Design • December 22, 2025

5 Ways to Incorporate Feng Shui into Your Home

by Don Koonce

Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice, is not just about creating a calming and aesthetic space. It’s about creating a space that resonates with your energy and promotes well-being. By balancing the world’s five natural elements : water, fire, earth, metal, and wood, you can transform your living space into an environment of serenity and positivity. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. If you’re looking to find new ways to rearrange furniture, declutter your area, or introduce natural elements into your space, Feng Shui might just be the missing piece! Here are five simple ways to embrace the elements of Feng Shui in your home.

1. Create Depth with Water

Each element in Feng Shui carries a unique meaning. By integrating these elements in a balanced way, you can create a space that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also promotes well-being. For instance, water is believed to bring prosperity and wisdom into your life. To incorporate water into your home, add dark blue or black accents like hand towels, artwork, and small area rugs. Reflective surfaces or mirrors can also be used to symbolize the fluidity and reflection of water. Feng Shui experts believe that purposefully placed water features both within and outside of a home will bring about positive energy and good luck.

2. Transform Energy with Fire

Fire, a symbol of passion, energy, and transformation in Feng Shui, can be a powerful addition to your home. You can start by strategically placing and lighting a few candles, which is a simple way to introduce the fire element. But, if you are looking for a more intense effect, consider incorporating an indoor or outdoor fireplace to encourage gatherings and create a warm, inviting ambiance. You can also add design accents to your home using reds and oranges which will add more dynamic fire energy.

3. Establish Stability with Earth

In Feng Shui, the earth element can be associated with stability and different grounding forces. When we think of the various aspects of earth within a home, we tend to gravitate towards the more natural features like stone counters, wooden furniture, and clay accents. However, the earth element in Feng Shui goes even further than just aesthetics. More ways to incorporate this element into your home include decluttering and organizing to create flow, inviting nature in with more houseplants and natural light, and utilizing earthy tones like browns and beiges. You can also enhance these earth-centered qualities by repositioning your furniture to create more harmonious spaces.

4. Promote Precision with Metal

According to Feng Shui principles, metal is a strong symbol of precision, wealth, and efficiency. There are plenty of ways to integrate metal into your home beyond mere stainless-steel appliances. Copper, bronze, brass, and nickel accents add warmth to kitchens and living spaces. When incorporating these metals, consider using decorative features like cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, and other metal accent furniture.

5. Embrace Vitality with Wood

Wood, which symbolizes growth, vitality, and new beginnings, is the final core element in Feng Shui. Consider using natural materials like bamboo, rattan, or reclaimed wood when designing with this element in your home. There are a number of ways you can harness the energy of wood, such as through furniture, flooring, or even smaller wooden accents like coasters and photo frames.

Homeownership • December 18, 2025

Home Security for the Holidays

by Don Koonce

The holiday season can bring joy and peace, but it can also bring package thieves and burglary. Stay safe this winter by taking a few precautions with your home security. From old-school security tricks to new digital home monitoring tools, there are many options when it comes to keeping our homes safe and preserving that sensibility.

Upgrade your locks:
A poorly installed deadbolt can make it easy for an intruder to kick in your door. Start by making sure that your door frames are in good condition and then look into getting a higher quality deadbolt. You’ll find everything from classic models with keys, or digital options that require passcodes or a fingerprint.

It’s also a good idea to check all the locks on your windows. Some older models are easy to jimmy open with a little wiggling. For ground floor windows, you may want to consider double locks. It goes without saying, leaving windows open during the summer is a bad idea – especially those that can be easily accessed.

Exterior and interior home lighting:
Having your exterior lights on timers or motion sensors is a good way to deter nighttime snoopers. Add sensor lights to key entry points on your home, including the front door, back door, and/or basement entries. If you have an unused side yard, consider lighting there too. Keeping your home lit makes unwanted visitors weary of being seen.

If you will be gone from your home for an extended period, consider using timed lighting options in your home to make it appear someone is around. You can select timers for bedrooms or living areas. Also, you can program a radio to turn on and off for sound.

Alarm systems:
If you are considering an alarm, you have an array of options that vary from self-install motion detection kits to full-service home security systems.

If you choose to do-it-yourself, you will want to install motion detectors on doors and windows – especially those that can be easily accessed on the ground floor. In most cases, these kits also offer a 24-hour call service for an extra fee.

Full-service security systems can include everything from an alarm system and panic buttons to and integration with your smoke detectors/ fire prevention system. These services are expensive up front but usually have a reasonable monthly rate. And keep in mind, having a home security system installed can also reduce your insurance rates.

If installing an alarm system is cost-prohibitive or does not fit your lifestyle, consider purchasing stickers and a sign that state that your home is monitored by a trusted security system, and place them so they are visible at every entrance.

Security cameras:
Security cameras are readily available for home installation. You can install these in prominently viewed places to deter burglars. There are do-it-yourself install options and professional systems that come along with monitoring services. There are even options that will work with your smartphone.

If the cost of security cameras is too steep for your budget, you can purchase fake cameras to act as a visible deterrent for intruders.

Build your community:
Programs like Neighborhood Watch are very successful in some communities, by creating an environment where everyone is looking out for each other. Building close-knit relationships with your neighbors can go a long way in making you feel safe at home. Whether this is through a formalized program, or a shared agreement with your community, developing relationships with your neighbors is a great way to keep your home safe.

Photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash

Real Estate News & Information • December 16, 2025

Is the Average Homebuyer Really 40 Years Old?

by Don Koonce

A recent wave of headlines suggested that the average first-time homebuyer is now 40 years old. It is an eye-catching statistic, especially in a market defined by high prices, elevated interest rates, and limited inventory. Millennials are now well into their prime homebuying years, so the idea that many are just now purchasing at 40 resonated widely. The full picture, however, is more complex. Yes, some buyers are entering the market later, but broader national data shows that the median age has been far more stable than the headlines imply.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports a steady rise in the average age of first-time buyers. According to its survey, buyers averaged 28 years old in 1991. The age rose gradually to 33 in 2019, then to 36 in 2022, 38 in 2024, and now 40. Researchers reviewing larger datasets are not seeing the same trend, though. Census Bureau data shows that the median age of first-time buyers has held at 33 from 2014 through 2023. Mortgage data also shows very little change. Adults ages 25 to 34 continue to make up roughly 42 to 45 percent of all first-time mortgage borrowers.

One explanation for the opposing results is that NAR’s survey captures a narrower slice of the market. It measures only first-time buyers who are purchasing primary residences. Younger adults who buy rental properties in more affordable areas do not appear in the results. With fewer millennials able to purchase homes overall, the percentage that can skew older than in past generations.

Many factors are influencing purchasing power of millennials, including a drastic decline in supply. Millennials are currently between 29 and 44 years old, the same stage of life when previous generations typically bought homes. But today, fewer homes are on the market. In 2003, more than 7 million people purchased homes with mortgages. In 2023, a little over 3 million did, which is the lowest figure since the Great Recession. Many current homeowners are staying put because they hold mortgage rates below 3 percent from the pandemic era, which keeps inventory low and competition high. New construction has not filled the gap.

Affordability remains a major barrier. The median U.S. home price is more than $410,000 nationwide, more than $530,000 in the West, and nearly $800,000 in the Northeast. Prices have climbed by almost $100,000 in the past five years. When paired with interest rates in the 6% range, the cost of buying has pushed many younger buyers to delay purchasing altogether.

Lifestyle trends play a role as well. Young adults today marry later, spend more years in school, and take longer to settle into permanent careers. These shifts may delay first-time buying slightly, but economists note that they do not fully explain the market pressures that younger buyers are facing.

So is the average first-time buyer really 40? The answer depends on which dataset is used. NAR’s survey suggests a meaningful rise in age, while larger national datasets show that the median age has changed very little. What both views reinforce is that the path to homeownership has become slower and more difficult. Younger buyers are still entering the market, just in fewer numbers and often with more strategic planning and wider search parameters.

Even in a challenging environment, opportunities remain. Buyers who prepare early, stay flexible, and understand current market dynamics are still finding ways to purchase their first homes. The journey may be longer than it was for previous generations, but it is not out of reach.

This post was based on information found in The Seattle Times.

Real Estate News & Information • December 11, 2025

Local Market Update – December 2025

by Don Koonce

In November, all four of our regions saw year-over-year growth and month-over-month declines in the number of active listings. While a seasonal dip is normal for this time of year, the annual increases in inventory levels are notable. Rising supply is playing a central role in moderating prices and creating a more balanced market environment. Ultimately, the long-term impact of this added housing stock will depend on whether buyers are able to overcome the still-high prices and re-engage the market.

KING COUNTY

Last month, King County’s median price for a single-family home fell 1% year over year, from $925,000 to $915,000. Compared to November 2024, the number of active listings jumped 35%. Closed sales didn’t keep pace with inventory levels, declining 13% from last year and 24% since October. For King County condos, the median sold price dropped 10% to $507,880, and active listings grew 16%.

SEATTLE

Seattle was the only one of our four markets to experience a year-over-year price increase, albeit a modest one. The city’s median residential sold price inched up 1% in November, from $968,000 to $973,500. Active listings advanced 32% year over year but saw a typical seasonal drop of 19% month over month. Closed sales dipped 11% compared to 2024. Seattle’s median condo price remained flat at $573,500, while active listings increased 21%.

EASTSIDE

On the Eastside, the median price for a single-family home decreased 7% year over year, from $1,537,312 to $1,430,000. Active listings were 73% higher than last November. Although more homes were on the market, the increase in supply wasn’t matched by sales activity. Pending sales rose 10% year over year, but closed sales sank 17%. Condos, a more affordable alternative to the Eastside’s seven-figure single-family home prices, saw annual price growth of 9% to $750,000, as buyers continued to look for lower-cost options.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

In Snohomish County, the median residential sold price edged down 4% to $750,000 in November, dropping from $784,975 a year earlier. Active listings increased 39%. Despite more supply, buyer activity softened: closed sales fell 16% year over year, and pending sales dipped 6%. In the county’s condo market, the median price contracted 9% year over year to $485,000 and active listings climbed 51%.

As the holidays get underway, the real estate market is settling into a state of balance. Year-over-year gains in supply are influencing pricing and giving fresh options for the buyers still out there. The combination of seasonal patterns and shifting conditions ahead of the busy spring market may create opportunities for both buyers and sellers. In a continually evolving real estate landscape, the expert guidance of a Windermere agent remains essential.

Seattle Homebuyers Less Likely to Back Out of Deals

by Don Koonce

Across the country, more homebuyers are walking away from purchase contracts, but in Seattle, most are staying the course.

In August, 15.1% of national real estate details fell through, marking the highest share since 2017. By contrast, the Seattle metro area saw a modest uptick from 9.7% to 10%, keeping local buyers among the least likely to renege on their contracts.

Other major tech hubs show similar resilience. New York City’s cancellation rate held steady at 9.3%, while San Francisco’s rose slightly from 3.6% to 5.9%. But in more volatile markets like the South, buyers are backing out in far greater numbers. Atlanta leads the nation at 21%.

The reasons vary. During the pandemic-era seller’s market, buyers often waived contingencies, leaving little room to withdraw from deals. As conditions have shifted toward more balance, contingencies such as inspection results, financing challenges, or low appraisals have reentered negotiations, and in many places, led to higher cancellation rates.

In Seattle, however, two factors are helping keep deals intact: financial stability and limited supply. According to Windermere Chief Economist Jeff Tucker, local buyers tend to have stronger financial footing and a clearer understanding of mortgage terms, making last-minute financing failures less common.

Low inventory also plays a role. Even as the national market tilts toward buyers, Seattle’s housing supply remains tight, especially for single family homes, and high demand often pushes buyers to waive contingencies to stay competitive.

The combination keeps the city’s deal cancellations comparatively low. While Seattle’s buyers now have slightly more leverage than during the height of the market, deep-pocketed purchasers and scarce listings continue to set the tone.

This post was based on information found on The Seattle Times.

Design • December 4, 2025

What is Italianate Architecture?

by Don Koonce

Italianate architecture has roots in Italy’s countryside villas, palaces, and overall romantic building aesthetic. Those ancient buildings inspired a new wave of home design that borrowed from the classic concepts found throughout a country beloved for its classic details and charm. Let’s dive into this special version of Mediterranean design to learn what makes it so appealing.

History of Italianate Architecture

Emerging in the early 1800s as part of a classic architecture movement of the time, the Italianate architectural style was inspired by Italy’s awesome and inspiring classic buildings. The goal in creating this style of home design was to share the grand and charming characteristics of Italian architecture with the world. Closely associated with the Victorian period, Italianate architecture gained popularity in Europe and the U.S. during the 19^th century.

Italianate architecture detached house | Image Source: Getty Images | Image Source: tomch

What is Italianate architecture?

For those who dream of taking a vacation to an Italian villa or countryside estate, this architectural style is for you. Square and symmetrical, homes built in this style are typically constructed from brick, stone, or stucco with well-constructed masonry walls. Common features of these distinct homes include tile flooring, columned entryways, and rounded windows.

Italianate houses typically have low-pitched roofs or a belvedere to capture views and emphasize verticality. The windows are a focal point of Italianate home exteriors. Tall and narrow, they are decorated with elaborate crown molding or hoods, evoking the grandeur of palatial Italian buildings. The Italianate style comes in many shapes and sizes, from townhouses and row houses to countryside estates and mansions.

Italianate architecture row house in Trieste, Italy | Image Source: Getty Images | Image Source: Leonid Andronov

Design • December 2, 2025

Behr 2026 Color of the Year: How to Style Your Home with Behr’s Hidden Gem

by Don Koonce

Color has a way of reshaping the way a home feels, and for 2026, Behr has introduced a shade that truly sets the tone. Hidden Gem N430-6A, a smoky jade with an air of quiet confidence, is rich, refined, and just mysterious enough to keep your rooms interesting long after the paint dries.

As homes continue shifting toward more personal, expressive spaces, this jewel-toned green blue arrives right on cue. Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a top-to-bottom refresh, here’s how to embrace Behr’s Hidden Gem and blend it seamlessly into 2026’s biggest interior design trends.

Behr Color of the Year: Hidden Gem

Each year, Behr’s color experts look to lifestyle trends, design movements, and cultural moods to select a single shade that reflects how people want to live. For 2026, the demand is clear: homeowners are craving comfort, character, and a stronger connection to the natural world. Hidden Gem brings all three into perfect balance, offering a sophisticated, versatile tone that feels intentional without overpowering a space.

With its deep teal base and soft smoky undertones, it offers a calm, eye-catching depth that shifts effortlessly with the light, perfect for layering with the color and design trends shaping homes in 2026.

Source: Behr 2026 Color of the Year – Hidden Gem

Balancing Hidden Gem with 2026 Color Trends

Color forecasters agree that 2026 will be defined by rich, soothing, nature-inspired hues that help homes feel more grounded and expressive. Hidden Gem fits neatly into this movement, especially as tranquil teals rise in popularity.

This year’s trend reports also point to the growing appeal of warm blacks and mellow reds. These deeper tones bring drama and intimacy into a space, particularly in small rooms or architectural moments. Hidden Gem pairs beautifully with warm blacks like Behr’s Cracked Pepper and earthy reds such as Terra Cotta Urn, creating a thoughtful contrast that feels modern and moody.

Uplifting yellows and soft neutrals will also remain strong throughout 2026. Subtle creams and warm whites help brighten teal-based palettes, while tones like Wheat Bread provide a soft foundation that allows Hidden Gem’s depth to shine. Pairing it with sunny tones like Beehive or 2025’s butter-yellow trend adds a fresh lift, keeping the look balanced and inviting.

Just like Pantone’s color stories, Behr’s 2026 palette is designed to influence cohesive, livable color combinations around its Color of the Year. And the good news? Hidden Gem is unusually flexible. If you are looking for more combinations, explore Behr’s full list of 2026 color trends for additional inspiration.

Source: Behr 2026 Color Trends

How to Align Hidden Gem with Other 2026 Home Trends

Beyond color, the home trends emerging in 2026 offer even more ways to weave Hidden Gem into a refreshed modern space.

Color Drenching and Moody Palettes

One of the biggest design shifts heading into 2026 is the rise of color drenching, where a single shade covers the walls, trim, ceiling, and sometimes even furniture in a room. The look creates a fully immersive, moody atmosphere that feels polished and cohesive. Hidden Gem is especially well-suited for this approach because of its depth and richness.

Alongside this trend, deeper, moodier palettes are also becoming more popular. Saturated hues like greens, ochres, burgundies, and tobacco-inspired tones are appearing more often in homes, reflecting a growing desire for warm color and expressive style.

Personalized Spaces and Self-Care at Home

Design is becoming more personal, and many homeowners are carving out spaces meant for calm, comfort, and everyday wellness. Cozy reading nooks, spa-inspired bathrooms, and small restorative spaces continue to rise in popularity, offering a way to slow down within the home.

Hidden Gem’s serene, smoky character makes it an ideal backdrop for these spaces. It brings a quiet sense of balance to reading nooks when paired with warm wood or soft, textured fabrics. In bathrooms, it complements natural materials and warm metals, creating the same soothing quality you’d expect from a spa.

Sustainability Remains a Priority

Sustainability continues to influence how people design and renovate their homes. From natural materials to energy-efficient upgrades and EV-friendly features, homeowners are seeking ways to make their spaces both stylish and environmentally conscious.

Hidden Gem’s nature-inspired tone fits comfortably within these choices. It pairs effortlessly with organic textures like stone, linen, clay, and reclaimed wood, creating a look that feels grounded and connected to the environment.

With Hidden Gem leading the way, 2026 offers endless opportunities to create a home that feels expressive, grounded, and beautifully your own.

From Don • November 25, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving

by Don Koonce

Dear friends,

As we head into the holiday season, I’ve been reflecting on how challenging this year has been for so many in our community. Between rising costs, an unpredictable market, and the ups and downs that life always brings, it hasn’t been an easy road.

Yet even through the challenges, I’ve seen incredible resilience, generosity, and hope in the people around me, and that gives me a lot to be thankful for.

I’m grateful every day for my family, friends, good health, home, and our two loyal pugs, Buzz and Dexter. And I’m especially thankful for you — my clients and community — for your trust, referrals, and continued support. You make it possible for me to do what I love most: helping people find their footing, their home, and their next chapter.

This Thanksgiving, I hope you find time to rest, reconnect, and celebrate the small joys that keep us moving forward.

With gratitude and warm wishes for the season,

Don

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

Living • November 20, 2025

Fire Safety: Preventing & Preparing for Fires at Home

by Don Koonce

A fire breaking out in your home is a serious potential hazard. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to identify the early signs of a fire and to prepare for an emergency. The following list will help you and your household put together your fire safety plan.

Fire safety

Having properly functioning smoke and CO2 detectors is crucial to your safety. Test your smoke and CO2 detectors frequently and swap out the batteries when necessary. It is recommended to have a smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home.

Always keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen to combat flame outbursts from the stove or oven. It is best to have at least one fire extinguisher per floor for easy access. Keep in mind that fire extinguishers are used to control and extinguish small, contained fires. If a fire has spread throughout an entire room, or is beginning to engulf your home, know that fire extinguishers are no match for the blaze, and you should escape immediately.

Evacuation plan

A home fire can be very disorienting. During an emergency, it is critical that all members of your household know how to properly evacuate the home. Identify two ways to escape from each room in case one route is unsafe. Choose a meeting spot somewhere outside for everyone to meet a safe distance away from the fire. This can be across the street, down the block, at a neighbor’s house, or wherever makes most sense for you and your family. The most important thing is that you all have an agreed-upon rendezvous. Select an emergency contact whom you can reach out to if something goes wrong in the evacuation process or if a family member is missing.

Best practices

When escaping your home, crawl as low as possible to stay beneath the smoke. Test closed doors before using them to escape. If they are hot, that’s a sign that there are flames on the other side of the door and you should use an alternative escape strategy. Be careful that you don’t burn your hand when testing closed doors. Make sure everyone in your household knows the procedure for calling 9-1-1 and properly alerting the fire department. If you have pets at home, include them in your evacuation plans. If you are forced to decide between evacuating safely and trying to rescue a pet, know that firefighters are trained experts at saving animals from house fires.

Design • November 18, 2025

How to Upgrade Your Dining Room

by Don Koonce

The dining room is a place of gathering, comfort, and community. Creating the right mood in the space is a matter of choices in décor and design. For example, a traditional dining room creates a heartwarming tone whereas a modern one feels minimalist and light. Homeowners can often feel puzzled when trying to upgrade their dining room, since it typically isn’t as simple as buying new appliances or green-lighting a remodeling project. Here are some simple ideas to help you upgrade your dining room and achieve the atmosphere you’re looking for.

Lighting

A light fixture is often the centerpiece of a dining room. Your choice in lighting can greatly reinforce the dining room theme you’re going for, so look for fixtures that reinforce the other elements of the space. A chandelier will add a formal touch to the room, while more modern fixtures like pendant and warehouse lights can deliver a sense of chic sophistication. If you plan to hang a chandelier, keep in mind that the bottom of the fixture should hang roughly three feet above the dining room table. If you have vaulted ceilings, it should hang even higher.

Flooring

A full dining room upgrade happens from the ground up. If your flooring is outdated or showing signs of wear and tear, it’s the perfect time to add a flooring upgrade to your project list. Choosing the right flooring is a matter of identifying what material will work best in the space, assessing your budget, and forming a plan for installation. Materials like vinyl, ceramic tile, and hardwood are popular options, not only for their durability, but also because they’re easy to clean. Other niche options like cork or concrete can help create a specific ambience but may not be as widely available. Once you’ve decided on your material, talk to local contractors to compare installation quotes. There are pros and cons to installing flooring on your own or hiring a professional; know what they are before making a final decision.

Table & Chairs

When it comes down to it, the essential function of your dining room is to provide a setting for enjoying a meal. Together with your main lighting fixture, your table and chairs help to form the focal point of the room. Size is a critical component of your dining room table. There’s a Goldilocks dynamic with dining room tables. The larger the table, the more room everyone has, but the more space it takes up. Make sure to take exact measurements before shopping around so you know exactly what size you’re looking for.

Your chairs will reinforce the look and feel of your table. Consider balancing wood grains and matching colors. For example, if your dining room table is designed with intricate wood grain, look at chair sets with simple colors and designs to bring balance to the room. When it comes to the height of the seats, arms, and back, choose dimensions that suit the dining experience you’re looking to create. Generally, high-backed, narrower chairs create a more formal atmosphere than their rounded, modern counterparts. Either way, choose the combination that looks best to you and feels most comfortable.

Color & Décor

A fresh coat of paint can take a dining room from stale to lively in a hurry. If you’re thinking about painting your dining room, think about how the color scheme would complement and/or contrast with the colors elsewhere in your home. A contrasting color will help differentiate the space, while a complimenting color will help to tie things together. New color in the dining room doesn’t have to come exclusively from painting a wall. Colored furniture pieces, decorative throw pillows, placemats, and table décor can help liven the space as well. Curtains and drapes can add a splash of color while softening the room, and when paired together with a decorative rug, can make your colors pop at different eye levels.