As the temperature drops, it’s a sign that it’s almost time to prepare your home for the upcoming winter season. Taking proactive steps to protect your home from the harsh winter elements can save you money on energy bills, prevent damage, and ensure a warm and cozy living environment. In this guide, we’ll cover essential tasks to ensure you’re ready for the winter season:
Indoor Winter Preparations
Protect Your Pipes and Insulate
Insulating your pipes is a critical necessity in home preparation for winter weather. Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs and water damage. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as the attic, basement, and garage. Use pipe insulation sleeves to keep them warm.
In addition to insulating your pipes, sealing windows and doors is also important. Drafty windows and doors can significantly increase your heating bills. Sealing any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping or caulk can combat this problem. For windows, consider using window film or heavy curtains to improve insulation.
Prep the Fireplace
A chimney inspection can save you time and hassle when preparing for the winter months. Before lighting the first fire of the season, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Creosote buildup can lead to chimney fires.
Be sure to stock up on firewood. Ensure you have a sufficient supply of seasoned firewood that is stored in a dry place away from the house to prevent pests from making their winter home in your logs.
Lastly, if not tended to properly, fireplaces can pose many safety hazards. Installing or inspecting smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near your fireplace can ensure catching any problems before it is too late. Have a fire extinguisher nearby, and teach your family members how to use it.
Stock Up on Winter Necessities
Preparing for the winter season can mean a whole lot of things – one of the most important being stocking up on necessities to ensure you and your family stay warm, healthy and prepared for any scenario. Swapping out your shorts and bathing suits can create space for new winter apparel. Warm clothing, including coats, hats, gloves, and scarves can keep you warm as temperatures decline. Don’t forget warm socks and boots for extra protection against the cold.
Stocking up on winter emergency kits can also help you to prepare in case of emergency. This includes essentials like flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit. Be ready for power outages and unexpected winter storms.
Outdoor Winter Preparations
Clean out the Gutters
Be sure to clean out the gutters before it gets too cold. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause water damage to your home. Clean out leaves, debris, and make sure downspouts are clear to allow proper drainage.
Prune and Trim Your Outdoor Plants
Trimming your shrubs, bushes, hedges and pruning trees can prevent various hazardous issues during the cold months. Overgrown branches can become hazardous when weighed down by ice or snow. Prune them back to prevent damage to your home and ensure safety.
Take In Your Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture and appliances are not cheap – but avoidable repairs are even more expensive. Store outdoor furniture, cushions, and grills in a dry, covered area or a garage. This helps extend their lifespan and prevents them from getting damaged by winter weather.
Winter-proofing your home is a proactive approach to ensure your family’s comfort and safety during the cold months. Don’t wait until the first snowfall – start your preparations now for a cozy and stress-free winter season.
“My brother and I contacted Lara in June about renovating and selling my late mother’s condo. She was more than willing to help and viewed the property the very next day and gave us her thoughts on the renovation process. Within a couple of days she gave an itemized list of recommendations for improvements on the property. Lara, understanding that I was from out of state took the lead throughout the renovation of the condo. She had great insight and suggestions on what needed to be done within our budget to get it completed. She was always communicating and updating me on progress, she was always available when I contacted her. Her expertise was very valuable to get things done in a timely manner, so we could get the property on the market. Lara went over and above our expectations. I would highly recommend her to anyone.” – Robert Biggs
“Lara Conrad was wonderful to work with from our first meeting to when we finally purchased our dream home and land almost a year later! She was very responsive and offered good advice and suggestions along the way. She even advised caution and further consideration on a property we almost settled for that didn’t check all the boxes of what we wanted. We could tell she wasn’t just in it to simply convince us to buy a house as quick as possible, but that she actually cared about and supported us in being patient and waiting for the right home. She went above and beyond in helping us through the process and unexpected hurdles. I highly recommend her to anyone searching for a home!” – Joy Harris
As the leaves start turning, it’s time to think about where your next autumn adventure will take you. Explore these five under-the-radar fall getaways with truly mesmerizing views, cultural experiences, and seasonal harvests that will make this fall a memorable one.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley, renowned for its world-class wineries, offers some of the most breath-taking views year-round – but is especially enchanting during the autumn season. As fall arrives, the valley’s vineyards turn into a canvas of red, orange, and gold hues. Visitors of the valley are encouraged to rise with the sun for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride, where the valley’s landscape glistens from the soft glow of morning light. Additionally, take the time to discover the historic towns of St. Helena and Yountville, which offer a look into the rich history of Napa Valley. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy farm-to-table delicacies and browse through artisanal shops. Treat yourself to the finest locally sourced and seasonal offerings while immersing yourself in the fall atmosphere in Napa Valley.
Solvang, California
Wake up to the smell of Solvang’s freshly baked danishes and butter cookies this fall. Known for its Danish influence, Solvang is located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. During the fall, the location’s old-world windmills, half-timbered architecture, and Danish bakeries create a charming atmosphere lighting up the historic town. Treat yourself to traditional pastries, delve into local museums, and enjoy leisurely strolls along streets as Solvang celebrates its harvest season through the months of September to November.
Montreal, Canada
Escape to Montreal this fall and experience European charm on North American soil. In Montreal, the cobblestone streets and historic architecture set the stage for a perfect fall getaway. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the Montreal Botanical Garden as leaves change color. Take the time to explore the city’s vibrant arts scene and rich cultural fusion. Don’t forget to stop by one of Montreal’s cozy cafes and for a warm cup of coffee and French pastries this breezy season.
Seattle, Washington
Despite having a reputation for their rainy weather, Seattle is truly charming during the fall. As a city driven by imagination and creativity, it is the ideal getaway for those who enjoy the urban buzz while still craving a glimpse of the natural world. Seattle’s parks and waterfront streets are showered with autumn leaves while the weather makes it perfect for exploration. As visitors take in stunning views from the iconic Space Needle and explore diverse neighborhoods, unique culinary experiences influenced by the local art scene are just around the corner.
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Located along the coastline of Massachusetts, Duxbury is the ideal autumn escape. While some visitors may decide to spend their time enjoying a panoramic view of the coast at the iconic lighthouse, others may decide to tour Duxbury’s oyster farms and catch a glimpse of local marine life. Immerse yourself in nature as you walk along King Phillips Path, where the fallen leaves create a carpet of color along the shore. As home to the nation’s largest shipbuilding centers, Duxbury invites those seeking both a relaxing and historic vacation.
Beautifully updated property in the peaceful Griffins Gate community. One level living at its best with 1-car attached garage, additional refrigerator included, and your own private, gated courtyard in back. Impeccably maintained and beautifully updated, this spacious 2 BR 2 bath home opens up to a large inviting great room furnished with new luxury vinyl flooring and a gas fireplace for cozy winter days at home. Enjoy the updated, fully equipped eat-in kitchen for your meals and the convenience of an equipped laundry room with washer and dryer. Refrigerator and washer/dryer stay with property. Split bedroom floor plan offers privacy and also appointed with new luxury vinyl floors; plenty of light and large closets. Other recent updates include new lighting and paint throughout. Quiet, maintenance free living only minutes from downtown, shopping, entertainment, the airport, hospitals and more. **Seller offers 2 year home warranty.Outdoor furniture, flower pots and indoor decor are all excluded from purchase.
A wave of excitement and wanderlust is sweeping across the globe: summer is here. With all its promises of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences, it’s the time of year when we yearn to escape the everyday routine and discover all the exciting places the earth has to offer.
Come along as we tour five stunning vacation homes—from México to Spain. Grab your sunglasses, pack your suitcase, and get ready to uncover the most captivating homes that will make your summer shine.
This breathtaking, four-bedroom jungle villa boasts a dramatic contemporary style with Mexican-inspired elements and spaces. Located in the private, and exclusive, gated community of Aldea Zama, Casa Leonardo Tulum was built in 2017 and is perfectly situated between charming downtown Tulum and the beach’s abundant restaurants, boutiques, and bars.
Enjoy captivating jungle views upon entering the villa’s main door, where you are greeted by an expansive dining room and additional outdoor living and dining areas. Soak in the Caribbean sunshine by the pool or have a hydro massage inside the Jacuzzi. Enjoy a BBQ on the exterior grill and relax in the art backyard, where you’ll find the mural masterpiece “More Love” by Mexican artist Jorge Tellaeche.
Additional highlights of the property include its heated pool, private terrace, outside dining area, and rooftop access.
Long Point Island is an exclusive private island offering endless 360-degree water views, numerous hidden beaches, two meticulously maintained homes, and a park-like setting of meadows, paths, and stunning granite ridges. Eat breakfast watching the sunrise from your ocean-facing screened-in porch; dine with the sunset all around you on your south/west-facing decks; watch sailboats from your living room; and listen to the ocean waves from your sunlight-bathed kitchen. Outside, paths wind through this almost six-acre retreat, and granite ridges provide ample perches for fishing.
A sanctuary perfect for both solo enjoyment and sharing with family and friends, Long Point Island is a rare and wonderful estate with a unique bucolic charm—all located within an easy drive to downtown Brunswick and a short car ride (or boat trip, should you prefer) to Portland.
This single-level, mid-century design, custom property offers the best of Marin County vacation homes. Exquisite front yard landscaping includes blossoms and a splashing pool, evoking memories of beach resorts worldwide. The moveable glass door brings the outside in, as the home’s architecture takes advantage of the area’s significant natural beauty. Large windows and an open floor plan make for a spacious, light-filled interior, the perfect place to entertain large gatherings.
Highlights from the property include a bay window overlooking the outdoor dining area, and an expansive chef’s kitchen with storage, stainless appliances, a wine storage closet, and direct access to a 44-foot solar-heated pool. Located in proximity to the highly coveted Andy’s Market, the Marina, and accessible walkways.
Good things come to those who wait, and after almost 60 years, this incredible property is finally on the market. Perched above the private and sandy Empire Beach, this lovely 3,800-square-foot home features stunning panoramic ocean, city, and mountain views. The three-bedroom property features a spacious primary suite and a main floor with a freshly renovated kitchen and family room, a formal dining/living room, a den, and a wrap-around patio perfect for summer BBQs.
Spend your weekends playing bocce on the flat, grassy lawn. Take your boat to explore the majestic waterfront, or head out for a peaceful sunset paddleboard.
Listed for $69 million (or €65 million), Villa Solitaire was designed by award-winning Italian architect Matteo Thun, who created the striking glass-front home to capitalize on the magnificent views. The abode took nearly eight years to complete and was designed to mimic boat sails floating through the air.
The seven-bedroom, six-bathroom home overlooks the capital, Palma, and the Mediterranean Sea and features multiple living rooms, which open onto the infinity terraces, pools, and lush gardens. The basement surprises visitors with its own video art installation along with a Zen Garden, fitness room with treatment facilities, sauna, Turkish bath, and six spacious parking spaces. Other highlights include open fireplaces, a formal and informal dining room, a main and satellite kitchen, a bar, and a wine cellar.
The property is so stunning, in fact, that Nicole Kidman stayed there earlier this year while filming the spy thriller series “Lioness,” in which she’ll star as CIA Senior Supervisor Kaitlyn Meade.
Whether it’s the blooming flowers, warmer winds, or longer days, spring has always inspired us to tackle the cleaning and tidying that may have been swept under the rug in previous seasons. By reading blogs like this or even visiting a dedicated side of social media users known as “CleanTok,” your library of ideas, tips, and tricks to assist in getting your home refreshed is ever-expanding.
Room by room, here is your complete spring 2023 cleaning checklist.
Kitchen Spring Cleaning Hacks You Need to Know
When it comes to the kitchen, let’s go back to basics. That means removing everything from your cabinets and using a damp microfiber cloth with a little dish soap to remove all the grime that has accrued since your last swipe inside them. Limited on time? Disinfecting wipes can also be an efficient tool to collect dust from the tops of cabinets.
We all know that crumbs from cooking and meals find themselves, someway, somehow, under the kitchen appliances. Ideally, sweeping these up two to three times a year can help prevent any annual back-breaking work. To do so, make sure to first unplug the appliance before carefully shifting it out of its designated home until there is enough room to safely sweep up any rebellious leftovers.
And, as far as counters go, there are a number of cleaning cocktails that can get the job done. Be it a bleach and water solution* or a standard disinfectant spray, remember that counters are a food-contact surface; no matter your cleaning agent of preference, be sure to finish with a clean water rinse.
*Note: We would be remiss to mention that this is not suitable for marble countertops.
Viral Kitchen Hack that Works: Cleaning Wooden Spoons
Wooden spoons are gorgeous and on-trend. They bring a bucolic touch to any kitchen; however, cleaning them can be a challenge. While they aren’t supposed to go in a dishwasher, hand-cleaning, even directly after use, just doesn’t seem to cut it.
We have you covered with this difficult-to-clean utensil. Simply submerge all your spoons in a pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, and watch as the water changes color. Rinse and repeat as needed.
Bathroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
When it comes time to tackle the bathroom, the best thing you can do is start with a clean slate. From drawers to medicine cabinets to cleaning supplies, take inventory of everything you have. This way you can easily see the essentials that need to stay and the extraneous things you’ve collected or been gifted along the way. If it has reached the end of its shelf life (literally or metaphorically), get rid of it and declutter.
Now, it’s time to get rid of all the dust that will get in the way later in your cleaning process. From the top down, use a dry rag or a vacuum cleaner attachment to first clean the ceiling vents and/or fans, and then move down to ledges, windowsills, and shelves.
After you finish, you’re ready to go. Wash whatever shower curtains, towels, bath mats, or window currents you have, and be sure not to miss the plastic shower curtain—you should either replace it if you haven’t recently or at the very least, give it a thorough clean on your patio or deck.
Now, it’s time to start scrubbing. Make sure you disinfect all surfaces including any wall hangings, the walls themselves, cabinets, and the shower, tub, sink, and toilet, as well as glass features like mirrors or shower doors. This is also a good time to wipe down your trash can—inside and out. Once you’ve gotten through all of that (we know it’s a lot), all that’s left is sweeping, mopping, and admiring your hard work.
Viral Bathroom Hack That Works: Advertised for Dishes—Best for Showers
Cleaning the shower is hardly anybody’s favorite. Among the myriad of shower-cleaning products available, turning to a dish-cleaning brush and a simple DIY solution (that you already have the ingredients for) could be the answer to all your problems.
Grab a bristled dish brush that has a compartment for (what is normally) dish soap. Instead, fill it with a solution that is half dish soap and half white vinegar. Before you know it, you will have a sparkling clean shower, no vinegary smell, and the unparalleled relief of time-effective cleaning. Best of all, these brush heads are removable, replaceable, and even reusable should you wish to run them through your dishwasher (after a particularly arduous spring cleaning effort, perhaps).
The Professional-grade Bedroom Spring Cleaning Guide
Between the baseboards and floors, the mattress, and the closet, there is a lot of ground to cover when it comes to deep-cleaning a bedroom, but when all is said and done, this guide will keep things simple, and quick.
Step by Step Bedroom Spring Cleaning Guide
Step One: Get the bedding in the laundry. Grab the pillow covers, sheets, and duvets and toss them into the washer. Once this has started, dust your way from the top down. Use a long-handled feather duster to hit all those hard-to-reach places that don’t regularly get cleaned. Pro Tip: Dust isn’t picky when it comes to its surfaces; run the duster right across the walls, and you may just be surprised by how much was hiding in plain sight.
Step Two: Get every nook and cranny. Now that the bed is fully stripped, use a powerful vacuum cleaner and its attachments to pick up all the dust and debris that may be lingering on the mattress itself. You can also take this as an opportunity to flip your mattress, which ensures it’s wearing evenly.
Step Three: Hit the decks. Now that the preliminary dusting has been taken care of, the floors (even if regularly cleaned) are ready for some extra TLC. Use a mop and commercial hardwood floor cleaners for hardwood floors. These are available at most grocery and drug stores. For carpets, sprinkle baking soda across the entire carpet and allow it to sit for about five minutes. Then, vacuum once in each direction. This will also help to remove any odors.
Step Four: Open the windows, and let the fresh air do some of the hard work for you. This will help handle any chemical smells that may be lingering in the room from earlier steps.
Step Five: The closet—take everything out of it. Use a disinfectant spray and power towels or a cloth to wipe up any dust hiding under clothes piles. Take your duster and wipe it along any rods as well. Then, neatly put everything back in.
If you have been looking to get rid of some of your clothing but aren’t quite sure where to start, put all hanging clothes back in facing one direction. Then, the next time you go to wear it, face its hanger in the other direction. Come the end of summer, anything that remains oriented in the original direction can be donated.
Viral Hack that Doesn’t Work: Tennis Balls
Cleaning the pillows themselves is a long-standing staple of spring cleaning checklists. It has often been suggested that adding a new tennis ball or two to the drying cycle can help soften the pillows and expedite the dying process without the use of chemical fabric softeners.
With this being said—despite having these recreational accouterments on hand—their chemical dye can often transfer to down items, and further, may not be able to withstand the heat a dryer produces (which, spoiler alert, will lead them to melt into your pillows).
Caring for your home helps maintain and enhance its value. For any questions about a home’s valuation, Engel & Völkers real estate advisors are experts at helping you understand what factors affect its overall value. From everyone at Engel & Völkers, happy spring.
Engel & Völkers released today an original trend report based on exclusive market research of likely homebuyers across North America conducted to understand the current attitude, mindset, and intentions of luxury consumers who plan to buy a home in the next few years. Findings indicate that the luxury homebuying market is being driven by millennials, representing a significant shift and transfer of wealth and property from baby boomers. Furthermore, with multiple trends influencing the mindsets and attitudes of specific segments within these consumers, Engel & Völkers has identified five trends that will drive each group of North American luxury homebuyers in the next year.
Peak luxury buyers
Representing consumers looking to purchase a home above the $3 million price point, 59% of peak luxury buyers are millennials. Two-thirds of these buyers report that their jobs allow them to work from anywhere so it is not surprising that nearly all of them either currently own or are planning to purchase a second home in the near future. For real estate professionals hoping to reach peak luxury buyers, it is most important to stay active on social media, as this group of homebuyers rely heavily on Instagram and Facebook to learn about real estate professionals in their desired market.
The next generation luxury influencer
Influencer culture has given rise to a distinct subset of buyers who are curating their own personal brand of luxury and showcasing it online with a reach and scale that previously didn’t exist for the individual consumer. More than half are millennials who tend to invest in experiences and other external markers of wealth and status, and subsequently, share this lifestyle with their followers. When it comes to working with real estate professionals, these consumers value local market and luxury expertise. They are planning to spend over $1 million on their next home and are likely also influential in their offline communities, which can lead to word-of-mouth exposure for real estate professionals who provide a personalized, high-touch experience when working with these buyers.
International buyers
Sixty-two percent of luxury buyers in North America looking to purchase outside of the continent are millennials or Gen Z, and they are real estate savvy. Forty-one percent already own more than one home, and 23% own three or more homes. They are looking to work with real estate professionals who have the resources and knowledge of both local and international markets and can be flexible to their schedules. International buyers also value industry experts with experience dealing in luxury properties, so real estate professionals should be sure to promote their luxury knowledge.
Second home seekers
Luxury buyers on the market for a second home are most likely to be married millennials or Gen X with children living in the household. One-third will be looking to purchase in a region of the country different from where they currently live and nearly all want this residence to be convenient for recreational activities and home amenities, including pools, gyms, and spas. Real estate professionals should note that nearly half of these buyers report that interest rates are influencing them to move up their timeline for buying a second home and that they most value an agent who can help them evaluate the pros and cons of different properties.
Emerging affluence
Emerging affluence refers to first-time homebuyers, overwhelmingly made up of millennials and Gen Z, who are making over $100,000 in yearly household income. They are more likely to have moved to a new city and started a new job within the past year. The most important factors in deciding where to purchase their first home are neighborhood vibe, walkability, and proximity to both restaurants and work. These buyers most value local expertise when working with real estate professionals and nearly half will reach out to a real estate professional for help before identifying homes they’re interested in online.
“Baby boomers will continue to have a lasting effect on our economy, empowering millennials with financial means to largely drive the buy side of the real estate market in the years to come,” said Anthony Hitt, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. “For real estate professionals serving the luxury segment, it’s important to understand and adapt to the evolving preferences of new generations who are taking up more space in the market. Continuing to serve as market experts and trusted sources of information will be vital to providing the personalized service and expertise that today’s consumers expect.”
As we enter the new year, many of us are taking time to evaluate our lives, goals, and habits—focusing on becoming better versions of ourselves. Whether you want to be healthier, happier, more productive, or anything else this year, it’s important to consider how your physical environment will influence your mental health and mood. The first step towards a “new you” may actually be refreshing your home’s interior design to better facilitate your goals.
From personality-driven designs to vintage pieces and bold colors, we’ve gathered some up-and-coming design trends that will inspirit your dreams for 2023.
Personality-driven design
Minimalism has been eminent in the modern design world over the past several years, but in 2023, we’re turning the page. While not everyone may be ready to embrace a fully maximalist home, it’s easy to take the first steps toward one if you’re still stuck in your minimalist era.
“We have seen so much minimalism over the last few years; our clients are now craving warmth, depth, and character in their personal spaces.”
Not sure how to make the switch? Consider adding personal collections, art that inspires you, or a mix of old and new furnishings. The goal is to create a room that speaks to you, not an uninspiring, Pinterest-perfect space.
Textures, curves, and accents
As we covered last year, curves are in—now alongside textured and accented walls. Another step away from modernist and minimalistic design, these features invite a breadth of character and whimsy to your home. Arched doorways and curves around exterior walls add fresh, exciting shapes, and textured wallpaper and decorative accessories offer eye-catching surprises. While it may not be possible to install a new curved wall this year (or maybe it is), it’s easy to add textured and accented pieces to the rooms where you already live.
“Opt for an accent with a unique texture or wallpaper in a similar color to the rest of the room. If you want to create a wooden accent wall, make sure you’re using vertical slats as they give a roof a lift and make small spaces feel more intimate and large spaces feel more inviting.”
The most important part? Location, location, location. Choose the right wall to refresh, typically the first one you see when you enter a room.
Wellness at home
The subject of our fall edition of GG magazine, mindful living remains a top priority for many homeowners across the Americas. This trend can take shape in a number of different ways; from water features and open-air spaces to home gyms and spas, the goal is the same: helping you take care of yourself by creating a space for nourishment and focus.
“When it comes to space planning, clients are requesting intentional spaces for activities like meditation, yoga, exercise, and last but not least, home spas.”
These spaces, often called wellness rooms, are on track to eventually replace home gyms. Designers creating wellness rooms integrate materials with a positive impact on conditions like diabetes and anxiety; lighting technology that supports natural circadian rhythms; and high-tech air purifiers to ensure you breathe easily.
Vintage chic
In 2023, we’re saying out with the old and in with the older. That’s right; vintage furniture is having its (second) moment in the spotlight. Ditch inexpensive (and cheaply made) items that will likely find their end in a landfill, and substitute them with used, vintage, or antique furnishings. These pieces call upon past memories and add character to any room.
“People are going to begin investing more in quality products that will stand the test of time. Rather than buying something cheap to get the look at the moment, people will be more selective about what they put in their home in order to have it for years to come.”
Not only are they sustainable but they also seamlessly integrate personal and family histories into the spaces we live—whether it’s a grandfather clock that’s been passed through generations or a desk from your childhood home.
Bold, unexpected colors
Alongside minimalism, natural and neutral-colored spaces have dominated interiors in the Americas for the past several years. Now, however, we can look forward to spending time in brighter spaces, particularly those drenched in yellow, as gray interiors take a back seat. Expect to see rich, warm tones inspired by nature, as well as bold pops of color in furniture, throw pillows, and accent rugs.
Temperatures are dropping, the sun is setting earlier, and we’re all in search of ways to invite a little extra warmth into our homes. “Home and hearth,” as the idiom goes…and that’s exactly what a fireplace brings, a feeling of warmth and security to any room.
For all their utility, fireplaces serves as much more than just a battleground for winter’s bite. Beyond this, fireplaces quite literally light up a room and warm our souls when friends, family, and loved ones join us around the chattering crackles and pops.
Last but not least, fireplaces can be absolutely gorgeous. Coming in a variety of sizes, combinations, and locations, there is a mantle for everyone’s taste. As such, we are taking this opportunity to feature five stunning fireplace vignettes for five distinct personalities, as well as highlighting two Engel & Völkers listings with mantles blazing their own trails.
The Bookworm’s Haven
What goes better together than a book and a fireplace?
With that being said, avid readers may be wondering, “Can I combine my fireplace and living room to create the perfect reading atmosphere?” The answer: an emphatic yes. First and foremost, flank your fireplace with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on either side. Perhaps the finishes that you choose could reflect your favorite genre—our mystery lovers may opt for the complexity of deeply stained oak, while our romance novelists lean into the depth of a heart-stopping emerald.
As for the mantle’s material, highlight the oak’s character with corbels and an applique—hinting towards a storied Victorian backstory. Top it all off with a mirror above the mantle, and there is no question who the main character is.
The Artist’s Muse
What is more inspiring than a flickering fire within a thoughtfully articulated mantle-scape?
Here in lies an opportunity to bring this centerpiece outdoors. Whether in a more traditional, stone mantle fashion, a circular fire pit, or an artisanal stone fire bowl, a fireplace enjoyed amidst the peace and quiet of the great outdoors is one that inspires. This is perhaps the perfect opportunity to go for a bold, wrapping mantle made of stone or reclaimed wood that matches the natural surroundings. A sturdier base can also double as a seating arrangement for chillier nights.
For ease of use, consider including a wood storage solution in the design of your outdoor fireplace, and enjoy.
The Classicalist’s Monolith
There’s something to be said for the classics—grounding, timeless, and constant. For the classicalist, the hearth is truly the heart of the home. Its gravity pulls all, residents and guests alike, to gather in front of its flames.
Here, there is no question of material; marble is a must. Not only gorgeous, but marble also provides superior durability and longevity. Though like many natural stones, it will etch, and each addition to its surface will add to its old-world appeal.
The rest is up to you. White marble? Black? We would suggest a hearty mantlepiece.
The Traveler’s Vitrine
As a global brand, we know that many of our readers enjoy traveling, and, naturally, have brought home tchotchkes from every corner of the globe. What better place to tell the stories behind them than by a fire, and where better to display them than on your mantle?
Make it an homage, a collection of memories—a wanderlust, conquered. The only detail required for the traveler’s fireplace is a generously oversized, wrapping mantle. Be it wood, stone, or brick, you choose a material that best compliments the treasures you wish to display.
Alternatively, if you wish to house souvenirs elsewhere, a fireplace can be a blank canvas for creative tilework. Whether sourcing the tiles from one of your favorite countries or letting a beautiful design boldly tell the tales of your travels, don’t be afraid to let creativity take the reins of your fireplace’s design. Standing in the center of your home will be a reflection of your core beliefs: that there is a beautiful world out there waiting to be seen, enjoyed, and appreciated.
The Modernist’s Showpiece
Every home needs a statement, and a fireplace can be a hotbed of innovation.
For decades, interior designers and architects have proved that warm and cozy rooms do not need to come at the expense of a cool and contemporary style.
Consider playing up the scale of your fireplace; an entire wall of stone, tile, or marble will leave guests awestruck. Dual-sided fireplaces will undoubtedly strike up a conversation about the intersection of utility and design, and a fireplace painted to match the walls of the room creates the “white box” feeling that contemporary museums are famous for.
Now that we have struck the hotbed of inspiration, here are two current Engel & Völkers listings that feature gorgeous fireplaces.
400 Deep Fork Circle
Just outside of Oklahoma City, this home features a grand total of eight fireplaces, as well as an outdoor fire pit. No shortage of luxury, the primary suite includes a see-through fireplace. Sounds like a modernist’s dream, no?
Bookworms will enjoy an elevated reading experience surrounded by the book-lined shelves that flank the fireplace in this Lake Forest mansion. Make sitting back and grabbing your favorite book while the fire casts a warm light amongst the pages your daily reality.
