How Remote Work Has Changed the Real Estate Landscape
KIMBERLY QUEVEDO
The rise of remote work has reshaped home design and buyers’ needs, blurring the lines between professional and personal living. Beyond converting a corner of a room or integrating a designated office space, living areas are designed with intention and purpose. They have evolved into an integrated lifestyle that supports productivity and relaxation. Homeowners are blending a functional work hub with a place to unwind, creating a seamless daily rhythm of worklife balance.
Multifunctional Remote Work Areas
Outgrowing a simple desk and chair, remote workspaces are custom-designed environments that easily transition from work to play. Open living areas, dining rooms and kitchen islands are redesigned to support family activities and professional video calls. And homeowners are incorporating ergonomic furniture, wall-mounted monitors, advanced lighting
systems, glass partitions and soundproofing to mesh home living with work productivity. Additionally, nature is making its way indoors through biophilic design. Lush plants, natural light and the quiet beauty of wood are transforming the home/remote environment.
Tech-Infused, Work-Home Amenities
Integrated smart home technology is a key feature in balancing remote work with home relaxation. And voice-activated assistants help manage calendars and smart lighting enables adjustments according to the time of day. Additionally, home automation systems that control temperature and window shades allow remote workers to customize their environments for maximum comfort. And home-work dwellers are syncing kitchen appliances to brew coffee according to meeting schedules while also programming them for personal needs, like when supplies are low. Homeowners are also investing in higher-speed internet and Wi-Fi
systems to ensure smooth video calls – which also benefits their binge-watching time.
The Impact of Remote Work on Market Trends
The work-life balance home design trend has changed the way people buy homes. Open layouts and adaptable rooms are in high demand. Home buyers value creating a home studio – a space that’s as functional as inspiring. And outdoor spaces are important for remote workers as they transform them into work-friendly environments, installing outdoor office pods to focus in a peaceful, natural setting. Homes with more flexible floor plans, integrated technology and communities with high-speed internet are the new attractive norm.
Remote work has shifted the focus of home living to optimization and well-being – and technology plays a pivotal role. A home is no longer only a place to live and rest – it’s a balanced sanctuary to work, play and thrive.
6 Steps to Setting the Perfect Summer Table
Summer is the season of sun, fun and outdoor entertaining, and there’s no better way to welcome friends and family than with a beautifully set table. Whether you’re hosting a casual barbecue or a sophisticated dinner under the stars, creating an inviting atmosphere is easy if you follow a few simple steps – your party will be the talk of the neighborhood!
Determine Your Color Scheme
The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing a color scheme. To narrow down your options, think about the mood you want to capture. Pastels, like mint green, blush pink and lavender, evoke a fresh, light feel. Vibrant shades like coral, turquoise and lemon yellow can add a playful touch. If an elegant dining experience is your goal, consider neutral tones with metallic accents, such as gold or silver. Soft whites, greens and earth tones are ideal for a laid-back garden party.
Layer With Beautiful Linens
To keep things simple and organized, your best bet is to start with a crisp, white tablecloth. Then lay down a runner in your preferred color scheme and choose your napkins and placemats –all while keeping your desired vibe in mind. Cloth napkins and/or placemats made of natural materials
like cotton or jute set a relaxing tone. Bright blue, yellow or red fabrics, on the other hand, will pop against the white tablecloth to give a feeling of fun and energy. Classic white linen napkins would be suitable for formal gatherings, and nautical stripes would effortlessly enhance a coastal theme.
Mix and Match Dinnerware for a Personal Touch
When it comes to summer table settings, don’t be afraid to experiment with your dinnerware. A collection of mismatched plates can add charm and personality, especially when paired with coordinating glasses and flatware. Also consider incorporating different textures and materials, like ceramic plates, bamboo chargers and glass bowls. If you’re more of a traditionalist, solid-colored or classic white dinnerware always looks sleek and sophisticated and can be brightened up with smaller pieces in playful patterns or abstract motifs.
Add Natural Elements With Flowers and Greenery
Take advantage of nature’s bounty by decorating your gathering space with an assortment of foliage. You could combine a variety of blooms in small vases for a coordinated look or go wild with a whimsical arrangement of daisies, sunflowers and peonies. Alternatively, potted succulents or herbs like rosemary and lavender are both stylish and fragrant.
If you’re aiming for a rustic or boho vibe, arrange eucalyptus branches or a long garland of ivy down the center of the table.
Illuminate the Evening With Mood Lighting
As the sun sets, lighting becomes crucial for maintaining a warm and inviting ambiance. Pillar candles in simple holders, tea lights in mason jars or floating candles in glass bowls inject a bit of romance with their soft, flattering glow. You could also string lights or hang lanterns above the dining area for added charm. LED fairy lights wrapped around centerpieces or table legs is another way to create a magical backdrop for an unforgettable party.
Keep It Comfortable
While style is important, you don’t want to forget about comfort. Ensure that your seating arrangements are roomy enough for your guests to enjoy the meal. Place cushions or throws on chairs and provide blankets in case the evening turns cooler. Setting the perfect summer table is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere where friends and family can relax, enjoy great food and make lasting memories. With the right color palette, dinnerware and thoughtful attention to detail, you’ll be able to host an event that not only looks beautiful but also makes everyone feel at home.
CARMA STAHNKE
NOTES
There are so many different ways to make potato salad but we like it light and fluffy with lots of mix-ins. Hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickles, green onion, and bacon make it really shine.
INGREDIENTS
Perfect Potato Salad
• 5 lb. russet potatoes (about 8 medium potatoes)
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 4 Tbsp. mustard (yellow, dijon, or a mixture of both), plus more as needed
• 5 green onions, sliced up to the darkest green part
INSTRUCTIONS
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. paprika (optional)
• 8 small sweet pickles, chopped )
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
• 4 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
1. Cut the potatoes in halves or thirds, then boil until fork tender. Drain. Mash the potatoes or run them through a ricer or food mill to make them extra fluffy.
2. In a large bowl, fold the potatoes together with the mayonnaise, mustard, green onion, salt, pepper, and other seasonings you like, such as paprika. Fold in the pickles, eggs, and bacon, then taste for seasonings, adding more salt, mustard, or mayonnaise as needed. You may also splash in juice from the pickle jar if salad needs a little moisture.
HOME TRENDS: HOME COOLING INNOVATIONS BUYERS WILL LOVE IN 2025
As summer temperatures continue to climb, homebuyers in 2025 are placing a premium on cooling innovations that combine comfort, sustainability, and smart technology. Gone are the days when a single window unit or ceiling fan was enough. Today’s buyers want homes that stay cool efficiently—and look good doing it.
One of the most in-demand features this year is zoned cooling systems, which allow homeowners
to independently control the temperature in different areas of the home. This not only improves comfort for families with varying preferences but also reduces wasted energy, a win for both the environment and the utility bill.
Smart thermostats continue to evolve, with newer models now offering AI-driven insights that learn homeowner habits and adjust cooling patterns accordingly. Integration with mobile apps and smart
home assistants means buyers can control their home’s climate from anywhere, making this a highly marketable upgrade.
Another trend gaining momentum is thermal glass and reflective roofing materials. These materials block heat absorption and keep interiors cooler without overworking HVAC systems. Combined with improved insulation techniques, homes are becoming better sealed and more temperature stable throughout the year.
Buyers are also showing interest in wholehouse fans and energy-efficient ceiling fans that promote natural airflow. These solutions are often quieter, more stylish, and far more effective than their predecessors.
For real estate professionals, highlighting a home’s cooling capabilities during the summer months can be a powerful selling tool. Emphasizing these modern features shows buyers that the property is not only comfortable but also thoughtfully designed for long-term living in a changing climate.
$668,387 1,326 1,282 12 82 $457,823 $543,710 572 307 2,190 1,250
Market Insights
Spokane Countyexperienced a moderate increase in the average sale price, raising to $492,510, marking a 6.2% increase compared to May 2024. The median sales price also saw a slight increase of 7.7%, settling at $457,823. The current inventory rose in a big way to 1,326 listings, an notable increase of 14.8% from the previous year. This represents a 2.0-month supply, an increase from May 2024, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales also decreased by 0.7%, totaling 572 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased to 12 days. Annual residential sales is up from year’s level, up 2.0%, totaling 2,190 sales.
On the other hand, Kootenai Countyshowed slightly decreased price performance, with the average sale price lowering to $668,387, reflecting a 2.0% increase from the previous year. The median sales price had a similar decrease of 1.0%, reaching $543,710. Inventory in the area increased by 4.8% to 1,282 listings. Residential closed sales however saw a decrease of 10.8%, with 307 transactions recorded. The average days on the market decreased to 82 days. Annual residential sales in Kootenai County are up 1.5%, totaling 1,250 transactions so far this year. As interest rates fluctuate and the market anticipates changes throughout the year, it's crucial to consult