Design Trends in 2023

Interior design in 2023 is less about trends, and more about creating spaces that feel and look good, not just today… but for years and years to come. With that in mind, here are a few “trends” that are timeless enough to invest in, that we think you’ll start to see more of this year.  IN: Wood/Warm Tones OUT: Monochromatic/minimalist  For the past several years, we have seen white everywhere. And for good reason… white is classic, clean, timeless, and inoffensive to pretty much everyone. However, too much white can often feel devoid of any personality or warmth, which is why the “all white” look is losing momentum going into 2023.  A seamless alternative that adds warmth leans into colors and textures found in nature. An organic material palette is arguably more everlasting than “all white” if done well. Think brown, beige, green, black, wood, stone, brick, etc. This year is all about resisting the urge to paint all natural materials white, and taking advantage of textures that add depth to your home. Think of it like this… there is nothing more beautiful than going on a hike and being surrounded by trees, rocks, grass, dirt, flowers, etc… now imagine looking around and seeing everything covered in a thick layer of white paint… IN: Curated Interiors OUT: Themed Interiors   When selecting finishes and furnishings, elevate your home by mixing styles, eras, and textures. Focus on filling your home with details that you truly love vs following a specific trend. Going all in on the farmhouse, ultra-Modern, boho, or vintage aesthetic will not only date everything in your home as soon as that trend cycle is over but can make your home feel mass-produced and cold.  An effective way to create a timeless space is to focus on opposites and contrast. Mix light and dark, old and new, feminine and masculine, patterned and neutral, and most importantly… displaying things that mean something to you. This curated approach will look fresh for much longer.  IN: Molding OUT: Accent Walls  Accent walls have been everywhere for the past few years, creating an easy, cost-effective way to add personality to your home in just a short weekend. However, the splash of color can sometimes make a room feel unfinished and arbitrary.  Wall molding is a tried and true way to bring your walls to life, adding texture, depth, and a subtle piece of historical charm. There are countless styles of wall molding but think of it as anything that adds visual interest to your wall... This can be done with heavy trim work, wainscoting, wall paneling, box beam ceilings, chair rail, etc.  IN: Space to spread out OUT: Open Floorplans The open floor plan concept was introduced in the 70’s, an idea that allowed homes with smaller footprints to have an open space to host and entertain guests without owning the largest house in the neighborhood.  Since the 70’s this open concept has become standard for building today. You would be hard pressed to find a home built within the past 15+  years that doesn’t contribute to some kind of open floorplan, however covid changed the way we live in our homes and highlighted some discrepancies in this ever so popular layout.  Humans have always needed the sense of comfort and privacy that defined rooms provide, but with the increase in remote work and school, it has become even more necessary. The combination of living quarters makes working, studying, reading, talking on the phone, or entertaining much more difficult with the backdrop of pots and pans banging…. The need for privacy may explain the rise of man caves and she-sheds that have been built in the past few years. Additionally, large continuous spaces are much harder to keep clean. Messes and smells are no longer isolated, but can be easily tracked throughout the entire living quarters… keeping a tidy home is more difficult, or I guess harder to hide!  Lastly, open living spaces hinder the ability to cultivate different feelings throughout your home. Say you want a white open kitchen, but would prefer a dark and moody living space, and found the perfect wallpaper for your dining room… The idea of giving off a different feel in each space can be challenging. 

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7 Ways to Make Your Home Healthier in 2023

The beginning of a new year sparks inspiration for healthier living… eating better, moving more, and initiating better self-care. These thoughts are even more evident in the pandemic age, where individual health has become a priority for many. But what about the health of our homes? They are, after all, a space we spend a considerable amount of time in. Continue reading for a few tips to make your home healthier this year.   1) Clear the Air: Dust particles linger in the nooks and crannies of our homes, especially in soft fabrics like couches and carpet. They agitate allergies when kicked into the air, and can lead to respiratory issues (in severe cases). Keep dust at bay by frequently vacuuming your home using a good quality vacuum with a HEPA filter and dusting surfaces (especially bookcases and blinds). Replace the air filters in your furnace regularly since they catch particles while air is recirculated throughout the house. Consider adding an air purifier (either attached to your home’s HVAC system or standalone) to rid the air of contaminants. Other ways you can clear the air include opening windows for fresh air and adding a repertoire of air-purifying houseplants.   2) Leave the Shoes at the Door: Wearing shoes inside can spread dirt, grass, pollen, and other pathogens throughout your home. Make a new habit to take off shoes at the door. Create an organized storage area with a shoe rack or storage bench underneath the coat rack near the entrances of the home. Not only will doing this help prevent the spread of germs in your home, it will help keep your floors cleaner.    3) Clean Drinking Water: If you drink tap water, add a filter directly to your faucet or use a purifying water pitcher to clean the water before consumption. Although considered safe, trace amounts of contaminants are found in all sources of water (whether connected to a city system or well). Remember to replace filters frequently in refrigerator water dispensers too. Using bottled water? You may want to reconsider. Tap water is regulated by the EPA, who requires annual testing and yearly public reports identifying contaminants found in local water sources. Bottled drinking water is regulated by the FDA, which has no requirement.    4) Go Non-Toxic: Harsh chemicals found in everyday cleaning solutions and pesticides have been linked to ailments such as asthma and impaired brain development, especially in children. Reduce your family’s exposure to these toxins by using non-toxic cleaning solutions and steering clear of scented air fresheners or candles. Try natural ingredients such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, and baking soda to make homemade cleaners. Click here for a few recipes.   5) Sanitizing Stations: Keeping your hands clean is an important step to reducing the spread of germs throughout your home, and preventing illness.  Studies show that hand washing with soap and water can reduce the risk of illness by as much as 50%. Keep all sinks in your home stocked with soap and clean towels. Also place bottles of hand sanitizer in other highly touched areas, like your entry, kitchen, dining room, and nightstands. If you have small children, consider setting up a hand washing station at their level. Convert a play kitchen to a working sink. Watch a video tutorial here.   6) Mold Prevention: Run exhaust fans while taking showers, cooking, or running the dishwasher to help draw out moisture from the air and reduce the potential for mold growth. Use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar in cleaning solutions to eliminate bacteria from surfaces where mold and mildew tend to build up (i.e. showers and wood countertops). Here are some areas that you wouldn’t usually think that mold tends to grow that should be regularly inspected, cleaned, and/or thrown out: toothbrush holders, under the sink, children’s bath toys, dish sponges, towels, shower loofahs, washing machines, and under floor mats.    7) Create a Space for Relaxation: Our homes tend to be our sanctuaries, but in the current pandemic times, have become an extension of our work and school lives. Create a space for tranquility in your home by making a calming corner in a room that is not integrated with high-traffic areas of the house. Bedrooms naturally lend themselves to be the perfect place for relaxation. In a corner: add floor pillows, a soft-light lamp, soothing artwork or plant, and a yoga mat for meditation and gentle movement. You can further designate this space by using a room divider screen.  

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Neighborhood Spotlight: East Boise

  At the crossroads of the Boise River, Greenbelt, and foothills recreation… East Boise provides an integrated lifestyle that is rich in outdoor activities and area amenities. Two distinct areas stem off of the river, NE and SE Boise. Each offers their own unique appeal and attractions and neighborhoods that we’ll go over below. NE Boise   This area is positioned between the foothills and river, just east of downtown. Cherished for its proximity to the Greenbelt, hiking/biking trails, and access to the city's best restaurants and shopping, NE Boise has a wonderful mix of residences from view properties to historic homes. Popular neighborhoods include the East End/Warm Springs Avenue, NE Boise Foothills, and Barber Valley.    The East End/Warm Springs Avenue: The East End is situated at the base of the foothills and adjacent to the downtown core. This quaint and flat neighborhood is distinctly covered in old-growth trees and dotted with amazing architecture, dating back to the early pioneer days when this area was just fields of wildland. Warm Springs Avenue is an arterial connection from downtown to the most eastern parts of Boise, and features the city’s most notable estates, including a castle! A unique feature of this area is the use of geothermal heating in some of the residences, offering efficient and low cost heating/water to homeowners. In this neighborhood, you’ll find a lot of history not just in the houses and mature landscape, but in the establishments spotted within, including the beloved Roosevelt Market, the Natatorium, the Old Idaho Penitentiary, the Idaho Botanical Garden, and Roosevelt Elementary.  East End Properties for Sale Foothills: Meandering up the hills from the East End are communities like Foothills East, Candleridge, and Table Rock that all take advantage of how close the Ridge-to-Rivers trail system is. Homes date in the 70’s and 80’s and gradually modernize the further up the hills you go. Most often described as ‘tree-house’ like, these residences and neighborhoods are connected to the rolling setting and typically include walk-out basements and ample windows to take in the elevated vistas. The views from these neighborhoods are nothing short of extraordinary, spanning from the Table Rock landmark, over the valley, and beyond to the downtown skyline. Close access to the Military Reserve/Fort Boise recreation area provides residents a bike park, dog park, archery range, and miles of trails… literally out of some of their backyards. Further down Warm Springs Avenue on the other side of Table Rock, communities like El Paseo, Boulder Point, and the Warm Springs Mesa are poised above the river. This plateau neighborhood has a fine mix of older homes and brand new modern construction, and all enjoy the solitude of the open space and less-frequented trails there. NE Boise Foothills Properties for Sale Barber Valley/Harris Ranch: One of Boise’s largest planned developments, Barber Valley provides a niche lifestyle formed around community. What the area lacks in yard size, makes up for in convenience to outdoor recreation. This area has awesome access to the Greenbelt, Barber Park, and trails for endless opportunities to get out and enjoy Boise’s mild weather. Harris Ranch is composed of several different micro-subdivisions that each offer something for everyone, including low-maintenance townhomes, larger estate lots, and view homes above it all in Harris North. Most of these provide community amenities including pools. A neighborhood hub off of Eckert Road has a convenience station/gas, a coffee bar, restaurants, and local businesses. Nearby attractions include the Idaho Shakespeare Festival (an open-air amphitheater), Riverstone International School (private), and Lucky Peak Reservoir for boating.   Barber Valley Properties for Sale SE Boise   The serene area of SE Boise is blanketed by lush tree cover from the fertile soil around the river. Located south of the Boise River and spanning from Boise State University to the I-84 and Hwy-21, this expansive area is home to some of Boise’s most prized residential pockets and affordable opportunities within moments to downtown. SE Boise Properties for Sale River Run: Nestled along the banks of the Boise River, this long-standing and sought-after community takes in waterfront living in a relaxed and tranquil setting. Luxury condominiums blur into beautiful single-family homes (most are single level) as you wander the various pathways set along slow creeks throughout this area. A series of gated communities host Boise’s premier riverfront homes, where architectural integrity is honored in the finest of building materials and opulent amenities. A graveled pedestrian-only trail follows along the river, offering a leisurely stroll through a scenic and dense landscape of greenery, wildlife, and the river. Bown Crossing: Like a town within a town, Bown Crossing is a picturesque thoroughfare lined with businesses and restaurants located in the heart of SE Boise. This epicenter includes Riverside Elementary School, a public library, a St. Al’s urgent care clinic, and long-time dining favorites including The Tavern and Boise Fry Company. A candy shop has taken residence in Bown Crossing for years, although changed in ownership and name (now Cravin’s Candy Emporium), the experience of an old-fashioned candy store remains. The surrounding residential areas include townhomes for the carefree and large single-family homes with plenty of yard space for play.  Lakewood: This area offers quiet suburban living just outside the bustle of the city, yet is less than 15 minutes to downtown entertainment and close to freeway access for commuting. It may be simple in terms of attractions, but there is a dreamy stillness to the neighborhood that draws in folks of all ages. Dozens of cul-de-sacs and easygoing roads are lined by established homesites, making this area feel hidden and private. Plentiful schools, parks, and nearby shopping centers provide convenience for everyday routines.  South Village/Boise State University: Set adjacent to the campus and spreading south and east just a little ways past Broadway Avenue, various multi-family residences, apartment buildings, and darling single-family homes make up the South Village neighborhood. Due to the proximity to the university, the area is heavily utilized for student housing, making it prime for investment. South Village Properties For Sale   Want to learn more about Boise's neighborhoods? Click here to explore other neighborhoods and download our comprehensive guide!

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