Thursday, February 27, 2025

What you need to know about 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Milwaukee


The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival has hosted more than 140,000 people in Milwaukee the past two years. Now the motorcycle company is gearing up for the third annual festival, with help from Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr.

The country superstars and legends will headline two days of Veterans Park concerts, joining a list of past Homecoming headliners. The concerts will again be the centerpiece of the four-day Homecoming Festival.

Here's everything we know that you need to know. Come back to this story as the festival approaches for more updates. READ MORE

 

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Rumors by Behr

 

Following the trend of deep, earthy hues, BEHR’s pick for color of the year is Rumors, a rich red shade with brown undertones. Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at BEHR, told us this color choice was inspired by the need for warmer neutrals that can also make a moody, bold statement. “Now we’re kind of transitioning into some of these warmer neutrals—ivories and creams and tans and taupes—we’re seeing those warmer neutrals starting to come to the forefront,” Woelfel says. “People are really starting to look for ways to bring those bolder colors, those edgier colors, into their home.”

Another reason to love this color choice is that it can adapt easily to any design style. “Rumors is undoubtedly a color that inspires creativity while being versatile enough to transform a space through large and small projects,” Andy Lopez, senior vice president and head of marketing for BEHR, said in a press release.

Use Rumors to add drama in the form of a bold accent wall, or lean into the shade’s sophisticated side by using it in a formal dining room, study, or living space.


Friday, February 21, 2025

Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore

 

Benjamin Moore opted for a slightly moody, nature-inspired hue for their color of the year. Cinnamon Slate is a balanced mix of rich plum and smooth chocolate brown that the brand calls "adaptable, yet distinct." Cinnamon Slate was chosen because it is captivating on its own, but isn't so bold that it takes over a room. The paint color is part of the brand's 10-color palette, which features five warm and five cool shades that can be used in any combination for a subtle and relaxed pop of color.

“Cinnamon Slate is an inviting hue that offers enduing style and modern sensibility," Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore, said in a press release. "Its depth and richness bring an air of approachability and sense of comfort throughout the home, making it a new favorite for years to come."

Mapped Blue by Dutch Boy Paints

 

Dutch Boy Paints’ Mapped Blue is the brand’s pick for color of the year. The medium blue-gray hue has subtle yellow undertones and a slight hint of gray, helping it pair well with both warm and cool color palettes. The announcement is part of the brand’s Color Trends Forecast for 2025, which includes three curated color palettes that showcase the versatility of Mapped Blue.

“Our 2025 One-Coat Color Trend Forecast, with Mapped Blue at its core as Color of the Year, reflects the evolving needs of today’s homeowners,” Michelle Bangs, senior brand manager, said in a press release. “Through these three thoughtfully curated palettes, we hope to empower DIYers to create spaces that are both personally meaningful and enduring.”

Use the medium blue in both classic and contemporary interiors. It’s subtle enough to use on walls, while providing enough of a pop to be used as a space’s accent color as well.



Wednesday, February 19, 2025

2025 COTY - Mocha Mousse by Pantone

 

Pantone's 2025 pick for Color of the Year is Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a medium-shade brown that's both modern and sophisticated. Shades of brown are the design world's hottest neutrals at the moment, so this rich shade comes as no surprise.

"Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a press release.

Resembling the creamy combination of whipped chocolate and coffee, Mocha Mousse can be used as an indulgent shade in a luxurious formal setting, or as a timeless classic in a traditional living space.

Monday, February 17, 2025

2025 Color Capsule of the Year by Sherwin-Williams


Color Capsule of the Year by Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams' Color of the Year isn't actually one color—it's nine! In celebration of their 15th anniversary of announcing colors of the year, the brand traded their traditional single color pick for a stunning nine-color palette instead. Their 2025 Color of the Year Capsule includes nine of Sherwin-Williams' best-selling colors in complementary shades, so you can mix and match in any way you like. The capsule includes earthy browns, gray-blues, gold, green, mauve, white, and beige, and is made up of both trendy pops of color and timeless neutrals. READ MORE


 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

2025 Colors of the Year so far...

2025 Colors of the Year so far...
Saturated jewel tones, berry shades and moody neutrals are among the most popular colors this year.

The 2025 colors of the year are already starting to roll in, and we can't get enough of the rich, saturated shades. From a gorgeous jewel-tone blue to a deep, chocolate brown, these colors have been hand-picked by paint experts with the latest design trends in mind.   So far, the 2025 colors of the year are all about creating a cozy, relaxing atmosphere without sacrificing bold saturation. Whether you're looking to update your walls or refresh a tired piece of furniture, allow these gorgeous hues to inspire your next home renovation project.

 

Friday, February 7, 2025

2024 was another slow year for housing sales in the Milwaukee Area.

 

But some Milwaukee-area communities enjoyed surges...

Last year was another slow year for the Milwaukee housing market, as high mortgage rates and low inventory continued to dampen sales.

Overall Milwaukee-area home sale numbers hardly budged in 2024, following a historically slow 2023, according to an analysis by the Greater Milwaukee Area Association of Realtors.

Average home prices in the Milwaukee metro hit $443,605 in the fourth quarter of the year — up 6.2% since the year prior — reflecting pent-up buyer demand.

Still, some communities saw a surge in sales, demand and prices, according to GMAR's analysis of sales records. Here's a look at some of those "hottest communities" around the Milwaukee metro area... READ MORE

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

2025 12 NY Resolutions for your home - FEBRUARY: Replace/Upgrade Windows

 

February 2025:
Replace/Upgrade Windows

A warm home is a happy home. Make a new year’s resolution to replace drafty windows. While upgrading your windows in frigid February might seem counter-intuitive, it’s easier to book this project and secure a good deal in the industry’s off-season. Energy-efficient windows are better insulated and can save you up to 12% annually on your energy bills.

Plus, new windows increase your home’s value and marketability when it’s time to sell. This added value, combined with off-season installation savings, makes replacing your home’s windows one of the smartest investments you’ll make all year.

For optimal insulation, determine your home’s climate zone on EnergyStar.gov and purchase windows with a matching Energy Star label.

Monday, February 3, 2025

GMAR January 2025

 

January 2025 - Report Highlights

• Sales Up 7.1% in January, Good Start to 2025

• Listings Up 10.9% 

• Average Sale Price Up 14%