Fusion decor is a thing, much like fusion cuisine. Japanid is one of the latest design trends being shared on Pinterest and more social networks. Japan and Scandinavia have distinctive esthetics. Scandinavian design tends to be more rustic with a love of white walls and cool color palettes. Japanese on the other hand like to have furniture low to the floor with minimal separation between outside and indoor areas. They also use warmer colors contracting with black accents. 

Even though they seem very different they do have similarities. For example, they both favor minimalist decor, natural finishes such as bamboo and wood and functional furniture. 

What is Japandi?

Japandi features the sleekness of Japanese design along with the rustic design you can expect from the Nordic side. Consider white walls and warm wooden furniture with touches of black. Sliding doors, seat cushions, modular sofa, windowsill benches and low daybeds all abound. The Japanese side brings in elegant greenery, lots of natural light. 

The aim of this decor fusion is to be warm and bring comfort. This allows people to be soothed by their surroundings and not overwhelmed by unnecessary clutter and loud colors. 

Home has been re-established as the center of the universe for so many of us now that we have to be spending most of our time at home. It is now a hub for working, schooling and so much more. So there is a lot of demand on your home to function in multiple ways not previously required of it. Garden centers are booming unlike most businesses as more people are becoming plant parents. 

Japandi is a representation of this new mindset. In our fast paced marketplace Japandi emphasizes people purchasing high quality pieces that are sustainable. The fusion appreciates things that are made by hand, especially those made with Bamboo since it is so sustainable and highly durable. 

Japandi is quite appealing for those who love eco-friendly products. 

How to Do Japandi

Pull for the coziness of Scandinavian design with softer pieces and warmer textures. Then pull for the elegance of Japanese decor. You want to choose pieces that will work with your decor for many years. Remember that Japandi is not so much about decoration but about functionality. So you will need to look at it as a longer term fix.You want to start with basics that can accept layering over time. 

Traditional Scandinavian and Japanese pieces are known to age well and even get better over time. Think of natural stone, wood and leather. 

What are your thoughts on this decor fusion? Let us know down in the comments if you will be incorporating Japandi elements into your home. 

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Owning a home nowadays means a lot more than it used to for many people. Now in 2021 in this global pandemic more people are staying at home and need their homes to do more for them. Those who can afford to spruce up their existing spaces are opting for backyard cottages and stylish sheds. With more people working from home, there are also backyard offices being built. Many homeowners are trying to implement that vacation at home feeling with a separate space in their backyard. 

Sounds like a good idea you think…. But I don’t own a home and with this market I don’t see how I can become a homeowner right now. What if we could help? And yes we can. Here at Silver Beam Homes we can build you a home from the ground up. This allows you the ability to create all the features that will work just right to meet the needs of your family and lifestyle. 

We know more people are working from home with many others with hybrid schedules and we can expect this to continue for some time to come. So you are not the only person with an increased interest in making better use of their homes’ living spaces. We all want to be comfortable at home and want to live in homes that are functional enough to accommodate our current lifestyles. 

Homes are now offices and classrooms, fitness centers, rehearsal spaces among other things. With so many things happening in the home it can become easily overwhelming. The backyard gives you a place to create your very own space for whatever task you need some quiet and solitude for. 

Ways to Improve Your Backyard Space

Add a Pergola 

Pergolas have become very popular this year. They are super easy and quite an affordable addition to your backyard. They create some amount of shade and can give you the feeling of an outdoor room. 

The pergola will frame the space and create a distinct architectural element in your backyard. It is a space where you can add furnishings suitable for outdoor use that can still serve you in terms of functionality. Add accent pillows, furnishings blankets and even a weather resistant area rug to create an outdoor living or working space that is comfortable and inviting. 

If you have an elevated deck and can take advantage of the added space underneath this may be able to serve you even better. Just be sure to have good drainage so you will always have a nice, dry area to work with. You can use the space for entertaining, working out or other day to day activities. 

Add a Pool/Spa Like Features

We also see where more people are demanding residential pools, water or spa like features for their backyards. This may be due to the many travel restrictions that have been placed on us. Now people want to bring that fun or relaxation into their backyards since they can not take trips. People are installing pools, ponds, hot tubs and other water features in their backyards to help create their own little solace at home. 

To make it more spa-like you can add plumped pillows, plush towels and modern deck railings to your outside water area if you choose to add one. Find inspiration from images of upscale restaurants and hotels to see how you can create a luxurious looking and feeling space. 

DIY Projects 

There are a lot of DIY projects that homeowners are attempting nowadays as well. With the help of sites like YouTube which offer ideas, before and after videos and how to videos, there are several projects you can undertake by yourself. Industry experts expect this DIY repair and home project trend to keep shifting upwards for the long term. 

Add a Deck 

Decking is always a good idea when you are looking to improve your home’s outdoor space. Not only does it improve your space but also increases the square footage of your home. Just remember to use the best materials when creating your decking. 

Start a Vegetable Garden 

If you are concerned about reducing your food bill you can start a vegetable garden. You can add some flowers too if you want to beautify the space. If you need to add some privacy you can even build a plant wall. This can include fresh herbs or flowers in planter boxes creating a vertical wall to keep intrusive eyes out. If it’s in the budget you can add a drip irrigation system so you can spend less time caring for the plants and more time enjoying your new space. 

Add Some Lattice Work 

Lattice work is another great option to help you create some privacy in your backyard or to create hidden storage areas. 

Other Considerations for Setting Up an Outdoor Space

Whatever you plan to do outside, you want to ensure that you have good lighting. This will ensure you can spend more time outside. Nowadays you don’t have to stick to just doing daylight hours outside. Thanks to many lighting options you can have lighting in your backyard that won’t do too much damage to your pockets. You can find a number of plug-and-play outdoor lighting solutions using energy efficient technology so you don’t have to worry about installation costs or high energy bills after the fact. 

Improving on What You Already Have

If you want to just accomplish the simple task of improving your home’s current curb appeal you can start by replacing deck railings. This is an easy task to help you elevate a look. Replace old wood deck railings with sophisticated aluminum railing options. 

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Developers are finding new ways to make their developments more attractive to buyers. In our current situation with the pandemic which seems like it will be looming for a while, there is really no telling when life will go back to “normal”. In the meantime we all have to live our lives and try to do things we enjoy keeping our sanity. With many restrictions still in place we have to now be creative about how we spend our free time and what we can do to really “enjoy” ourselves while staying in the confinement of our homes, yards and towns. 

Developers have realized this and they are now implementing more outdoor spaces that embrace and encourage activity. Thinking about swimming pools and saunas? While those are not going away, they aren’t the only ones. We are looking at local farming, dog walking and biking to name a few. 

A number of development projects are currently underway with dedicated outside activities. Some include facilities dedicated to biking while others include studios for people who make TikTok videos, dog-washing stations, farmer’s market and on-site farms. 

Innovations Coming out of Pandemics

Like previous pandemics there are always changes in home design and build. For example, the 1918 flu pandemic initiated the introduction of separate powder rooms. So nowadays we see developers trying to entice buyers with common areas that will allow for more active outdoor living while also facilitating the needs for social distancing. 

Of course not all of these will appeal to everybody and so what if you don’t own a dog or you aren’t into biking?

The Silver Beam Homes Approach 

If your needs are more outside of the box, Silver Beam Homes can help you. We can create a tailored design and home for you that will meet your every need. If you have been looking for a home and haven’t been able to find one on the current market. Let’s talk! We can build your dream home from the ground up. 

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As house prices and sales cool down in Metro Vancouver, analysts are left to wonder. Will the usual slow lull of summer along with market fatigue cause a rise in interest rates? It is good news for prices to be falling from the pandemic fueled highs we have been seeing. With housing prices peaking in June and then sliding in July this can be good news for some of the market. The questions on everyone’s mind right now are; how low will this dip go and how long will this lull last? 

Is There a Term for This?

Romana King who looks at market trends says we can consider this to be a seasonal correction. During this time the market is usually closed as many people are going on vacation and spending time with their children. People are traveling and so the real estate market is slowing down. So this is not an abnormal trend, nor is it unique to the pandemic situation. 

With the fact that there are still many restrictions around the world, we haven’t normalized yet. Once immigration restarts we will see an increase in demand. But with higher mortgage rates this may also cause a decrease in the demand soon afterwards. 

Bloomberg Mid-June Economic Rankings

Canada was ranked as one of the world’s top markets in mid June along with countries such as Sweden and New Zealand. The main factors affecting price according to the report were;

What We’ve Been Dealing With So Far

• Limited inventory
• Low interest rates
• Buyers tapping into their savings
• Everyone’s expectations for a strong recovery of the economy. 

We have seen Vancouver detached home listings falling to their lowest in 20 years. We are looking for a rebound in listings after the summer. But we are also seeing a trend of homeowners hoarding their properties in an aim to refinance them. They do this, so they can make down payments on other properties on the market. 

We can assume the average sales prices will fall next year by an average of 13% but that by 2023 interest rates could increase due to immigration and fear of missing out. 

What Can You Do? 

What do you want to do? Do you want to hope and wait it out? There is another option! Get us to build you your dream home. We are in the business of making your dream home a reality, and we can offer help and guidance along the way. If we ever hit a roadblock where we can’t directly help, we can direct you to a partner who can help you cross that hurdle as we all work together to bring you home. Contact us today, let’s help you become a homeowner!

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All is not lost, though the real estate in the Vancouver Area is down. If you are on the market for a house you want to do your research. Research about housing type and location and then act wisely. In the month of June alone there were over 4,000 properties sold in the Lower Mainland area. This represents a gentle decline month-over-month since March. 

If you are a buyer in this market be prepared to look long and hard to find a bargain and may have to put in a little more effort. Sellers may have to put in some more effort in some segments of the market. There were a lot of excellent sales numbers in the height of the pandemic, with many people deciding their living space was a priority. 

Real Estate in Summer of 2021

It’s summer now and this is usually slower for real estate. With some people just getting the chance to enjoy themselves they may not even be considering buying/selling. This can further slow down market activity. 

The truth is that the market is still undersupplied and there aren’t a lot of apartments and townhomes under $1 million. We are seeing a rise in active listings even though it is a small increase. Because it is so small though, we don’t think this will put too much of a dent into the prices. There are some properties that are getting multiple offers and we are expecting it to be this way for some time. 

In mid April to mid May listings of detached homes increased approximately 13%. Then in mid-May to mid-June there was a mere 2% increase. Townhouses and condos had similar numbers with an 8% increase in mid April to mid May and then only showed a 5% increase to mid-June.  These are just the overview numbers, then we have to also consider the regional distortions. 

The Best Strategy for Buyers This Summer 

Even though there are fewer listings there is also less competition for available properties. So you want to check your market. You also should talk with your real estate agent about what is happening in the specific area you are looking in. And for the type of housing you are interested in. You want to ensure that the prices you are seeing are reflecting market value and are not simply set to entice multiple offers. Remember, in all things that well priced houses are not staying on the market. 

Viewings 

While quarantine restrictions are lifting open houses are still not a thing yet. You will still be having one-on-one viewings and virtual viewings. We can even anticipate more evolutions in the market come September. We hope the opening of borders will cause a rise in demand, which will be good for both buyers and sellers alike. 

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Homeowners who owned their homes before the pandemic are feeling richer due to the increase in housing prices. Many households saw a net worth increase of 21.5% with most in the first quarter. While the wealth of homeowners was going up, the wealth of renters were not going up as fast. 

All of this was not due to the pandemic though, we have to thank the policy-makers who decided to ramp up mortgage lending. The larger banks now have over $40.5 billion in common equity tier 1 capital. The internal target is an 11% CET1 ratio but we are looking at lenders passing that sitting on average around 12.8% with the highest recorded CET1 capital of $270.6 billion. 

While the current housing market is booming for existing homeowners it is proving difficult for those who don’t already own a home for themselves. Wages are not keeping up and for many this means they are falling further and further behind. Competing with the average citizen are companies that are buying out entire neighborhoods and converting single family homes into rental units. There are a number of companies doing this and really pushing average citizens out-of-pocket. It is these companies that are a part of the bidding war you face when you send in an offer on a house. They are the ones that can easily outbid you and price you out of the housing market completely. 

What Can You Do About It?

You have the option to build your home with us here at SilverBeam Homes. Not only can we make your dream of owning a home a reality.  But we can also help you get the home you really want. We can create a home that functions the way you need it to. And will make it easy for you to adapt to your new setting to your day to day life after moving in. 

Don’t let these large corporations ruin your dream of owning a home. Let us help you create your own home. 

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Have some shelves in your home you need to add some style to? Considering your layout options? The first tip we have for you is to be patient. You want to get it done the right way, gather your items, lay them all out and try different variations before you settle on a final place for each item. Here’s a couple things you can use to jazz up your shelves;

• Family antiques
• Framed photos 
• Mementos that tell a story 
• Souvenirs from vacation 

Storage is an issue for a lot of families in Vancouver, especially in current situations where we are all spending more time at home than usual. If your shelves can accommodate storage solutions this will be a great addition to your shelving. You don’t have to go out and purchase storage solutions if you have decorative boxes lying around, these can be used. 

Before You Get Overwhelmed

We understand it can be overwhelming to consider styling your home yourself. As a result many people simply default to the necessities. We don’t recommend this, we recommend embracing your home and all its nicks and knacks that make it yours. Don’t be afraid to at least try. 

You may have an idea in mind that doesn’t quite translate into real life. After stepping back and examining what you have and tweaking it from there to get it looking its best. You don’t want to give up and leave your space undesigned and feeling cold. 

Once you have some items in place that you took from around your home, you can start sourcing items outside of your home that can enhance your current setup. 

Play with Height and Angles

When adding things to your shelves you want to play with height and angles. If your shelves are customizable then you can change the heights of the shelves. When you are working with fixed shelves then you want to play around with the height of the items you have to display on the shelves. 

If you have a slanted higher shelf you can play with larger picture frames or coffee table books. If you have deeper set shelves you can use vessels and objects. When using books, remove the glossy covers and allow the matte fabric-bound covers to shine through. This will give a more elevated and tonal feel to the space. 

What About Open Shelving?

Open shelving is very popular but open shelving doesn’t have to mean empty shelving. Use your shelves to display functional items, pretty items or a mixture of both. This goes for free-standing cabinets as well. The latter though gives you a lot more flexibility especially if you are not yet a homeowner and ever have the need to move. 

Repeating Colors

When you repeat colors throughout shelves, this makes for a great look. It provides balance to the overall look of the shelves. In addition to colors you can add some hints of black to the shelves to provide an anchoring effect. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Shelves

Using too many small items is one of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to decorate their shelves. When you have too many small items your shelves can look cluttered or these smaller items can get lost easily. If you are using small items, try to group them in groups of three or stack them on books, so they can get some additional visual weight. You may have heard of the “rule of three” which advises that items arranged in odd numbers tend to be more appealing than those items that are arranged in even numbers. This rule is not a new one, it is often used by stylists and designers and has been used for years to create effortlessly cool spaces. 

When you are done following these tips and tricks, stand back from  your shelves, take a couple pictures and then view them from your phone. Give it some time before you move anything to see if it will grow on you. Let us know how your shelves came out in the comments below. Was it a hit or miss?

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Wait, what!? Yes you read that right. You can connect with nature from the inside and you can do it without taking all the plants inside. If you can’t invest in a front yard or backyard for whatever reason. Then an indoor atrium or courtyard could be just what you need. This is what you can get when you choose to have SilverBeam Homes build your dream home from the ground up. 

Growing Demand for Internal Courtyards and Atriums

We are seeing a lot of interest in internal courtyards and atria in home designs. While both of these are old concepts they can apply to modern design and decor. They can give you a connection to nature and quiet solitude.  A courtyard gives you a private space away from the public, your very own piece of mother nature at home. They can be considered spaces of contemplation  where you can go and reflect and embrace your philosophical and existential contemplation right at home. 

Internal courtyards can be landscaped and planted in specific ways to allow you to notice seasonal cycles in the plants. You can also do it so that you can see dew on the leaves, smells, sights when the sun hits certain flowers etc. This helps you to really get an authentic outdoor experience while still inside. And since we are all spending more time at home nowadays it’sa a great way to transform your current home if you are not in the market to build. 

You can use a small space with no need for furniture. They can be placed in an area of the house that you simply move through. You may have glass walls from ceiling to floor and will have access to the plants through a door. 

What if You Can’t Do an Internal Courtyard?

Even if you can’t do a full on internal courtyard you can create an area like this in your current home. All you need to do is identify a sunny place and create your own little indoor garden in that space. This is a great option if you can give over some of your home’s footprint for planting. It doesn’t have to always be about maximizing the use of every square foot in your home for traditional living. Sometimes we have to think outside the box and remember less is more. 

Are you considering building? Why not give us a call? We’d be more than happy to help make your dream of owning a home a reality. Let our team help you make it happen. 

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Small spaces don’t have to feel cluttered and crowded. With a touch of thoughtful decor and design, you can make the most of your small space. In today’s post, we want to help you to do just that. 

We are currently living in times that call for efficient use of our home spaces. Many of us are stuck at home for the most part and need to use our homes for more than regular day to day house living. Many people are now downsizing and apartments in cities like Vancouver can be small – posing a challenge. How can you fit it all in? 

Start by taking the less is a more approach to life in general and to your spaces as well. One of the biggest things you want to spend on when living in a small space is storage. This will help you to keep stuff you use without your immediate surroundings being cluttered. This way when you need them you can easily retrieve them and take advantage of their functionality. 

Designing Your Small Space Room By Room

In your living room, you want to start with just one sofa. You can always add a side chair if you find you have more space and also have the need for more seating. Don’t add a chair if you don’t have the need for it. And remember to always choose multifunctional furniture when possible. 

If you have millwork and it goes up to the ceiling you can take advantage of a room’s height and create additional storage.  Whatever it is that you are doing, go at it with a practical approach. Know the size of your room and the needs for that room in terms of functionality. Write down the different ways you need the room to function and then write down the types of furniture that would help the room to function as needed. Then you can start looking at multifunctional furniture that can meet those needs. This approach will work no matter which room in your home you are trying to get furnished or organized. And the same principle applies if you have a space that is full of stuff and you need to downsize. 

Getting a Designer 

If you are a bit overwhelmed by it all, we can definitely understand. It can be a lot of work and there can be a lot of uncertainty. If you can afford the services of a designer or interior decorator we suggest you go ahead and hire one. Sit down with them and let them know what you need from your space and you can all come up with a plan to provide you with just what you need. 

They may be able to bridge the gap between you and suppliers to find the perfect piece of furniture to make your space work for you. 

And if you ever feel like you are outgrowing or have outgrown your space, maybe consider building your own home with help from us! Give us a call and let us start making plans for your first home built from the ground up.

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Many Canadians have been living in the same rental unit for years with no intentions to move. You know the old adage: “if it’s not broken don’t fix it!” But for many renters, the change in the work environment has caused a change in their home needs. And so they need to move. Are you among those who want to move or need to change your living situation? Have you considered building your very own starter home?

Here at SilverBeam homes our speciality is building you the home that will meet your needs. While 50% of Vancouver residents are tenants you don’t have to be a part of that statistic if you think it is time for a new page. 

With current home prices skyrocketing beyond the reach of the average Canadian your best options right now would be rent or build. But if you choose to rent, there is a lot of competition out there. Good news though if rental is still your only option. Government support for rental building construction has returned, and we expect to see construction throughout 2021. 

Immigration’s Effects on Housing Affordability

With record levels of immigration our unaffordability problems are further compounded. Even though there was a slow down of immigration in 2020 due to the pandemic with a number of COVID-19 restrictions being lifted we can expect the inflow to rise again. And new residents are typically renters. So from immmigration alone we could be looking at a rental demand of approximately 39,000.  

Historically, the British Columbia rental market is provided by “Mom and Pop” rentals. These idnividuals invest their home into small rental projects as a way of making an extra income or even their only source of income. 

Do you think buillding could be the right move for you to make right now? Give us a call and let us help guide you through the process. 

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