Fall 2012 Parade of Homes

Parade of Homes (New Homes)
September 8-30

Remodelers Showcase
September 28-30

Homes open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 6pm

There are very few new homes on the Parade this year compared with other years. There are far more remodels. This is not surprising given the real estate marketplace of late.

We’re featuring these two St. Paul remodels because we recently had clients close on their new home in St. Paul and they plan to do some remodeling. They are seeking to make the new space blend and match the original period of the house. This is always a good way to approach a remodel and addition; big differences in the feel of spaces will hurt sellers when it comes time to sell.

839 Osceola Avenue, St. Paul

Here is a description of this project from the Parade of Homes website: “This kitchen and bath remodel in a historically significant house in Saint Paul’s Summit Hill neighborhood illustrates how to remodel the heart of a house without losing its soul. Next Level Renovation, with designer David Heide, replaced the 1980’s kitchen in this 1890 residence with a space that features period sensibilities and the latest amenities. The original house was designed by Cass Gilbert, the turn-of-the-twentieth-century architect, notable for his classic homes and other buildings, including the State Capitol in Saint Paul.”

683 Portland Avenue, St. Paul

From the description on the Parade of Homes website: “Come and see how the convenience of a modern kitchen blends seamlessly with a stately home in the historic Summit Avenue neighborhood of St. Paul. The three-story addition also provides an art studio, main-floor laundry/mud room, and a cozy wine cellar with tasting room. In collaboration with architect David Herreid, McDonald Remodeling proves again that you can have it all: character, style, and convenience in your existing home!”

Contact us for more information if you are considering a remodel or an addition and would like to discuss keeping your home and design as salable as possible. Visiting the Remodelers Showcase homes is a good way to meet remodelers and see their work in person.

Kate and Ellen Walsh
Coldwell Banker Burnet
612.220.3304
emwalsh@cbburnet.com

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Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour

Real Homes. Real People. Real Ideas.
April 28–29, 2012

This weekend offers an opportunity to take a FREE, self-guided tour of 60 Twin Cities remodeled and/or reinvented homes. See homes projects that were both “on-a-budget” and “blow out”. You can tour examples of remodeled kitchens and baths, room additions, and whole house renovations.

These projects are unique in that they cover a wide range of housing eras. The home tour is also unique in that homeowners, contractors and/or architects are available to discuss the projects with visitors. This is a wonderful way to learn about remodeling, meet contractors and architects, and discover different neighborhoods.

This is the twenty-fifth year of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour. It all began when some Minneapolis real estate agents and city officials were concerned about suburban flight. They took it upon themselves to promote city living and the home tour was born.

Homes will be open to visitors:

Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The home tour will take place regardless of weather conditions.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul Home Tour Preview – a video showcasing information and home tour highlights.

Minneapolis Home Tour Map

Saint Paul Home Tour Map

msphometour.com – the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour website.

Visit HistoricSaintPaul.org for information on: “Historic Homes for Everyday Families” workshop, why preservationists will enjoy the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour, walking tours of “Storybook” houses with architect Bob Roscoe, and more.

Thinking of buying or selling real estate? Call Kate and Ellen Walsh and we’ll help you make all the right moves.

Ellen Walsh
612.220.3304
emwalsh@cbburnet.com

Kate Walsh
612.220.3309
info@designhouse9.com

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Featured Listing: 7941 Colorado Ave N

The Home You’ve Been Waiting For!

This listing is sold and is no longer available for showings.

Wonderfully updated three bedroom, two bath home on beautiful lot!
List price: $149,000
Sale price: $145,000

Sold in just 17 days!

Sun-filled living/family room with fireplace, built-in cabinetry and door to deck.

Living/family room with view to dining room.

Formal dining room with doors to close off living/family room.

Remodeled kitchen with cherry cabinets, Corian®, and granite!

Two-tiered island with seating. Note TV cubby and convenient garage access.

Beautifully remodeled baths on main and lower level.

Bright bedroom with large closet and a view of the backyard.

Large deck and yard.

Wonderfully maintained inside and outside!

Covered entry and two-car attached garage.

This home features over $65,000 in improvements including newer kitchen, renovated baths, newer windows, roof, and more! Sun-filled, turnkey spaces are ready to move into. Beautifully landscaped yard with privacy fencing and a large deck is perfect for summer relaxing and entertaining! The main floor features three bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level has a family room, bath, workshop area, and potential future office or bedroom. Improvements include:

2010 Remodeled main level bath
2008 New windows (except living room which were not needed)
2007 New 30-year roof
2006 New water heater
2006 New maintenance free garden shed for backyard
2005 Landscaped yard, installed sod, and improved grade from house to yard.
2005 New water softener
2003 New maintenance free deck
2002 Remodeled lower level bath, replaced plumbing, fixtures, vanity and walls.
2002 New kitchen appliances, range, refrigerator and microwave.
2002 Remodeled kitchen to add cherry cabinets with roll-out shelving, granite and Corian® countertops, Corian® inset sink, and a 2-level island with bar for seating for three.
2000 New air conditioning system
1999 Buried electric/cable lines in backyard to house.
1998 New washer and gas dryer
1995 New dishwasher
1995 New furnace with humidifier

7941 Colorado Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN
All photos by Kate Walsh

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Thinking of selling? Let the sister team of Ellen and Kate Walsh
show you a personalized marketing plan to sell your home!

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For more information about Colorado Ave or selling your home, please contact us:

Ellen Walsh
612.220.3304
emwalsh@cbburnet.com

Kate Walsh
612.220.3309
info@designhouse9.com
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..Minneapolis Lakes Office

Old World Craftsmanship Stands Test of Time

One of a Kind Bath Detailing

For those who love details, older homes will always be appealing. The craftsmanship that went into home building in the early 1900’s offers abundant beauty, architectural interest, and sometimes, one-of-a-kind, exquisite detailing.

Years ago I toured the home with this bath detailing. It left a most memorable impression on me. I recently had the opportunity to tour it again and snapped a few pictures with my cell phone. The rest of the home offers more detailing, more beauty and welcoming spaces both inside and outside.

This was a luxury home for its time with its separate bathtub and shower. Such a bath setup was quite unusual for a home built in 1910.

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Frugal or Inspired Wallpaper?

Inspired:

Illustrated covers from The New Yorker magazine get a second life in a Twin Cities home.

Some years ago I marketed a home here in the Twin Cities where the owners had decorated their small bath with old covers of The New Yorker magazine. It brought plenty of color, art and charm to an otherwise unattractive, lower-level bath.

The New Yorker is known for their funny cartoons. I think I’d have added some of the cartoons into this mix, either as part of the wallpaper itself or framed and hung on the walls, to add a dash of humor to an otherwise mundane part of life.

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Shelter the Body, Comfort the Soul

“A house is a home when it shelters the body and comforts the soul.”
—Phillip Moffitt
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What part of your home comforts you?

Is it a single room in your house?
Is it a piece of furniture within your home?
Is it your garden and the plants you watch grow?
Is it the food you prepare in your kitchen?

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A great bathtub filled with hot water has always been a source of relaxation and comfort for me. Water in general has this effect on me, be it a river, a lake, an ocean, an outdoor shower, a swimming pool, or a deep soaking tub.

A bathroom in and of itself does not necessarily comfort my soul. Some bathrooms, such as this one, are created as much for their design as for their function. Utilitarian yet beautiful.

Plenty of natural light enhances the space. The windows are visually doubled by the use of a large wall mirror. A windowless bath benefits from the natural light that a skylight allows in.

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There’s also an organic, earthy quality to this bath with its wood cabinetry, tile flooring, and colors that can easily be found in nature. The semi-opaque glass in the dividing wall reminds me of an early morning fog that will burn off once the sun rises high enough.

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“The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day.”
—Hippocrates

What comforts your soul?

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