Archives for December 2017

4 Unique Home Trends That Ruled 2017 By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

December 29, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

The open road is calling, and so we must go! Articles about #vanlife were shared more than 400,000 times this year across social networks — that’s double last year’s number — according to online trend tracker Buzzsumo. Interest in life on the road peaked in June (summer travel, anyone?) with many of you wondering about wanderlust.

What did you love? This story about two women who left their day jobs to remodel Airstreams full-time and this vintage travel trailer on a private bluff (hello, panoramic ocean views!)

Not only did you adore stories about Airstreams, but you’re apparently buying other homes on-the-go, too: this year, RV makers reported their best sales ever. The company that makes Airstreams sold more than $2 billion in trailers and motorhomes this summer alone, adding that it can’t make RVs fast enough to keep up with the demand.

Interested in a life on the road? Here are 6 questions to ask before picking a home on wheels.

Tiny living is still big

Photo by Cape Fear Real Estate Directory.

Homeowners once again rolled out the welcome mat for the tiny home trend in 2017. Stories about tiny homes were shared nearly 1.8 million times on social networks this year, according to Buzzsumo. In fact, tiny homes are now so popular, there are starter models cheaper than some cars, along with luxury ones, too (this design comes with a jacuzzi tub!)

Beyond traditional tiny homes on wheels, tiny living came in many shapes and sizes. This beachside house was built from a recycled shipping container, while some homeowners are even taking the tiny trend to the trees. This Atlanta treehouse was one of our most popular House of the Week features of the year.

Want to test out a tiny home yourself? Here are 7 Tiny Homes For the Perfect Getaway.

Crazy about cabins

Whether it’s an island getaway or a mountain retreat, you were crazy about cabins this year! Cabin popularity peaked this summer, according to Google Trends, and remained hot all year.

So what’s with the spike in sharing woodsy retreats on social media? One explanation could be that more homeowners — especially young homeowners — are seeking out a space viewed as a sanctuary, said Julie Link, director of research and consumer insights at Scripps Networks Interactive.

“The world is a chaotic place right now, no matter what your views on politics are. [Millennials] really look inward and they want to control something and the easiest thing for them to control is their home,” Link said. “Their home is feeling a certain way and it’s vibing in a way that’s it’s peaceful and they can seek respite is really the mood of the country right now.”

Feeling cabin crazed? Here are 10 cozy cabins for $300,000 or less.

Madly in love with Mid-Century Modern

“Mad Men” may have ended in 2015, but the mid-century modern trend lives on. Interest in MCM homes peaked in May and October, with many of you ogling this gem in Berkeley and this LA mid-century modern manse.

Mid-century style is so hot that online retail giant Amazon even launched its own line of furniture in 2017, described as “distinctly mid-century modern” and “wouldn’t look out of place in a West Elm catalogue.” The collection features everything from metallic wall art to solutions for small spaces.

Looking for something distinctly MCM that’s still vintage? This mid-century modern time capsule hit the market for the first time in decades earlier this year. Practically untouched since it was built in the late 1950s, the 2,935-square foot house features pink polka dot paper, a working soda fountain and even an avocado-colored conversation pit.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

A Fireplace for Every Room By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

December 26, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Although a longtime living room fixture, fireplaces are a comfort best enjoyed everywhere. From bedrooms to basements and even the master bath, there’s no right or wrong way to curl up and snuggle ’round the fireside.

To spark your fireplace fancy, here’s a roundup of ideas for inviting warmth into even the unlikeliest of rooms.

Entryway

Give guests an immediate reprieve from the chill with a fireplace front and center.

Kitchen

Because the heart of the home ought to have a hearth to go with it.

Dining room

Dress any dinner party up or down with a little fireside ambiance.

Living room

A classic pairing that’s never passe, living rooms and fireplaces forever complement an evening in.

Bedroom

Proceed with caution — once you burrow into bed to the tune of a fire’s cozy crackles, you might never get out.

Master bathroom

Luxuriating in the bath has never been toastier.

Home office

We recommend pairing this combo with a snifter of brandy and a leatherbound book.

Photo courtesy of Griffin Enright Architects.

Patio

If you’re more cold-snapped than snowbound, an outdoor fireplace lends festivity without the frost.

The Untold Story of Tiny Homes, Straight From the North Pole By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

December 22, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Elves: They’re just like us. Or is it the other way around? For instance, did you know that many of our trends originated from elf culture? It’s true. Perhaps the biggest (or maybe it’s the smallest) trend is the tiny home.

A short history of the tiny home

Elves didn’t just invent tiny homes, they perfected them. When elves first joined Santa in the North Pole, they decided to live on-site – the traffic jams caused by migrating polar bears made the commute intolerable. So they quickly got to work building their own community on Santa’s land.

Because the diminutive craftsmen didn’t need much space, they kept their homes small: 150 square feet. While each elf added their own flair, the layouts are similar with the living area and bathroom on the main level and the bedroom in the loft. Word of these mini dwellings spread south and so began the rise of tiny homes for larger humans.

The design hub of the north

The North Pole serves as the address for many elves. Nobody quite knows how many, but when Santa claimed his home on Zillow, we got a glimpse of one elf enclaves. Being the trendsetters they are, each elf had at least one statement-making feature created by their own ingenuity. These are our three favorites.

1. The serving cart

One look at those itty-bitty Moscow mule mugs on the stylish cart will make you crave a peppermint julep. Popularized by elves, bar carts like this one got their start by serving as an extension to the limited countertop space in tiny homes.

2. Wood panels and exposed beams

There’s something about wood paneling and exposed beams that make this home feel so inviting. Before it became a design choice, wood planks were the preferred siding for elf homes because of their ability to insulate from the cold, harsh climate.

3. Yoga zone

Having your own home gym is a luxury reserved for those with extra space, so it’s impressive this elf found room for a dedicated yoga area. While home gyms are a convenience for most, they were started by elves out of necessity due to regularly getting snowed in.

5 Holiday Looks on the Nice List By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

December 18, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

If Santa’s decor has been on the top of your wishlist ever since he claimed his home on Zillow, now you can make it happen. We highlighted five ways you can easily incorporate his holiday style into your home.

3 Easy Holiday Crafts to Get You Feeling Festive By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

December 14, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Even when you’re eager to get in the spirit, the busy holiday season can make extra projects feel like a chore. That’s where these easy how-to hacks come to the rescue!

Fun, festive and functional, these DIYs provide the perfect opportunity to spend a cozy night indoors while also crossing a few to-do’s off the list for your next holiday bash.

Learn how to make pine cone place cards for your table setting, homemade snow globes to liven up your decor and a kid-sized gingerbread playhouse guaranteed to keep the kiddos occupied.

Ready for a closer look at each project?

Tabletop welcome

Your guests will feel extra loved with these customizable place cards. Whether you stamp them with names or a holiday greeting, this craft brings smiles around the dinner table.

Snow scene

When a friend or family member gives the snow globe on your shelf a shake, you’ll be able to tell them you made it yourself. Insert the setting of your choice to create your own little winter wonderland in a jar.

Playtime starter home

It’s hard to get all the holiday cooking done when you have little ones that want to be entertained. Set them up with this nifty cardboard creation while you bake some treats.

Happy Holidays from Joe Szabo & the Scottsdale Real Estate Team

December 11, 2017 Joe Szabo

We at Scottdale Real Estate Team off your best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a new year filled with peace, prosperity and happiness. Happy holidays and a very happy 2018!

The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

December 7, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and piles of twinkle lights, take another look at items you already have — they may be the holiday embellishment you’ve been looking for.

By hunting through your cabinets and closets, you can easily repurpose common household items into yuletide decor for your abode. Need a little inspiration? These design experts share how they style up everyday objects into festive flourishes.

Dig through the craft closet

“Bust out the burlap! I’ve been known to use burlap for anything from tablecloths to a Christmas tree skirt. It’s so versatile and lends an organic, rustic vibe.”
— Brooke Wagner, Brooke Wagner Design

“Roll out brown or black butcher paper on your table like a runner. It somehow elevates everything you set on it. Plus, you can write your guests names on it in black marker (or chalk marker for black paper) instead of place cards.”
— Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

“Paint a wall with chalkboard paint. It’s the perfect themed accent wall that’s fun and creative, and it gets the kids involved, too.”
— Melissa Martin Molitor, MMM Designs-Interiors

“Tie ribbon on everything! Thread it through chandeliers or banisters. Or put festive printed fabric in picture frames and scatter them throughout the house.”
— Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

Scour the kitchen cupboards

“Place a set of teacups on a pretty tray, and fill each cup with a succulent or small flower arrangement. Or create a centerpiece by placing candles on a serving tray or cake stand.”
— Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

“Fill a large glass serving bowl — or maybe a punch bowl or trifle bowl — with whatever seasonal item you want. Just use the same thing so it looks purposeful and pretty.”
— Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

“Take an ordinary flower vase, and stick glass ornaments inside with a string of white lights. It’s a pretty display that’s simple and creative!”
— Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

Ransack the fridge

“Dried fruit garland is still classic and sweet. Take a needle and thread to some popcorn, cranberries or dried sliced oranges, and string it up wherever you want to!”
— Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

“Cut up fresh fruit and put it in a pitcher before adding flowers for a centerpiece. Throw in some cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flair. For a dash of festivity, use oranges with cloves in them for place card settings.”
— Christine Estep, Jackson Thomas Interiors

Sift through the closet

“Use a vintage plaid throw as a tablecloth or runner. Or decorate a small tabletop tree with jewelry or ribbon.”
— Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

“Repurpose one of your favorite scarves as a cozy centerpiece runner.”
— Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

Forage in the yard

“Instead of placing a star at the top of my Christmas tree, I’ll take a handful of fallen sticks and tie them together at the top of the tree with a raffia bow. I’ll also layer pine cones throughout my tree to balance out the glass ornaments for an organic, natural feel.
— Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

“I gather sticks cedar branches, along with magnolia, holly, boxwood and pine. I spread them around the bases of containers or arrange them in colorful tea tins. It’s an easy way to bring in greenery without spending too much money.”
— Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

“I love to add a garland of fresh greens around my dining room chandelier and hang ornaments from it. The fresh scent mixed with holiday cooking is wonderful.”

— Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Look everywhere!

“Scatter some festive items that aren’t necessarily holiday themed. For example, we’ll set out some naturally shed antlers in the fall or a tuxedo hat around Christmas. I’ll mix in a few of these types of things that feel seasonally appropriate but aren’t necessarily traditional holiday decor.”
— Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design

“Give a corner of your home a holiday touch with just a handful of tweaks. We made a sitting area more festive by adding new pillows (they needn’t have an overt holiday motif – a wintery look works just as well), some evergreen cuttings from the yard (with a few sprigs of berries), a stack of wrapped gifts, a scarf and bow for our deer, and a teddy bear found in the attic.”
– Chris Stout-Hazard, Roger + Chris

Photo courtesy of Chris Stout-Hazard.

“Gather objects with a similar color scheme. I pull out all of my white and silver anything and group them together — candle holders, vases, pots, ribbon. Then I go to my neighbors’ yards for magnolia and holly cuttings and get laurel out of my own yard. I just keep everything green, white and silver — jumbled together it works.”
— Lesley Glotzl

“Repurpose a metallic vessel into a vase for displaying rich greenery or arrangements of holiday objects. A brass champagne cooler, a bright silver trophy cup or even small copper mugs could work perfectly. Add fresh pops of red with cranberries, pomegranates, deep-red apples or even a few red roses.”
— Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab