Cozying Up For Fall

Have you noticed the nights are getting chillier and even the sunny afternoons have a crisp feeling these days? We can mourn the fading summer days or we can embrace the new season with hope and joy…and pumpkins, of course! I have put together some autumnal eye candy to get you inspired and excited about celebrating the change of season, inside and outside of your home.

Fall Stoop

Decorating your porch, patio or stoop for Fall is just about as easy as it gets. Pick up a few pumpkins and gourds of different sizes and a colorful mum or two and set them out front, done! It could be a symmetrical display or just a cheerful pile, either way is festive and welcoming. A seasonal wreath always looks good as do decorative lanterns.

Fall Mantle

You can keep your fall mantel very minimalist and still make a statement. A few spooky additions like the skulls above make it fun, still classy, and the kids will love it!

Fall Table

Natural elements always help a table look sophisticated. This time of year there is no shortage of flowers and grasses, dried or fresh, that you can make use of. Small gourds, pinecones, and candles all add to the ambiance.

Fall Texture

Now is the time to bring out all your cozy blankets and throw pillows. Especially those richly hued and extra chunky pieces. Not only do they look good, they feel great. Your furry friends will probably appreciate the cuddle factor too!

I hope you enjoy ushering in this new season in your home and find time to relax and enjoy the little things.

Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 for all of your real estate needs.

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Rooms With a Water View

Not much is better than a gorgeous expanse of water outside your window. Bedroom window, bathroom window, kitchen window; any window will do with a view of the ocean or the lake! We are called the Ocean State for a reason and there certainly isn’t a shortage of homes on the water here in Rhode Island. Scroll down to see some beautiful examples.

Barrington

At 91 Nayatt Road in Barrington this home boasts panoramic views of Narragansett Bay on 2.3 private acres. That bathtub is everything!

Bristol

This one of a kind condo at 341 Thames Street #303 in Bristol has 180-degree sunset views of Stone Harbour, water views in almost every room!

South Kingstown

This incredible estate at 527 Ministerial Road in South Kingstown sits on 51 acres overlooking Long Pond, a freshwater lake in Matunuck Hills. How about that sleeping porch with lake views!

Warwick

293 Grand View Drive in Warwick not only has gorgeous sweeping water views from 4 levels of living space but it also sits on a private estuary and 800 feet of private sandy beach on Cedar Tree Point.

Jamestown

This stunning waterfront home at 256 E Shore Road in Jamestown faces historic Gould Island and Newport and sits on over 5 acres of land with its own deep water dock.

Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 to view any of these incredible homes.

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Stunning Sunrooms

Sunlight is a balm to the soul and something many of us could use more of in our lives. What a luxury it is to have your own personal and private sunny sanctuary, regardless of the season. I have put together a collection of gorgeous sunrooms from beautiful homes right here in Rhode Island for inspiration or just daydreaming!

Jamestown

This Oceanfront Estate at 260 Beavertail Road in Jamestown boasts a lovely four season sunroom with plenty of comfortable seating and space to relax.

Westerly

This gracious Westerly “cottage” at 12 Bluff Ave has multiple rooms with wall to wall windows; one that showcases the magnificent Ocean views and another lined with a full room window seat!

Narragansett

This Beachfront home at 200 Sand Hill Cove Road in Narragansett has a fully screened in porch overlooking the bird sanctuary. A perfect spot to entertain or relax with a good book. The Sunroom opens onto a huge deck for when you need a little more room to spread out.

Little Compton

This Shingle Style Little Compton gem at 53 Bailey’s Ledge Road has a bright sunroom with views of the lush grounds and Sakonnet Golf Course.

Barrington

At 91 Nayatt Road in Barrington (Asking 3,650,000) this gorgeous estate has a climate controlled all season Sunroom that opens to an expansive blue stone patio overlooking the water, a true oasis!

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Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

It's All About The Curb Appeal

You only get one chance to make a first impression. It’s a tried and true saying for a reason and applies not only to yourself but your home as well. It is easy to see the appeal in a well cared for lawn and garden, a clean front walk and welcoming porch. Not only are these details visually appealing but they also tell you the home itself is cared for as well. Whether you are contemplating selling your home or just want to make a better first impression to your guests, friends and neighbors; putting in a little effort on the outside will make a big difference! I have put together some tips, ideas and examples below to get you started.

The Power of the Porch

Nothing says “Welcome Home” like a pretty front porch complete with a rocking chair or two and maybe some potted flowers. While not every home has a front porch, most homes have some version of a front step and you can treat that, no matter the size, like a front porch. Show it some love by keeping it clean, adding a fresh doormat and a plant or two.

The home above at 147 Foddering Farm Road in Narragansett (asking $599,000) is a great example of a lovely, clean porch and also a fantastic demonstration of the impact of your house numbers. All homes should have their house numbers prominently displayed and easily visible from the street, not only for aesthetic reasons but safety as well. Think about updating your house numbers if they are small, outdated or the finish is wearing off.

The home above at 41 Moorland Ave in Cranston (asking $384,000) is another beautiful and welcoming porch with a striking front door and cozy seating area.

Don’t forget to think about the lighting around your front door. You can add a lot of character and charm by updating your light fixtures to better align with your personal style or the period of your home.

Front Walk

Try to create a pathway from the street directly to your front door to make it easy for those visiting your home. You may already have a walkway that you can clean up or if not you can create one with stones or pavers. Adding landscaping around your path makes it that much more inviting.

This home at 11 Oriole Street in East Providence (asking $429,00) has a charming, rustic front walkway.

This South Kingstown home at 2625 B Commodore Perry Hwy (asking $1,199,000) makes a dramatic impression with a stone walkway and slate porch. Having a chair or two or a bench is always a nice touch by the front door for anyone who may want to sit a spell.

The Grass is Always Greener

Of course one of the biggest factors in the curb appeal of your home is the lawn and landscaping. Its that time of year when everything is greening up, hopefully that includes your grass! Now is also the time of year to clean out old leaves from your beds and add in a new layer of mulch. Keeping your lawn maintained and your shrubs trimmed will help your home look fresh. You can never go wrong adding in perennial or annual flowering plants to your front beds as well. Below are some examples of homes with beautifully landscaped grounds.

It really is the perfect time of year to show the outside of your home and yard some love, you’ll love the results and may even enjoy the process too!

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Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

The Power of Art

It’s no secret that art, in its many forms, has long been a driver of human emotion and a source of comfort and pleasure. The privileges of enjoying fine art, in a museum or at a theatre, are experiences we hopefully all have throughout our lives at different times.

Art is not just for museum galleries though. You should think of the walls of your own living room, dining room, bedroom, kitchen and hallway as opportunities to display art that is meaningful to you.  Paintings, drawings, murals and photos by talented artists as well as work done by those in your own life (children, grandchildren) and items with special meaning should all have a place on the walls of your home. With everyone spending so much time in their own spaces this past year you may have noticed that your mood can be directly affected by what you surround yourself with. Let that be a good reason to reassess what is currently taking up your wall space and decide if its time to refresh.

Below I have collected some inspirational images and ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Less can definitely be more sometimes. Hanging just one, or a pair, of large statement pieces in a central location can be both beautiful and calming to the eye. The negative space around the work is restful and places more emphasis on the art itself. Pay attention to color as well. There is no need to match your art to your furniture but sometimes a particular tone in a piece of art might work really well (or clash horribly) with a more permanent fixture in the room.

If you are feeling like more of a maximalist, think Gallery Wall! Gallery Walls work well in so many different spots, staircases being one of my favorites. Make sure there is a common theme tying all of your pieces together. This could be similar tones, black and white; it could be similar subject matter (all family photos or all nature photography.) Also keeping your frames either the same size, shape or color helps to create a cohesive look and your entire wall will end up feeling like one bold statement, with lots of treasures to discover.

Don’t forget that art does not have to be two dimensional. Tapestries, sculptures, light fixtures, vases, etc. can all add unique depth and texture to your spaces.

Most importantly, don’t be intimidated by choosing art for your home. Fine art is a luxury but what you display in your own home does not always have to be precious. Put simply, if looking at it brings you joy, hang it up so you can see it everyday!

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Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat at Home

Getting to the gym is never the easiest thing to do, but this past year it has been harder than ever. Between concerns about cleanliness and ventilation and hesitation about huffing and puffing with a mask on, many of us have been forgoing it altogether. Now is not the time to let your health and fitness slide though! It is more important than ever, both for your physical and mental well being, to get your body moving. What options do we have? Getting fresh air outside on a run, jog, or walk is a great option anytime of year.  Of course in the dead of winter you will need to bundle up and it may still be dark outside when you’re ready to go before or after work. Solution: turn a corner (or room) of your home into your own personal fitness spot!  It may feel daunting but this can be as simple as a quiet corner with a yoga mat, exercise ball and some weights.  If you have the space and resources, there are endless options of cardio and weight equipment you can outfit your fitness room with.  Below are some local home gyms to get you inspired.

As the rooms above all show, having at least one large mirror is a great idea. A mirror is both functional (providing helpful feedback and motivation while working out) as well as aesthetic (brightening and enlarging your space).

The home above in Narragansett has it all! Space for a Gym as well as an indoor Basketball Court…it doesn’t get much better than that! You may not have the room for your own BBall court but one important thing to take away from these spaces is their great natural light. If you have the room near a window or two to set up your workout area, it will be that much more pleasant and you will be motivated to use it more often.

While we’re dreaming who wouldn’t love their own personal sauna to relax and unwind in after a solid workout? Home gym goals! This one is at 455 Stonington Rd, Stonington CT.

What about after you have your space ready to go but you’re looking for some direction? A few free and fun sites to check out:

Fitness Blender is run by husband and wife team Kelli and Daniel, with tons of varied workouts for all abilities, including Strength, HIIT, Cardio, Yoga, Pilates and more!

Sweaty Betty

Yoga with Adrienne

However it works for you, the important thing is to get moving and do something that makes your body, mind, and soul feel good!

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To view these and other homes please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Keeping it Fresh for the Kids

One of the more fun rooms to design and decorate in any home is undoubtedly a space for the kiddos. Whether you are dreaming of a sweet nursery for your brand new bundle or need to mix it up for your tween or teen who probably has their own design ideas, it is an excuse to let loose a bit. There are no hard and fast rules except the space should be fun and welcoming, and don’t be afraid of a little (or a lot) of color!

Below, this adorable nursery (for three) on the East side of Providence keeps it light and fresh and fully functional. Whimsical art and brightly colored curtains balance out the modern furniture and soothing wall tone.

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The home below in North Kingstown has bold and fun youth rooms where the ceilings match the rugs! A comfy and cool place to hang out, like a hammock or a hanging chair, is always a win.

The next two rooms are sweet retreats for a teen. Hardwood floors keeps the space fresh and clean while fluffy rugs and bedding make sure it feels warm and cozy. Displaying treasured awards, ribbons and photos as well as personal Monograms make the rooms home.

If you are lucky enough to have the space and flexibility for a separate playroom for your younger ones, the sky’s the limit! Create a permanent playhouse in your playroom, like an elevated version of the forts we used to build with sheets and chairs on a rainy Saturday in the living room. Play Teepee’s have been very popular for several years and have the added bonus of being easy to move around and take down when you need more floor space for games or dancing.

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To view these and other homes please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Home for the Holidays

Twinkling lights, chilly noses and endless shopping lists…the Holiday season is officially here! With all of us hunkering down at home so much this season it just feels right to take the time to make your space feel extra cozy and festive. Below are a few Holiday decorating staples to help bring some comfort and light to these gray days and long winter nights.

Wreaths

You cant go wrong with a classic, fresh wreath. It will feel at home on your front door, your fence gate, your kitchen wall and everywhere in between. If you are feeling a little unconventional try hanging it horizontally from a chandelier or go for a minimalist metal option.

Mantles

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace to curl up by, nothing says cozy winter Holiday better than a roaring fire and a gorgeous mantle. Try incorporating fresh greenery, garland and twinkling lights or create a little village with illuminated houses to add some fun. Stockings are of course a classic touch if it suits your traditions.

Candles and Firelight

The warm glow of flickering candles can bring you peace when life tries to get in the way. Not only are they beautiful and calming but candles also help us keep our faith traditions, like the light of a glowing menorah. Candles will always add flair to a holiday table and beautiful soft, light to the windows in your home.

Trees and Fresh Greenery

If you are celebrating Christmas then a tree is probably one of your Holiday décor staples. Whether artificial or freshly cut, brushing the ceiling or perching atop a side table; a twinkling Christmas Tree evokes warm memories and wonder in most of us, young and old. Some folks like to stick to a single color scheme or theme on their tree and others prefer a mix of handmade and keepsake ornaments. Do whatever brings you the most happiness this year and then sit back and enjoy it as much as you can! If you aren’t celebrating Christmas, consider bringing in some seasonal blooms and fresh greenery. Fragrant Rosemary bushes, Poinsettias, Amaryllis and Succulents (Christmas Cactus are showing off this time of year) do well indoors and will add some life and color to your winter sanctuary.

Whatever you are celebrating this season, I hope you are able to find some peace and comfort in your own space with the ones you love.

Dining Rooms To Inspire

It’s November, which means the holiday that features your dining room as the star of the show is right around the corner. Of course this year you may have fewer chairs pulled up to the table due to social distancing measures but that doesn’t mean your meal has to be less indulgent or your room less beautiful. A large welcoming table, a stunning rug, a beautiful view, interesting artwork…these are all features of an inviting and luxurious dining room. A space where you want to linger over your turkey and help yourself to a second piece of pie with your closest loved ones. Below is a collection of gorgeous local dining rooms to give you inspiration and get you ready for one of our country’s most cherished holidays. Happy Thanksgiving!

601 Bellevue Ave, Newport, asking $15,800,000

1076 East Shore Road in Jamestown, asking $3,995,000

136 Adams Road, Barrington, asking $3,500,000

256 East Shore Road, Jamestown, asking $6,995,000

597 Beavertail Rd, Jamestown, asking $6,850,000

455 Stonington Road, Stonington CT, asking $3,900,000

525 Spring Street, Newport, asking $1,000,000

To view these or other homes please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Trend Spotting: Home design trends that are here to stay

Some home design trends come and go and others come and stick around for such a long time we forget they were ever a “trend.” Below is a collection of timeless trends spotted in our local real estate. Click on the photos for listings.

1. Kitchen Islands

   The Kitchen island has become a staple for any style kitchen. The island expands your work surface and often serves as an extra table and gathering spot. The island also usually contains extra storage space with cabinets and drawers and even appliances like microwaves, dishwashers and stovetops. The island can also offer a way to add more personality to your kitchen by choosing a different color than the rest of your cabinetry.

2. Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be a hot button issue when it comes to home design. It can be a nightmare to install and/or remove when your style or tastes change but can also be a great way to add interest and dimension to a specific area in your home. On a smaller scale wallpaper can add a lot of personality without a daunting commitment. In recent years it has come back in style especially in smaller rooms and on accent walls; think bathrooms, hallways, and kitchen backsplashes.

3. Built in Shelving

It might be hard to even call built in shelving a trend as it can be found in virtually any style of home for the past hundred years. Built ins provide character and beauty as well as functional storage space. Changing up what you display on your shelves is also an easy way to give your space a quick breath of fresh air. There is almost no room in the house that doesn’t benefit from the addition of built-ins. From the living room, dining room, bedroom and library to even the laundry room.

For more information about the above homes please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505