Get Ready for a Powder Day!

The storms keep coming and I am not mad about it! Our friend Joel Gratz from Open Snow is predicting another BIG storm to roll through the northern mountains tonight and into Thursday morning. He is calling for 10-15 inches in the surrounding area with over 16” predicted at Vail and 15” at Beaver Creek.

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The extended forecast looks promising with moderate snow predicted from Thursday night through Saturday. The snow will be amazing but the temperatures are expected to be well below 0F, so wear lots of extra layers. YIPPIEEE!

SOURCE: Open Snow | Joel Gratz

Need a Vacation? Let your travel horoscope inspire your next trip!

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VRBO put together a guide to help you pick your next vacation destination. Where will your birth sign be taking you?

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YOU NEED BALANCE

You’re intense, dude! The trick is to find a getaway challenging enough to satisfy your rugged drive that also forces you to relax and marvel at the natural world.

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YOU NEED STIMULATION

You yearn for adventure this fall. Mental thrills, cool sights, you name it, you must explore. And it’s gotta be in a boredom-free zone. Perish idle thoughts!

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YOU NEED COMFORT

You work crazy-hard. It’s time to unplug. No need to get too far outta your zone — too laid-back or too remote. A small town with big design appeal is the right move.

YOU NEED INDEPENDENCE

You work crazy-hard. It’s time to unplug. No need to get too far outta your zone — too laid-back or too remote. A small town with big design appeal is the right move.

YOU NEED A BIG CHILL

Despite being naturally mellow, you’re a sensitive, compassionate sort who requires a reboot to refill your tank. Retreat to a calm, daydreamy place by the sea.

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YOU NEED ACTION

You’re gonna take charge on vacay like every day. You’d never settle for simply lazing around a pool, so don’t even front. Say "hey" to a bustling paradise instead!

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YOU NEED INDULGENCE

It’s time to bask in the glory you provide for others without expending tons of effort. Find a dramatic landscape in a luxe setting and soak it all up.

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YOU NEED NOVELTY

Impulse-control issues aside, you’re the good kind of adrenaline junkie! Go where your spontaneous spirit will encounter endlessly interesting places and people.

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YOU NEED PEACE

Take a step back from the stress. Find a chill place by the shore to recharge and treat yourself to the TLC you’re always doling out to everyone else.

YOU NEED INSPIRATION

A whimsical creature like you needs serene, transcendent scenery this season. Nothing less than magical forest vibes will do.

source: VRBO

Architectural Styles by Zodiac Sign

I admit, I am not that savvy or superstitious when it comes to Zodiac Signs but I confess to quickly glancing at my horoscope while flipping through the Vail Daily. Sometimes they are incredibly timely and accurate and other times it might call for a 5-star day when I have already spilled my coffee on my white blouse while taking a corner a little too hot on I-70. 

I am sure many of you have the same views on astrology as I do, but a recent article on Apartment Therapy was too entertaining not to share (especially for my Millennial friends)! 

Without further adieu....

 AQUARIUS | JAN 20 - FEB 18 | STYLE: KEY WEST

(Image credit: Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock)

(Image credit: Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock)

Free-spirited and unconventional, Aquarius would love the unique homes found in Key West, FL with bold, playful colors and decorative wooden elements. 

PISCES | FEB 19 - MAR 20 | STYLE: FRENCH PROVINCIAL

(Image credit: Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock)

(Image credit: Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock)

Hovering between fantasy and reality, Pisces would be inspired by the estates in the French countryside. They are full of soft romantic touches but incredibly practical and well-made.

ARIES | MARCH 21-APRIL 19 | STYLE: MEDITERRANEAN

(Image credit: InnaFelker/Shutterstock)

(Image credit: InnaFelker/Shutterstock)

Bold, ambitious, and full of joie de vivre, Aries will feel at home in a colorful Mediterranean home highlighting balconies, porticos, and ornate details like multicolored tiles.  

TAURUS | APRIL 20 - MAY 20 | STYLE: PRAIRIE

(Image credit: littlenySTOCK/Shutterstock)

(Image credit: littlenySTOCK/Shutterstock)

Taurus enjoys relaxing in serene, rural settings, making Prairie architecture a perfect fit. Classic features made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries include lots of windows to let the outside in and horizontal lines mimicking the landscape. 

GEMINI | MAY 21 - JUNE 20 | STYLE: MID-CENTURY MODERN

(Image credit: Jessica Isaac)

(Image credit: Jessica Isaac)

Gemini tend to be intellectually curious and aren't afraid to try something new - so were the pioneers of mid-century modern architecture. This forward-thinking style utilized new materials and focused on open spaces, flat planes and clean lines. 

CANCER | JUNE 21 - JULY 22 | STYLE: COTTAGE

 

(Image credit: mubus7/Shutterstock)

(Image credit: mubus7/Shutterstock)

Sensitive Cancer thrives in cozy spaces that feel safe and comfortable. Cottage style homes inspired by the dwellings of European peasant farmers are quaint and inviting with curving front walkways and lush florals. 

LEO | JULY 23 - AUG 22 | STYLE: TUDOR

(Image credit: Susan Law Cain/Shutterstock)

(Image credit: Susan Law Cain/Shutterstock)

Leos are natural leaders who enjoy the spotlight, and the dramatic Tudor style is sure to draw just enough attention. These homes boast contrasting facades and steeply-pitched, multi-gabled roofs. 

VIRGO | AUG 23 - SEPT 22 | STYLE: RANCH

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy )

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy )

Logical and practical Virgos are the ideal fit for ranch-style homes. this post-World Warr II design was created with practicality in mind, featuring attached garages, open-floor plans and easy-outdoor access. 

LIBRA | SEPT 23 - OCT 22 | STYLE: COLONIAL

(Image credit: chrisbradshaw/Getty Images)

(Image credit: chrisbradshaw/Getty Images)

The symmetry-obsessed Libra will thrive in a traditional colonial home. This architectural style is known for its perfect symmetry, evenly spaced windows and perfectly proportioned chimneys, columns, and dormers. Shout out to all of my OCD friends... 

SCORPIO | OCT 23 - NOV 21 | STYLE: GREEK REVIVAL

(Image credit: Anne Power/Shutterstock)

(Image credit: Anne Power/Shutterstock)

Passionate and powerful Scorpio appreciate the imposing form of Greek Revival architecture, which gives the impression of wealth with tall columns and pediments, as well as bold embellishments and moldings. 

SAGITTARIUS | NOV 22 - DEC 21 | STYLE: SPANISH

(Image credit: jessicakirshcreative/Shutterstock)

(Image credit: jessicakirshcreative/Shutterstock)

Sagittarius tend to be adventurous and love to travel, so a home inspired by far-off lands are right up their alley. The hallmarks of this style are clay roof tiles, arched corridors, arcaded porches, and bell towers.

CAPRICORN | DEC 22 - JAN 19 | STYLE: CONTEMPORARY

(Image credit: Tom Merton/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Tom Merton/Getty Images)

Sometimes perceived as cold and unemotional, Capricorn appreciae the no-frills appeal of contemporary architecture. Many homes of this style champion eco-friendly practices, which pair well with Capricorn being an earth sign. 

I have to be honest, I was thinking of friends, family and loved ones born in each month and had a little chuckle. I am an Aries and my husband is a Virgo...I'd say we are a great balance! CLICK HERE for the full article from Apartment Therapy and remember, always take your horoscope with a grain of salt. 

-Carling

Transformation Tuesday: From Cramped Closet to Open Master Bathroom

Finding a property that checks off 100% of your wish list items is pretty rare, especially in our current low-inventory real estate market. One of my favorite parts of touring properties with Buyer's is opening their eyes up to the possibility of reworking a space to make it suit their needs. Sure, everyone would love to design their dream home from the ground up but transforming an older space to fit your lifestyle is also a fantastic option.

HOUZZ highlights this perfectly in their Before and After’s stories on www.houzz.com. Here are some highlights from their most recent post about a Seattle couple who transform an attic closet into the en-suit master bathroom of their dreams.

BEFORE

There was a lot of work to be done to transform the old closet into an en suite bathroom, but the designers also saw a lot of potential.

This side of the house faces east, giving the homeowners a view of Lake Washington and an abundance of morning sunlight. The existing bedroom was large but not functional. Space under the eaves was wasted, and parts of the attic were still unfinished. 

“We find that when you are working with constraints, such as dormers, brick facades, tight spaces, it is an opportunity to create a unique space,” says project manager Alev Seymen.

 AFTER

 A bright and open bathroom replaces the once closed-in closet. The design team extended the existing gable along the front of the house to match the footprint of the first floor, recapturing vertical space that was lost under the eaves. The new peaked dormers fit in with the Tudor’s original character, looking as if it was built this way from the start. 

 

CLICK HERE for the full story.

LUXETRENDS | Less is More

Minimalist Properties for Understated Luxury

Sometimes a little goes a long way. Minimalism is quickly becoming one of the most popular trends in home décor and luxury real estate, with homeowners abandoning their ornate tastes for spaces with a more streamlined aesthetic. Clean and modern design radiate throughout each of the following properties and show that true luxury can be understated and refined.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK | US $29,950,000Soaring ceilings, remarkable views of the Hudson River and a captivating wraparound terrace are just a few of the highlights of this gorgeous penthouse. This 4-bedroom 4-bathroom masterpiece has an expansive, open …

NEW YORK, NEW YORK | US $29,950,000

Soaring ceilings, remarkable views of the Hudson River and a captivating wraparound terrace are just a few of the highlights of this gorgeous penthouse. This 4-bedroom 4-bathroom masterpiece has an expansive, open floor plan that accentuates the effortless flow throughout the space. Styled with white en suite marble bathrooms and sleek floor to ceiling windows, the home has a simplistic aesthetic that focuses on impeccable interior design and the beautiful view overlooking the city. Luxury Portfolio ID: CLUT

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO | US $3,300,000

An impeccably designed modern property tucked away near the mountainside features beautifully simple details. The 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home has an openness throughout, ideal for showcasing photography, art or interesting sculpture. Picture windows and folding glass panels peer out onto the breathtaking landscape from the indoor lap pool while fiber optic lights shine from above to resemble a desert sky. For added convenience, a Vantage control system provides control of the blinds, radiant heat, and museum quality lighting in the space. Luxury Portfolio ID: VNRT

BERLIN, GERMANY|  €3,200,000

Always on the cutting-edge of modern design, Berlin hosts some of the most contemporary and minimalistic properties in the world. In this sleek villa, natural stone floors and an intimate fireplace within the spacious living area add to the clean and practical nature of the home, while the open spa area and rooftop terrace overlooking Berlin offer a hint of indulgent relaxation. Modern appliances and neutral coloring throughout the home add to this property’s understated charm. Luxury Portfolio ID: EEHV

HURLINGHAM, JOHANNESBERG, SOUTH AFRICA | R13,000,000

Proof that minimalism does not have to be dull, this unique home showcases a unique geometric layout with sporadic pops of color throughout that add a hint of flair to the space. Reminders of the contemporary aesthetic can be seen at every turn, from the distinctive design of the stairs leading to the second floor to the solitary red wall in the kitchen area. The incredible marble floors, high ceilings, and linear aesthetic in the living area contribute to the homes high-tech and contemporary design. Luxury Portfolio ID: ATTZ

PUZOL, SPAIN | €850,000

Set in a prime location with an incredibly unique layout, this property is truly a one of a kind. The 4-bedroom 3-bathroom villa features an open living room area, a study, dining room and an incredible kitchen with sleek and modern appliances available at your fingertips. Variations of both height and lighting from room to room add to the exceptional design of the home’s interior, while the gorgeous greenery and linear design of the structure complement the exterior. The simplistic design combined with the unconventional layout of the space add a sense of comfort and quality to the home. Luxury Portfolio ID: MCYZ

SOURCE: Luxury Portfolio International | LUXE TRENDS | BLOG

5 Popular Ideas for New Decks & Terraces

It is August 8th and our local grocery store already has Halloween costumes out! For those of you who do not want to let go of summer for at least another month or two, here is a great article from Houzz talking about the latest trends in outdoor living!

1. Consider Local Materials

Gauged Frontier stone from Montana is an apt choice for this Jackson Hole, Wyoming, terrace because it blurs the lines between the architecture and the surroundings. With a design like this and a spectacular view of the Grand Tetons, it’s easy to see why so many Houzzers are drawn to this photo. Look for local or regional materials to best blend a terrace or patio into the landscape.

2. Use Sail Shades

This deck and pool area offers shady and sunny spots thanks to contemporary charcoal gray sail shades.

3. Extend the Architecture Overhead

This modern take on the trellis accentuates the architecture of the house and provides a spot to hang magical outdoor globe lights.

 

 

 

 

4. Build In the Furniture

Similar to the previous photo, a substantial trellis defines this outdoor living room on the deck.

But another important trend represented here is built-in deck furniture. This can make a small deck feel more expansive than free-standing furniture and maximize your deck’s seating potential. While these benches float, others we’ve seen have built-in storage beneath them to keep cushions clean and dry.

5. Think Tiers

If you have the space, consider building several levels for the deck. Here, it helps the transition from conversation areas to lounging areas. And this one delineates the levels even more by using different materials on the deck. Long boards emphasize the area you traverse, while a more rhythmic composition sets the tone in the sitting area and turf adds a relaxing element in the sunbathing area.