Having lived my life in cities with no outdoor space to speak of, purchasing a home in the suburbs with an ample back yard presented me with an unfamiliar yet intriguing canvas. I was cautiously curious about the possibilities of the property I inherited – a deep lot with patchy grass, about 50 % shaded by tall trees – a proverbial blank slate.

My first trip to the nursery invoked in me feelings of exhilaration and excitement! 

The history of my home tells a unique story about a family in love with Maplewood, NJ.

Do you ever wonder who lived in your home before you? Do you wonder what changes they made and why?  What were their kids like – did they love sliding down the banister just like mine do? It took more then a few hours of research over several months to compile the history of my home and I learned about the Thompson’s,

Contrary to popular belief, designing for small spaces doesn’t mean you can’t go big, bold, and deep. So pick a wall and consider one of the following ideas.

Hang a large, oversized mirror as a focal point – it instantly makes the room look larger and because it reflects light and makes the room brighter, warmer.

Adhere wallpaper on one wall.

This doesn’t need to be expensive – try self-adhesive wallpaper,

It’s about saying thank you. 

Those of us who live in the Northeast of the United States have a wonderful holiday tradition – saying thanks to our year-round service providers by giving holiday tips.  Recently I’ve learned that in many places in the U.S., such as the suburbs of the Midwest, this isn’t a regional custom. Yet in their major cities, like Chicago, it’s done often. And it’s almost unheard of in the EU and in our neighbor to the north,

In my day job as a realtor, my clients consistently ask me about contractors – who to hire and what goes into the process of home renovation. And my friends and family are no different. Everyone around here seems to have a renovation they are dreaming of or ready to pull the trigger on.

So, here it is folks, the definitive guide you’ve all been waiting for.  For the second part of our two-part series on how to hire a contractor,

If you ask me, a proclivity for the managing of projects, a.k.a “project management” should be recognized as a trait – you either have it or you don’t. And yet, if you are a homeowner keen on renovation projects, this trait can certainly come in handy.

What if project management isn’t one of the traits that makes you, fabulous you? And what if you just have to remodel your avocado-green kitchen,

Alexis Goldstein is an artist by nature. A successful Director of Sales at a major digital property by day, her art hangs from the walls of her Maplewood NJ home and displays itself through the flow, fabric and distinction of her interior design. When she and her husband, Justin Goldstein, a Brooklyn-based Realtor at Halstead, set out to purchase a home, their priorities were solid bones, walk to town,