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| As we soak up the last month of summer, I'm taking a page from the Italians and embracing il dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. That might mean lingering over a spritz a little longer, gathering with friends around a beautiful table, or simply slowing down enough to appreciate the little things. After spending time in Puglia, I'm bringing a bit of that effortless spirit home with me. It's a reminder that beautiful living isn't about doing more it's about savoring more. Cheers to slowing down, enjoying these golden summer days, and making every moment count. 🥂🇮🇹 |
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| | New Lamie + Trulli construction |
| Watching new lamie and trulli take shape is both fascinating and inspiring. Built by hand using locally quarried limestone, these timeless structures are a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and ingenuity. Their thick stone walls provide natural insulation, keeping the interiors wonderfully cool during Puglia's hot summers and comfortably warm through the winter months. It's sustainable design perfected long before modern technology—and pure genius. |
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| This summer, I had the opportunity to spend time in Puglia, Italy, with some of our closest friends, exploring the region's beautiful villages, coastline, and incredible architecture. While the food and hospitality were unforgettable, what left the biggest impression on me as both a designer and Realtor was the way homes are built and how deeply they reflect the landscape around them.
Puglia's architecture is rooted in simplicity and authenticity. The iconic trulli, with their distinctive whitewashed stone walls and conical roofs, and the traditional lamie, with their thick limestone walls and barrel or flat vaulted roofs, were originally built entirely from locally quarried stone. Unlike most homes in the United States, which rely on wood framing hidden behind drywall, these homes are constructed from solid stone that has stood for centuries. The thick walls naturally regulate temperature, keeping interiors remarkably cool during the region's hot summers without relying heavily on air conditioning.
The interiors embrace an effortless elegance with lime-washed walls, warm natural stone, hand-crafted plaster finishes, aged woods, linen fabrics, woven textures, and a palette inspired by the surrounding olive groves, sea, and earth. Nothing feels overly designed, yet every detail has purpose. The beauty comes from quality materials, craftsmanship, and a connection to nature rather than excess.
One of my favorite takeaways from the trip was the reminder that great design doesn't have to be complicated. Whether in a centuries-old farmhouse in southern Italy or a historic home here in New Jersey, timeless spaces are created through thoughtful architecture, natural materials, and layers that tell a story.
I came home with endless inspiration and can't wait to weave some of Puglia's warmth, texture, and understated sophistication into future Dwell + Design projects. |
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1 in 2 Consumers Now Say it's Better to Buy than Rent |
| Over half of consumers now say they believe buying a home is a better option than renting — the first time in three years that a majority has expressed this opinion, according to a report released this week. |
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| | The Hillsborough Rotary Fair is a five day carnival featuring over 22 rides, carnival games, food vendors, business vendors and music. Each night has a pay-one-price, and there will be a spectacular firework display by Interstate Fireworks on Friday evening at 10pm (rain date Saturday at 10pm).
Click HERE for details. |
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| | | 4th Annual Summer Blockfest |
| Get ready to vibe with dope hip-hop beats and good times at the ultimate summer block party! The highly anticipated Summer Blockfest Hip-Hop Festival & Community Celebration returns for its 4th Annual event on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 770 Jackson Street in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Click HERE for details.
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| Lifestyle Tips and Tricks |
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The Hidden Cost of Homeownership - and How to Plan for it |
| Owning a home comes with more than a mortgage. Here's how to budget for those expensive repairs. |
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| Sell Your Home? The Wrong Paint Colors Could Affect Your Offers |
| When your home is on the market, the colors on your walls could lead to higher offers, or reduce how much buyers think it’s worth...
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| | | 5 Home Design Trends To Watch in 2026 |
| Wellness, nature and personal expression are restyling homes and redefining how people live.
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| | | | | Experience the perfect blend of modern luxury and architectural details in this fully renovated Colonial, ideally situated in Maplewood's popular College Hill section. Finished across four spacious levels and refreshed inside and out--there is room for everyone here! Step inside and be captivated by gorgeous curved Maple moldings and trim, stained glass windows, built-ins, high ceilings, and a cozy gas fireplace in the living room. This smart home features a new 2-zone high-efficiency HVAC system managed by two new Nest thermostats for year round comfort. Gleaming refinished floors flow through the freshly painted interior, illuminated by new designer light fixtures and complemented by new solid-core interior doors. The new gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting custom quartz countertops and backsplash, premium Bosch and LG SS appliances, a built-in wine fridge, breakfast nook, and a classic Butler's pantry. Relax in the 3.5 completely new baths showcasing stylish designer tile, heated floors and premium fixtures. The Lower level boasts a Rec Room and a bonus room with an ensuite bath. The exterior boasts unmatched curb appeal with a new roof, new premium siding, freshly painted exterior trim, and new Pella windows. Enjoy the outdoors on the new Trex deck overlooking the backyard and appreciate the curb appeal of a newly paved driveway, smart myQ garage doors, new metal railings, a new sidewalk, and new elegant exterior lights. A rare, flawlessly updated turnkey gem! |
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Thanks for reading and subscribing! Ready to achieve your next real estate goal? |
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Office: 856-214-2639 Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. |
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