Sherwin-William's 2017 Color of the Year

Poised Taupe.  You heard me right, an old standby neutral that is new all over again.  Sherwin-Williams says this is why: This timeless neutral is modern, classic and a beautiful balance of warm and cool.

It appears as though we can stop trying to find workable combinations with the old neutral - gray - and switch gears to find the punch of color that will work well with Taupe.

If hot jewel colors are what turn you on, you might want to see what else would look good on you, or in your home if staying abreast of the "trendy look" is what you are shooting for.  

Below is a link to Sherwin-Williams' website so you can find out more on the chosen colors for 2017.


2017 Color of the Year


___________________________________________

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Pinterest:  <Pinterest

Washing Machines in Tiny Houses?!?

I ran across an article on wearing clean clothes and washing machines in tiny houses by Andrew M. Odom for the “Tiny House Blog”.   His title caught my attention, “Do Tiny House People Wear Clean Clothes?” 

I just had to open the link and read it. 

They answer, well of course Tiny House People wear clean clothes! The real question is, do you need to take up ¼ of your floor space to have a washer/dryer in your tiny home? 

I have designed a couple of tiny homes with smaller stacking washer & dryers units, as well as all-inclusive machines that wash and dry, and they do take up a sizable footprint even when your tiny home is 8.5’ wide and 28’-30’ long. (On the larger size for tiny homes.)

Andrew notes that before you even consider the footprint size further, it is important to consider the electrical and plumbing requirements involved in having this in-house luxury.  Maybe a weekly trip to a laundromat or using the Wonderwash (The Laundry Alternative, Non-electric Portable Compact Mini Washing Machine) that can be found on Amazon, might be an alternative consideration. ( https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Alternative-Wonderwash-Non-electric-Portable/dp/B002C8HR9A ) You would still have to line/air dry if your use the Wonderwash or some other hand washing procedure, but NOT having a traditional washing/drying machine would certainly save space for other features and save money on costly electrical and plumbing considerations.

Read more at http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house/do-tiny-house-people-wear-clean-clothes/#5pQxi4TDZJeXhP63.99

___________________________________________

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com

Tiny Home with NO loft

For many reasons, some people just don't want a loft in their tiny home living.  Those with physical limitations (young or old) who just cannot maneuver a ladder or small stair case, OR, just don't want to.  

Think about going up and down a ladder every time you needed to use the bathroom in the middle of the

night - for a Boomer like me, that is just an accident waiting to happen.





Because of this I have been focusing on creating plans that are functional for long term use that DO NOT have lofts.  

This one has a 2 step raised platform for the queen size bed.  Under the platform is built in storage, a pull out 2 rise step, and a twin size day bed. 

The kitchen has an apartment size stove with oven, microwave, and apartment size refrigerator/freezer.

The bathroom has a roll-in shower for handicap accessibility and a toilet and sink with plenty of light.  This design has the space to put a stacking washer/dryer if you give up the full-size sofa for a love seat. 

The taller and slanted ceiling gives more vertical volume that provides the home with a more spacious feel.

___________________________________________

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

https://www.pinterest.com/lmquiggle/architecture-sunshine-tiny-homes-by-linda-quiggle/

Tiny Houses for the Homeless: An Affordable Solution Catches On

I ran across this publication, yes! magazine, and their article while posting on FB. They indicate that, "For many years, it has been tough to find a way to house the homeless. More than 3.5 million people experience homelessness in the United States each year, according to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty."

The yes! magazine showed how communities in Oregon, New York, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin are now stepping up to the plate in dealing with their homeless population by creating some tiny-home communities.

The Quixote Village in Olympia, WA began as a camp and the community raised enough money to turn it into "Quixote Village".   It opened in 2013.

Amarillo, if you would like to learn more click on this link:

http://www.yesmagazine.org/new-economy/tiny-house-villages-for-the-homeless-an-affordable-solution-catches-on

______________________________________________________

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Aging in Place in your Tiny Home

To tiny-home or not to tiny-home, that is the question.  

I have had the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of living in a tiny-home with hundreds of people during the last ten years, and among the more mature adults the statement is always, “I’m not climbing a ladder to get to my bed”.  

The older you get the more you realize that universal design and being able to age in place are at the top of the priority list when making a choice of a home; tiny-home or not.  

Because I now find myself in that older group, but still have the dream of living tiny on purpose, (and did I mention I have a BS Interior Design degree) I have made it my goal this year to design a line of tiny-size to park-size homes that will meet the physical and emotional needs of Baby Boomers and the generation that follows.

As a designer I begin with questions like -

·  Will the owner be a couple or a single adult?

·  Do they need separate sleeping areas or can they sleep together?

·  Do they need space for walking aids?

·  Do they need additional outlets in the bedroom, bathroom and living area for medical reasons?

·  Do they need a tub or a shower for bathing?

·  What hobbies need to be taken into consideration?

·  Do the owners love to cook or is a microwave all they use?

·  Do they have medications that require refrigeration?

·  Do they participate in juicing or eating fresh, creating the need for a larger refrigerator?

·  Can they navigate one step, but not a ladder or staircase?

·  Do they have a pet?

·  Will they be traveling with their tiny-home?

·  Will they be permanently parked on private land or backyard?

·  Will they be permanently parked in a private park?

You have to ask the same type of questions as when building a traditional home, and many more due to the limited amount space in a tiny-home. 

It all boils down to, what the owner is willing to live without, and what they deem as esential for quality of life.

If you are interested in building a tiny home of your own, but need help with the design and layout, I am here to assist: Linda Quiggle - designsforaqueen@gmail.com .
_______________________________

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Tiny House - What does that mean in 2016?

Tiny Houses have become such a big thing in our culture over the last decade that there are now specific labels to define what kind of tiny house you might be talking about. Here is a small lesson - 


 "Micro" can include anything from a pimped out "Tear Drop" trailer to a shed, a treehouse, or van camping. It is really "micro" in size, but still meant to at least sleep and eat in.



"Tiny" includes a couple of distinctions, those on wheels and those on a permanent foundation.

  

• "T.H.O.W. is a tiny house on wheels.  These can be structures built with traditional building materials, or they can be house-trucks, buses, or any other driveable or towable device that has had a conversion and are meant to be lived in.

A standard "Tiny House" would be any "Tiny" structure built on some type of permanent foundation, and typically no larger than 500 sq. ft.

"Small" is a small structure.  

• Larger than a tiny home and smaller than the traditional small single family residence of 1,000 sq.ft.
• Can include apartments and condos
• Can be cottages
• Can be container homes
• Can be cob design
• Can be dome structures
• And yes, it can even be a Yurt.

Hope you feel better prepared to have a discussion about "tiny homes".  Keep looking.  Keep Learning. Live small on purpose.

_________________

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Container Homes have hit the big time!

Container City - London!

Container City II

It is incredible that a large metro center like London, England has embraced such an "outside" the proverbial box method of meeting some of their housing and commercial needs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa2p_ux8ER0&feature=em-subs_digest-vrecs

BBC Broadcasting Offices

Medical facilities, schools, worship centers, offices, restaurants . . . 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hou5_w60Lew

Hornimans School

What a creative way to Reuse-Repurpose-Recycle a box.






Come on Amarillo, TX - It's time to start offering some affordable living and working solutions.  (Oh yes, and trendy and smart looking too.)

___________________________________________

Linda Quiggle holds a BS of Interior Design and and MBA in Marketing.  She currently works and lives in Amarillo/Canyon , TX

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Tiny Homes have made it to the Big League - Trulia.com

As a realtor I keep tabs on Trulia and Zillow all the time. Imagine my surprise when in my perusal a few weeks ago I came across a Truilia Blog that mentions, yes, my favorite topic, a tiny home.  322 sq. ft. log style home on 9 acres of gorgeous Wyoming real estate, and it's for sale.  

This home was custom built in 2007.  It might be rustic and remote, but the little home sports a full suite of appliances (no dishwasher though), as well as the luxuries of running water and eco-friendly heat and electricity. 

Welcome to the big league tiny homes!

http://www.trulia.com/blog/found-on-trulia-a-teeny-tiny-home-for-sale-in-wyoming/?ecampaign=con_eyecandy&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ffound-on-trulia-a-teeny-tiny-home-for-sale-in-wyoming%2F

___________________________________________

Linda Quiggle holds a BS of Interior Design and and MBA in Marketing.  She currently works and lives in Amarillo/Canyon , TX

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Gypsy Caravan Home

Just in case you think the "Tiny Home" movement is limited to the US, here is an amazing 23' Caravan or Shepherds Hut. What I like (besides the glorious trim and attention to details) is the axle configuration on the trailer that he has built this home on.






















http://tinyhousetalk.com/beautiful-23-green-caravan-tiny-house/




The YouTube video is narrated by the builder who has this unit on the market - any takers?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhfU3iQ2ns4

___________________________________________

Linda Quiggle holds a BS of Interior Design and and MBA in Marketing.  She currently works and lives in Amarillo/Canyon , TX

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

A Tiny Home to write home about!

I started a new job in January 2015 and haven't found the time to post anything since then.   However, I am making time now because I have found my "I want" tiny home.  As an interior designer I like to design my own spaces, however, I found someone else's design that I have to applaud.  This couple has taken into account headroom, natural light, the need for privacy when inside and the cute aspect. Why have a tiny home if it isn't cute!  It has a functioning kitchen, room for 2 recliners, a wood stove and an awesome bathroom.

I would sell my house and both cars and invest in a vehicle that could tow this THOW (tiny home on wheels) in a heart beat.  I just have to convince my husband - he is a writer and has "hundred's" of books for research purpose.  I tell him all the time that if he dies first I am getting one even if I have to park it in a relative's backyard and do day care for the privilege.  He just laughs.  I am not giving up my quest to have one though.

So, let me share this intriging home with you:  http://tinyhousetalk.com/expanding-tiny-house-with-slide-outs-that-will-amaze-you/

Expect to see me retiring in one of these real soon!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Linda is a licensed Texas REALTOR and works with the Rob Law Team/Keller Williams Realty in Amarillo Texas.  806-457-4853 | 7304 SW 34th, Suite 1 - Amarillo, TX 79121

Limiting heat loss through your windows

I came across a really retro but great idea for conserving heat loss through the windows of your home.  But first, here is how heat loss can take place: Conduction, Convection, Radiance.  

Conduction is transfer of heat energy by contact; warm interior window glass to cold exterior.

Convection is heat loss caused by moving air.

Radiance is loss of infrared energy using the windows as light energy.

My great new find, the "Window Quilt".  It is what it sounds like.  A good looking quilt or blanket that is hung on the inside of a window to reduce heat transfer through your windows. For those who quilt as a hobby, here is a way to use some of those quilts you have devoted hours to, and wish others could enjoy, but are reluctant to take everyone on a tour to your bedrooms.

There are any number of ways to attractively mount quilts to your window without using duct tape or a staple gun.  Here are four suggestions I would use.

1) Create some tabs of your own, similar the ones in photo one. 

2) Purchase some ring clips. 

3) Use either the tabs or the rings and create a roll up version.  (However, I would not use the tiny attachments as shown in picture three. They would end up tearing the quilt before long.)  

4) The fourth suggestion would take more effort but would look very finished.

PHOTO ONE

PHOTO TWO

PHOTO THREE

PHOTO FOUR

If you are interested in creating some of your own, here is a link to an article that will help you get started.

http://www.countrysidemag.com/86-6/sue_robishaw/

http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/thermal-window-shades-zmaz83ndzale.aspx#axzz3Kr6BsCN6

A SMALL CORRECTION ON RADIANCE FROM MY SON WILLIAM: 
Windows are good conductors of heat, which is fixed by your quilt, but the amount of light they let through is dependent on color.  Visible and UV light from the sun gets through just fine, and this heats up your home.  The interior of your home in turn glows in the infrared, but infrared light does *not* pass through glass.  So windows let light through in only one direction, basically -- visible and UV gets in, infrared doesn't get out.

_______________________________________________

Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-220-5312.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

A Community of Tiny Houses

Thanks to my friend Theresa for turning me on to one more community embracing the Tiny Home as a means to helping their homeless population.  

A group up in Madison, Wisconsin have taken on this wonderful project and their website chronicles the obstacles as well as the achievements of this project: http://occupymadisoninc.com/ 

What about you Amarillo, Texas?  Are we willing to supply an affordable place for our homeless to call home?  Someplace out of the elements of summer or winter.

Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-220-5312.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Affordable Tiny Home rentals in Ozark, Alabama

In June, Mr. Blankenship of Ozark, Alabama constructed five small homes that are each only 500 sq. ft. They are 1 bedroom, 1 bath, with a nice front porch, living room and kitchen. According to the people living there, they are extremely well insulated and they can have their dogs there without any additional charge. They are rentals that rent for just under $500/month and provide a great streetscape to the neighborhood. What an incredible addition to any neighborhood.  More important it provides great housing for those needing to house themselves but are unemployed, underemployed, or just want to live small in a stationary environment.

I am always looking for efficient housing solutions for low income families. This is a solution that would contribute to the need for stable low income housing in Amarillo, TX.  Hope the builders/investors in this area follow Mr. Blankenship's lead.

http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/blankenship-small-homes-in-alabama/
__________________________________________________

Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Vacation in a Tiny Home in Portland, Oregon

If you thought I had given up my interest in "Tiny Homes", I haven't!  My husband and I just had to deal with some health issues over the last six months.  Add work into that mix and I just didn't have time to continue sharing and spreading the idea of "Living Small" as a choice.

This cute 300 sq.ft. home is only 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon and located on an organic farm.  It rents for $499/week or $1450/month. It accommodates 2 people, hosts a "real bed", and has an adjacent bathroom with a tiled shower and toilet area.  

Spending some vacation time in a tiny home seems like a smart idea before launching into a permanent living situation.

 
If I were making a trip to Oregon, I would definitely give this a try.  For more information and interior pictures try the link below.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1850000

___________________________________________

Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Amarillo's Prudential Ada acquired!

BIG NEWS! 

Celebrating a merger are, from left, Terry Manz of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties of Lubbock; Greg Glenn, broker owner of Prudential Ada Realtors in Amarillo; Mike Huff, owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices; and Rick Young, BHHS chief operating officer.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties announced the acquisition of Amarillo-based Prudential Ada Realtors.

The transaction adds an office and 22 agents to Anderson Properties’ growing ranks.
“We are excited to add this fine operation and continue our strategic growth initiatives,” said Mike Huff, broker/owner of Anderson Properties. “We see the Texas Panhandle as a dynamic, growing market and, combined with our existing office in Lubbock, we are nicely represented there.”

Anderson Properties is one of the region’s fastest-growing brokerages. In July, the company expanded into Tulsa and Oklahoma City with the acquisition of Prudential Alliance Realty, a perennial Top-50 company in the Prudential Real Estate network.

Anderson Properties now operates 39 offices with more than 650 agents.

“We are eager to join forces with Anderson Properties,” said Prudential Ada Realtors Broker/Owner Greg Glenn, who will remain in the organization. “Our companies have similar cultures built on longstanding success. We will capitalize on the foundation Anderson Properties has built in the Panhandle to provide even better service in greater Amarillo.”

Rick Young, Anderson Properties’ chief operating officer, said his company will continue growing.
“It’s an exceptional time for real estate, as the economy and market move forward,” he said. “Our strategy is to add exceptional companies and professionals whenever we can to provide clients with the best service available.”

Source: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties

___________________________________________

Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Shipping Container Homes

A used shipping container can be purchased for under $1000 and it is made out of durable material - it makes for a superb repurpose - reuse - recycle mind set. 

Most homes I have seen created with shipping containers have been small, what I like to call "tiny homes". That doesn't have to be the case though. 

Kalkin's Shipping Container Homes in New Jersey has taken the container home to a whole new level as seen by the two pictures in this post.  If these awesome homes are being built to survive the New Jersey winter, I'm pretty sure they could be engineered to make it in the Texas Panhandle too. I would like to see a local builder embrace this idea.  What about you?


Here is a link if you are interested in learning more.
http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/22-most-beautiful-houses-made-from-shipping-containers/

___________________________________________

Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

9-11 Museum

Below is an incredible link from the magazine, DWELL, concerning the opening of the new 9-11 Museum.  

How did that day impact you?

I remember where I was when I first heard about the bombing.  I was living in Sparks, Nevada and I was getting ready for work and listening to the news. My husband was still in the shower and carrying on a conversation with me, but I had ceased to respond as I sat down in stunned silence to watch the news reporter. I think I was evem more stunned to see the attack on the Pentagon.  

At work we crowded around a TV and kept watching as the events of that day unfolded.  Too stunned to work and we were barley able to even talk with each other.

Share in comments below, where you were and how it impacted your life.

http://www.dwell.com/post/slideshow/ground-zero-bedrock-911-museum-prepares-visitors?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=2014-5-16-control&utm_campaign=thisweekfromdwell&utm_medium=email&hq_e=el&hq_m=3207758&hq_l=10&hq_v=a2b741c69a#1

_________________________________

Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info