Friday, June 28, 2024

Outdoor Living Trend # 4 - Luxury Upgrades

 

Luxury Upgrades

Luxury upgrades are also on the minds of many designers and homeowners, according to the 2024 trends report. These projects not only increase the comfort and usability of outdoor areas, but they add to the property value, too.

Top upgrades identified include fire features as well as bars and entertaining spaces. Outdoor kitchens are another big project that continues to be a popular upgrade. If you’re looking for luxury inspiration, the report also noted the rise in hospitality-inspired design elements, especially walk-out patios and indoor-outdoor fireplaces.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Outdoor Living Trend # 3 - Continuity in Design Elements, Both Inside and Out

 

Continuity in Design Elements, Both Inside and Out

Whether it’s a small patio or an expansive exterior entertaining area, a consistent use of color, pattern, and material will visually bring together your home’s interior and exterior design. 

But continuity isn't solely through simple decorating selections, the 2024 trend report indicated that surfaces will be playing a key role in bridging interior and exterior spaces. A growing number of homeowners are seeking surfaces that can withstand outdoor elements, while providing an elevated, cohesive look to their interior design

Monday, June 24, 2024

Outdoor Living Trend # 2 - Smart Home Features for Outdoor Rooms

 

Smart Home Features for Outdoor Rooms

As outdoor spaces are being integrated into whole-home living considerations, lighting and smart home features are trending for outdoor spaces. These elements visually connect indoors and outdoors for a more congruous look, but they also offer consistent functionality.

Smart Home technology creates a cohesive living space throughout the home by being able to control audio and lighting throughout the day and into the night. Your outdoor activities aren’t strictly limited by time of day or access to a TV, for example—if the outdoors is wired for smart home features, you have more flexibility in when and how you use the spaces. For example, entertainment walls are rising in popularity as homeowners spend more time in their outdoor spaces. It also provides enhanced security by including outdoor cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Outdoor Living Trend # 1 - High-Quality Investment Pieces

 

High Quality Investment Pieces

The importance of nature and time spent outdoors has really risen to the forefront in recent years, as has the importance of investing in timeless, high-quality pieces over disposable, trendy items. Homeowners are looking for outdoor furnishings that they can expect to enjoy for years to come, both on an aesthetic level as well as a comfort level. 

Much like spending time and money on finding just the right sofa or dining table for inside your home, a lot of this trend is about doing your research and understanding what constitutes a high-quality piece of outdoor furniture that you can expect to last. Look for materials like teak wood, powder-coated aluminum, concrete, and premium wicker and rattan, and also take the climate conditions in your area into consideration when shopping for your furnishings.

Friday, June 14, 2024

6 Outdoor Living Trends Experts Predict for 2024


Homeowners are focusing on upgrading the design and functionality of outdoor spaces.

As outdoor entertaining season approaches, consider giving your space a refresh. Whether you have a small patio space or a full backyard kitchen area fit for large dinner parties, outdoor living experts suggest keeping these outdoor living trends top of mind.

Luxury additions and upgrades are on the rise, and designers and homeowners are approaching outdoor spaces with the same care as interior design. Creating an outdoor space that feels cohesive, beautiful, and comfortable is about so much more than setting some nice chairs out on your deck. The expectations we have about outdoor furnishings are also increasing. Homeowners appreciate beautiful, timeless, and functional pieces that will stand the test of time in addition to the outside elements.

Visit our blog often, as we look at these six trends that range from simple style choices and practical shopping advice, to significant architectural features meant to increase the design, quality, and luxury of your outdoor living areas.

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

This Wisconsin village is one of the best small towns to retire in the country...

 

The Village of Waukesha landed among the best small towns to retire in the country, according to a new study.

Researchers looked at data from thousands of towns in the U.S. with populations between 1,000 and 10,000 residents. To determine which small towns are the best for retirement, the study analyzed median incomes, cost of living, "livability" and crime rates. Here's a look at which small towns ranked the highest among the best places to retire in the U.S. READ MORE

Monday, June 10, 2024

Milwaukee property assessments

 

Milwaukee property assessments; homeowners surprised by increases

MILWAUKEE - There is sticker shock as Milwaukee homeowners get their new property assessments. On average, Milwaukee properties are up about 17%. But average home assessments are up even more. 

"It was kind of shocking," said one Milwaukee homeowner who has owned their home in Bay View for more than 40 years. They were surprised by the $30,000 increase in their home assessment. READ MORE

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Make Six-Figures? A Challenge For Home Buyers


Here’s how much you must earn to afford a house in 2024

New data shows that the average first-time home buyer must earn more than six figures to comfortably afford a median-priced home. 

Clever, a real estate data company, analyzed median home prices and median incomes for 50 metro areas to find out how much yearly income a person needs to earn to afford a house in 2024. READ MORE

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

A guide to Milwaukee-area farmers markets open in 2024

 

Spring signals the start of the farmers market season with local growers bringing freshly picked produce and other agricultural products to parks and parking lots in Milwaukee and nearby counties. Some markets offer live music, ready-to-eat snacks and beverages, fresh-cut flowers and annual plants. Talk to a farmer, support small businesses, and use this roundup to explore a market near you.

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