Another 55% of employees said they want their employers to fire colleagues who plot or commit acts of political violence. Actions from employers on the matter, however, remained minimal, according to the report. Only eight per cent of the respondents said that their businesses have publicly denounced political violence. The attempted assassination left the former … [Read more…]
Thinking about calling the Ocean State home? Rhode Island boasts beautiful coastal landscapes, lively urban areas, and a growing tech industry, making it a popular choice for newcomers. Whether you’re searching for homes for sale in Providence, looking to rent in Newport, or considering houses for rent in Warwick, here’s what you need to know before moving to Rhode Island.
Rhode Island at a glance
Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, provides coastal beauty, lively culture, and economic diversity. Its humid continental climate brings warm summers and cold winters, perfect for enjoying its 400 miles of coastline. Providence, the capital, anchors the state’s largest cities, alongside Warwick and Cranston, each offering a mix of urban amenities and residential charm. Major industries include healthcare, education, manufacturing (especially jewelry), and a growing tech sector. Renowned educational institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design contribute to a rich cultural landscape, highlighted by festivals, museums like the RISD Museum, and events like WaterFire. Affordable places to live are particularly found in smaller towns and coastal communities, making Rhode Island an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle of culture, education, and coastal living.
1. Rhode Island is well-known for its WaterFire event
Rhode Island is renowned for its spectacular WaterFire event, an experience that transforms Providence’s rivers into a glowing spectacle. Held from late spring through autumn, WaterFire features over 80 braziers set alight along the rivers, accompanied by music. Performers, including fire twirlers, musicians, and dancers, enhance the atmosphere, creating a multi-sensory experience for attendees. You can walk along the riverbanks, enjoy the scents of wood smoke and seasonal blooms, and explore art installations and local vendor stalls that appear during the event.
Travel tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, and consider bringing a blanket or portable chair for comfort. For an even more memorable experience, book a gondola ride to enjoy the illuminated rivers from the water and gain a unique perspective of the event.
2. It’s expensive to live here
Living in Rhode Island comes with a high cost of living, particularly in sought-after areas like Providence and Newport. The median home sale price in Rhode Island is around $522,100, with rental averages for a one-bedroom apartment in Providence hovering around $2,075 per month. Groceries, utilities, and general expenses also surpass the national average, making day-to-day living more expensive. In fact, the cost of living in Providence is 12% higher than the national average. Comparatively, cities like Coventry and Cranston offer more affordable options, though they still reflect the overall higher cost of the state.
When considering a move, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of living in Rhode Island. The state offers stunning coastal landscapes, making it an attractive place to live. However, the high cost of living and elevated property taxes can be significant drawbacks.
3. Rhode Island has many seafood specialities
You’ll find a rich seafood heritage in Rhode Island, with many local specialties that seafood lovers will enjoy. Clam cakes and clam chowder are regional favorites, with the creamy, flavorful chowder often distinguished by its unique, clear broth. Another local delicacy is the stuffed quahog, a savory clam-filled dish that’s a staple at many seafood restaurants.
Insider scoop: For an authentic taste of Rhode Island, visit the iconic Monahan’s Clam Shack in Narragansett for some of the best clam cakes and chowder in the state.
4. Get ready to hear many different accents
In Rhode Island, you’ll encounter a fascinating array of accents that reflect the state’s diverse cultural and historical influences. In Providence, the accent tends to blend elements of Boston and New York speech patterns, featuring distinctive pronunciations and local slang. Venture to the coastal towns, and you might notice a more laid-back, maritime lilt in the speech, influenced by the state’s rich seafaring history. In contrast, the southern regions, such as Newport, exhibit a more neutral accent with subtle regional variations.
5. Rhode Island is less than 40 minutes wide
As the smallest state in the nation, Rhode Island spans less than 40 minutes from east to west, making it remarkably compact. Living in Rhode Island means enjoying a tiny yet vibrant state that packs a lot into its limited space, from the scenic coastal beauty of its beaches to the historic charm of its colonial-era towns. You can easily explore a range of experiences in a single day, whether it’s strolling through Providence’s bustling downtown, relaxing on the shores of Newport, or enjoying the quaint atmosphere of Wickford.
6. There are many quaint towns to explore
Rhode Island is dotted with charming, small towns that each offer their own unique appeal. Places like Newport, with its historic mansions and stunning coastal views, and Bristol, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and Main Street, provide a quintessential New England experience. Additionally, towns like Narragansett and Wickford provide beautiful waterfronts and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
7. The property taxes are among the highest in the nation
Property taxes in Rhode Island are among the highest in the nation, a significant consideration for anyone planning to become a homeowner. With an effective property tax rate of about 1.30%, Rhode Island ranks in the top tier for tax burden on homeowners. For renters thinking of becoming homebuyers, it’s crucial to factor in these additional costs when budgeting for a home purchase.
8. The state’s infrastructure faces challenges
Rhode Island’s infrastructure faces significant challenges, a factor that should be carefully considered by anyone planning to move to the state. Issues such as aging roadways, frequent traffic congestion, and outdated public transportation systems can pose daily inconveniences for residents. The state’s road conditions are often cited as some of the worst in the country, with potholes and ongoing construction projects causing delays and damage to vehicles.
9. Independence day is a big deal
Independence Day is a major event in Rhode Island, celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and community spirit. The town of Bristol is especially renowned for its Fourth of July festivities, hosting the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States, dating back to 1785. The celebration includes a spectacular parade, fireworks, concerts, and various activities, drawing visitors from across the state to celebrate.
Methodology
Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau, while median home sale prices, average monthly rent, and data on affordable and largest cities are sourced from Redfin.
Your home is your sanctuary, a reflection of your personality, preferences, and lifestyle. “Discovering your ideal interior design style is a personal journey that can significantly enhance your living environment,” shares Deziner Tonie of Decorating Den Interiors. “By understanding different styles, navigating trends wisely, and identifying timeless pieces, you can create a home that is not only beautiful but also uniquely yours. Let your preferences guide you, and don’t be afraid to mix and match elements to reflect your individuality.”
Whether you’re drawn to the cozy charm of a cottage-style apartment in Montauk, NY, the breezy vibes of a coastal décor house for rent in Portland, Maine, the classic elegance of a traditionally designed house in San Antonio, TX, or the clean lines of minimalism, finding the style that resonates with you is key to creating a space you’ll love. This Rent. guide will teach you how to find your decorating style through expert tips, suggestions, and recommendations.
1. Understanding popular interior design styles
Before diving into the discovery process, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some popular interior design styles:
Traditional: This style is timeless and elegant, featuring classic furniture, rich wood tones, and sophisticated textiles like silk and velvet. Traditional design often includes ornate details, such as crown molding, and a color palette of deep, warm hues. Furniture is often arranged symmetrically, creating a balanced and harmonious look.
Minimalism: Focused on simplicity and functionality, minimalism embraces clean lines, neutral color schemes, and a clutter-free environment. The mantra “less is more” is central to this style, with a focus on quality over quantity. Minimalist spaces often use a monochromatic palette and emphasize open, light-filled spaces.
Modern: Modern design is characterized by clean lines, sleek surfaces, and a neutral color palette with bold accent colors. It emphasizes function and avoids excessive ornamentation. Modern spaces often feature materials like glass, steel, and concrete, and furniture pieces that are both stylish and practical.
Industrial: Drawing inspiration from warehouses and urban lofts, industrial style features raw, unfinished elements like exposed brick, metal beams, and concrete floors. The color palette is typically neutral, with shades of gray, black, and brown. Furniture and décor often have a rugged, utilitarian feel, and vintage or repurposed items are common.
Bohemian: Also known as “boho,” this style is eclectic and free-spirited, characterized by a mix of colors, patterns, and textures. Bohemian spaces often include items from around the world, such as textiles, rugs, and furniture with a handmade or artisanal feel. Plants, macramé, and a variety of throw pillows and blankets add to the layered, cozy aesthetic.
Scandinavian: Originating from Nordic countries, Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. It features light, airy spaces with a predominantly white color palette, accented by natural materials like wood and leather. Clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and an emphasis on natural light are key aspects of this style.
Mid-century modern: This style, which originated in the mid-20th century, is characterized by clean lines, organic curves, and a focus on functionality. Furniture pieces often feature tapered legs and a mix of traditional and non-traditional materials. The color palette includes earthy tones and bold, saturated hues.
Modern Western: “Modern Western decor blends the rustic charm of traditional Western style with sleek, contemporary design elements,” Teri James with Teri James Photography shares. “This aesthetic often features natural materials like wood and leather, combined with more contemporary accents. Western wall decor, such as framed prints or canvas artworks of vast landscapes, horses, or cowboy-themed art, plays a crucial role in bringing the theme to life,” James shares. Key pieces might include a statement leather sofa, a reclaimed wood coffee table, and wall art inspired by the rugged people, animals, and landscapes of the West. By combining old and new, modern Western decor creates a warm, inviting space that feels both timeless and fresh.
Farmhouse: Farmhouse style combines rustic charm with modern comforts. It features distressed wood, shiplap walls, and vintage accessories. The color palette is often neutral, with whites, creams, and soft pastels. Chrissy Evancheck, with Countryside Home Decor, recommends decorating uniquely in this style. “Mix vintage with modern by blending rustic farmhouse pieces with contemporary decor for a cozy vibe,” Evancheck suggests. “Soften your decor with plush pillows and blankets in neutral tones. Have fun exploring and trying out these simple tips for adding a little farmhouse decor to your favorite spaces.”
Art Deco: Originating in the 1920s and ’30s, Art Deco is known for its bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and rich colors. This style often includes elements like mirrored surfaces, chrome accents, and exotic woods. Art Deco spaces are glamorous and sophisticated, with a strong sense of drama and opulence.
Eclectic: Eclectic style is all about mixing and matching different styles, periods, and influences to create a unique, personalized space. It allows for a high degree of creativity and self-expression, combining various colors, patterns, and textures in a harmonious way. The key is to balance diverse elements to avoid a chaotic look.
Understanding these popular interior design styles provides a foundation for discovering which elements resonate with you. As you explore, you’ll find that you might be drawn to a single style or prefer a combination of several, creating a space that truly reflects your individuality.
2. Reduce limitations by avoiding overthinking
“Consider your space style, which is influenced by location, culture, and lifestyle,” notes Dundee Deco. “Five styles to think about are rustic (farmhouse-inspired), French/European, Asian (including Japandi and minimalism), coastal (beach-inspired), and chic (feminine, usually amplified to glam). Choose what fits your lifestyle, mood, or personality.” Using this as a guideline, you can easily mix and match styles. “Combine your time and space styles to create unique blends like modern farmhouse or rustic vintage. Space styles can mix too, resulting in designs like coastal chic or Asian glam,” Dundee Deco suggests.
Starting with a blank canvas is a good place to begin if you’re overthinking what style suits you. “Create a neutral canvas, allowing you to explore bold colors, vintage finds, or minimalist touches – the choice is yours,” recommends Mouna Menebhi of The Boho Lab. “You can explore and personalize your space without sacrificing the environment, by ethically sourcing handmade furniture while adding character and story to your space.”
3. Don’t be afraid to mix styles
Discovering your design style with Katherine Mueller Design is all about embracing your uniqueness. “Katherine loves to mix styles because she believes every client is unique, and their spaces should reflect that individuality,” Bridget Caldaza with Katherine Mueller Design shares. “Start by identifying what you love — colors, patterns, textures — and how they make you feel. Experiment with different design elements to see what resonates with you and makes your space feel like home. Ultimately, your design style should be a reflection of who you are.”
Spouse-ly echoes this sentiment, encouraging following your preferences.”When it comes to discovering your design style, don’t limit yourself,” shares Spouse-ly. “Combine 2-3 traditional styles to create your own unique look. For example, have you heard of the style coastal luxe or transitional farmhouse? Probably not too often because they are inspired by different colors, decor, and textures that make up their own vibe. Don’t forget to add pops of handmade decor to truly make your space one-of-a-kind.” Mixing and matching styles is a great way to expand your design horizons while determining what your preferences are.”
4. Reflect on your personality and preferences
Consider your lifestyle, interests, and daily routines. Are you someone who thrives in a structured environment, or do you prefer a more relaxed, carefree atmosphere? Do you enjoy being surrounded by keepsakes and mementos, or do you feel more at peace in a space free of excess items?
“Discovering your interior design style begins with exploring your preferences and inspirations. Start by collecting images, colors, and textures that catch your eye, creating a mood board for visual reference,” Dawn Bremer of The Bremer Team shares. “Pay attention to your lifestyle needs, ensuring the design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Experiment with different styles and elements in small areas of your home to see what resonates,” Bremer shares. Reflecting on these questions can help you identify the elements of a design style that align with your personality.
Alex Solonsky, Founder of Artificial Paintings recommends considering spaces that make you feel at home in your decorating process. “To find your design style, start by reflecting on your favorite spaces — be it a cozy cottage, a sleek modern loft, or a charming coastal retreat, Pay attention to what elements make you feel at home,” Solonsky recommends. “Don’t be afraid to incorporate unique pieces that tell your personal story. Trends come and go, but a space that resonates with your personality will always feel timeless,” Solonsky adds.
4. Explore inspiration
Gather inspiration from various sources to see what resonates with you. “In order to identify your interior design style, thoughtfully consider what you’re drawn to in movies, TV shows, and magazines — vintage or modern, eclectic or classic,” Connie Strazzeri, Digital Marketing Manager for Vogt, shares. “From Architectural Digest house tours to Nancy Meyers movies, aesthetic inspiration abounds online, and you can hone in on your specific taste by Pinteresting images that correspond with your source of inspiration.”
Magazines and books: Design magazines and books are treasure troves of ideas and visuals. Tear out or bookmark pages that catch your eye.
Online platforms: Websites like Pinterest, Instagram, and Houzz are excellent for discovering and saving design ideas. Create boards or collections of spaces that you love.
Moodboard: “To find your design style, start by creating a mood board with images, colors, and textures that you naturally gravitate towards,” Sandy with Home By Keira recommends. “Experiment with different styles by incorporating elements you love into your space and see what resonates with you and not ‘trends’. Trust your instincts — your personal style should reflect who you are and what makes you feel at home,” Sandy concludes.”Once you’ve created a mood board, it’s helpful to turn to the experts, like our in-house team at Vogt, to help you bring your vision to life,” Strazzeri recommends.
Showrooms and stores: Visiting furniture showrooms and home décor stores can give you a tangible sense of different styles. Pay attention to what draws you in and feels right.
Your closet: “Finding your unique decorating style is important so that you can create a home that reflects you. I like to recommend that you start by looking into your closet and taking note of what clothes and accessories you usually would wear,” suggests Rachel Beeman. “By doing this, you can get a good hint from your wearable style and translate that into what you might like in your home. For instance, love wearing bold and colorful? Then chances are you might love that style in your home as well.”
5. Identify timeless pieces
While trends can be fun to incorporate, timeless pieces form the foundation of a lasting interior design. “Rather than following trends, buy items you love and then find a place for them,” Pamela Wingard suggests. “Then use them, whether eating dinner on your wedding china or displaying your favorite collection on a bookshelf. Then donate items in your home that you don’t really love or pass them along to a family member (That’s probably how you got them anyway),” Wingard notes. “Curating what you already have will give you a fresh perspective on what you really like and help you determine your design style.”
Your style, your sanctuary
Discovering your interior design style is a rewarding process that allows you to create a space that truly feels like home. “Choosing your own interior style is all about experimenting until your home feels uniquely yours — a place where you can relax and thrive,” Teresa with Mindful Cements reminds us. “Go for elements that you gravitate towards and bring extra uniqueness to your space, such as geometric prints, furry rugs, or warm-cherry wooden furniture. Creating your own space should reflect your personality and lifestyle, so experiment with colors, textures, and scents until it feels just right,” Teresa concludes.
By exploring different styles, reflecting on your personality and preferences, and incorporating timeless pieces and personal touches, you can design a space that not only looks great but also feels uniquely yours. Happy decorating!
Wesley Masters works on Redfin’s stellar Content Marketing team as a content writing specialist. She has been with Rent. since 2023 and her previous experiences include non-profit communications, graphic design, and content creation. Wesley lives in Atlanta, GA, and loves outdoor walks, hanging out with her loved ones, and finding new recipes to try on Pinterest. Her ideal home is a brownstone with contemporary interiors.
Placing a smaller rug over a large neutral one is an excellent solution when you have a rug you love that’s too small. The layer acts like a border to extend the rug, says rug expert Jess Evans. (Courtesy of Annie Selke)
My friend, Susan, and I disagree on just about everything except home design — until now. Yes, I understand that an 8- by10-foot area rug would have worked better size-wise in my 10 by 13 living room. But I already had the 5 by 8 rug. I loved the pattern and colors, navy and burnt orange, and had decorated around it.
She persists. If I insist on keeping the small rug (yes), I should get a larger solid rug to layer underneath it, she said, and extend it under the furniture to pull the room together.
So when the rug arrives, I spread out the large, navy rug, lay the smaller one over it, replace the furniture, and text Susan a picture. “Happy now?” I asked.
“Yes, but I think the deep orange would have been better.”
Good thing she lives six states away because I might have strangled her.
So I text the same photo to Christopher, a designer friend I often consult with. Unlike Susan, he does not have a dog in this fight. His reply: “That blue rug just makes everything in the room look cheap. Maybe try a burnt orange one?” He does not know what a loaded topic this was.
Fine. I order a solid, burnt orange wool rug online. I roll up the blue rug and drag it out of the living room like a dead sea mammal. I unfurl the orange rug, which I am determined to like.
I stand back and squint. The orange is pretty bright. Plus, now the smaller rug keeps bunching up and rumpling no matter how I try to smooth it. I text photos to Susan and Christopher.
“Way too bright,” Susan said. “It needs to be a deeper color.”
“I am not doing this again,” I text back. “Your choice is either with the orange rug or without.”
“I cannot in good conscience choose between two bad options,” she writes.
Christopher is more tactful. “Try putting the orange rug in your bedroom. Better to have no rug under the smaller rug than one that detracts.”
In search of closure, I call Jess Evans, vice president of design for Annie Selke, a Massachusetts-based rug company, and ask if I can interview her for a column about rug sizes. Little does she know what she is getting into. I send her a picture of the living room.
“When you have a small rug in a room with no surrounding furniture on it, it can showcase that the rug is too small for the space,” she said. “While I recommend getting a rug that’s the right size from the start, I also love the look of layered rugs, and so do many top designers.” (I am not telling Susan.)
“But won’t putting a small rug over a larger one just emphasize the fact that the top rug is too small?”
“Not at all,” she said. “Layering rugs is an excellent solution when you have a rug you love that’s too small. The layer acts like a border to extend the rug, and the combination is in no way inferior to having one rug.”
Since my first two layering attempts flopped, I ask Evans for suggestions on how to get the right base and for solutions to other rug-size problems. Her advice:
Go lean: To prevent layered rugs from bunching, look for a thin base layer with a pile height of ¼-inch or less, she said. You also want a flat texture. Thinner sturdy rugs can be made of jute, sisal, wool or polypropylene.
Avoid patterns: Choose a base layer with little to no pattern in a neutral color that works with your flooring. The base should act as a frame and not compete with the feature rug.
Add legs: Ideally you want a rug big enough to allow at least the front feet of the room’s main furniture to sit on it. If you put only the front legs on, the rug should extend several inches underneath. If you can’t get all the front legs on, it’s better to have no legs on than some legs on and some off.
But don’t go too big: Leave at least eight inches between your rug and your wall. Eighteen inches is ideal, and fewer than six inches is too tight. “A rug that’s too big looks like wall-to-wall carpet and defeats the purpose of an area rug,” Evans said.
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Home design trends in any year contradict themselves. For 2023, designers said it was the year of organic materials and muted greens, while other designers were painting walls black for dark academia bedrooms—complete with crows. Trends come and go, but we can use them to inspire ourselves and create our idea of a happy place. No matter how different we all may be, there’s a design trend for each of us—even if it includes crows.
When home decorating, the goal is to find colors and elements that you like and that support the look you want to achieve, and then give them a try. The trick comes in finding a way to try 2024 trends without making major changes that you’re not ready to live with for the long haul. From the many, many trend lists we’ve looked at this year, we’ve chosen styles and elements that run the gamut from bold to understated, and modern to traditional. Whether you’re a moody crow lover or a modern farmhouse diehard, you’ll find something in this year’s trends to up-level your look.
1. Quiet Luxury
Designer: ANA Interiors. Photographer: Ana Cummings
If you’ve scrolled your feeds looking for home design ideas recently, you’ve seen #quietluxury trending. This understated approach to posh emphasizes quality and craftsmanship over flash and bling. Paring down decor, keeping clutter at a minimum, confining colors to muted neutrals, and adding quiet luxury ingredients are meant to inspire calm. The centerpiece of a quiet luxury living space is the cloud couch, a white sofa with a puffy seat and back pillows stuffed with goose down.
“Quiet luxury is here to stay,” says Morgan Olsen, Thumbtack’s home and design expert. “Homeowners are done with loud luxury trendy pieces and are being very intentional with their spending. 2024 will be about craftsmanship over big brands and labels, as homeowners look for reclaimed materials and quality furniture.”
That means buying pieces that last decades rather than the 3 or 4 years of mass-produced furniture. “But who said you have to get the cloud couch?” asks Olsen. Instead, find secondhand furniture by quality makers and reupholster it. Or pare down your wall art and knickknacks, then add goose-down throw pillows and a luxurious throw like this State Cashmere Striped Throw Blanket to your existing neutral sofa.
2. Healthy Habits
Designer: Kelley Design Group.
Builder: CKN Capital Group.
Photographer: Cate Black Photography
Bringing wellness closer to home is no longer a luxury but an essential for many people, especially for exercise and spa experiences. “Homeowners will continue to turn their homes into wellness retreats, prioritizing features that have health benefits,” says Olsen.
According to the 2024 Houzz U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report, with cold plunge pool, indoor sauna, and backyard sauna all rising in search frequency in the first quarter of the year, compared with Q1 2023. At-home exercise has evolved from a stationary bicycle, with searches for bocce court, bowling alley, and game room all higher than last year. Mentions of pickleball courts on Zillow are up 64 percent over last year. People are looking for homes with private courts and nearby public courts. Pickleball in the driveway, anyone?
In addition to saunas, Amanda Pendleton, Zillow home trends expert, lists spa bathrooms and red-light therapy rooms among the features home buyers are using to complement wellness routines. While replacing a bathtub with a walk-in spa shower is a trend for remodeling projects, you can spend far less and create a spa bath at home with simple switches. Create a relaxing atmosphere by focusing on all five senses. Replace the counter clutter with a flower arrangement or basket of fluffy towels. Choose soft textures in muted colors and a comfy bath pillow, like this Luxurious Cork Bath Pillow by LIVTUUshop at Etsy. Add the soothing scent of essential oils and a source of meditative sound. Don’t forget a glass of cucumber water.
3. Hidden Spaces
Courtesy of Ruhl | Jahnes Architects.
Photographer: Nat Rea
Nothing beats a cozy reading nook, according to the 2024 Houzz U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report. Searches for library walls, reading corners, and book nooks have all gone up this year. Secret spaces have long been a favorite for people who enjoy a bit of whimsy at home, along with out-of-sight storage. The Houzz Emerging Winter Trends Report, released at the end of 2023, shows that cloaked additions are gaining popularity. Searches for trapdoors are up by 350 percent, and searches for kitchens with hidden pantries rose by 250 percent. Say goodbye to the wet bar in the living room and hello to a secret speakeasy bar and lounge, or a wine bar and cellar under the stairs, both searched more often in 2023.
If you’re not ready to tear down any walls or excavate the closet under the stairs, create nooks and hidden spaces with a few easy changes. Give more privacy to a window seat by hanging curtains outside the front of the seat rather than against the window. Hide the entrance to a closet with this Door Mural of Antique Bookshelves by Recallart at Etsy. In the kitchen, create a secret pantry by adding vertical wood panels on and around the pantry door. For renters, this Abyssaly Wood Slat Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper at Amazon is removable; homeowners who want a more permanent solution without the hassle of cutting wood can try the Set of 4 PVC Wall Paneling pieces at Wayfair that mount with adhesive.
4. Blues and Greens
Courtesy of Brittany Lyons Interiors.
Photographer: Mike Healey Photography
Green is the most popular color this year for home design. No, wait, it’s blue. Blue is the most popular color this year for interiors. Designers differ on this one, but most agree that shades of blue and green are taking center stage in the home. Mitchell Parker, senior editor at Houzz, says blue provides a calming influence.
Sage and gray-green also are on the rise, according to the Houzz winter report. A barely-there sage functions as a neutral on kitchen cabinets, and a darker gray-green provides contrast to warm neutrals. In true blue fashion, however, several paint companies have chosen a shade of blue as their 2024 color of the year.
Add contrast to neutral furniture and flooring with blue or green items you already own, gathering throw pillows and blankets, table runners, vases, decorative containers, and framed prints from other rooms. Add a blue or green ribbon trim to curtains or the base of a fabric sofa without a sewing machine by using HeatnBond Hem Iron-On Adhesive at Amazon; seal the trim with a flat iron (used for hair styling) in places you can’t fit onto an ironing board. For a classic look, we like this M&J Trimming Greek Key Fabric Ribbon in denim blue and sage options.
5. The Return of Creams
Courtesy of kate roos design.
Photography: Andrea Rugg Photography Andrea Rugg Photography
While many new homes are still coated in gray from floor to ceiling, the trend is moving away from this cool palette and back to warmer colors like cream, tan, and brown. Stark white walls are too harsh for this year’s earthy color schemes. Parker says beiges, creamy off-whites, and rich browns are the focus for a warm, welcoming space.
If you like the look of an all-neutral, off-white room, add textures and patterns, as well as a variety of tones, to create a more layered look, says Parker. The Graham Leather/Suede Lumbar Rectangular Pillow Cover and Insert at Wayfair has a removable cover to swap for a machine-washable option when needed. Swapping accessories has a big impact, especially if you clear the clutter first. We like this Handmade Wood Table Vase, an organic take on the popular ceramic styles, and the Magalia Wood Tray that brings both functionality and latticework texture.
6. Whole Wall Art
Photo: iStock
If you want an abundance of colorful expression in your home design, those cream walls act as a blank canvas perfect for art and pattern. Bold floral wallpaper or a hand-painted mural are both big this year. Zillow’s 2024 home trend report shows that many homeowners are into eclectic, maximalist interiors. Murals in homes for sale are showing up 18 percent more often than last year. The good news is you can learn how to paint a mural even if you’re not an artist, with a bit of painter’s tape and imagination.
Wallpaper also comes in mural patterns, including the peel-and-stick variety beloved by renters and frequent redecorators everywhere. Modern botanicals, landscape vistas, and stripes are trending patterns this year. Guest baths are often the place to start, since the design will make a big impact in a small space without costing a lot of time or money. Murals like this Chinoiserie Watercolor Peacock Wallpaper by FabbWallDecor, can be subtle while bringing interest to a neutral palette. Or make a big impact with this Removable Abstract Wall Art Wallpaper by ONDECORstore, both at Etsy.
7. Handmade Touches
Photo: Zillow
This year, embrace handmade pieces that show the inevitable imperfections of craft. Artisans are impacting today’s trends with handmade tiles, hand-thrown serving dishes, and hand-painted murals. Pendleton points to Murano glass chandeliers as an example of the handmade and bespoke features popping up in today’s homes. The colorful light fixtures are featured 58 percent more often in searches on Zillow, despite the sometimes hefty price tag. If this Ares Murano Glass Chandelier at $1,675 is out of budget, support an Etsy artist with this Handmade Dusty Pink Peony Pendant by FloralsBySERRO.
Handmade items make your home unique and add a personalized touch to any room. The 2023 Houzz U.S. Bathroom Trends report showed that 62 percent of renovating homeowners are choosing a custom or semi-custom vanity. Repurpose a piece of vintage furniture and make your own vanity, or add painted details to an existing model.
8. Brutalism
Photo: Zillow
Even if industrial design isn’t your style, the return of brutalism can be a welcome change in today’s homes. Brutalist design uses materials like raw concrete, brick, steel, and bronze. You’ll see organic shapes with raw edges and unpolished surfaces, as well as a streamlined design for functionality. Pendleton says Zillow has seen a 452 percent increase in the number of homes for sale that mention brutalist design.
“The return of brutalism is the most surprising rising trend of 2024, particularly after the hygge movement where homeowners embraced cozy comfort over hard surfaces,” she says. “The hallmarks of brutalist design—raw, organic, and unfinished materials—are already showing up in furnishings, lighting, and accessories. When juxtaposed with overstuffed sofas, curved armchairs, and plush high-pile rugs, brutalist architectural elements can add visual interest and much-needed contrast to a space,” says Pendleton.
Some trends stick around for years. Most people are hanging onto their outdoor kitchens and fire pits. Others come and go, like inflatable furniture. No one is missing that squeaky stuff. As interior design trends have bent back toward the traditional and eclectic, designers are emphasizing a focus on timeless style that doesn’t look dated from year to year.
Parker says modern homes are showing brick, clay tiles, rustic wood, and other materials that signify a legacy rather than a fad. To get a timeless look that works for your space, create meaning through your belongings. A quality collection of original artwork from your travels will never go out of style, nor will vintage area rugs. Antiques are a good bet too because they add contrast to modern accessories.
White bedding, pleated curtains, and anything with stripes serve as foundational textiles you can build upon as trends change. Truly timeless style is about quality and meaning, so make space in your home for what matters most.
For the past decade or so, it seems gold and brass have been the metals of the moment in the interior design world, closely aligned to the fashion cycle that’s placed them at the forefront. But the tides could be turning. With 2000s fashion having a full-circle moment, so are the cool steely tones of the early aughts and late ‘90s, paving the way for a prominent silver home decor trend.
“Silver and gold like to fight for the spotlight every year, and this year, silver has won,” says Bethany Struble, lead designer at Totum Home. She explains that this recent victory is a direct correlation to runway shows of recent seasons — think the silver brooch trends that dominated the Fall/Winter 2024 runways of Miu Miu, Chanel, and Tory Burch and the silver statement necklaces and earrings seen at Prabal Gurung and Carolina Herrera, respectively — that now has consumers embracing the shimmering silver tones.
Although silver may have once been associated with wealth and status, Struble says, this time around, it feels a bit more casual and approachable compared to gold (especially if you lean toward shiny finishes) and this modern take on the metal has more of a laidback edge to it.
“I think it connotes something futuristic,” says Alex Bass, an interior designer, art curator, and founder of Salon 21, a fine art and interior design studio, drawing comparison to the decor of the Space Race era of 1950s and 1960s, which had a silver-clad, futuristic look.
Embracing this trend is all about incorporating subtle accents that can elevate your space through their shimmering finish. From accent lighting to shelving, here’s how Bass and Struble say to embrace the classic metal.
How To Decorate With Silver Pieces
CB2
Small Touches
When trying new trends, it always helps to start small. Bass says one of the best ways to dip into silver aesthetics is to add small touches here and there, whether it be through barware, picture frames, planters, or even accent lighting. “I love adding a silver table lamp to a space — it creates a visual interest without being too much,” Bass notes.
Add Dimension Through Shelving
“Silver is also reflective, so it’s a fun way to add dimension to a space,” Bass explains. To up the ante on dimension while still keeping things subtle, she recommends adding silver etageres to your space or using similar-looking items like side tables or even serving trays as decor items.
Mirrors
Accent mirrors automatically have a silver touch to them, so they’re an easy way to add this cool metallic tone to your space. Bass says to take this a step further and choose mirrors with silver frames. “Having a silver border makes it more decorative,” she explains, noting that mirrors also help a space appear larger. You can also incorporate more metallic tones in your wall art through framing. (And, if you do go for a silver frame, be sure to include a silver picture light to elevate the finished piece.)
Cabinet Knobs & Drawer Pulls
Your cabinets and dresser drawers are another easy way to lean into a trend. To add more silver tones to your space, Struble recommends swapping out your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls for the cool-toned metallic.
Mixing Metals
Decorating with silver doesn’t mean you need to swap out all of your gold and brass accents. Instead, finding a balance between the various tones can be chic — just like it is with your jewelry.
“Mixing metals is easier than you might think,” says Struble. Since silver has a more neutral tone, it’s easy to pair with most other metal finishes, and you don’t have to think too hard to create a balance — not just in metallics but in your overall decor look. “Silver and gold together open up a lot of opportunity to style with warm and cool tones in the same space,” Struble explains.
When decorating with mixed metals, Bass recommends finding pieces that you love and that fit the same aesthetic to ensure they pair together seamlessly, even if they have different tones. And, if you want to embrace the current style without it feeling too trendy, she says to look for vintage brass and silver pieces at antique malls and thrift stores for a more timeless look that will never go out of style.
There’s nothing better than coming home from a long and busy day to a warm and cozy home that makes you feel instantly calmer and more relaxed. If you’re looking to make your home feel as cozy as possible, Amazon’s Down to Earth hub is a treasure trove of possibility. The curated collection of home decor finds contains everything you need to make your space feel peaceful. Whether you’re looking for ultra-soft textures or soothing colors, Amazon’s Down to Earth hub has got you covered.
While refreshing your home decor can be expensive, it definitely doesn’t have to be, especially when you’re shopping on Amazon. So, we’ve rounded up 14 of our favorite home decor items from Amazon’s Down to Earth hub under $50 that can breathe new life into your space without breaking the bank.
Best Decor Finds in Amazon’s Down to Earth Hub Under $50
Kiampon Gold Industrial Table Lamp with USB Ports, $30 (was $39)
Kasantex Three-Piece Coverlet Set, $50
Calyan Wax Co. Scented Candle, $29
Maison d’Hermine Decorative Pillow Cover, $17 with coupon (was $19)
Briful Artificial Monstera Plant, $19
Joyreap Three-Piece Reversible Quilt Set, $35
Danjor Linens Six-Piece Sheet Set, $25 with coupon (was $29)
Mellanni Four-Piece Sheet Set
Amazon
Your bed should be the most calming, comfortable place in your home, and this microfiber Four-Piece Sheet Set from Mellanni is the perfect place to start. It comes in dozens of colors, including soothing earthy hues and versatile neutrals as well as a handful of classic patterns. The sheets are available in seven sizes, ranging from twin to split king, and they have deep pockets, so you can rest assured they will fit snugly and stay in place throughout the night. Mellanni’s microfiber sheets are breathable and soft, described by one reviewer as feeling. “Just like heaven.” Best of all, they are easy to wash, quick-drying, and resistant to wrinkles and pilling.
Monday Moose Decorative Throw Pillow Covers (Set of Four)
Amazon
These Monday Moose Decorative Throw Pillow Covers are made from 100 percent polyester velvet and each set comes in a cohesive color scheme. Each pillow cover is double-sided with contrasting colors, and one shopper said they are, “perfect for adding a lot of color without a lot of pattern,” to your space. These pillow covers are ideal for your living room or for the finishing touch on your bed, and they come in seven sizes to match any pillow inserts you may already have. With 12 different color options, there’s bound to be a perfect fit for every decor style and color palette.
Bedsure Boho Three-Piece Duvet Cover Set
Amazon
Changing up your duvet cover can instantly transform the look and feel of your bedroom, and this Boho Three-Piece Duvet Cover Set from Bedsure will infuse your space with whimsical, boho style. Available in six sizes, the bedding has a simple, geometric pattern made up of textured embroidery, and as one shopper pointed out, it is, “very soft and easily washable.” The comforter set includes a duvet cover and two pillow shams, and it comes in more than 25 different colors, ranging from soft, neutral tones to bold and vibrant colors. The pieces are made from polyester microfiber fabric, making it resistant to shrinking and fading over time. Thoughtfully designed, the duvet cover has eight corner ties inside so your comforter stays in place and doesn’t bunch throughout the night.
Binoster Marble Ceramic Jewelry Tray
Amazon
This Binoster Marble Ceramic Jewelry Tray is a sophisticated catch-all for jewelry, coins, keys and other small trinkets. It comes in gray or pink marble patterns, both of which have an elegant gold rim. The jewelry tray is made from premium high-fired ceramic, and it comes in two different sizes: 5.3 inches and 8.4 inches. Style it on your dresser, end table, entry table, or console or use it in the kitchen as a small serving tray. Lightweight and compact, this adorable tray also makes a great gift.
A cozy throw is a must-have for every living room, and this Bourina Decorative Herringbone Faux Cashmere Throw Blanket is as soft and comfortable as it is elegant. The herringbone pattern is timeless and effortlessly chic, and it comes in eight colors that can add a touch of fun to your space. The blanket’s faux cashmere is smooth to the touch: “very soft, and feels like cashmere,” says one shopper. It’s also much easier to clean than genuine cashmere, which is not machine washable. Even though it’s lightweight, it’s still cozy and warm, and the rolled finger edges are a subtle, but refined finish. Toss it over the arm of your couch, arrange it in a basket in your living room, or hang it on a blanket ladder to make it a focal point of your decor.
While the world is a busy and sometimes chaotic place, your space should be inviting and help you instantly relax the moment you walk through the door. Home decor changes big and small can transform your home into a soothing, peaceful sanctuary, even if you’re on a budget. You can find more of our favorites from Amazon’s Down to Earth hub below, all under $50.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in a case involving the Securities and Exchange Commission hinges on Seventh Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which enshrines the right to a jury trial in certain situations.
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
The U.S. Supreme Court placed new restrictions Thursday on the use of in-house judges in regulatory enforcement cases — a watershed decision that’s expected to benefit both banks and individual bankers in situations where their regulators have accused them of wrongdoing.
Following the 6-3 decision, many enforcement cases that federal agencies would otherwise bring in administrative law courts — where, defendants frequently argue, the regulators have a homefield advantage — will likely have to be filed in federal court. The Seventh Amendment of the U.S. Constitution enshrines the right to a jury trial in certain situations.
The ruling by the high court’s conservative majority grew out of a fraud case that the Securities and Exchange Commission filed against the founder of a hedge fund. But it has large implications for a wide range of federal agencies.
In the banking sphere, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau all use administrative law judges.
Some of the clearest consequences of the ruling in the banking realm, experts said, will involve cases where regulators are seeking civil monetary penalties from either banks or individuals. Those cases will now have to be brought in federal court.
David Zaring, a professor of legal studies and business ethics at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, noted that many enforcement cases are settled rather than go to trial. He said that the prospect of a costly fight in federal court could give additional leverage to defendants who are engaged in settlement talks with regulators.
“Federal court litigation is expensive, and that could weigh into the leverage defendants have when thinking about whether to settle cases involving civil monetary penalties,” Zaring said.
He cited three examples of the kinds of cases where the defendants likely would have had a stronger hand to play in settlement talks if the Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday had already been in effect.
Under that scenario, securities fraud cases that were brought against big banks after the 2008 financial crisis, anti-money-laundering cases that resulted in large banks paying penalties and cases involving bank employees’ use of unauthorized messaging apps, might have been resolved on more favorable terms for the banks, Zaring said.
The penalties in those settlements have often stretched into the hundreds of millions of dollars, if not more than $1 billion.
The implications of Thursday’s ruling are less clear for enforcement cases that do not involve civil money penalties, according to experts.
Banking agencies may bring cases, for example, seeking restitution or the disgorgement of ill-gotten gains. They may try to bar individuals from working in the banking industry. They may also seek an order that a specific bank needs to cease and desist from certain conduct.
An enforcement case involving disgorgement could still go before an administrative law judge, Zaring said Thursday, based on his reading of the Supreme Court’s decision.
David P. Weber, a former enforcement official at the OCC, the FDIC and the SEC, agreed with that interpretation of the court’s decision. But he added that provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act giving bank regulators the ability to bring cases not involving civil money penalties before an administrative law judge will also likely be challenged in court.
“I’m sure that intrepid litigants are now going to challenge all of the provisions,” said Weber, who is now a professor at Salisbury University’s Perdue School of Business.
Weber also pointed to another difficulty the ruling causes for bank regulators. He said that existing federal laws do not enable the banking agencies to bring certain types of enforcement cases — for example, those alleging that a bank engaged in unsafe and unsound practices — in federal court.
If the courts now take the position that such cases have to be brought in federal court, rather than before an administrative law judge, Weber said: “Until Congress provides a fix, it may be very difficult for federal banking agencies to bring enforcement actions.”
Weber was critical of the Supreme Court’s decision, arguing that administrative law judges have expertise about banking that federal judges lack.
Defense lawyers are typically far more critical of administrative law judges and the rules of the administrative law system, which lack certain procedural protections that federal courts provide to defendants.
“From my perspective as a defense lawyer, I generally prefer to be before a federal jury than an administrative law judge,” said Brad Bondi, a trial attorney at Paul Hastings.
Bondi said that the Supreme Court’s decision Thursday restored a pillar of American justice, which is that defendants who face an SEC penalty are entitled to a jury trial.
“This is a landmark decision that has broad ramifications across other government agencies that use administrative proceedings,” he said.
The court’s opinion was written by Chief Justice John Roberts and joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
“A defendant facing a fraud suit has the right to be tried by a jury of his peers before a neutral adjudicator,” Roberts wrote.
In a concurring opinion, Gorsuch, who was joined by Thomas, wrote that the close relationship between administrative law judges and the agencies that bring enforcement cases makes it difficult, if not impossible, to convey the image of impartiality.
“Yes, ALJs enjoy some measure of independence as a matter of regulation and statute from the lawyers who pursue charges on behalf of the agency. But they remain servants of the same master — the very agency tasked with prosecuting individuals …” Gorsuch wrote.
In a fiery dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor accused the court’s conservative majority of engaging in a “power grab” by “arrogating Congress’s policymaking role to itself.” She wrote that the constitutionality of hundreds of federal laws may now be in jeopardy, and that dozens of agencies could be stripped of their power to enforce laws that Congress has passed.
“The majority pulls a rug out from under Congress,” Sotomayor wrote in an opinion joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, “without even acknowledging that its decision upends over two centuries of settled government practice.”
As of June 21, Air France has officially opened its lounge doors at Los Angeles International Airport. The new lounge features modern and stylish design and offers travelers amenities like a bar, dining area, bathrooms and showers. A spa is set to open in September 2024.
Here’s what you can expect when you visit the Air France lounge at LAX, plus how you can get in.
Getting to the Air France lounge at LAX
Entrance to the Air France lounge at LAX. (Photo by Josh Garber)
The new Air France lounge at LAX is in Terminal B (also referred to as the Tom Bradley International Terminal) in the Midfield Satellite Concourse. While the Midfield Satellite Concourse is about a 10- to 15-minute walk past security, it’s conveniently located near the gates that Air France regularly uses for its flights to Paris and Tahiti.
Air France lounge at LAX amenities
Private area for La Première passengers in the Air France lounge at LAX. (Photo by Josh Garber)
The Air France lounge at LAX is close to 12,000 square feet and seats 172 passengers. The lounge has several different areas, including:
Dining area featuring French cuisine.
Bar with a wide selection of French wines, champagnes, and other spirits and drinks.
Bathrooms and showers.
Several seating areas, including seats with USB sockets and power outlets.
Clarins Spa treatment area (opening in September 2024).
There is also a dedicated area available specifically for La Première (first class) passengers. It is designed to emulate the onboard La Première suites.
Food and drink
The cheese selection at the Air France lounge at LAX. (Photo by Josh Garber)
The food and dining experience at the Air France lounge at LAX sets it apart.
The airline designed the lounge dining area to resemble Parisian brasseries, with individual seating, a large communal table and private alcoves.
Air France takes great pride in its food. For example, its in-flight menu features French cuisine and was designed by chef Dominique Crenn, who has three Michelin stars for her restaurant Atelier Crenn in San Francisco. Its lounge menu similarly offers diners options that highlight the gourmet flavors of France.
The crepes, kale caesar salad and selection of cheeses were especially tasty.
The Air France lounge at LAX has a chef who will prepare dishes on request in an open kitchen. Options include pan-fried prawns or cassoulet with duck confit.
The lounge also features a modern, stylish bar with French champagnes, wines and other spirits, as well as a selection of mocktails.
Bar at the Air France lounge at LAX. (Photo by Josh Garber)
If you’re craving a soft drink, there are two refrigerators filled with soda and other nonalcoholic drinks a short walk from the bar.
Seating areas and bathrooms
Seating area at the Air France lounge at LAX, including art featuring the Hollywood sign. (Photo by Josh Garber)
There are plenty of seating options at the Air France lounge at LAX, including spacious individual seats with USB ports and communal seating.
You will also have access to smaller private areas, which work well for groups traveling together or individuals trying to minimize the distractions around them.
More seating at the Air France lounge at LAX, with easy access to a snack area with coffee. (Photo courtesy of Josh Garber)
A private seating area is available for Ultimate-level elites in the airline’s Flying Blue program. It features large armchairs designed to make passengers feel at home.
Spacious, gender-neutral bathrooms are available for all lounge visitors.
The hallway where bathrooms and showers are located at the Air France lounge at LAX. (Photo by Josh Garber)
You can also hop in the shower, which is particularly helpful if you want to freshen up on a layover or before you depart.
Area for La Première customers
Champagne and liquor in the La Première private area at the Air France lounge at LAX. (Photo by Josh Garber)
Guests flying in Air France’s La Première class have access to a private area dedicated to these customers. The area can fit up to twelve guests and has a private dining area with higher-end drinks and snacks.
Once the spa opens, La Première customers will be able to book services in advance. For other passengers, treatments will be available first come, first served.
How to access the Air France lounge at LAX
The Air France lounge at LAX is open daily and can be accessed by the following guests:
Air France La Première passengers.
Flying Blue Elite Plus members (Gold and Platinum levels).
Eligible customers of KLM and SkyTeam partner airlines.
The Air France lounge at LAX follows the standard SkyTeam lounge access rules, meaning international first and business class passengers on any SkyTeam airline (which includes Delta Air Lines) as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling in economy class can access the lounge.
SkyTeam member airlines
Aerolineas Argentinas.
AeroMexico.
Air Europa.
Air France.
China Airlines.
China Eastern.
Czech Airlines.
Delta Air Lines.
Garuda Indonesia.
ITA Airways.
Kenya AIrways.
Korean Air.
MEA (Middle East Airlines).
Vietnam Airlines.
Virgin Atlantic.
Xiamen Air.
Air France lounge at LAX recapped
The Air France lounge at LAX is modern and spacious. It features delicious food, a chic bar, plenty of seating options, a soon-to-open spa and a private area dedicated to first-class passengers.
HELOC, Live Pricing Data, VOIE Tools; LO Survey, Webinars and Training
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HELOC, Live Pricing Data, VOIE Tools; LO Survey, Webinars and Training
By: Rob Chrisman
Tue, Jun 25 2024, 11:54 AM
Everyone’s above average, right? If you are a lender and making money, you’re in the majority. It’s not that you’re not special, it’s just that with cuts and servicing income, and unprofitable companies going away, most companies are in the black: In the first quarter, 59 percent off all mortgage banking companies were profitable per the MBA Performance Report, buy it for details. Is our government profitable? Of course not, almost regardless of Administration. The federal budget deficit is expected to swell to around $1.9 trillion this year, according to the Congressional Budget Office, which was higher than its previous estimate of $1.5 trillion. This takes into account increased spending for student loans and Medicaid as well as the recently passed $95 billion foreign aid package. National debt is even poised to top $56 trillion over the next 10 years, or 122 percent of GDP, surpassing the 106 percent seen in 1946 after World War II. Meanwhile, the eurozone is facing debt issues of its own, with the ECB warning eight of its members (including Belgium, France, and Italy) over their excessive budget deficits. Today’s podcast is found here and this week’s is sponsored by Candor. Candor’s authentic Expert System AI has powered more than 2 million flawless, hands off underwrites. Every credit risk decision Candor makes is backed by a warranty, eliminating repurchase worries. Hear an interview with FinLocker’s Brian Vieaux on bringing consumer permission data to property searches and originations.
Software, Products, and Services for Lenders and Brokers
“Truv is the only consumer-permissioned VOIE platform approved with both GSEs, solidifying our commitment to delivering top-notch verification services tailored for mortgage lenders, banks, and credit unions. What does this mean for your business? Faster turn times, lower buyback risks, compliance assurance, and reduced operational costs. Read about why this matters for your business here.”
“Did you know that Polly is the rate engine for HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center? We offer the same capability to display live rates on lender websites, helping borrowers better assess your competitive edge against other lenders. This live data ensures that as the market fluctuates, prospects get real-time insights into your rates. Because in the current rate environment, having accurate, up-to-date rate intel on your homepage is crucial. It signals transparency, allowing potential borrowers to make informed decisions faster, without needing to supply personal information. This convenience can significantly increase your site’s engagement and drive more volume your way. On the flip side, NOT displaying live rates may deter potential borrowers, as they could perceive higher costs or simply prefer quick access to this information. Now, let’s take it several steps further; Polly’s Lender Intelligence will help you keep your rates competitive, ensuring you stay at the forefront of your peers. Let’s talk about it.”
“Calling all loan originators: We need your insights! Take the annual Loan Originators Survey from MGIC and Loan Officer Hub to weigh in on how you handled the challenges and opportunities of the past year. Get a head start on comparing your strategies to your peers’: Complete the survey by June 30 and you’ll receive exclusive early access to the full survey report this fall!”
Optimal Blue announced its new Competitive Data License today. In a news release, the company described its new data solution as a collection of key national mortgage pricing data that empowers lenders to price products competitively, operate more profitably, and react swiftly to changing market conditions. This product from Optimal Blue includes loan-level data from the industry’s most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine, providing a full price trace from borrower/buy-side to investor/sell-side pricing. Optimal Blue’s new data solution equips lenders with the ability to benchmark every aspect of their pricing strategy, providing extensive insights into markups, loan-level price adjustments (LLPAs), servicing-released premiums (SRP), concessions, loan officer compensation, base price, and PAR rate. Optimal Blue will be hosting a webinar on July 10 for those interested in learning more about Competitive Data License and its other data solutions.
HELOC borrowers can pay off debt to qualify and still close in as little as 1 day! With trillions of dollars in accessible home equity nationwide, there’s never been a better time to become a REMN Partner. REMN Wholesale, leading the way in Wholesale Digital HELOCs nationally, now provides the DEBT ELIMINATOR feature to its EQUITY ACCESS Digital HELOC. DEBT ELIMINATOR gives borrowers the ability to pay off debt to qualify. With loan amounts from $25k to $400k and recent rate reductions, REMN’s Digital HELOC is designed for fast closings. Additional features: Instant Income Verification for the vast majority of W-2 borrowers; automated analysis of bank statements to determine Income for both W-2 and Self-employed borrowers; single AVM up to $400k (appraisal options available); Broker Portal with robust functionality and real-time detailed status on all pipeline loans. Minimum FICO 640 and max 80% CLTV (see rates/guides). Flexible: Hybrid platform is digitally fast with humans to solve real-life complexities! And they provide fast payout (utilizing ACH). White Label: Brand your company/MLO. REMN is only wholesale! Contact Carl Markman.
Webinars and Shows
“Unlock the key to closing more loans in a competitive market. Join us on Thursday, June 27 at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT for the NMP Webinar “Build Your Personal Brand (and Close More Loans) by Optimizing Borrower Credit Scores.” Hosted by Mike Darne, a seasoned marketing executive who has led branding efforts at Capital One and Marriott, this webinar will share proprietary research from CreditXpert on what borrowers seek in a lender and how credit optimization meets those needs. Discover how you can help borrowers qualify, access better loan programs, lower their cost of homeownership, and reduce LLPA premiums. Learn to leverage credit optimization to build your personal brand, stand out in the marketplace, and ultimately close more loans. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills and grow your business: Register for the webinar here.”
Podcast: How the NAR Ruling Will Impact Lenders (& the Entire Home-Buying Process). The groundbreaking NAR settlement has real estate agents, lending professionals, and home buyers scrambling to understand its ramifications. Here to weigh in is Maxwell’s Clear to Close crew: In this conversation, Alan, Bryan, and Anthony channel their experience in the industry to walk through possible outcomes of the ruling. Specifically, this episode explores how new policy changes are likely to impact lead generation, methods to earn borrower business, and more—and how lenders can get ahead of the major ways the home-buying process is about to change. Click here to listen to How the NAR Ruling Will Impact Lenders (& the Entire Home-Buying Process).
A good place for longer term conference planning is to start is here, and click on “Conference List” for in-person events in the future.
Join Kristin Messerli and Robbie Chrisman today at 10am PT/1pm ET for the latest episode of Mortgages with Millennials as they share some new research on NextGen money trends, this time based on a personality quiz she developed to better understand the mindset, planning style, and behaviors of millennials when it comes to money and homebuying. sharing some new research on NextGen money trends, this time based on a personality quiz she developed to better understand the mindset, planning style, and behaviors of millennials when it comes to money and homebuying.
Every Tuesday at 11am PT, two veteran LOs discuss all things mortgage with Industry Leaders. Mortgage Pros 411 with Audrey Boissonou and Kevin Casey.
Register for Silicon Valley CAMP’s Free Marketing Presentation: “AI for Dummies via Zoom,” today at 9:30 AM (PDT).
In support of the Credit Score Models and Credit Reports Initiative, FHFA has announced a new stakeholder forum, an “Overview of Historical Credit Scores,” that will take place today from 3-4 p.m. (ET). FHFA, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will provide details regarding the Enterprises’ forthcoming publication of historical credit scores to support the implementation of the VantageScore® 4.0 credit score model.
MBA’s Single Family Research Showcase 2024 Virtual Meeting, June 25 & 26, 1:00 – 5:00 pm. MBA’s Research & Economics team will take you on a deep dive behind the data during our one-of-a-kind Single-Family Research & Economics Showcase. Led by MBA’s Chief Economist, Mike Fratantoni, Ph.D., this two-day online event highlights the most current results and insights from our popular residential surveys, forecasts, and reports. For those unable to attend, meetings will be recorded on both days. Register to receive the recordings.
Capital Markets
As optimism about a US Treasury rally grows among investors, a key bond market indicator suggests high interest rates could persist, potentially hampering the Federal Reserve’s ability to cut rates. Market forecasts indicate that the economy’s neutral rate, crucial for balancing growth, is significantly higher than the Fed’s current projection, hinting at long-term elevated borrowing costs.
While we do have some significant data later this week (GDP, inflation, consumer sentiment, home prices, etc.), this final week of June began yesterday on a quiet note without much market movement. This week also brings the quarterly refunding, which sees an increased flood of Treasury issuance that investors will be asked to absorb: $211 billion in new debt this week alone, with all of it coming on the front end of the curve. Today, markets will receive $69 billion 2-year Treasury notes.
Today’s economic calendar kicked off with the non-market moving Chicago Fed National Activity Index for May (better than expected) and Philadelphia Fed non-manufacturing for June. Later today brings Redbook same store sales for the week ending June 22, April house price indices from FHFA and Case-Shiller, the Consumer Confidence report for June, Richmond Fed manufacturing and services/revenues in June, and Dallas Fed Texas services for June, followed by the aforementioned Treasury note auction. Two Fed Governors are scheduled to make appearances: Governor Bowman and Governor Cook. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices little changed from Monday’s close, the 10-year yielding 4.22 after closing yesterday at 4.25 percent, and the 2-year at 4.72.
Employment
Mortgage Equity Partners (“MEP”), a mid-cap IMB headquartered in Massachusetts, is proud to be recognized as the fastest-growing IMB in the state measured in both units closed and volume funded in 2023 and YTD 2024. MEP has added production in many of its 22 states over the last 12-14 months. “As a mid-cap, we inherently have a flatter management structure, are more nimble, and can adapt to change quicker. Consistently, we see LOs migrate from large-cap IMBs because, as architects of their own businesses, LOs want quicker access to decision-makers. Those LOs want to operate at their own cadence and not be bogged down with layers of management. Our environment has a positive impact on LOs as strong business partners to support their referral sources,” said Sean Riley, CEO and General Counsel. To learn more about MEP, visit meploans.com or contact John Cabral, National Sales Director.
A seasoned Mortgage Executive is seeking a new opportunity to help lead a mortgage lender or vendor toward achieving their growth goals. Are you a mortgage lender or vendor (established or new) in need of leadership to navigate the current market and drive future growth? This executive has extensive sales leadership experience in all production channels (TPO, Retail, and DTC) and is an expert in all product types (Agency, Non-QM, and Private Money Lending). They also have deep knowledge of the vendor and technology space. Please send inquiries to Anjelica Nixt to pass along to the candidate and specify the listing.
(Remember: job seekers can post their resumes for free on www.lendernews.com where employers can view them for several months for a nominal charge.)
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