Adam Pretorius Iowa City Luxury Real Estate

Here's a tip on a great brand for coffee tables, side tables, entry table, desk, or dining table: Plank + Beam. Not only are their pieces durable and easy to assemble, but they also offer incredible value for your home.

With a variety of finishes like white, pecan, blonde, walnut, and black, there’s something for every style. Check out their website for direct-to-door shipping and get inspired by how these pieces look in some of my staged listings around town.

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🌟 Introducing ‘Playfulism’ 🌟

A vibrant new trend taking over interior design this year—‘Playfulism!’ With the rise of bold colors, whimsical patterns, and a burst of personal expression, our homes are transforming into lively canvases of creativity and joy.

Gone are the days of minimalist neutrals—now, it’s all about embracing the fun side of design! Think Maximalism with an extra sprinkle of happiness. 🌈💫 ‘Playfulism’ is all about breaking the rules and infusing your space with elements that reflect your unique personality and bring you pure joy.

So, are you ready to add a little more fun to your home?🖌️💖


PHOTOS 1-3: A fun kitchen refresh by my client at their home in Cardinal Ridge West added a bright blue island and playful mosaic tile backsplash.
PHOTOS 4-5: Spaces in this new build at 493 Rebekah Court, Coralville include a bathroom with colorful cabinets and intricate tile detail details or the the pantry and powder rooms featuring floral wallpaper and varying colored tile backsplash in the kitchen.
PHOTOS 6-9: A subdued office space was creatively transformed by Dwell Home Furnishings, incorporating vibrant pops of color through oriental prints and a softly toned oriental rug. This designed achieved a layered, maximalist aesthetic.

Check out these amazing drone shots of a new foundation being poured! 🏗️ This is just one of four large custom pre-sold homes going up in the new luxury neighborhood, Auburn Ridge. 🌟

Started just this year and already 30% sold, Auburn Ridge is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after communities in the area. Exciting times ahead as this stunning neighborhood comes to life! 🏡💫

Five years ago, I organized a trip with my colleagues to delve into the rich history of St. Louis’ traditional neighborhoods and explore its newest communities. The journey taught me invaluable lessons:

1️⃣ We immersed ourselves in the timeless elegance of University City's gated communities, where traditional estate homes tell stories of generations past.
2️⃣ We marveled at New Town, the continent’s largest new urbanism and planned community, home to over 6,000 residences designed to inspire and invigorate the Midwest spirit with bridges, canals, and traditional architecture built new to look old.
3️⃣ Some who joined us on that trip are no longer with us, but like cherished old neighborhoods, their memories and spirit continue to be felt and cherished today.

Market Panic 📉

A market panic occurred earlier this month following a jobs report that showed unemployment was rising. Though unemployment is still low, the speculative unwind comes from the downward trend on jobs where yellow flags are are now feeling more like red flags. The potential fear for volatility: a feedback loop of companies laying off workers, people having less money to spend, companies have less demand for products and services, more layoffs, and boom—a recession occurs. This fear, measured by the VIX index, triggered a stock-market roller coaster as investors interpreted the data as signs of an imminent recession.

The Fed skipped a rate drop this month but signaled a near certain rate cut quarter-point drop in September (which their meeting was before the job report and market reaction) with some economists forecasting they could do a double (half-point) drop in September. Meanwhile, mortgage rates have begun to fall with expectations of an upcoming rate drop triggering refinancing and hopeful homebuyers to re-emerge. The current rate drops gave a $30,000 increase in homebuyers purchasing power on a median-priced home, reports Redfin. Current local rates are in the five-percent range, a drastic change from the high sevens we saw this winter and spring. The good news is it appears rates might come down even more.

👉 The Fed’s next meeting is in September after earlier this month they decided not to cut rates. Questions from the roller coaster market:
🎲 Will the Fed cut a quarter point? Will we get a double (half-point) decrease?
🎲 Did the Fed wait too long? Is hindsight becoming 20-20?
🎲 Given the jobs report, think the Fed wants a ‘redo’ of their August meeting?
🎲 Have the chances of a recession increased?
🎲 Is the fight in inflation over?
🎲 Did we get that “soft-landing” we hoped for?

Gee is it just me or are we getting impatient. Seems bumpy and not such a soft landing to me…hopefully I can clap soon and say “good job” navigating us through the fight on inflation. Hopefully…

📊 See how rates affect purchasing power with this interactive graph by Redfin: 📊
https://www.redfin.com/news/home-affordability-improves-mortgage-rates-drop/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosmarkets&stream=business

Thrilled to share the news about a new development I've been working on in Coralville! 🌟

This urban-inspired neighborhood is all about walkability, with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, tree-lined streets, and not one but three parks—complete with a dog park, playground, and a beautiful natural space. 🏞️

Located just steps from the local elementary school, this mixed-use community offers a variety of traditional-style homes, from townhouses to single-family homes and condos.

Stay tuned for more updates from our award-winning team and renowned builders. The craftsmanship and charm of this community will be a standout feature in the area.

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Just got back from NYC last week! It was a perfect getaway to soak in the city's energy and get inspired by all the incredible architecture, design, and vibrant atmosphere. Feeling refreshed and ready to bring some of that big city spark to my work!

FLIPPED and transformed! ✨

This whole-house remodel reimagined a tired galley kitchen and bay-window dining area by flipping the two spaces. The result: a spacious, entertaining kitchen and a cozy built-in banquette perfect for today’s modern homeowner.
What do you think? 👎 or 👍

Just gave this outdated townhouse a fresh new look!
🏡✨ Swipe left to see the original plan and swipe right for the new design.

Here’s the breakdown:
1️⃣ Rotated the powder room to open up the living space.
2️⃣ Removed the two-sided fireplace for better flow and circulation.
3️⃣ Relocated the kitchen and placed the dining room in the previously unused central area.
4️⃣ Added a mudroom and walk-in pantry to meet modern lifestyle needs.

What do you think of the transformation? 🤌🤌

🌊 Pool Trend Gets Colder 🌊

Surprising shift! Post-pandemic, pools turned from a selling hindrance to a hot commodity. But now, the trend is cooling down. This year, pool construction has plummeted, even dipping below 2009 levels. With average pool costs soaring from $40k pre-pandemic to over $65k, pool companies are offering steep discounts to boost demand.

Interestingly, high-end pools with luxury features are still making a splash, while lower-end pools lag behind. High interest rates mean many are opting for travel over financing big home projects.

What’s your take on this pool trend? 💭🏡



PHOTOS: A new in-ground pool was added in Auburn Ridge where pools in this new luxury subdivision have been in high-demand. This is the third custom homeowners to add an in-ground pool.

🤜 👊 Sometimes, embracing a bit of darkness brings out the warmth and moodiness that makes a space truly special. Our dark basement, painted entirely in 'Peppercorn' by Sherwin Williams—from the trim to the walls to the ceiling—captures this perfectly. 🌑

I haven't shared photos of my daughter's room yet, but it's truly a space we love. From the muted pink oriental rugs to the plush pink tufted upholstery, Belgian linen, and brass accents, every detail is designed with care. The natural light oak wood adds warmth and charm, making it a cozy haven for our family.

We spend so much time here, and it's been wonderful introducing our new family member, Isabelle, to this beautiful space. What do you think? 🤜 👊 💕

Large summer family photo dump! 📸 ☀️

Tile Trends

Five Tile Trends at this Year’s Parade:
👉 Large Format Tiles: Larger tiles are becoming increasingly popular, creating a sleek, seamless look with fewer grout lines. They are used on both floors and walls for a modern, expansive feel.
👉 Bold Patterns and Colors: Tiles with bold geometric patterns, intricate designs, and vibrant colors are making a statement, adding character and visual interest to spaces.
👉 Textured Tiles: Textured surfaces, including 3D tiles and those mimicking natural materials like wood and stone, offer a tactile and dynamic element to interiors.
Terrazzo: This classic material is seeing a revival, with its speckled appearance and mix of colors adding a playful yet sophisticated touch to floors and walls.
👉 Matte Finishes: Matte tiles are preferred for their understated elegance and slip-resistant properties, making them suitable for both modern and rustic designs.

PHOTOS:
📷 1-4, tile backsplash and designs featured at 493 Rebekah Court. Elevation HomeBuilders
📷 5-8, tile designs in so many fun combinations by interior designer Brooke Mennen-Talsma Interiors at 430 Auburn Ridge Road.

Here are Five Tips for Successfully Mixing Metals:

1. Choose a Dominant Metal: select one metal to be the primary finish of the room, use other metals as accents. This helps maintain a cohesive look and prevents the space from feeling too chaotic.
2. Consider the Room’s Color Palette: ensure that the mixed metals complement the room’s overall color scheme. Warm metals pair well with warmer tones like red, organize, and yellow, while cool metals suite cooler tones like blue, green, and gray.
3. Maintain Balance: aim for a balanced distribution of the different metals throughout the space. Avoid clustering all the metals in one area; instead, spread them evenly to create a harmonious look.
4. Mix Finishes Within the Same Metal: For a subtler approach, mix different finishes within the same metal family. For example, combining polished brass with antique brass can add depth without introducing too many contrasting colors.
5 Start Small: if you’re new to mixing metals, start with small accessories or fixtures before committing to large pieces. This allows you to experiment and find the right balance without overwhelming the space.

PHOTOS:
📷 Gold, brass and black fixtures featured at 430 Auburn Ridge, design by Brooke Mennen-Talsma Interiors

Hardware Trends

Mixing different metal finishes for fixtures, fittings and decorative elements within the same room is gaining traction to create a visually interesting and layered look that adds depth and sophistication to the décor.

Here are Three Reasons this Trend is Becoming Popular:
👉 Aesthetic Appeal: the main reasons for the popularity is the aesthetic appeal it brings. Combining different metal finishes—such as brass, chrome, nickel, and matte black—creates a rich and textured visual effect. It can highlight specific elements and create focal points, making more engaging and unique spaces.
👉 Balancing Warm and Cool Tones: warm metals like brass, gold and copper can add a touch of elegance and warmth, while cool metals like chrome, stainless steel and nickel bring a sleek, contemporary feel. By strategically combining these finishes, designers can achieve a harmonious look that feels balanced and cohesive.
👉 Create Visual Interest: incorporating mixed metals helps break the monotony of matching hardware and fixtures, adding layers of visual interest to a room. This approach can make a space feel more curated and thoughtfully designed. Each element stands out, yet they collectively contribute to a cohesive design scheme.

So what do you think, which builders and designers thoughtfully combined different metal finishes at this year’s parade and let me know who was successful in creating visually engaging environments and who missed the mark.

PHOTOS:
📷 1-6, black + polished nickel + brass planned and perfected cohesively at 1327 Tamarack Trail. HomeBuilders
📷 7-8, gold + black hardware in the kitchen and mudroom at 493 Rebekah Court.
Elevation HomeBuilders

✨ Lighting: The Jewelry of Your Home ✨

When it comes to designing spaces, lighting is the finishing touch that brings everything together. As Amy Pretorius says, "it's the jewelry of the home," and its importance can't be overstated. The right lighting not only elevates a home's presentation but can also make a bold architectural statement.

Discover a range of traditional and modern light fixtures inspired by styles from mid-century modern to classic ribbed glass shades. This year's trends include elongated ribbed glass shades and sculptural pendants, both of which create striking focal points that enhance any space's aesthetic appeal.

Elongated glass shade fixtures are a favorite for their sleek and sophisticated look. Perfect for kitchens, dining areas, and bathrooms, these fixtures highlight countertops and dining tables, adding a touch of elegance.

Sculptural pendants are gaining popularity for their ability to serve as both lighting solutions and pieces of art. Available in various shapes, sizes, and materials, from industrial and contemporary to rustic and eclectic, these pendants make a dramatic impact in entryways, living rooms, and other conversation-worthy spaces.

Elevate your home with these stunning lighting options and make a statement in every room! 💡

PHOTOS:
📷 1-4, light fixtures featured at 430 Auburn Ridge Road including Lulu and Georgia, McGee & Co., and Ballard Designs.
📷 5, an elongated glass chandelier in the primary bedroom and bathroom featured at 493 Rebekah Court.
📷 6-8, light fixtures featured at 1327 Tamarack Trail including West Elm and Restoration Hardware.

Large Bathrooms: Luxurious Retreats at Home
Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces; they're now designed as luxurious retreats, offering that coveted "spa-like" experience seen all over social media. This trend is driven by a desire for enhanced comfort, increased functionality, and a focus on wellness and relaxation. Our bathrooms are evolving into sanctuaries where we can unwind and rejuvenate.

Larger bathrooms provide the perfect canvas for incorporating features that promote relaxation and well-being. Think separate soaking tubs, walk-in showers with multiple showerheads, saunas, spacious vanities, and smart organization solutions like linen closets and shelving.

In busy households, where time and space are at a premium, well-designed large bathrooms are especially valuable. Not only do they offer a haven for relaxation, but they also significantly boost a home's overall value.

Experience the ultimate in comfort and luxury with a thoughtfully designed large bathroom. 🛁✨

PHOTOS:
📷 1, a massive 300+ sq. ft. bathroom features a soaking tub, toilet room, tiled shower with zero-entry, and two separate vanities all with vaulted ceilings and two giant chandeliers featured at 493 Rebekah Court. Elevation HomeBuilders
📷 2, a timeless bathroom featured at 453 Rebekah Court. Elevation HomeBuilders
📷 3, a stunning gridded shower door and Euro-styled tub/shower combo with two shower heads and two handhelds featured at 430 Auburn Ridge. Brooke Mennen-Talsma Interiors
📷 4, a large modern bath featured at 577 Auburn Ridge. Gary Frakes Construction, Inc.

What to see at the Parade of Homes: Color 🎨

As a desire for more personalized and dynamic living environments pivots from the stark minimalist style of the last decade, we’re seeing more color incorporated in interior spaces. One of the most noticeable shifts is in wall colors. While neutral tones like beige and gray have long been staples, designers are opting for bold, saturated colors. Moving away from neutral palettes and embracing vibrant, expressive hues. This trend is evident in various aspects of interior décor, from walls and cabinets to built-ins and trim, reflecting a desire for personalized and dynamic living environments.

Painted trim and casement are also seeing a resurgence in popularity. Traditionally, trim and casement have been painted in white. However, using color on these elements can significantly enhance the architectural details of a space. Painted trim and casement in the same color as the walls can create a seamless, modern look that makes the room feel larger and more cohesive.

The trend towards using more color in interior spaces reflects a broader shift towards personalization and bold design choices, allowing for more vibrant and memorable interiors.

PHOTOS:
‣ 1-2: painted trim and doors in mushroom-color throughout the home rather than the common painted white and an olive colored study featured at 1327 Tamarack Trail.
‣ 3-7: light blue colored cabinets on the wet bar and violet painted walls in the study at 493 Rebekah Court.
‣ 8-11: a grey-blue painted wall and trim in a loft with a rich blue powder room and dark blue focal wall in the family room featured at 430 Auburn Ridge Road.

👀 What to see at the 2024 Parade of Homes: Wallpaper 👀

It’s a classic element with a modern twist, the resurgence of wallpaper is trending. Once considered old-fashioned, wallpaper is now celebrated for its versatility, wide range of designs, and ability to add texture and depth to a room. We’re seeing endless possibilities for personalization from traditional floral patterns and damasks to contemporary geometrics and abstract art. Designers are choosing from bold, eye-catching prints to subtle, textured designs that add dimension without overwhelming the space.

PHOTOS: Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes
‣ 1-2: floral wallpaper designs featured at 493 Rebekah Court, Elevation HomeBuilders
‣ 3: wallpaper wrapped arch on the wet bar featured at 1429 Tamarack Trail, Bedrock Builders, LLC.

🌟 One. Sexy. Hood. 🌟

Prepare to be captivated by this handcrafted stainless steel hood, elegantly coated in brass. This modern, sleek design gives the illusion of floating on the wall, creating the perfect focal point for your kitchen.

Measuring a commercial-grade 48", this exterior-vented masterpiece is not just about looks. It's the ideal accessory for a high-powered, commercial-grade gas range, handling high BTUs with ease. An elevated culinary space with this stunning combination of style and functionality.

This is the perfect blend of luxury and performance. ✨

Trend: Sculptural Pendants

Sculptural pendants are the latest trend in lighting, featuring oblong, tubular shapes that not only light up a room but also serve as stunning centerpiece objects.

✨ Why We Love Sculptural Pendant Lighting:

👉 Shape and Design: These pendants come in oblong and tubular designs, providing targeted illumination with a playful yet polished look. Whether hung individually or in clusters, they make a dramatic statement.
👉 Material and Finish: From metals to glass and ceramics, these fixtures mix materials for a variety of textures and finishes. Designers are getting creative with how these materials reflect light, adding a unique visual impact.
👉 Integration in Spaces: Perfect for kitchen islands, dining tables, living rooms, or entryways, sculptural pendants fit seamlessly into any space, making lighting a focal point and adding character.
👉 Light Quality: Despite their artistic form, these pendants don’t skimp on functionality. They cast flattering, functional light that enhances both the usability and the mood of your space.

Ready to elevate your home decor? Embrace the blend of function and artistry with sculptural pendant lighting and transform your spaces into a masterpiece! 💡✨

PHOTO 1: Sculptural pendants in Frakes Construction’s upcoming Parade Home, 577 Auburn Ridge, Coralville.
PHOTO 2: One of my favorite pendants, “Sculptural Cone Pendant” by West Elm ($129, five metal finishes).
PHOTO 3: Sculptural pendants are used in a powder room to provide direct lighting on the floating vanity, design by Brooke Mennen-Talsma of Brooke MT Interiors.

Something luxury-design and super sexy is in these giant boxes. It’s the first sold in Iowa City, says the manufacturer, and it “spared no expense,” said John Hammond.

Can’t wait to show you soon…next week!!

Here’s a hint: it’s brass and it sucks 🌟💨

Spring family photo dump 📸

Me, Adrianne, William and Isabelle

NEW TREND: Textured Walls 🎨

Say hello to rich, tactile surfaces that add depth and warmth to any room.

Why Textured Walls?
👉 Material Magic: Choose from a variety of materials like traditional plaster, modern concrete, or natural clay to create unique textures.
👉 Technique Talks: Whether it's brushing, rolling, or hand-applying, techniques like limewash or Venetian plaster bring walls to life.
👉 Visual Vibes: Textured walls enhance the interplay of light and shadow, making your space more inviting.
👉 Practical Perks: They're great for hiding imperfections, improving acoustics, and even regulating room humidity.
👉 Light Play: Watch as the changing light dynamically interacts with the textures, altering the room's ambiance throughout the day.

Transform your living room, bedroom, or entryway into a personalized piece of art. Textured walls are not just about style; they add a sensory depth that turns any room into a statement. 🌟

PHOTOS: Textured plaster was applied to the vent hood at this new build at 430 Auburn Ridge Road, Coralville designed by Brooke Mennen-Talsma Interiors.

The Growing Importance of the Yard 🌱

Premium backyard features can increase sale prices, reports Zillow research across sales from 2023.Everything from an outdoor TV or pizza oven helped homes sell at a premium.

Here’s the ones I am taking note:
👉 Homes with an outdoor TV added 3.1% more than expected.
👉 A patio can add a 2.3% increase.
👉A “she” shed added 2.0%.

The study did state, “I wouldn’t go out of my way to install these features and expect these kinds of sale premiums.” But perhaps these stats will helps you win your argument on spicing up your yard this summer, you’re welcome. 🙌

Every year, I have the privilege of unveiling the fruits of a full year's labor at the annual Parade of Homes event. This showcase is not just a display of the latest breathtaking trends in home design—it’s a testament to the dedication and skill of the many interior designers, architects, builders, and subcontractors involved.

With just one month to go, I'm thrilled to soon reveal what we’ve been working on! This year is especially exciting as we'll be presenting not one but FIVE luxury homes.

Keep following right here for the big reveal. Stay tuned! 📣