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Operation Holiday Home Protection Roll Outs New Toll Free Number

Attorney General Hector Balderas

From the Office of the Attorney General:

ALBUQUERQUE Anyone facing foreclosure or finding it hard to make their mortgage payments, Keep Your Home New Mexico, a program run by the Office of the Attorney General may be able to help.

Attorney General Hector Balderas has announced that the program has a new toll free number: 1-800-220-0350. By calling this number or by visiting www.keepyourhomenewmexico.org, New Mexicans can get assistance that may help keep them in their homes.

“Foreclosure can feel like a hopeless, scary situation, but the worst thing you Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: What’s Next?

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By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

Residential construction leaders have begun predicting green building trends for 2017.

Most homebuyers aren’t looking for a LEED label on a new home, but they are looking for high performance and comfort.

That’s the consensus from builders and other industry professionals who have participated in the Excellence & Building Conference in Texas.

Here’s an overview of insights and trends shared by building professionals.

 

Energy/Water Efficiency
When homebuyers were surveyed, the tops “must haves” in a home were energy and water Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: The Year In Review

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By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

Happy Holidays everyone!

As we slide into the remaining week of 2016, it’s time for pause and reflection.

For many this has been a really tough year. No doubt, some wonderful things have happened in your life. And, you’ve likely had your fair share of struggles and setbacks, too.

The idea is to create a road map for the year ahead—an overall outline of what matters and what you hope to achieve in the next year. I complete this process in bits and pieces over several days because it helps me to think about it slowly.

While a lot of people want to speed ahead to Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Pantone Unveils 2017 Color Of The Year

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By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

Pantone, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, announced PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery as the 2017 Color of the Year. Greenery, a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring, illustrates the lushness of the great outdoors.

“Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. The more submerged people are in their own modern realities, the greater Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Holidays – Stress Free

Relaxing at home during the holidays. Courtesy photo
 
 
By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, complete with family gatherings, meaningful traditions, delicious food, and gifts. It is precisely these things that can lead to stress and overwhelm us.

Keeping the holidays simple can reduce stress and chaos. Consider the following ways to simplify your holidays this year. Taking time to reflect on what you do want this holiday season — and what you don’t — can help you keep your celebrations simple and heartfelt.

UnDecorate
Perhaps the thought of thoroughly
Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Holiday Decorating

Dining room decorated for Hanukkah. Courtesy photo
 

By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

It’s that time of year…we excitedly stand out in the cold to watch the holiday light parade, marvel at the performance of the Nutcracker ballet and look forward to time spent with family and friends celebrating the holiday season.

Whatever holiday you celebrate, I hope you will enjoy reading this as I share some ideas that might inspire you this season.

We often see holiday decorating ideas that are perfect for the living room and even the tabletop, but what if you’re one of those particularly dedicated folks who Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Designing Perfect Pantries

Walk-in pantry. Courtesy photo

 

By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

Ask your friends what they dislike about their pantry and you’ll likely get “it’s too small” or “I can’t find anything!”  I hear these complaints often. Clearly, a pantry takes careful planning.

Whether you’re building a new kitchen or remodeling, you need to consider what makes a pantry work and which kind is best for your situation. There are three main types of pantries: cabinets, reach-ins and walk-ins. There is also a hybrid pantry/mudroom/laundry room that the homeowner walks through as they enter the house.

Keep a few Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Bathroom Face-Lift Or Renovation?

Curbless shower and sliding shower head. Courtesy photo

 

By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

Do not underestimate the time you spend in your bathroom on a daily basis. Whether you are getting ready to start your day, unwinding in a warm bath, or getting the kids ready for bed, your bathroom is an important aspect of daily life.

An updated bathroom adds substantial value to your home in the event that you would ever choose to sell. Today’s demanding homebuyers are drawn to “move in ready” and spa-like retreats; and buyers are willing to spend more money to get the features they want in a home.

Here’s something Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Seven Sustainable Products From Greenbuild 2016

Dekton by Cosentino line Trillium. countertop. Courtesy photo
 

By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

Sustainability-minded designers and builders flocked to L.A. (the other L.A.) for the annual Greenbuild Conference & Expo last month.

Along with a slate of education opportunities, the event featured hundreds of manufacturers showcasing products that save energy, conserve water, maximize resources, provide daylighting (the illumination of buildings by natural light) and otherwise contribute to a home’s sustainability.

Though Greenbuild is still largely a commercial show, many Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Holiday Guests

Guest bedroom with luggage rack is ready to welcome visitors. Courtesy photo
 

By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

Now that it’s November, the holidays are upon us, and with them, holiday guests. Here are a few tips for getting your home ready for guests with affordable ideas to refresh and organize your home.

Identify And Anticipate Needs
The only way identify what your guests might need is to stay in your guest room overnight. You might find you need an extra blanket, pillow, clock, radio, or reading materials. By staying overnight in the room, you can best identify the amenities your guests will appreciate. Read More