We are finalizing the unique details of our Spring Parade of Homes model on Arden Avenue in East Edina and are excited to share one of our favorite new products with you. Have you ever heard of a Phantom Screen?Phantom Screens are retractable screens for doors, windows and large openings. They are made in virtually any size and come in a variety of colors. The founders of Phantom Screens wanted to give homeowners a more aesthetically pleasing option for ventilation, shade from the sun, and keeping insects out. In Minnesota it is important to be able to take advantage of the limited, beautiful outdoor weather months – with a Phantom Screen you can do just that. You are able to leave your outdoor entertaining area wide-open during the day and then seamlessly transition it into a screened
gathering area in the evening without having to sacrifice your views!We are using a single, large (11 feet wide by 8 feet tall) Phantom Screen for the backyard porch with a fireplace. This will be a great area to hang out, grill and relax. When the screen is lifted you will be able to walk directly out onto the home’s large beautifully landscaped flat backyard.We purchase our Phantom Screens from a local Minnesota company called Minnesota Screens Inc. They have been great to work with; helping us decide what would be the best screen option for our model home. If you would like to learn more about Phantom Screens, please visit our Spring 2012 model home or visit Phantom Screen’s website.
Hot Design Trend: Reclaimed Wood
At Refined we make it a point to stay up on all the latest interior design and housing trends. Reclaimed wood is a revived trend that we are excited to be incorporating into our newest designs. Recently we worked with some clients to be able to incorporate a reclaimed wooden barn door on a slider into a unique children’s craft room! Check out a picture of it on our houzz profile.This was a fun way to set the room apart and give the homeowners something unique that truly makes their home feel like their own masterpiece. Just think about all the ways you could take materials that are no longer used within your property and turn them into a character building, unique part of your home. Reclaimed wood is no longer country, its cool. Learn more about how others across the country are also embracing this trend on Houzz, a great resource to find a variety of up-and-coming design trends.
Edina Housewarming Party
Check out the photos from our latest housewarming party! Last week we co-hosted a client appreciation event with Martha O’Hara Interiors for one of our amazing families who recently moved into their dream home, in the heart of the historic Country Club neighborhood in Edina. Guests of the event included friends, family, neighbors, clients and business partners of ours, Martha O’Hara Interiors, Southview Design, and JJ Vanderson. It turned out to be a great event! 150 guests enjoyed hor d'oeuvres and beverages while admiring and touring the family’s beautiful new home. And to top it off, the homeowners had the perfect opportunity to meet their new neighbors and help make their home truly feel like home.We look forward to hosting more parties this fall and winter as more of our client’s homes are completed. Stay tuned for more photos from this event and future events!
Edina To Become One of Minnesota’s First Healthy ‘do.towns’
The City of Edina joins forces with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota to create one of Minnesota’s first healthy ‘do.towns’You can likely recall Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s (Blue Cross) popular “Groove your body everyday” campaign in which they encourage Minnesotans to make choices towards a healthier life. Yes, these commercials are often funny with awkward dancing, but the message is a serious one that has begun to resonate with people across the state. In an effort to expand on that project, the City of Edina has decided to partner with two other local cities, as well as Blue Cross, to launch an 18-month project geared toward improving the health of their communities. The program will encourage lifestyle changes that support healthy eating and active living.Edina will become one of Minnesota’s first healthy ‘do.towns’. This initiative focuses on preventing illness caused by lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits, which combined are the second leading cause of death and disease in Minnesota.“We believe healthy communities are strong communities, but barriers to healthy living are everywhere,” said Edina Mayor James B. Hovland. “To help our residents succeed in being active and eating well, we needed a partner with proven expertise in helping people by making their surroundings — where they live, work and play — healthier. We’re fortunate Blue Cross is willing to join us in this exciting pilot project.”At Refined we are excited the City of Edina has chosen to participate in this new initiative, as we have always found one of the most unique things about many of our home sites is their close proximity to retail and dining locations - hopefully encouraging walking and supporting an active lifestyle.For more information on the new ‘do.town’ initiative and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.do-town.org to sign up and receive updates.