Chic vs. Geek: What’s keeping you home?

The pandemic has forced us to adjust to new ways of living – and working – in our homes. What’s one thing around the house that makes it easier?

CHIC (PEARL)

A lot can be said for the simple things like a solid WiFi connection and a good coffee maker, but give me my standing desk any day of the week and twice on Sunday. There’s nothing better for maintaining good posture and circulation while you’re busy staring at a computer screen for up to eight hours a day. These days, you don’t even need to buy the full desk. Most office supply companies sell toppers and attachments for the desk you already have in your home.

GEEK (KEVIN)

I’ll admit it. I’m addicted to soda and fizzy drinks of all flavors, colors, and styles. But I never truly embraced my addiction until the pandemic hit, and I realized we were spending tons of money on sodas and sparkling waters. So I bit the bullet and bought us a Soda Stream. And we will never go back. Not only can I have any kind of refreshing beverage anytime I want it, we’re also keeping thousands of aluminum cans and plastic bottles out of our landfills and oceans.

Chic vs. Geek: To wash or wipe?

Tired of toilet paper? Consider adding a washlet or bidet to your porcelain throne!

CHIC (PEARL)

Last year, when the pandemic hit and left us all sheltering in place, toilet paper became a hot commodity, and the shelves at our local supermarket were regularly bare. That’s one reason we invested in a bidet. Not only did it get the job done without wasting paper, the model we installed also came with a seat warmer to keep our butts cozy while we did our business.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Most people don’t like to talk about poop, but it’s just a natural part of life. We all do it, so why treat it like an ancient mystery? Installing a bidet is so easy and inexpensive that any weekend home improvement warrior can get it done without breaking a sweat. Need extra oomph for those really tough spots? Just turn it up a notch with an adjustable flow option. Ours goes to 11!

Chic vs. Geek: Designing Happy

These days, we're spending more time in our homes. Here’s how you can use interior design elements to elevate your happiness.

CHIC (PEARL)

For me, a happy home is a comforting home. That’s why I prefer to keep things cozy with soft elements like plush pillows and fuzzy blankets that invite you to relax. Calming colors can also help to amplify the tranquility of your space. Speaking of space, your living room is typically the top spot for unwinding and the room where the most happy is needed. Lean in to relaxation by decorating your living room with items that make you happy, such as family photos, favorite books, or cherished mementos.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Nothing gets in the way of my pursuit of happiness like clutter. It adds unnecessary stress to your life, so it makes sense that organization would be a key component of a happy home. If you’re the type that can’t help but collect a lot of clutter, I suggest incorporating a lot of closed storage elements to help you easily hide it from the world. Speaking of the world, the happiest homes are often styled in the vibe of popular locales and terrain like rustic, mediterranean, and mountain regions.

COMING SOON: Los Altos

Modern Farmhouse Design in a Desirable Location

5 bedrooms | 3.5 bathrooms | 2,754 sqft | $4.198M

This entirely rebuilt home brings the quintessential modern farmhouse to a quiet street in South Los Altos close to highly acclaimed schools.

But it didn’t always look this way. We put in some work to bring this home back to life, and we think you’ll love the finished product...

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Stay tuned for our Friday Followuo email with more information, and save the date for an open house this Saturday/Sunday from 1-4pm. In the meantime, contact us for more information!

Chic vs. Geek: How to Sell a Home in the Summertime

The weather is heating up, and the local housing market is already hot. But you can’t count on momentum to get you the sale price you want. What can you do to improve your chances?

CHIC (PEARL)

Like the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Spend some time upgrading your curb appeal by keeping your lawn freshly mowed, decorating with new plants and ground coverings, and touching up the paint job. Speaking of paint, color is an extremely important factor in home sales. During the summer, add some lighter tones to brighten up your look. Security also adds value. Try framing your walkways and driveways with lights for a stylish touch.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Buyers are busy shuffling between open houses and all their usual errands, especially if they have kids home from school. Make sure your schedule is flexible enough to meet a buyer when and where they are available. Don’t make them wait for you. And definitely do not skimp on the air conditioning! House hunters will want to escape the heat, and stepping into a nice cool home will instantly put them at ease. You don’t want an ice box either, so set the thermostat at a comfortable level.