Dreaming of a Winter Escape

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, which means there’s no better time than now to think about a Winter getaway. So let’s dream big. If you could travel to any luxury spot on the globe, where would you sneak away with your Valentine?

Luxe Leisure

Amanyara – Turks and Caicos

Aurora – Island of Mustique

Wine and Dine

Auberge Du Soleil – Napa area of CA

The Allison Inn – Portland, OR

Adrenaline Junkies

Azur – Queenstown, NZ

Abercrombie & Kent – Kenya Safari (Image via Mens Journal)

Winter Romance

Amangani – Jackson Hole, WY

Shangri-La – Paris

Creating the Perfect Nest

Whether you live in an apartment where every last nook and cranny is jammed to the hilt or in a larger space with ample square footage, the challenge of creating a snug and secure spot to bring home your little darling can be most daunting. While some choose the classic, traditional route of soft pastels and white nursery furniture, others aim to create a palette all their own with bold colors, clean lines, or rustic ambience. I’ve pulled a few of my favorites from each of these categories and welcome you to tell me about your own finds.

Boy, oh Boy

Image via The Land of Nod

Enchanted Room for Two

Image via Art for Kids

Rustic Modern

Image via Nursery Notations

Bright White

Image source unknown

Organic Nest

Image via Skimbaco Lifestyle

Vintage Revamp

Image via Vintage Farmhouse ME

DIY Mod

Image via A Lovely Lark

Classic Elegance

Image via Interior Holic

A Closet Resolution

The new year inevitably means making (and all too often breaking) resolutions: work out more, eat healthier, etc. So let’s make one we can actually accomplish in a couple days’ time: get that closet organized.

While it’s true most of us are more Annie Proffitt than Joanna Stayton, that shouldn’t stop those of us from Elk’s Cove and beyond from having a beautiful, yet functional display of our clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Before you hit the ground running, it doesn’t hurt to sketch out your idea. Whether you’re planning a simple clean up and arrangement of like-colored clothes or instituting a major overhaul with custom cabinetry, a little sketch goes a long way.

Image via House Beautiful

Pressed for space? Draw inspiration from this small closet’s blank canvas.

Image via Houzz

For the “shoehorse” in all of us.

Image via Houzz

Sometimes closet doors can impede on smaller rooms; curtains can solve that.

Image via Houzz

In need of inspiration for a more masculine look and feel? Et voila.

Image via Houzz

Smaller drawers with tray liners offer the perfect place for safely storing jewelry. (If you haven’t already, now’s the time to run to the Container Store.)

Image via Houzz

If you’re fortunate enough to have a hall closet, don’t rule out a reorg here. It’s the perfect way to rev up your Spring cleaning efforts.

Image via Houzz

For the JoAnna Staytons of the world, feast your eyes on Oprah’s “humble” closet.

Image via Ashlee Holmes

Don’t forget to snap a before picture. It’ll help you relish in the feeling of accomplishment after it’s all said and done.

Image via Pink Toes and Power Tools

Fireplace Adoration

As a local resident and agent, I know how rare a find it is to see “working fireplace” in an apartment or even single-family brownstone anywhere near Jersey City or Hoboken. When one comes to market, you don’t just jump – you leap. In honor of Fall (or is this pre-Winter?) finally blessing us with its crisp, cool nights, let’s take a tour of some lovely, leave-us-all-green-with-envy, wood-burning fireplaces.

A Kitchen Hearth

Wood-burning fireplace meets wood-burning oven. This beauty could double as an extra place to cook.

Image via thekitchn.com

Wide Opening

Simply stunning showstopper.

Image via Houzz

Stone Beauty

Love the functional log storage and ample shelving for that fireside read.

Image via NuHome Designs

Rustic Centerpiece

Straight out of Pillars of the Earth, I love the medieval feel of this Telluride fixture.

Image via Houzz

Poolside Pergola

Can you think of a better way to warm up after an evening dip?

Image via Houzz

Outdoor Living

An outdoor fireplace fit for Ina. You bring the marshmallows, I’ll bring the wine.

Image via Houzz

Natural Wood

With all the painted wood, stone, and tile fireplaces out there, it’s nice to see wood in its more natural state.

Image via Houzz

A Craftsman’s Handy Work

Love the woodworking above the fireplace almost as much as the fireplace itself.

Image via Houzz

Classic Lodge

A welcome retreat after a day outdoors.

Image via Houzz

Recovering After Sandy

Image via Personal Library – Bay Head, NJ

Many neighborhoods and towns in New Jersey suffered devastation like most of us have never seen after Superstorm Sandy ripped apart our state. Storm surges caused the Atlantic Ocean to heave her massive waves onto shorelines, taking with her 100-year-old homes and memories that can never be replaced. In our area of Hudson County, we saw how a river could turn into a criminal as the Hudson barreled down main streets in Hoboken and Jersey City, overtaking home after home and business after business. The physical and mental losses we have suffered are truly devastating and will take weeks, months, or even years to recover, but the efforts of our brethren from New Jersey to New Mexico are awe-inspiring.

Driving through Hoboken yesterday, it hit me when I saw an assembly line of volunteers unloading bag after box after pile of donations for those who are still without basic needs from an out-of-state, 18-wheel, semi-truck. Another moment of inspiration came later in the day after I heard that a delivery was on its way from New Hampshire carrying donated goods from teenage kids, including $200 of their own hard-earned allowance and savings.

Bottom line, Hudson County, the shores of New Jersey, and all of our state WILL recover – thanks to the good hearts of humans everywhere. We will come back stronger than ever, because it matters that we continue business as usual. We will pick up our heads and forge ahead, superstorm be damned.

And although Everyday Dwellings had a slight lapse in communication these last couple weeks while my family personally continues to recover, we will be back this week. Look for a new Inspiration Friday post, and continue to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more market musings and home design tips.

Stay strong, New Jersey.

-Katie

Built-Ins Add Function and Beauty

From showcasing your prized collection of rare, first-editions to the safe keeping of lovies and stuffed animals, built-ins offer the best of both worlds: pleasing design and practical storage.

Bathroom Storage

Maximize a bathroom built-in with pull-out drawers for housing dirty laundry, toiletries, linens, etc.

Image via Houzz

TV Cabinet

Many urban dwellers lack a separate living and TV room, but that shouldn’t mean compromising aesthetics for function. Let your fireplace remain the focal point by building the media cabinet around it. Added bonus: fold-flat doors hide the TV when not in use.

Image via Houzz

Cabinetry Conundrum

When designing a small kitchen, especially in an older home, the prospect of having to use custom cabinetry to accomodate awkward spaces can eat away at the best of budgets. Instead, consider selecting standard size cabinets and leaving an open space for items you might be more keen to display.

Image via Personal Library

Built-in Library

While I would opt to add a little texture or warmth to the built-in couches by selecting a different upholstery option, the idea behind their dual use as twin beds combined with those grand, floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves make this a room to remember.

Image via Houzz

Trash Can Hideaway

Keep unsightly garbage out of sight with pull-out trash and recycling bins built directly into the cabinetry.

Image via Houzz

Kid’s Cubby

If you lack closet space, turn your kid’s sleeping quarters into the ultimate monster storage cabinet.

Image via Houzz

Dog Bed Built for Two

Growing up with Newfoundlands, who always chose to park themselves in the middle of our kitchen floor, a built-in dog bed would have saved many hazardous steps around our 150-pound gentle giants.

Image via Houzz

If you’re in the market for custom-designed built-in cabinetry, I know a master craftsman who is the absolute best. He has designed and built many custom pieces for my family and friends over the years. Out of respect for his privacy, I haven’t included his information. But if you’re interested, please contact me and I’ll put you in touch.

Sold: 700 Grove St., #3G, Jersey City

This property received 5 offers. What does that mean for you as a seller? Four potential buyers are now actively searching for their next home, and yours could be the one.

Contact me today to discuss a selling strategy for your home.

Review the listing here. Interested in client feedback? You can find that here.

Creative Nooks and Crannies

After stumbling upon the 2008 article “Less is the New More: Making the Most of Small Spaces,” I got to thinking… nobody knows the pangs of seemingly wasted space better than urban dwellers. I’m inspired by how these homeowners made the best of what they were given and created some ingenious nooks out of tricky spaces.

Reading Nook

Create your ideal reading spot for those upcoming crisp, cool days and nights. Love the adjustable seat back, too.

Image via Sarah Cain Design

Wine Nook

Why hang a picture on that random wall when it has such potential to house your wine collection?

Image via Keeping up with the Joneses

Sleeping Nook

Great idea for creating a guest room where one didn’t exist before.

Image via DuJour Magazine

Dresser Nook

Roof eave got you down? Turn that awkward slant into a dresser.

Image via Apartment Therapy

Office Nook

Use wasted space under the stairs to create a home office.

Image via Houzz

Bathroom Nook

Small apartment bathrooms often mean absolutely zero storage. Create your own with a built-in cabinet.

Image via Houzz

Check back next week for more design tips on Inspiration Friday.

Sold: 515 Willow Ave., #4, Hoboken

My sellers wanted to enjoy their next move without worrying about selling their Hoboken home. I focused on proper pricing and successful marketing to help them do just that. We received multiple offers and accepted a contract in less than one week of being on the market.

Review the listing here.  Interested in client feedback? You can find that here.

Buyer’s Incentive: 700 Grove St., #3G Jersey City, NJ

Now Offering One Year Free Maintenance or the Equivalent Amount towards Closing Costs.

Built by Toll Brothers in 2007 – 12 Stories – 230 Units

Bright and open 1BR + Den/2 BA with deeded parking. This 1400 square foot home offers ample living space with room for a formal dining area and the den is large enough to double as a second bedroom. Quiet steel and concrete construction, pristine carrera marble and subway tile baths, in-unit Bosch washer/dryer, custom window treatments, stainless steel appliances, and granite counters. Maintenance fee includes 24 hour concierge, gym, common courtyard and lounge, shuttle to Path, water, gas, Internet, and basic cable.

Asking Price: $499,000
Taxes: $8,620
Maintenance Fee: $731.48
Unit Number: 3G

Contact Katie with further questions or to schedule a private showing:
katie@everydaydwellings.com or 201.805.5140