Go Big or Go Home ~ Bold colors for your front door.

Without fail a cold wintry day makes me want to feather my nest. While hunkered down at home watching the white, calm quiet of snow falling I start trolling for ideas to make my home even more "me" before the holidays.

I have always been struck by bold front door colors. While in Scotland about a decade ago, I was charmed by the array of beautifully brightly painted front doors. A cheery smile against a mostly gray and green backdrop. Increasingly I am seeing homeowners taking a leap of faith and painting their front door something bold and lovely. Just the front door, leaving the rest of the home coordinated but not matching the punch of the door color.

If you're looking to do a quick project, and low cost (as well as easy to erase!), this might be your ticket. Here is a link to a great post on going big with door color ~ http://bit.ly/1GPFmrT. Post some pictures of doors you like too. I'd love to see what you've done or what you've found. And if you're thinking of sprucing up to sell your space or find a new one, give me a call. I'd love to help.

Be Sunnyside. Be Part of the Next Big Thing. 
Call me to find out how. 720-319-5591

Christine@ KentwoodCity.com

The New Neutrals ~ Spruce up your Space for the Holidays.

Thinking about sprucing up your home before the holidays? As I am in residential real estate here in Denver, I get to see new trends in decorating all the time. I am loving the greys I am seeing being used as the new neutral. I see less and less of the builder beige and decorator white and more of this rich, warm grey. It feels sophisticated and current, while not being so new that it feels unfriendly. What I love about it is that you can make this neutral be as modern or traditional as you like ~ it really goes both ways!! Play upon the tonal elements or add bright colors in accessories which will really pop. This article shares how to choose a grey, or a green (yes, a new one. Not the icky hospital one!) as your neutral backdrop. http://bit.ly/1AG8jG1

If you are tackling a a fresh look in your home, feel free to post some before and after photos. I'd love to see how it unfolds! And if you'd like to find a new space, or need to sell your current one, please give me a call.

Be Sunnyside. Be Part of the Next Big Thing. 
Call me to find out how. 720-319-5591

Christine@ KentwoodCity.com 

My Top Ten Fave Places to "Work From Home"

Top Ten Places to Work From “Home”

We all need to have a go to place from time-to-time, when we need to work, but perhaps your home isn’t quiet enough, or your office desk isn’t the right environment. I have compiled a list of my Top Ten “Home” Office work locations. Go ahead and change it up ~ you might be inspired! Most offer free WiFi. I can often be found scouring new listings for my clients, finding them the perfect home while visiting one of the fabulous establishments listed below.

1. Common Grounds Coffeehouse, 2139 E 44^th Avenue. Common Grounds Coffeehouse has been providing a community gathering place for North Denver for over 20 years. The Sunnyside neighborhood is truly a melting pot ~ it’s history of hardworking immigrants from all over the world is the kind of vibe you feel at Common Grounds. Located in the “Radiator Shop” building, it is spacious and gregarious. Like walking into your best friend’s kitchen and pulling up a chair.

2. Union Station : 1225 Seventeenth Street.  Have you been to visit the newly reopened Union Station? It’s challenging to describe just how breathtaking the new space is. The original train station elements have remained intact while updating the facility for today’s needs. The large central terminal is light and bright, with lots of large sofas, tables  and free wifi ~ a super place to grab a coffee (Pig Train) or a cocktail (The Terminal Bar and The Cooper Lounge).

3. Downpours Coffee: 3937 Tennyson Street. A most delicious, artfully crafted cup of coffee awaits you. Also recommended are the delectable handmade pastries and nibbles. Tennyson Street is the new local main-street type retail area, still chock full of independent small business. You’ll be in the company of other self-employed folks here, and the staff is friendly.

4. Mangiamo Pronto:  1601 17^th Street. Located on the corner of 17^th and Wazee in the lodo neighborhood, Mangiamo Pronto is an Italian coffee shop and bistro, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring delicious egg dishes, paninis and pizzettis, pasta, gelato and drinks too! The space is bright, the staff is friendly, and the food, if you’re so inclined, delicious.

5. Crema: 2962 Larimer St. Craving a more industrial chic feel? Then stop by Crema. The creamiest smooth coffee, mouthwatering entrees, and industrial cool décor.

6. Gallop Café: 2401 W 32^nd Ave. A long time neighborhood favorite, this corner café and restaurant has a liquor license ~ so if you’re craving a masterpiece of a Bloody Mary, Gallop serves one, with a short glass of PBR. Breakfast and lunch entrées are delicious and innovative. Indoor and outdoor café seating is available.

7. Huckleberry Roasters: 4301 Pecos Street. Two friends create a space combining their passion for community, music and coffee. A belief that a coffee shop can be a cornerstone of a strong community. It’s a cool space on the west side of town.

8. Thump: 1201 E 13^th Ave. With locations in Denver and Bend, Oregon, Thump is almost library-like in it’s quiet atmosphere in which to get your work done.

9.  Black Eye: 3408 Navajo Street. With the roll up garage door front, tile backsplash, distressed wood furniture, this space is inviting and nostalgic.

10. Steam Espresso Bar: 1801 S Pearl Street. Platt Park is home to this phenomenal coffee bar. Cutting edge brewing and sustainably raised coffee make this a come back fave.

Be Part of the Next Big Thing. 
Call me to find out how. 720-319-5591

Whenever we change the clocks for that lovely hour of extra sleep, I know it's time for my husband and me to get through our list of items to prepare our home for the winter months. While its not the most enjoyable of projects, we're always so very grateful come spring time to have done the work. In my world of selling homes, I see countless inspection items that could have been easily (and inexpensively) avoided by a little proper maintenance. So here's my list ~ feel free to comment with items that you tackle too!

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist:

1. Have the sprinklers blown out and winterized. It's about $55-$65, takes but a half hour or so, and can save you hundreds in repair costs on your system should water freeze in your lines. I like Earthservices, 303-935-7193; but there are lots of others out there as well. Drain your outdoor hoses and store in your garage or basement. Cover your outdoor spigots with a foam insulated cover. You can find one in our neighborhood Ace Hardware store at 3758 Osage St.

2. Call your HVAC vendor to come out and clean and service your furnace. Mine does it for under $150. An annual clean and check is one of the most important things you can do to keep your furnace in good shape. While you're at it, have the tech show you how to change the filter, and go and purchase a half dozen or so. Change the filters on the first of each month. It will keep your furnace working more efficiently and your home cleaner. My fave vendor is Rodney King, The Heat Guy, 303-432-9100. 

3. Clean your gutters. As my favorite home inspector likes to say, "www stands for Water Will Win, all day everyday." Water is destructive to the exterior of your home, so make sure that it has a swift path to flow away from your home. Start by cleaning out the gutters of leaves and debris. Visually inspect the gutters to ensure that they are secure and don't have holes or corrosion.

4. Check and seal any gaps around your windows and doors. Weatherstripping and caulking is inexpensive and easy to install ~ even for novices. It will save you money on your heating bills, and in the case of caulking around entry points for cable, gas, and such, will help keep heat-seeking critters out of your home.

5. Change the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors. By now I think we are all trained to to this when we change the clocks, but it really can save your life. And there seems to be an immutable law of nature that if a detector battery is going to fail, it will happen at 3:00 am when I am not at my best.

6. Fireplace Flue Cleaning. If you are lucky enough to have a wood burning fireplace (they are becoming less common in Denver), then by all means have a Chimney Sweep come and clean your flue, check on the operation of the damper and ensure that no wildlife has decided to make your chimney their home.

7. Outdoor Patio Spaces. If you are lucky enough to have storage space indoors, your furniture will last much longer. If that's not you, then furniture covers are a wise investment. If you can move your furniture under a covered space, even better.

Once I've worked through the list, we like to enjoy a little treat ~ perhaps a libation at Ernies Bar & Pizza or a warm sweet beverage at Common Grounds?