• Corcoran, Heidi Cole

    January 27th, 2013

    Corcoran On Jensen Beach

    The view of the east terrace

    To describe this Condominium as grand seems inadequate.  This magnificent home, with wrap around views of both the ocean and Intracoastal, was originally purchased as raw space and custom built as you see it.  It is unique to the Jensen Beach/Hutchinson Island area as very few condominiums offer this generous amount of living space–or truly awe-inspiring views.  Heidi Cole and I have this home listed with the firm for which we work–The Corcoran Group–the undisputed leader in the luxury market in Palm Beach and surrounding areas.  Offered at $1.595m, the unit’s square footage totals nearly five thousand. It offers 4 bedrooms and as many baths, media room, formal dining room, winding gallery leading to a double door master bedroom entry, gourmet kitchen and sumptuous powder room.

    Enjoy your own in-home private gym and sauna.  Included in the HOA fee at this luxury building is a wide array of top-of-the-line amenities and a club membership to the golf club and restaurant located on the Intracoastal Waterway directly across from the building. Slip space is available for your yacht.  

  • Corcoran Palm Beach

    Palm Beach Atrium Condo

    My career path has taken an unexpected turn in the last few months.  I had a request from one of my dearest friends Heidi Cole to get my real-estate  license  here in Palm Beach county.  For months I kept the source of the inspiration a secret.  I also haven’t done much blogging in all this time.  Therefore, I’m taking this opportunity now to announce formally this incredible alliance and addition to my skill set. It has been a welcomed distraction and as one of my clients said “It will dovetail nicely” with my design career.  I’m sure that in time that will prove to be true.  Now that I’ve successfully secured my license Heidi and I have hit the ground running.  The timing as it turns out is perfect.  The real-estate market here has rebounded and is moving at a rapid pace.  There have already been days that we needed to be three people.

    Heidi Cole is a top producing realtor with Corcoran Palm Beach.  If I had just taken up a notion to do this on my own, I would never have had this opportunity.  An immediate affiliation with a “white glove” brokerage such as Corcoran would not have been possible otherwise.  When Heidi called I acted!

    Here is a listing we have newly signed  with Corcoran.  This is a lovely 3200 Square foot three bedroom condominium at the Atrium on South Ocean Blvd.  It is offered for sale at $538,500.  This unit is a beach front first level walk out.  With lots of glass, light floods this magnificent unit. Unique to a first floor unit is the fact that you have a patio instead of a balcony and, as you can see, you can walk right out your front door and onto the beach.  Units like this (particularly a renovated three bedroom) are hard to find!  It wraps around to the side as it is a corner unit.  As you can see it is a blank canvas awaiting your touch.

  • NEWS, Travel, Tybee Island, Tybee Joy Vacation Rentals

    July 21st, 2012

    Mary Kay Andrews Book Signing

    Author Mary Kay Andrews & Joy Pohjalainen

    This month started on a wonderful note when I was invited to a book signing for Mary Kay Andrews‘ newest book, Spring Fever. This is a photo of Joy and Mary Kay (Kathy).  Admittedly, I’m neither an avid reader nor into the summer beach read, but this definitely is the beach read for Tybee Island this summer. Kathy is a local celebrity. This party was held at Dutton Waller Cottage for 50 invited guests.

    Joy and I started working together in early June. She is the owner/operator  of Tybee Joy Vacation Rentals.  It has been an adventure for me, to say the least.  It has expanded my skill set to include providing guest services to her fully booked 28 rental cottages.  I may never complain in a hotel again as long as I live!

  • Uncategorized

    July 5th, 2012

    Tybee Bamboo

    Old Bamboo on Tybee

    Tybee Island homes are full of wonderful old furniture.  The last thing you would want to do is refinish it.  The older and crustier the better.

    This set is in a garden here on the island.  Combined with the adjacent container gardens, how could you resist the temptation to sit for a moment, relax and enjoy?

    Here are a few more shots of the outdoor aesthetic on Tybee Island, Georgia.

     

  • Elegance on Tybee Island Beach

    9th St. Sand Castle Master Bath

    Tybee Joy Vacation Rentals is one of my home-away-from-homes this summer.  This is one of Joy’s offerings. It’s called the Ninth Street  Sand Castle.  I recently had the pleasure of touring the property and saw this beautifully appointed bath.  It Is a 1930s cottage that has been in the same family since day one.

    This once again exemplifies decorative juxtaposition.  This is a rough cottage with elegant old pieces to contrast with each other.  The concept of yin and yang comes to mind.  This is the idea of complementary opposites.

  • Design, Furniture, Shopping, Tybee Island

    June 15th, 2012

    Tybee Style Before & After

    Before

    Here is an example of restaging. I’ve always said that the best place to go shopping is your own home.

    This nook was a small part of the restaging I did for Diane Kaufman at Dutton Waller Cottage. It was done for the recent Tybee Island tour of homes.

    The changes are simple yet make a world of difference. Repurposing and restaging your own things can make a big difference in your home’s appearance. In one day’s time, I had this wonderful home looking its best for the big day.

    You would be well-advised to consult Hulsman Style Inc. or a designer near you before listing your house for sale. For a small hourly fee, you can position the offering of your home for success. In just a few hours, sense will be made of your abode. The result will be clarity for the prospective home buyer.

    The very first things to go are are refrigerator magnets and stickers. They serve only to confuse and diminish your kitchen in the eyes of a prospective buyer.

    This is just one of many types of suggestions that a talented designer can make in helping you to sell or even just to make you happier should you wish to remain in your home.

    After

  • Beach Cottage Style on Tybee

    I just had the unexpected pleasure of staying in a newly constructed, raised Tybee cottage. This beautiful abode is called “Serenity By The Sea.” It is available for rent through Tybee Joy Vacation Rentals. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this fresh update of a traditional Tybee cottage. It is located steps from the beach and has excellent access to U.S. Route 80.

    Last night I had asked Diane Kaufman for a recommendation for the best pizza on the island. I discovered that, a few steps around the corner, Huc.A.Poo’s is a lively night spot with great food and reasonable prices. Once ensconced, I didn’t have to get in my car for much.

    The cottage was well-appointed and equipped  with everything anyone would need. I love to cook and found that the kitchen needed nothing. There are four bedrooms with varied bed configurations to accommodate a variety of guests. It’s a very family-friendly house.

    Being a professional designer, I am prone to noticing the interior decor. “Serenity By The Sea” exemplifies a very tasteful, reserved and uncluttered approach to beach cottage style. It inspires relaxation and does not in any way make you feel intimidated from enjoying yourself. Use the house and experience all it has to offer. Click on the link above. It has a written description of the cottage that I found to be very accurate. There is also a great slide show of interior shots done by Belinda Hall. Her efforts far exceed my photographic capabilities.

    Reserve this house with confidence and enjoy.

     

     

  • Tybee Style

    Stained Glass PrivacyTybee definitely has a style unique to itself. Throughout the summer, I will be repeating Tybee Style and adding new photos to give you a taste of the Low Country.

    I coined the term “threadbare elegance” some time ago. When my dear friend Diane moved to Tybee over a decade ago, I knew that idea’s time had come again. They recycle a lot. The more chipped paint, the better, and slipcovers reign supreme.

    All of this adds up to a style that you don’t have to be concerned about. When you are on vacation, why would you want to be as concerned about your furnishings as you would be at home? Relax! And enjoy the slower pace and the relaxed style of Tybee Island, Georgia.

     

  • NEWS, Rip Tide, Travel, Tybee Island

    June 3rd, 2012

    Best Friend Boomer

    Boomer

    I have been on Tybee Island for two days, and I’m overwhelmed and excited at the same time. Here is my new best friend, Boomer. He is a 2-year-old golden retriever. He’s got the most even temperament of any dog ever in my life.

    I’ve been editing Dutton Waller cottage for the tour of homes next weekend and going through  orientation with both companies I’ll be working for this summer. This is all I’ve got energy for this evening. I’ll be giving more detail as the week unfolds.

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