The Hamptons at Umstead

To your good health...

2010-04-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Did you see Parade's Healthystyle in today's N&O? Here are a couple of tidbits from that insert:

On reusing a water bottle: Some bottles may release chemicals into the water if left in sunlight or used repeatedly. A study from the University of Calgary found higher levels of bacteria in bottles that were refilled.

On drinking milk beyond the expiration date: Risk is low but increases with each passing day. The expert advised not using more than 3 days beyond expiration. If milk has been left out of the fridge to the point of feeling warm, discard.

On taking vitamins: A healthy, balanced diet is best overall, but adults with a poorly balanced diet would benefit from taking a multi-vitamin. The same may be true for those cutting calories to ensure meeting nutritional needs. Both men and women 50 or older need 1200 mg of calcium a day and extra vitamin D. Pregnant women should take a vitamin with sufficient folic acid to help prevent birth defects.

Olive oil or butter? A tablespoon of olive oil has approximately 120 calories while butter has 100, but go for the heart healthy olive oil over the artery clogging butter.

And high-fructose corn syrup has been getting a lot of bad press in the last several years, but apparently it's no worse for you than regular sugar.

Good news...eating at night isn't more "fattening" than eating any other time of day! Calories are calories no matter when you eat them.

And from the National Center for Education Statistics, research shows that 4-year-olds who took part in just three simple routines had a 40% lower prevalence of obesity, regardless of other risk factors. Those habits are eating dinner as a family five times a week, getting enough sleep and limiting television time. Some benefit is obtained from any one of these practices, but strongest results were seen when families followed all three routines.

Consider the truffle...

2010-03-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

I admit I knew nothing about truffles except that, for some reason, they're expensive. But after reading an article in the North Carolina Farm Bureau magazine (March/April issue) I now know that truffles are underground mushrooms that grow between the roots of trees, best on hazelnut and filbert tree roots. According to this article, truffles have a "unique taste" and a "very distinct aroma" that make them so appealing, even to the point of "addictive".

Truffles grow well in North Carolina because of our moderate climate and adequate soil. Other Mid-Atlantic are also ideal because the trees need distinct seasons (including 90 days of dormancy), but since the harvest season is from December to February, the ground can't be frozen or covered in snow for extended periods.

Truffles grow best in well-drained soil that is not nutrient rich but has a high pH. Research has shown that soil quality is not as important as the pH.

And did I mention they're expensive??? The average price for a pound of truffles is (are you sitting down?) $800. The truffle grower featured in the article said demand for his truffles is between 500 and 1000 pounds per week. Amazing.

Feeling wired?

2010-03-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Really no surprise since Raleigh has just taken the top stop in Forbes Magazine's ranking of "Most Wired Cities"---this was a big leap from last year's No. 15 spot. Brooks Raiford, head of the N.C. Technology Association, was quoted in the Forbes article as saying that the region's highly educated and relatively higher-income population is "fertile ground" for high broadband demand and use.

Here's the list:

America's Most Wired Cities

1. RALEIGH
2. Atlanta
3. Seattle
4. San Francisco
5. Washington
6. Colorado Springs, Colorado
7. Denver
8. Baltimore
9. Orlando, Florida
10. Portland, Oregon

Houseplants definitely have personalities...

2010-02-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

at least according to an article in the News & Observer recently. Jennifer Nelis, marketing director for the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association, came up with the following list:
- Orchids - unflappable elegance
- Bromeliads - always at the center of attention
- Ferns and palms - relaxed and easy to get along with
- Anthuriums - very loving with heart-shaped leaves and passionate red blooms
- Spathiphyllum (peace lily) - purity
- Pothos - laid back
- Dracena - easy-going but efficient, perfect for distracted workaholics
- Crotons - red-headed fireballs
- Lipstick plant (basket vine) - impulsive
- Cryptanthus (earth star) - stylishly modern
- Ivy - traditional, gracefully conservative

I'm familiar with all these plants except crypanthus but have to confess I'd never given a thought to their "personalities". Maybe I'll consider them in a whole new way when next I chance to meet up with one!

a good cause...

2010-02-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

Twice in the last few days I've read articles about donating new or gently used shoes. Shoes-4-Souls is a local nonprofit organization striving to collect 1.5 billion pairs of unused shoes currently in American closets to the more than 400 million people in need of shoes. Look for drop box locations at www.MyOldShoes.org ; the national non-profit Soles4Souls (www.soles4souls.org)
also has local drop off spots.
I'm an avid recycler, but didn't know that even athletic shoes can be recycled! Janice Marchok's article in the N&O Wednesday stated that Nike has recyled more than 24 million pairs of sports shoes into athletic and playground surfaces. Read all about it at www.nikereuseashoe.com
Just something to keep in mind as you're deciding which shoes to wear...or maybe straightening the closet.

Make over your kitchen...sort of

2010-01-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

Not sure how it happens, but my kitchen cabinets and pantry seem to be in total disarray at the end of each year. Maybe I'm more aware because of that whole "fresh start" for the New Year mindset. So in January I've gone through the kitchen and rearranged almost every item behind closed doors, especially helpful since we're eating in much, much more these days.
No wonder that I read with interest the "kitchen makeover" article in last week's Parade magazine. Here are some highlights from that article:
Organize!
Throw away items past the expiration date; consolidate multiples of partially used items.
Put dry goods in airtight containers to lengthen shelf life.
Label shelves to help stay organized and mark the date on foods as they go into the freezer.
Smart shopping.
You've heard it a million times---shop with a list in hand. Take it a step futher and divide items into the appropriate supermarket section to save shopping time.
Pay attention to sale items and specials and use coupons.
Stock up on essential items; see suggestion lists below.
Get ahead of the game.
Wash and prep produce when you get home from shopping.
Try to plan meals at the beginning of the week, just making that decision at the end of a hectic day can be daunting.

Katie Lee's Dinner Essentials

Pantry: Refrigerator: Freezer:
balsamic vinegar broth bacon (freeze in individual portions)
breadcrumbs Dijon mustard chicken breasts
canned beans eggs ginger root
canned tomatoes Parmesan cheese mixed frozen vegetables
onions, garlic raspbery jam
rice soy sauce
spaghetti

Check it out---

Spaghetti + eggs + Parmesan + bacon = Spaghetti Carbonara

Rice + onions + soy sauce + eggs + ginger root + chicken + veggies = Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken + breadcrumbs + tomatoes + Parmesan = Chicken Parmigiana

Veggies + broth + beans + onion + garlic + tomatoes + broken spaghetti = Hearty Vegetable Soup

Chicken + raspberry jam + broth + balsamic vinegar + garlic = Glazed Chicken Breasts

(Look for recipes at Parade.com/essentials)

You probably know this, BUT

2010-01-23T12:34:00.000-08:00

are you doing these things?
From Saturday's N&O, common-sense savings offered by Marvin Woll of Raleigh:
- Wash only full loads using cold water in your washing machine.
- Don't overdry clothes; leave the dryer running longer than necessary.
- When washing dishes by hand, use only a thin stream of water, thus reducing the cost of
heating water.
- Set the water heater at 120 degrees or less; put an insulating blanket on the heater.
- Be sure all doors and windows are properly sealed and, in winter, tightly closed.
- Turn off lights when not in use.
- Reduce time spent in the shower to two or three minutes.
- Turn off televisions when no one is watching.
- Change furnace filters at least every two months.
-Use microwave rather than regular oven when possible.
And we should unplug phone chargers when not in use.

Can't believe we're half way through January!

2010-01-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

I always love the New Year...I really think of it as a fresh start and I usually make at least a few resolutions. But I'm taking a different approach this year. My daughter sent me a quote sometime in December that I really identified with---"Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an imcomplete task." (William James) I printed the quote in a good-sized font and posted it in my office as well as inside the door of my medicine cabinet where I see it morning and night! So in lieu of specific resolutions, I'm trying to attend to things NOW rather than conveniently pushing them forward, sometimes again and again and again.

So with this mindset, I was very interested in Allen Norwood's Home Projects Calendar in the N&O Home & Garden section January 9. Mr. Norwood outlined a year's schedule of what should be routine home maintenance for the typical homeowner.

January is easy: 1) List projects you'd like to complete during the year, including small tasks (so they won't be forgotten) and large ones (so you can budget for them). 2) Post importnat emergency information such as the location of the main gas valve as well as contact numbers for HVAC service. 3) Further, he suggests that if you're considering kitchen or bath remodeling you might check out the National Kitchen and Bath Association at http://www.nkba.org/.

As you might expect, February's list is a little more labor intensive.

Yes you can...do it yourself

2009-11-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

So how handy are you? According to Matt Crane's recent article in Connections, here are five home-improvement jobs that practically anyone can manage. Here they are:
1. Replace a thermostat: Go green with smart climate control devices that let you conveniently program your home's temperature cycle for several time periods per day. Cut off the power to the entire heating system at the circuit breaker and remove the old thermostat's outer casing. Unscrew the old thermostat housing, exposing the color-coded wiring that runs to the heating-cooling unit. Match those wires to the correct terminals of the new housing and attach. Snap in the batteries that power the programming display, fit the new thermostat to the thermostat housing. Done!
2. Put an end to a "running" toilet: Save water by replacing the float system in the tank. Turn off the water supply valve and drain the toilet by flushing until the tank is empty (hold down the handle to speed the process). Loosen the large nut at the base of the old float system and remove the entire unit (take the old system with you when shopping for the new one). Install the new float valve in place of the old one using the instructions provided. Tighten with finger pressure, ensuring the seal is secure; don't over tighten. Turn the water supply back on to refill the tank; check for leaks.
3. Replace the kitchen faucet: Determine whether the sink is a three- or four-hole variety (four-hole includes a rinsing wand) and make a selection to fit your needs. Turn off the water line feeding the sink. Remove the old faucet using a pipe wrench to loosen the nuts. The new faucet should fit easily into place and the plastic nuts used today are a snap to tighten. Follow the directions included with the new unit. Turn on the main hot and cold water valves, check for leaks (including under the sink).
4. Insulate hot-water pipes: This should boost the hot water temperature by as much as four degrees without using extra energy. Use foam pipe sleeves (find them at the hardware store) compatible with the pipe diameter for a tight fit; trim the length as needed. Wrap pipes, taping securely (duct tape works well) every one or two feet. Sounds really easy.
5. Install a solar security light: A great "green" project even for beginning DIYers---a solar-powered floodlight with motion sensor turns dark to light at the slightest disturbance for nighttime security. With no need for an external power source, the mounting brackets can be attached almost anywhere there's adequate direct sunlight. Secure the light unit to the mounting brackets. Voila!

Just something to think about if your team isn't playing this weekend.

Interesting tidbit...

2009-10-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

I've written several times about homes getting smaller so I found this bit of information VERY interesting: In 2007 the average house in Germany and France was about 1200 square feet, in England it was 900 square feet. In that same year in the U.S. the average new-home size peaked at 2521 square feet.

In the market for new appliances?

2009-10-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

If so, you may want to consider ENERGY STAR appliances despite the higher initial cost. An ENERGY STAR appliance typically uses 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models, allowing you to save money and help the environment.
Qualified refrigerators are at least 15 percent more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard and qualified furnaces are about 15 percent more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard. Qualified natural gas tankless water heaters are 41.4 percent more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard.
You'll find the ENERGY STAR label on more than 60 product categories, everything from clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, ceiling fans and computers to strings of holiday lights.
Visit energystar.gov for more information on products, programs and available tax credits.

"The incredible shrinking home"

2009-08-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

For several years I've been reading reports that new homes were getting smaller, but, quite honestly, have seen little---if any---evidence of it. Now information from the U.S. Census Bureau supports the claim. New homes are now 7% smaller---the average size of one room---shrinking for the first time in 15 years. To be exact, the median square footage of newly built homes fell to 2,065 square feet in the first quarter of '09 compared to the first quarter of '08. In 2008 home size fell every quarter, the first year of declines since 1994.

In a report posted on CNNMoney.com, Sarah Susanka, author of "The Not So Big House", compares the current shrinking trend to one of 100 years ago when "simple bungalows supplanted elaborate Victorian homes as the design choice for many Americans". Susanka goes on to say that if you use a room less than 6 times a year, you don't need it. Or consider making it do double duty, such as a dining room/library.

"Houses are likely to become better tailored to the way we actually live," Susanka says. "As more and more people build or remodel homes that satisfy in quality rather than quantity, there will be a huge shift in what we perceive as desirable."

According to Steve Melman, director for economic services for the National Association of Homebuilders, some of the practical reasons that favor smaller homes are affordability, energy costs, tight credit for big mortgages and aging boomers who have become empty nesters and are downsizing.

And a bit of trivia, Sarah Susanka moved to Raleigh several years back. As far as I know, she still lives here.

It's baaack...

2009-07-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Or so they say---wallpaper, that is. I personally have begun to see wallpaper used sparingly in new construction, but apparently nationally it's considered a trend that's "hot again". Decorators say it provides drama, texture, warmth and personality. That can be a good return on your investment with paper selling for $30 a roll or possibly less. Wallpaper can essentially decorate a room!
Hold down costs by papering a small space such as a foyer or hang wallpaper on just one wall and paint the other three. A bold pattern would instantly add interst to a room lacking architectural detail.
A word of caution: The ability to follow directions and extreme patience are prerequisites for hanging wallpaper. Even a do-it-yourself type might want to hire a professional paper hanger.

Source: THE NEWS & OBSERVER

Summertime, summertime...

2009-07-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

Summer seems to be a popular time for home-improvement projects, both large and small. If you're about to dive into a project, consider these important safety tips:

Mowers
- Before mowing the lawn, do a walk-through to gather any large sticks or other debris.
- Wear clothing that offers protection such as sturdy closed-toe shoes and safety glasses or goggles.
- Do not clean the grass exit of a mower by hand. Keep the mower on grass rather than pavement which can kick up debris.

Ladders
- Be sure to place a ladder on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks engage.
- Always face the ladder when climbing and use slip-resistant shoes.
- Stand at or below the indicated highest safe standing level. For extension ladders, it's the fourth rung from the top.

Power Tools
- Remember to keep tools away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
- Disconnect tools when they're not in use or when you're replacing a blade, bit or part.
- Keep your work areas well lighted and wear gloves and appropriate footwear when using tools.

Safety First!

Fun Summer Fact: The market for pool equipment and maintenance products is expected to top $3.8 billion by 2011.

Where are you going for your summer vacation?

2009-07-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

This was a recent poll taken by Triangle Business Journal. 353 responses break down this way:

33% - somewhere in the US outside North Carolina

33% - somewhere in North Carolina outside of the Triangle

20% - not taking a vacation this year

7% - outside the US

6% - staying in the Triangle

Whether you're traveling, taking a few days off work for a "stay-cation" or just going to the farmers' market, enjoy summer---we're racing towards Labor Day.

Happiness comes to those who...

2009-07-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Social Psychologist David Myers says "There are genetic influences on happiness. Some people are more biologically predisposed to happiness. But, like cholesterol, it can be tweaked..."

9 Ways to Lift Your Spirits

1. Realize you can't buy happiness. Wealth is like health; its utter absence breeds misery, but having it doesn't guarantee happiness.

2. Manage your time. Happy people feel in control of their lives; mastering their use of time increases the sense of control. Set goals and break them into manageable tasks.

3. Act happy. Going through the motions can trigger the emotions.

4. Flow. Happy people are often in a zone called "flow". They're absorbed in a challenging, but not overwhelming, task.

5. Exercise. Sound minds reside in sound bodies.

6. Sleep. Happy people allow their bodies to rest.

7. Foster close relationships. Caring friends can help you through trying times; be a friend to have a friend.

8. Be helpful. Doing good makes you feel good.

9. Be grateful. Take time every day to what you have rather than what you don't.

RealEstate Magazine

Purple Elephant

2009-07-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Read with interest Paul Gilster's column in Wednesday's N&O. The article says the Purple Elephant, a local nonprofit, will accept donated computers, refurbish them and install totally new software (after wiping clean the hard drives with software approved by the Department of Defense). Purple Elephant then makes the computers available to folks who might not otherwise be able to afford them; children, Gilster says, are the major beneficiaries.

With 150 million computers now in landfills, the environmental impact of rescuing older PCs is BIG. Using EPA figures, Purple Elephant founder Dave Hinton can show that the more than 6,000 PCs his organization has recycled or restored have produced an environmental savings in excess of $1,000,000.

You can find the Purple Elephant on the Web at www.purpleelephant.org

IT'S (UN)OFFICIAL!

2009-06-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Triangle Business Journal's recent online poll indicates Southerners are outnumbered here in the Triangle. The survey, running from June 17 through June 23, asked "From where did you move to the Triangle?"
29 percent of the 900 respondents said they moved to the area from the Northeast. 14 percent of voters indicated they hailed from the Midwest, thus the regions containing Ohio, New York and New Jersey accounted for a total of 43 percent. (TBJ says this means folks who wore blue in the Civil War account for almost half the people here.)
Three Southern options given on the poll totalled 39 percent of the vote. So adding the 3 percent of voters who moved here from the Southwest to the Southern 39 percent, Northeners have a 1 percent edge---43 vs. 42.
Other areas of North Carolina and other Southeastern states logged in about 16 percent each.
A scant 6 percent of respondents moved from the West; 3 percent from another country.
One final category, the "not yet officially endangered" Triangle native represents a mere 7 percent.
Unofficial, but interesting.

Feel The Heat---in the kitchen.

2009-06-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Not long back, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops were the hottest kitchen features. Now, of course, they're pretty much standard in our area. So what's next?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association's recent survey of more than 200 kitchen designers, cherry and maple cabinets, quartzite countertops and custom-paneled appliances are hot. In years past, oak cabinetry was preferred; but more than 75% of the survey participants report using cherry and maple, followed by paints and exotic woods. And while nearly all the designers consider stainless steel to be the most popular appliance finish, 77% say that custom paneling on appliances is on the rise. Granite is still the most frequently used countertop material, but 65% of the designers report using more quartzite, another durable stone material.

One trend that has remained constant is bigger, more open kitchens that accommodate more than one cook and function as more than just a place to cook. The "work triangle" --- the path between the refrigerator, food prep area and cooking area --- is being replaced by work zones.

Source: National Kitchen and Bath Association

If you're thinking of downsizing...

2009-06-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

here are a few tips:

- Paint color. Open-plan rooms appear larger when painted a single color.

- Window treatments. Rather than heavy curtains or drapes, consider plain linen or sheer panels
in a color close to that of the walls.

- Flooring. Too many area rugs tend to break up the floor space. Bare can be beautiful.

- Unclutter. Only furniture on the floor---no treadmills or stacks of magazines.

- Seating. Armless chairs offer streamlined seating, likewise a pair of ottomans kept under a
coffee table.

-Storage. Baskets and trunks under leggy tables provide interest as well as storage.

-Beds. Leave off the footboard; it occupies a lot of space visually.

-Lighting. Recessed and track lights add to the sense of space, while chandeliers and ceiling fans
cut into space.

-Walls. Resist the urge to hang too much art, and leave one wall bare in each room to allow the
eye to rest.

More downsizing ideas from Lauri Ward can be found in "Downsizing Your Home with Style:
Living Well in a Smaller Space".

Going Green

2009-06-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

62% of all state governments have adopted green building policies (18 within the last 3 years alone)

70% of homebuyers said they were more inclined to buy a green home in a down economy than a non-green home.

Residential green building is expected to increase 100% over the next five years.

Kitchens & Baths - Still in first place.

2009-06-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, even in today's economy homeowners and buyers are willing to spend on upgrades in the kitchen and bath to create the look they see in magazines and on TV. Somewhat surprisingly, white is still the favored color in the kitchen for many. For accents, designers are turning to coppery metallics and glass tiles to add a splash of color.

Lighting, natural and manmade, are super important in both kitchen and bath. For the bath, lighting should come from the side as well as overhead to avoid creating shadows. Undercounter lighting in the kitchen adds to both safety and ambience.

As for "green", sustainable woods such as bamboo and eucalyptus and recycled copper are being used in kitchens. Water-saving features are ways for both kitchens and baths to be greener.

People still want to invest in their homes and more and more want custom features rather than anything standard or commonplace.

And the winner is...

2009-02-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

Yet another accolade for Raleigh! We're No. 6 on the Healthiest Markets List as compiled by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence.

So what factors contribute to put us in the spotlight? Being the state capital, the presence of multiple universities, and one of the highest population growth rates of any top metropolitan area over the last five years---nearly 5% annually---were the reasons cited.

And what are the Top Five markets?

1. Houston
2. Austin
3. Fort Worth
4. San Antonio
5. Dallas

And rounding out the Top Ten:

7. Seattle
8. Indianapolis
9. Fayetteville, Arkansas
10.Washington, DC

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?

2009-02-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the custom of sending valentine cards dates back to the 17th century?

Probably shouldn't wait any longer to visit your favorite card shop if you hope to find a good selection of Valentines. There were only a handful of folks at Hallmark yesterday afternoon for which I was thankful. Buying cards of any description is always stressful for me since I can't be satisfied to not look at every card on display---very time consuming.

A recent news article cited a report based on a survey of 8,850 consumers. Numbers indicate that this year 35-44 year olds plan to spend the most with an average of $119.19 and 55-64 year olds plan to spend the least with an average of $83.76. The same report states that 36% will buy flowers and 16% jewelry; 43% will dine out.

Total Valentine's Day spending is projected to be about $14.7 billion (yes, that's billion with a "b").

Enjoy the day, however you choose to celebrate.

More from the International Builders' Show

2009-02-05T12:46:00.000-08:00

I wrote a week or so ago about trends that surfaced at the builders' show in Las Vegas. Another article that I just read says that "small is in". I've seen this mentioned for a while now, so it may not be the newest of trends. In a recent survey by Better Homes and Gardens magazine, 32% of participants said they expected their new home to be either somewhat or much smaller than the one they currently live in.

According to the BH&G study, top priorities in a new home include price, natural light and family gathering spaces. The magazine's editor concludes that buyers are looking for a home that is "right-sized, organized and economized".

Homeowners want to get organized in their smaller spaces. Storage in entry areas and even more functional use of wall space are in demand. 69% of respondents indicated no-wasted-space design and good storage would take on added importance in their new home.

The surprise in this article (at least for me) is that freezers are enjoying a resurgence of popularity. While overall appliance sales have been down, freezer sales are up. People are taking advantage of bargains and freezing what they won't use right away. I confess I'm still struggling with my perennial New Year's Resolution to cook dinner more often than dining out.

2009-01-31T12:37:00.000-08:00

A bit of timely trivia:

I saw the founder of Papa John's Pizza interviewed on CNBC Friday morning, talking of course about how many pizzas they expect to sell for the Super Bowl. Huge numbers as you would expect, and talk of chicken wings, etc., etc. But the single most interesting piece of information, to me at least, was this---Super Bowl Sunday is not the biggest day for Papa John's Pizza. I think you'll be as surprised as I was; Papa John's busiest day is THANKSGIVING.

Enjoy the game.

New (or not) Housing trends

2009-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

I recently read an article by Christopher Palmeri from Business Week sparked by the International Builders' Show (annual trade show of the homebuilding industry) held in Las Vegas in January. The article, Inside the House of the Future, cited green technology, wireless connectivity and less ostentation as some of the newest home-building trends.

Also included was "the return of the basement" which the article points out provides space suited for game rooms, home theaters or even just a "man-cave" for Dad. In years past the basement was probably most popular in the Northeast, but we've seen a stead increase of basements here in Raleigh for several years now.

Outdoor living made the list as well; I can't go along with this being a new trend. Nonetheless, Business Week says that the number of US homes with patios or porches has doubled since 1992! Sounds like other parts of the country are catching on to a long-standing Southern tradition. In our area we've moved from (long ago) small patios to decks, to covered and screened porches. And doubtless you've seen a fair number of outdoor fireplaces added to backyard landscapes. Aren't we lucky that our climate allows us to enjoy these features all but a few months of the year?

The home office continues to be in demand (sometimes even with a separate exterior entry) unlike the out-of-favor living room. I chuckled at the reference to "the death of the living room". Is that anything like "death by chocolate"? The kitchen, living and dining areas are merging. Again, I don't agree that this is particularly new. The article goes on to say that buyers want fewer walls and unobstructed views into the backyard. Makes sense that if you've got beautiful outdoor living spaces you'd want to see them even when inside.

No surprise that "green" is in. One source was quoted as saying that you'll see more people with a "green badge of honor". I'm pleased to report that we have builders here at The Hamptons who are focused on both "green" and Energy Star construction.

If the report is to be believed, we'll see less ornate wood, stone and iron work. And say goodbye to grand entrances with curved staircases. I've never considered fireplaces to be ostentatious, but in reporting on the decline of over-the-top-elements, the writer includes fireplaces. I was very surprised at this tidbit -- 46% of homes built in 2007 included a fireplace, down from 59% in 1996.

It'll be interesting to see how these trends flow into our area.

-Jackie Mizelle
www.thehamptonsatumstead.com
mizelleJ@hpw.com