s real estate market. A well-designed outdoor lounging area enhances the overall aesthetic of your property, adds to its functionality, and creates a desirable lifestyle feature. By transforming your yard into a welcoming retreat, you not only improve your own quality of life but also boost your home’s marketability and resale value.