Go Big or Go Home ~ Bold colors for your front door. Make your space as awesome as you are!

Without fail a cold wintry day makes me want to feather my nest. While hunkered down at home watching the white, calm quiet of snow falling I start trolling for ideas to make my home even more "me" before the holidays.

I have always been struck by bold front door colors. While in Scotland about a decade ago, I was charmed by the array of beautifully brightly painted front doors. A cheery smile against a mostly gray and green backdrop. Increasingly I am seeing homeowners taking a leap of faith and painting their front door something bold and lovely. Just the front door, leaving the rest of the home coordinated but not matching the punch of the door color.

If you're looking to do a quick project, and low cost (as well as easy to erase!), this might be your ticket. Here is a link to a great post on going big with door color ~ http://bit.ly/1GPFmrT. Post some pictures of doors you like too. I'd love to see what you've done or what you've found. And if you're thinking of sprucing up to sell your space or find a new one, give me a call. I'd love to help.

Be Sunnyside. Be Part of the Next Big Thing. 
Call me to find out how. 720-319-5591

Christine@ KentwoodCity.com

Thinking about changing up your home for the Holidays? Check out the New Neutrals.

Thinking about sprucing up your home before the holidays? As I am in residential real estate here in Denver, I get to see new trends in decorating all the time. I am loving the greys I am seeing being used as the new neutral. I see less and less of the builder beige and decorator white and more of this rich, warm grey. It feels sophisticated and current, while not being so new that it feels unfriendly. What I love about it is that you can make this neutral be as modern or traditional as you like ~ it really goes both ways!! Play upon the tonal elements or add bright colors in accessories which will really pop. This article shares how to choose a grey, or a green (yes, a new one. Not the icky hospital one!) as your neutral backdrop. http://bit.ly/1AG8jG1

If you are tackling a a fresh look in your home, feel free to post some before and after photos. I'd love to see how it unfolds! And if you'd like to find a new space, or need to sell your current one, please give me a call.

Be Sunnyside. Be Part of the Next Big Thing. 
Call me to find out how. 720-319-5591

Christine@ KentwoodCity.com 

My Top Ten Favorite Places to "Work From Home"

Top Ten Places to Work From “Home”

We all need to have a go to place from time-to-time, when we need to work, but perhaps your home isn’t quiet enough, or your office desk isn’t the right environment. I have compiled a list of my Top Ten “Home” Office work locations. Go ahead and change it up ~ you might be inspired! Most offer free WiFi. I can often be found scouring new listings for my clients, finding them the perfect home while visiting one of the fabulous establishments listed below.

1. Common Grounds Coffeehouse, 2139 E 44^th Avenue. Common Grounds Coffeehouse has been providing a community gathering place for North Denver for over 20 years. The Sunnyside neighborhood is truly a melting pot ~ it’s history of hardworking immigrants from all over the world is the kind of vibe you feel at Common Grounds. Located in the “Radiator Shop” building, it is spacious and gregarious. Like walking into your best friend’s kitchen and pulling up a chair.

2. Union Station : 1225 Seventeenth Street.  Have you been to visit the newly reopened Union Station? It’s challenging to describe just how breathtaking the new space is. The original train station elements have remained intact while updating the facility for today’s needs. The large central terminal is light and bright, with lots of large sofas, tables  and free wifi ~ a super place to grab a coffee (Pig Train) or a cocktail (The Terminal Bar and The Cooper Lounge).

3. Downpours Coffee: 3937 Tennyson Street. A most delicious, artfully crafted cup of coffee awaits you. Also recommended are the delectable handmade pastries and nibbles. Tennyson Street is the new local main-street type retail area, still chock full of independent small business. You’ll be in the company of other self-employed folks here, and the staff is friendly.

4. Mangiamo Pronto:  1601 17^th Street. Located on the corner of 17^th and Wazee in the lodo neighborhood, Mangiamo Pronto is an Italian coffee shop and bistro, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring delicious egg dishes, paninis and pizzettis, pasta, gelato and drinks too! The space is bright, the staff is friendly, and the food, if you’re so inclined, delicious.

5. Crema: 2962 Larimer St. Craving a more industrial chic feel? Then stop by Crema. The creamiest smooth coffee, mouthwatering entrees, and industrial cool décor.

6. Gallop Café: 2401 W 32^nd Ave. A long time neighborhood favorite, this corner café and restaurant has a liquor license ~ so if you’re craving a masterpiece of a Bloody Mary, Gallop serves one, with a short glass of PBR. Breakfast and lunch entrées are delicious and innovative. Indoor and outdoor café seating is available.

7. Huckleberry Roasters: 4301 Pecos Street. Two friends create a space combining their passion for community, music and coffee. A belief that a coffee shop can be a cornerstone of a strong community. It’s a cool space on the west side of town.

8. Thump: 1201 E 13^th Ave. With locations in Denver and Bend, Oregon, Thump is almost library-like in it’s quiet atmosphere in which to get your work done.

9.  Black Eye: 3408 Navajo Street. With the roll up garage door front, tile backsplash, distressed wood furniture, this space is inviting and nostalgic.

10. Steam Espresso Bar: 1801 S Pearl Street. Platt Park is home to this phenomenal coffee bar. Cutting edge brewing and sustainably raised coffee make this a come back fave.

Be Part of the Next Big Thing. 
Call me to find out how. 720-319-5591

The Freyja Project ~the place that helped me finish my Project 50

I turned 50 this spring. On Mother's Day actually. For most of my forties I felt my fitness level slipping away. I had some health issues and just never got back to where I was. I have been an athlete my whole life and it was disheartening to feel as though I wasn't going to be able to get back to a reasonable level of fitness where I can do the things I want to do with enough energy to enjoy them. So, I decided that for 50 days following my birthday I would participate in one yoga class a day. It was a present to myself.

As a full time real estate broker, wife, and mother to four daughters, my days (as is the same with most people I know) are filled start to finish. To ensure that I would get the yoga practice in I had to do it first thing in the morning ~ yep, at 6:00 am ~ or it would likely be pushed back for some other more pressing agenda item.

Enter The Freyja Project. I hesitate to call it a yoga studio, because it is so much more than that. Patty Henry has created a beautiful space that offers about a dozen classes a day (all stripes of yoga, some dance classes, some barre classes, some fitness classes) as well as bodywork (massage, facials, acupuncture, etc). It's really a happiness studio. The instructors at Freyja embraced my challenge and encouraged me along the way. Turns out yoga really is as good for your mind as it is for your body. I completed my 50 days and have continued on. The peace and strength I found on the mat has allowed me to start playing tennis again and given me the courage to take on a 45 mile bike ride this month.

If you are at all curious about yoga I encourage you to check out The Freyja Project at 3456 Tejon Street in LoHi. Your first week is free (can't beat that) and here's my challenge to you. Attend one class a day for the week (if you are completely spent, try a restorative class). See if you don't feel stronger and more resilient at the end of those seven classes.

I'd love to hear about your experience and what other studios you love in LoHi. If you're thinking of buying or selling property in LoHi, I'd be honored to help you. Look for me on the mat and Namaste.