Ask the Home Pro

We want to talk about how the difficult times in 2020 have affected home renovation trends. In the wake of all the stress and grief, calming colors and styles are very popular. Colors reminiscent of nature are also trending because of all the time we spent inside during lockdown. This trend of bringing nature indoors is known as biophilia, which is another way to say we want to connect to nature and other life forms.

Outdoor spaces are not only great for entertaining but also for your mental health. Having a place to spend some time in the fresh air and sunlight can clear your head. We could all use some head-clearing fresh air after being stuck inside during lockdown and winter.

It's a fact that homes in the Pacific Northwest need better drainage than homes in drier parts of the country because rainfall levels are higher here, and rain can fall in high volumes in short periods. We have experienced this in Western Washington this January.

Over the past year, homes have become more than just homes. They've become workplaces, meeting rooms, classrooms, study halls, gyms, and places where families live and work. We've already reviewed some of our recommendations for converting space in your home to a home office, and below, we will review ideas for creating new kid-friendly spaces in your home.

Most people didn’t know when they bought their houses that they would end up needing home offices. The pandemic has left many people in the lurch when finding a space to work from home.

2020 has been a challenging year for many families and businesses. Our business, staff, and clients have not been immune to the challenges that befell us all.

I’m just as guilty as the next person when it comes to not planning well. I don’t know how many times I have broken something while out skiing or camping that I know I need to fix before I go out again, only to wait for months and then rush at the last minute to resolve the problem. This always ends up seeming to cost more than if I had used my time wisely.

After recently retiring and spending more time at home, Mercer Island resident, Kathy, was ready to say goodbye to her home’s country kitchen and outdated rooms of 15 years. She was ready to enjoy a reinvigorated kitchen and interior update!

Recently clients have shared with me that due to Covid-19 they are spending more time at home. As a result, they are noticing areas around the house that need attention. Some indicate that they feel a bit overwhelmed. They want to fix everything they have noticed, but due to economic concerns, they don’t feel they can fix everything all at once.

There are many different types of countertop materials and many different reasons for choosing each one.