Jaffa News

Home Sales Rebound Last Month After August Slump

WASHINGTON—Americans snapped up more homes in September, suggesting that the U.S. housing sector remains insulated from global economic turmoil.

The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that sales of existing homes jumped 4.7 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.55 million. Buying activity rebounded after slipping in August, indicating that demand for housing continues despite a series of recent economic hits: stock market declines, falling factory orders, a slowdown in China, struggles in emerging nations such as Brazil and Turkey, and stagnation in Europe.

Personalized Bedroom Design

A well done bedroom has to incorporate not only the style of the person that lives in it but also has to flow well with the rest of the house. In this bedroom we did just that by combining the clean contemporary aesthetics of the home with this kid's love of music. The furnishings are simple and modern and the color pallete is very soothing. This allowed for personal items like the guitar collection and the music posters to stand out as the real focal points. It's a space that is personal to the occupant but well designed and pulled together to give a designer look.

Architectural Feature

Design Workshop: Kinetic Architecture

by: Eric Reinholdt

Kinetic architecture, which moves or changes to adapt to seasonal, functional or daylight requirements — or just for the heck of it — has roots dating back to medieval times. A castle's drawbridge served as a multifunctional kinetic wall, door and footbridge. The futurists and constructivists of the Russian art movement of the early 20th century explored kinetics by infusing their proposals with notions of highly mechanized, sleek, modern, industrial construction.

The Year of Green

by: Matt Goering

HomeAdvisor is officially declaring this year the “Year of Green” for the home improvement industry. What is it that's got us thinking in shades of Kermit the Frog during this time of fresh starts and new beginnings? In addition to a rough economy and global climate change, it's the prospect of homeowners saving some hard earned green of their own that has us trumpeting the benefits of green building from the mountaintops. That said, what do you need to know when it comes to green? From basic green remodeling philosophy, to the green projects that stand to benefit you the most, it's time for you to grab a seat, hug a tree, and pay attention. Happy Green Year!

Testimonial

“10 years ago you built my home for me and it was clear from the outset that you really cared about the project. You worked with my architect and me from afar, you found the finest craftsmen and the result was stunning. What impressed me the most was that for months after I moved in Richard would appear every morning to tweak all the little things that always need adjusting. CARE is the word that stands out the most when I think of you. You all cared that my house turned out beautifully. You still do. Whenever I want to do something to the house or have a problem, I know I can turn to you for help, advice or an answer. And of course no corner was ever cut. Everything was done perfectly. It was a pleasure to work with you and to have become personal friends with you.”

~ Beano Sololmon