From the Boston Globe web site:
House prices in Boston increased for a fifth consecutive month, according to the S&P/ Case-Shiller Home Price Index released today, but the price gains dwindled from levels earlier in the year.
Boston home prices increased 0.1 percent between July and August. Boston was one of only four major US cities that did not experience a drop in home prices. This latest news comes from S&P/Case-Shiller, which tracks 20 major US cities.
Dark brown walls paired with light blue, pink or Sea-foam-green.
Gray is this years “IT” color for neutral walls.
I can’t take a sides here. While I agree that I’m so over the brown phase that designers have putting up everywhere to give things a luxury feel gray is not my favorite color either. Truth be told if you want a classic neutral color pick an off shade of white. It will always be in style and something that people with more ambitious design standards can easily paint over. (Brown takes many layers of primer to cover up)
What’s OUT: thick polished slabs of granite.
What’s IN: thinner countertops (3/4″ or less) either slab or reclaimed materials.
My Take: I have to agree with magazine here, I’m tired of seeing the thick slabs of granite as well. Don’t get me wrong I still think granite is the standard by which all kitches should get in line with, butt the thick slabs have to go. Granite has become the ubiquitous upgrade that everyone puts in when they want to update their kitchens. While it does increase a homes value putting in the wrong color just for the sake of putting it in is not the right move. As for the reclaimed materials if your trying achieve a distinct look or just want to be super eco-friendly then by all means go right ahead. Some of the reclaimed materials especially the glass counters can really work well in a modern kitchen.
The Boston Globe Magazine has published a list of what’s in and what’s out in the latest homes. The list has some surprises in it and some not so surprising things. Check out the full article in the 10/12/08 edition of the magazine or on their website. For fun I’ll be covering the latest topics here. Keep their thoughts in mind if you’re thinking of redoing your place, because some of the advice featured is really good.
This article outlines why Boston is unique compared to everywhere else. It helps to explain how sagging economies around the country and real estate values dropping dramatically everywhere but here aren’t affecting us. Remember real estate is local and as much as the New York Times maybe great for overall reading don’t necessarily trust it when it comes to the Boston real estate market.
Boston.com today ran a great article about a show that’s been a New England institution for 30 years. This Old House will be in its 30th season this year and it’s just as relevant now as it was 30 years ago. The article talks about how the show brings towns together and gets people talking and how that’s what should really be happening. It turns isolated people into real neighbors because people are generally interested in what other are doing. It gives them a connection. With it’s many spin offs and side shows like Ask This Old House, they have been able to hold onto what drew in so many viewers so long ago. Perhaps even the Ask, section is even more popular today with more and more people choosing to remodel their existing homes with mortgages being so tough to get lately. I’ve been a fan of this show my whole life and I hope to see it around in another 30 years.
PS. Maybe Todd English should call these guys to come do his house!
© 2008 Chris Dunn
