From the Designer’s Desk
The Hurrier I Go, the Behinder I Get.
SO excited for my client, Jennifer Michaels! This home not only topped the chart for her highest sale, but it was also the highest sale for Inspire Properties this year AND the highest price ever recorded on Mercer Island - I'm so proud of the work that went into this project and so happy for the new homeowners as well!
Check out the Look Book: https://bit.ly/2YdtSkG
I know I say this a lot, but I really do have the most amazing clients. From the the word “go” this sweet family was working around a baby who wanted to come early, building a new home, two little girls needing step one of education and a world pandemic.
Mike and the Kidlets
Mike treats all his clients as if they are family. After all, it’s their money, their time, and their livelihood that he’s dealing with. He’s available around the clock and does whatever it takes to get the job done. Mike is the type of broker that will put on his work boots and head lamp to go in the crawl space for you, even if it’s littered with mice. He’s a unique breed of real estate agent and he’s a talented general contractor to boot.
This created an especially unique stack of challenges; creating an online vision that showcases Mike’s working style, highlights his extensive skill set and connecting it all with his talent in real estate as well. His wife Nicole is his marketing manager, house and business manager and an incredibly talented writer.
We started with a logo design that was clean and fresh with a strong and elegant bent. Working in strictly black and white, focusing on a design that was elegant enough to sell million dollar homes, but strong enough that no one would be surprised when Mike hops up on the roof to check out the gutters.
Nicole partnered closely with me to create a website that was a useful space for their clients, offering a myriad of data in a clean, friendly way. From general contracting to painting to finding a home buyer for their new listing to connecting home sellers to buyers that fall in love with their home or property, the McRae Homes website is curated to showcase their mad skill set.
As the weather warms up my heart turns to both my garden and vacations. There’s something magical about traveling, finding your home away from home. If you’ve been considering a vacation home, I have a collection of my favorites for you.
2025 Crestview Drive, Laguna Beach
Listed by Kim Walker, Compass
↑ Crestview Drive is a charming three-bedroom, two-bath cottage, ideally located on a private corner lot in the sought-after neighborhood of Laguna Beach’s Upper Diamond. The entry-level offers two bedrooms and a spacious bathroom with stairs leading to the main living area that features a wood-burning fireplace and custom hardwood floors. Glass doors lead you to a very special outdoor Wisteria covered logia which is ideal for al fresco dining and features a custom built-in BBQ, bar seating, gas fire, and even a kegerator to enjoy the perfect SoCal evenings. Also on the main level is a cozy master retreat with wonderful ocean views and a spa-like bathroom. Follow the stairs up to the loft level and enjoy the spectacular ocean, Catalina, coastline views, and stunning sunsets. This meticulously maintained home exudes warmth and charm with pride of ownership being evident throughout and is located just a stone’s throw from the beaches, shops, and galleries for which downtown Laguna Beach is known.
2644 48th Avenue SW | Seattle, WA
Listed by Chad Zinda, Metropolist
↑ Embrace the 70's. Custom-built 1975 open floor plan waiting for your modern touches. You've got choices of two primary bedroom suites, one up and one down. Fantastic location with Alki beach as your front yard and Admiral Junction in the back. Beautiful fireplace with huge vaulted wood ceilings and gorgeous beams creating dramatic surroundings on the main level. Use the deck under the cherry tree for shady outdoor entertaining. Enjoy a large open space on the lower level to use for extra fun gatherings and a great workspace. Giant laundry area and party fridge included. Create a second kitchen and lower level additional living. Two off-street parking spaces. Within easy distance of all the beachfront activities, shopping, and restaurants.
3701 SW 38th Avenue | Portland, OR
Listed by Jacob York, RE/MAX Equity Group
↑ FORE! Tasteful modern/mid-century home on an oversized lot with beautiful territorial views and spectacular grounds. Inside features a great room with walls of glass, oversized retractable sliding doors, 12ft ceilings, dining room, custom kitchen with quarts countertops, huge primary suite with fireplace and dual walk-in closets. Upstairs includes two large bedroom, a full bathroom and a den. Lower family room with bar. Outside enjoy the massive deck, covered patio, golf greens, waterfall & attached oversized 2-car garage.
6562 Beach Drive Southwest | Seattle, WA
Listed by Marilisa Vergottini, Compass
↑ A bold wall of windows fronts this iconic West Seattle contemporary, facing the water and the Olympic Mountain range beyond. Architectural highlights include double height ceilings, multiple fireplaces and re-finished hardwood floors. Interior spaces connect seamlessly with the outdoors. Upstairs you will find a private owner’s suite with fireplace and view deck, as well as a second bedroom. The basement showcases two more ensuite bedrooms and a covered patio. In the majestic maple outside, you'll find a Treehouse, designed by Pete Nelson and featured in the Treemasters episode "The Meditating Maple." It showcases a back-lit Himalayan Pink Sea Salt wall and a meditation deck. Ask your broker for the full specifications on this home.
“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.”
I’m a sunshine girl, and I love being in my backyard. I stay outside waiting for all of my fairy lights to blink on as the stars come out. So I have a soft spot for a charming porch, delightful patio, fire pit and decks. And if they’re staged and beautifully photographed, I want to crawl through my computer screen and relax! Here are a few of my favorites from my amazing clients this year:
307 N 48th Street | Seattle, WA 98103
Listed by Lauren GeRoy, RE/MAX Northwest
↑ Welcome to Phinney Ridge! Classic craftsman details mesh perfectly with modern updates & peekaboo views of the Olympics and Salmon Bay. Step into the sun-drenched main floor to find oak and fir floors, functional built-ins, a cozy wood burning fireplace and open living spaces including oversized dining area with room to host. Large kitchen boasts brand new quartz counters, tons of storage, gas cooking, walk-in pantry and spacious eating nook that opens out to the backyard. Rare five-bedroom layout also includes a bonus room and home gym on the lower level, giving you more than enough space to roam. Garden, play and soak up the summer sun in the spacious backyard complete with bocce court. Stroll to nearby Woodland Park, the zoo, top dining and more!
15204 256th Avenue SE | Issaquah, WA
Listed by Laura Ford, RE/MAX Northwest
↑ I love everything about this backyard; from the cozy deck to the stunning hot tub to the lovingly landscaped garden spaces. This backyard offers a myriad of entertaining spaces to grill out, roast marshmallows and enjoy the summer sun. Highly sought after Mirrormont Home situated on a corner lot w/ Park-like setting including garden beds and designer landscaping. Nestled on just shy of an acre across from a well manicured neighborhood park and walking distance to pool/tennis.
18891 NE 49th Place, Sammamish, WA 98074
Listed by Ryan Tuttle, John L. Scott HWP
↑ Beyond a private gated entry, and just off the shores of Lake Sammamish, this unparalleled community features 12 custom NW contemporary homes on estate sized properties. Each homeowner enjoys deeded private waterfront and a designated boat slip at this newly constructed community marina. East Lake Sammamish Trail-linked recreation and lake activities conveniently within walking distance and excellent commute times to Redmond, Microsoft, Bellevue, and State Route 520. Realize the rewards of living in Sammamish Ridge Estates. I need a glass of wine in this backyard, STAT!
132 26th Avenue E., #B | Seattle, WA
Listed by Junior Torress, Windermere Greenwood
↑ Spearhead is a collection of newly constructed custom residences in the desirable Madison Valley neighborhood. Marvel at the stunning attention to detail in designing both the interior and exterior of the homes. Innovative architecture, high-end finishes, and exceptional craftsmanship are hallmarks of Halverson Design Build residences. Emphasis has been placed on the exterior facades, featuring COR-TEN weathering steel which brings a captivating and distinctive look to the residences. Spacious and inspired interiors offer the perfect stage for effortless entertaining. With sleek, contemporary lines and thoughtful floor plans flowing over three levels, the homes enhance and meet the needs of upscale urban lifestyles. I can’t wait to see what the new owners do to create a party hub on the rooftop deck!
There are so many ways in which racism affects our lives and our businesses, and so many of them aren’t even fully visible. It’s the invisible - or less visible - that I was made aware of once again this month.
In real estate, we have used - and still use - the term “Master Bedroom” and “Master Bath”. Two whole seconds of thinking showcases why this term is so problematic. According to the Washington Business Journal’s Michael Neibauer, “In large part for exactly the reason you would think: “Master” has connotation problems, in gender (it skews toward male) and race (the slave master).”
This is not the first time this situation has been brought to light; in 2013 the Washington Business Journal reported that 6 out of 10 Washington area homebuilders “no longer use the term “master” in their floor plans to describe the largest bedroom (with its own bathroom) in the house. They have replaced it with “owner’s suite” or “owner’s bedroom…” As of 2013, Winchester, Pulte Homes, NV Homes and Ryan Homes (both under the NVR Inc. umbrella), Van Metre Cos. and D.R. Horton Inc. have all replaced “master” in their floor plans, some more recently than others.
“In large part for exactly the reason you would think: “Master” has connotation problems, in gender (it skews toward male) and race (the slave master).”
Imagine my genuine surprise when I saw that Houston - HOUSTON (come on, PNW!) - was the first Association to make a real statement about it in 2020. Imagine my frustration when I realized that that was as far as it had gone. “The Houston Association of Realtors will use "primary" to describe bedrooms and bathrooms on its listing service and replace the word "master." The move comes after several members raised the issue and called for a review,” according to CNN affiliate KPRC. “Amid increasing calls for racial justice, "master" has fallen out of favor due to its association with slavery.”
“The Court of Master Sommeliers, which grants wine stewards the sought-after “master sommelier” title following the passage of an exam, said it will no longer use the term before a sommelier’s last name.”
But wait, there’s more: Enter John Legend. (cue appropriate levels of swoon)
“Real problem: realtors don't show black people all the properties they qualify for. Fake problem: calling the master bedroom the master bedroom. Fix the real problem, realtors.” he tweeted on June 27th of 2020. Apparently, this is the tip of what is an enormous iceberg that can actually keep people of color from becoming homeowners.
Chad Zinda, Owner of Metropolist in Seattle, weighs in: “At Metropolist, we are extremely aware of the racial biases we possess and are under constant watch over the law of Fair Housing and more importantly the things we say and do as it relates to issues of social equity. When it comes to issues in our industry, we have a huge responsibility to all members of the public to understand this. Of recent, we have taken to using the statement of Main bedroom area rather than the term of Master bedroom due to the connotations of oppression. This may not seem important at first glance but it is in understanding the details of our biases where we have a big chance to remedy past transgressions of racial inequity.”
And RE/MAX agrees: “The terminology [Owner’s Suite] has more of an upscale tone to it, particularly in some of the really large homes that truly have a large bedroom, sitting area, enormous walk-in closets, and lavish bathrooms,” Brian Block, Managing Broker for RE/MAX Allegiance wrote in an email. “Owner Suite conveys a sense of being distinguished, having ‘made it’ or ‘arrived’ rather than the everyday ‘Master Bedroom.’”
“Of recent, we have taken to using the statement of “Main Bedroom” rather than the term of “Master Bedroom” due to the connotations of oppression. This may not seem important at first glance but it is in understanding the details of our biases where we have a big chance to remedy past transgressions of racial inequity.”
So it seems that many designers, contractors, construction companies and the bulk of the real estate industry in some form of agreement, but why has it not been changed in the NWMLS and across the United States? And what comes next?
Barry Long of Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty who’s infamous for his work with changing the standards and verbiage for Accessibility within MLS’s around the county, has recent experience in making changes to the actual real estate system. He says “In my experience of updating the actual back end taxonomy of real estate, it definitely takes time for lots of different reason, but if we can get a groundswell of people to support this change – ‘at least 10,000 nationwide willing to sign would be a great start’ – it would show the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) who oversees the MLS’s Database Taxonomy, that there is enough backing for them to get the process started of both discussing and then eventually making these changes permanently!”
Join us.
This spectacular home has a presence. You'll feel the pride of ownership when you step through its dual glass doors and experience the level of detail designed to create beauty, tranquility and harmony. Nestled in the quiet rolling hills of Northern California, the San Vicente Masterpiece is ideally located on the 10th hole of the exclusive Tierra Oaks Golf Club and provides an incredible golf lifestyle.
For this project we created a custom brochure, branding and a custom website. This luxurious property totally deserves all the love that it’s given. Stacy Baxter, the listing agent, wanted to create an ambiance about the property before potential buyers even set foot inside.
Designed for entertaining, the bright, open kitchen features custom cherry cabinetry throughout, an oversized dining island that seats four, granite countertops and backsplash, a walk-in pantry, stainless steel Kitchen Aid appliances and an ice maker. The built-in desk, custom wine bar, under-cabinet lighting and custom pendant lights finish off this stunning but cozy gathering spot. There are SO many unique details, it’s amazing.
“A well-shaped house has the capacity to create a world within it.”
Sitting within the last curve of Golden Gardens Drive before it enters the 88 acres of Golden Gardens Park, this beautifully crafted home creates a world unto itself. Surrounded by neighboring cedars, sequoias and tall big leaf maples, the home is surrounded by greenery. An evergreen hedge and cedar fence create both deep privacy for evenings with friends, a quiet coffee in the morning, as well as a secure play space for pets.
Vertical brochure and website design for 8801GoldenGardens.com, Seattle
The home was built in 1936 in the Scandinavian tradition - there are still hand-drawn architectural drawings- at a time when custom work was at a peak. The WPA was working on Golden Gardens Park at the time, building the trails, stairways and creek channels that line through the 88-acre park. Near the lower stairs, you can see 1936 stamped into a stone at the front of a small catch basin.
From the 1930’s until 2012, the home was in the family of Einar Pedersen. You can see a wood sign with his name on the back wall of the garage. They were and still are a part of the Scandanavian Ballard fishing industry.
My job was to create a logo, branding a website and an email campaign for this stunning property. I partnered with Sarah Alston, my secondary logo designer, and she took the look and feel of the details in the vintage spyhole. The owners were thrilled! I’m so freaking proud to be a part of this project!
The new website for RE/MAX Dynamic Properties
I am incredibly excited to introduce RE/MAX Dynamic Properties website! I partnered with the amazing marketing department to craft a website that the team and their licensees can be proud of. We carefully curated each image, the details, the writing and the layouts to create a fresh, clean look that invites potential buyers and sellers to stay on the site browsing beautiful homes.
This was such a cool project. And it is a feather in my cap for several reasons: not only did I get to work with the largest brokerage in Alaska, but I got to work with some of the neatest humans and there was a learning curve for the process of working with another state’s MLS. I can’t stress just how cool it is to learn about different states and I might have to add that to my business dreams, to get my hands in every state’s MLS. SO much fun!
I designed the website for RE/MAX Northwest here in Washington and as part of my research I came across Lauren’s old website and immediately fangirled her; it was clear that she understands good photography, she’s an excellent writer and you can tell that she genuinely cares about each and every one of her clients. I finally got to work with her on her branding and website and she was well worth the wait.
Website for Lauren GeRoy, RE/MAX Northwest Real Estate Broker
We started with a mood board, drawing on her previous design work, long conversations and a good bit of research. I regularly encourage clients to not use a logomark that include keys, doors or houses, but once in a long while a client comes along who can handle the weight of a key in their logo. We chose a salmon/coral that is at least as sparkly as she is to go along with the simple and elegant grays and blacks. The logomark can be placed in front of or above the logo and can stand on it’s own.
This project encouraged a lot of creativity and pushed us to create a website that showcases her years of sales successes and testimonials and highlights beautiful new homes every month. We included all the bells and whistles on the site but managed to keep it clean and elegant. Lauren loved it and I’m SO thrilled to add this to my portfolio!
With the election coming up, homeschooling, working from home, zoom meetings, Covid-19, etc, it’s really easy to let the little things lay to the side, and we have to take into account the post office is overwhelmed right now, but they also need our support.
This is a great way to both buy pretty stamps AND connect in a personal way with your past sellers and buyers and potential new clients as well. Dropping a nice local coffee shop gift card and supporting local printers and designers is another way to showcase care in every detail.
PLEASE NOTE: I’m taking holiday card clients through December 1st, but past that there’s no guarantee your clients will get the cards in time.
“Summertime. It was a song. It was a season. I wondered if that season would ever live inside of me.”
I’m a sunshine girl, so the Pacific Northwest summers are when I come alive. I love being in my backyard and I stay outside waiting for all of my fairy lights to blink on as the stars come out. So I have a soft spot for a charming porch, delightful patio, fire pit and decks. And if they’re staged and beautifully photographed, I want to crawl through my computer screen and relax! Here are a few of my favorites from my amazing clients this year:
8630 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland
Listed by Marilisa Vergottini, Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty
↑ This breathtaking retreat is nestled just off of Juanita Beach, one of the first dwellings built in this area. Set on over an acre of private, creek-side land, this property is a veritable recreational retreat. Enjoy everything that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, right at your doorstep. Relax in the hot tub under the night sky, zipline over Champagne Creek, or swing in your hammock beneath a canopy of lush greenery. Roast marshmallows around the firepit, walk the dogs through your property's private trails and enjoy hypnotic views of Lake Washington from the main and upper floors.
4731 36th Avenue SW, Seattle
Listed by Matt Martel, RE/MAX Northwest
↑ I love everything about this backyard; from the cozy kids play area and jungle gym, to the stunning stonework to the lovingly landscaped garden spaces. This backyard offers a myriad of entertaining spaces to grill out, roast marshmallows and enjoy the summer sun.
7573 NE Emerald Way, Bainbridge Island
Listed by Jenn Herrman, Windermere Real Estate
↑ The tongue-and-groove hardwoods on this porch - even across the ceiling and matching sideboards - create a warmth and classic ambiance that is an absolute treasure to behold. This luscious backyard is packed full of flowers and I need a glass of wine in the backyard ASAP.
6048 34th Avenue NE, Seattle
Listed by Mike McRae, Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty
↑ And speaking of “cozy”, curling up in this vintage backyard with a cup of coffee and a good book is a must. I can’t wait to see what the new owners do to create a party hub in the backyard.
Emily Martin has a passion for her clients, a love of the Pacific Northwest, and a talent for connecting new construction homes to their new owners. Working with Emily was an absolute treat! We started with a logo design that was clean and fresh with a modern bent and a classic style. Working with deep grays and a custom gold, Emily Martin’s logo design creates an elegance that highlights her experience with luxury homes while feeling cozy and inviting in its simplicity.
She partnered closely with me to create a website that was a useful space for her clients, offering a myriad of data in a clean, fresh way. From home staging to finding a home buyer for her new listing to connecting home sellers to buyers that fall in love with the home or property, Emily’s website is curated to clients’ needs. Looking forward to many more projects with Emily!
Finailized Vertical Brochure, Custom Website Design and Custom Email Campaign
The owners of this property loved all things outdoors, especially on the water, and they created a home that was meant to work with those ideals. The top floors act as an extensive luxury home where they can enjoy every moment and catch every sunset. The bottom floor acts as their “summer home” so they are never more than a few steps from the water. This property, to date, is one of my favorites!
Many real estate brokers are feeling a bit of a slow down with the current health issues we’re dealing with, though I do have several that are just rocking it right now, leaning into a potential buyer’s market. If you find that you’re stuck at home - whether by choice or circumstance - now is the time to update your marketing materials, get in front of any collateral projects that are outstanding, create a custom brand and even a stunning website.
What projects have you been putting off?
300 Days of Sun was a printed Look Book showcasing a collection of Destination Homes, highlighting their unique properties, like Wine Country, Equestrian, Mountain Views, etc. This booklet was brought together by multiple brokers and used as both an advertising piece, and a unique addition to listing presentations for each of them.
“New England meets the West Coast in this stunning waterview home...”
I love it when my clients bring me stunning homes with beautiful photographs to play with! Last week I got to play with this breathtaking water view home with gorgeous interiors and welcoming backyard living.
24007 8th Place South | Des Moines, Washington
With a deep understanding of the topography, architectural design, and the needs of the modern family, this home was constructed with a clear connection to Puget Sound living.
Pass through the calming entry gate onto a private street of architecturally desirable residences and a nod toward pedigreed style. Classic, artful, and elegant. High function design throughout - from the entry, through the main living spaces, and continues into the upstairs suites and loft and downstairs to the lower level.
The home is drenched in natural light that streams in from multiple locations – including the 18ft-high wall of floor to ceiling glass in the living room. The chef’s kitchen is outfitted with Viking appliances, stone slab countertops, a pass-through to the formal dining room has a convenient walk-in pantry and butler’s service area. At the top of the elaborate staircase is a bridge overlooking the main floor areas from either side. At one end of the bridge is a master suite that transports to another realm. This beautiful space includes a spacious bedroom and private deck, a bathroom resembling a luxurious spa and a bedroom-size walk-in closet. The opposite end of the bridge offers a Jr. suite with updated adjoining full bath and a third bedroom. Come home to Des Moines, Washington.
“An enclave, incorporating brilliant design while blending modern with traditional warmth.”
I work with real estate agents specifically because they bring me beautiful homes to play with. This month I was blessed to create a beautiful logo/branding and a website for this beautiful home in Gig Harbor. My dream this year is to do two of these a month <crossing fingers>!
12704 Tanager Drive Northwest, Gig Harbor
Nestled down at the far end of the roundabout at Tanager Drive, sits the Canterwood Estate. Partnered with a second lot set up with a stunningly designed spa-like in-ground pool, water feature and pool house. Both lots back to a greenbelt offering coveted privacy and offering a spectacular array of entertaining living spaces. The elevated ceiling height and streaming light coming through large windows have a soothing effect throughout this stunning home.
From the kitchen, step outside onto the patio with an awning which is perfect for relaxing under the stars year-round. Nature provides a privacy backdrop of stately evergreen trees and a serene atmosphere. A synthetic turf provides a space to sharpen your putting skills in preparation for a round of golf on the highly acclaimed, private Canterwood golf course.
I am so freaking proud to be able to play the designer to their brilliant business plan. In 2017, Tom Minty and Barry Long joined the marketing power and resources of their brokerages and life experiences to create a truly unique real estate partnership that is ABLE Environments. Through this partnership, Tom and Barry strive to meet their client’s demands for accessible housing now and in the future, for our aging population, and people of all abilities.
Building on this direct knowledge and momentum, ABLE Environments is dedicated to being the resource for buying, selling, and marketing homes that fit their client’s specific needs, with benefits for everyone. Whether you’re looking to buy, build, remodel, or renovate, ABLE Environments has the inventory of homes, networks, and partnerships throughout the real estate industry to find the right solution for you.
Layout for Sales Success Postcard, Autumn 2019
Chad Zinda is one of the owners of Metroplist Group in the Seattle area, and he was kind enough to chat with me about what his real estate brokers lean towards during what the rest of real estate considers “downtime.” “The last 90 days of the year we take as a personal challenge - and it works.” With nearly $6.5 million in sales since October 1st, he’s not wrong! His team is rocking this last quarter.
I asked Chad if I could share our conversation and what he would suggest for design work during this downtime. “Remind your potential clients that buyers are looking during the holiday season. So many people would love to be in their new home before the holidays. Take advantage of it!” says Chad.
Finailized Email Campaign | Westwind at Woodmont Beach. Des Moines Washington
Had a last minute client who needed a website build and an email campaign to showcase her new listing! Waterfront is my personal favorite because the sunsets are just stunning! The Westwind at Woodmont Beach is curated to take in every single sunset.
Stunning vistas, gorgeous finishes and sand between your toes anytime you want. This was a last minute listing and we rushed to get it on the market, but we made it with grace and a sense of style. Big shout out to Lori DeVore, the real estate broker and listing agent, who put all the pieces together for me and gave me the space to design something gorgeous!
Finished Brochure for Farmhouse Gardens in Mount Vernon, Washington | Sold at $1,550,000
This property is easily one of my favorites, mostly because I have a gardeners’ heart and you can find me in my garden more often than not and this property totally tugs on my heartstrings.
As with so many things, it all starts with a picture.
To begin, my client sent me a myriad of pictures to review and choose from. I settled in with pen-and-ink (just kidding, I type - what year is it?) to write about this stunning property, leading clients down the garden path and into their new home. I took the stunning photography and created beautiful writing, styled a logomark and created a unique look and feel for the property.
Inside, the brochure tells the story of the home in words and photos and then invites the potential buyer to imagine themselves in the home. Farmhouse Gardens was an absolute treat to be involved with.
“As a graphic designer, it’s my job to make your property look good; to find the story, the heartbeat of the property and then to showcase that heart to potential buyers.”
Custom Email Campaign
