For some, it may be easy to replace such things as a window, fix a leaky faucet, or make layout changes, but for the rest of us, hiring a contractor is a necessity. To ensure you receive the best quality of workmanship and service, it is important to choose the right person(s) to get the job done, as a top priority among homeowners is maintaining not only the look but the “health” of the overall structure. [Read more…]
If you’re reading this article you’re probably already concerned with your carbon footprint. But, whether that’s turning off the lights when you leave the room or reducing your programmable thermostat when you’re not at home, telecommuting can still be a drain on your energy source. [Read more…]
There is not a person we have met out there who does not want to be at their best health. Now more and more people are doing whatever they can to feel and look better and hopefully even younger. Luxury home buyers with busy schedules are now looking for homes that have amenities to help them on their health journeys right at home. [Read more…]
The summer is almost upon us and we are seeing beautiful weather around the Tri-Valley area. If you’re looking to update your home both inside and outside you might be looking at design trends, Pinterest boards and other places for inspiration and ideas. Here’s another place that you can find some of the five must have summer design trends for your home.
#1. Palm tree prints. Palm tree prints are everywhere right now and not just on tapestries and textiles. People are putting palm trees everywhere and even though we are in California, the Palm tree still gives a sense of relaxation and vacation. Consider putting palm leaves in a large glass vase on your dining room table or choosing palm trees on accent pillows, throws, and maybe in the texture of logs or wooden textiles. This is not necessarily a jungle theme, just a palm tree or palm leaf design accenting different parts of the house.#2. Flamingos. Okay, I know we are not in Florida, but California is kind of the next best thing. These are not the lawn ornaments of the 1970s; it’s the fun motive in wallpaper, accent pillows, and the color of the flamingo in general. Perhaps it’s a big bouquet of white in
#2. Flamingos. Okay, I know we are not in Florida, but California is kind of the next best thing. These are not the lawn ornaments of the 1970s; it’s the fun motive in wallpaper, accent pillows, and the color of the flamingo in general. Perhaps it’s a big bouquet of white and pink flowers that just touch on the idea of Flamingos or something even bolder like flamingo wallpaper!
#3. Rattan. Yep, rattan has made a comeback. This is not the 1970s throwback but a brand-new look. We’re talking about chairs, baskets and even patio furniture. In the past, this texture was confined to outdoor patios and balconies but today, this trend is popping up on the inside too. It’s also known as Manila, Manau, or Malacca and it’s a natural, woven technique that adds texture and richness to any room. Use it as an accent piece here were there without going overboard.
#4. Florals. Now, this is nothing new but they are trending in either 1960s throwback prints or bold floral prints on larger items such as couches and chairs. Vintage inspired floral patterns are definitely making a trendy comeback in many new homes. You might find them on window treatments, bedspreads or throw pillows.
#5. Fresh colors. Paint is always a good way to completely change the look and feel of an area. House Beautiful article stated that many colors painted in a bedroom can change the feeling or the sense that people get. Green and yellow make it easier for people to fall asleep whereas purple actually makes it harder for people to fall asleep. You might consider bright colors in bold rooms or muted colors in smaller rooms to make the room stand out.
These summer trends are perfect over the next few months as you enjoy both the inside and outside of your home. Consider carrying outside trends to the inside combining the two and elongating the living and entertaining space.
If you’re looking to sell your home, one or two of these accents might be ideal and then again, if you’re looking for a home with these items, give me a call today and I would be happy to pinpoint exactly what’s trending in your neighborhood.
iamges by Wicker Paradise
The East Bay Times recently came out with an article talking about some of the best dumpling restaurants throughout the bay area and several are right here in the Tri-Valley area. Everybody knows Din Tai Fung, the best dumpling restaurants in the area where you can watch them make all of the dumplings by hand outside the big glass windows at the front of the restaurant. But they’re not the only dumpling and dim sum restaurants worth checking out. Din Thai Fung recently relented on their “no reservation” policy and are now accepting reservations, especially for large parties. This restaurant has been known to have lines out the door for several hours around some of the peak dining times but now, you can check out some of the other dumpling and dim sum restaurants.
Dim sum, although it means “small bites” has been a relatively chastised as being different from dumplings. Call it what you will, these dumplings are some of the best in the Tri-Valley area.
Right here in San Ramon is Hung’s Kitchen. Located at 500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Hung’s Kitchen has been known to have the delicious juicy pork dumplings, xiao long bao , pan fried noodles and hot and sour soup. If you’ve never have those juicy pork dumplings, there unlike anything else. They mix in the ground pork, spices and other Asian flavors with jellied pork broth and as the dumpling steams the broth melts into a delicious and juicy pork dumpling.
Koi Palace has a couple of locations, one of which is in Dublin. This dim sum restaurant features dinner menus and a separate dim sum menu with soft and tender pork buns, chicken dishes, deep-fried shrimp, Shui Mai, spicy noodles and dozens of other delicious and tempting treats.
And finally, Lee Garden Seafood located at 5588 Springdale Ave. in Pleasanton. Crisp and sweet cream puffs, Shui Mai with shrimp and pork, spicy scallops, crispy fried shrimp balls, crispy shrimp dumplings, stuffed fried tofu and steamed, homemade dumplings all around out their fantastic a dim sum menu.
The next time you’re craving dim sum or simply some fantastic dumplings, check out one of these three local Tri-Valley restaurants to add to your list when the wait at Din Thai Fung is just too ridiculous.