Want a new home in Midtown? Don’t miss the auction THIS weekend!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Starting bids from $100,000

Previously priced up to $600,000

Visit RamblewoodAuction.com for more photos and information

11:00am – Coldwell Banker HPW

BEFORE

From the Designers:

“BeyondBlue Interiors was thrilled to have the opportunity to revamp this bachelor’s pad! We met with him to check out his existing space and then returned to our showroom to make our plans.  On the day of the makeover, we were left alone in the apartment to perform our magic. It took a bit of effort to pack everything up and haul things over, but it was all worth it when the owner came home to see his new space and said “Wow!”

Our vision was to keep things simple and masculine, add texture and color, and not overwhelm him with a complete transformation. We made subtle, yet effective changes. For example, we added hints of orange to the space through the “Alphabet Soup” art, apothecary jars, a burlap pillow, and a simple picture frame. Orange was the perfect choice to provide a pop of color and contrast to his dark leather furniture and beige walls and carpet.

Adding texture and pattern was another key to the apartment renovation. New Maharam small dot taupe pillows were placed on the sofa to add a fun, youthful vibe. We used a new Union Square rug from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, to add texture to the floor and break up the sea of beige carpet. We softened the space with ambient lighting by using a floor lamp from Robert Abbey and a cool table block lamp from Design House Stockholm.  The floor length Moda mirror has multiple uses – adding height, texture, color, light and space reflection to make the room feel larger, and best of all…it hides that ugly fuse box!

The kitchen got a little BeyondBlue love as well with new Chilewich floor mats (can be used indoor or outdoor, perfect for high traffic areas). Plus, a unique recycled wine barrel tray with one of our delicious wines and a modern wine breather carafe from Creative Danes. Again, we added some ambient lighting with a Globe lamp by Robert Abbey, making the space feel “homey”.  The lamp has one of those funky historical bulbs instead of a plain incandescent bulb which adds a definite cool factor.

Although no one addition was huge, they all came together to turn the “TV” room into an actual living space that’s inviting for the renter and his guests.  Hopefully, it showed this bachelor that he can bring in a few new items to make his apartment feel more like a home.”

AFTER

Let BeyondBlue help you create a comfortable space with a sense of style! Choose from a wide selection of unique furnishings available for immediate delivery – or create your own personal statement by choosing from over 350 fabrics and leathers. The designers can help you select from quality, eco-friendly, exclusive manufacturers like North Carolina’s own Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

Who’s up for traveling the world on a passport of over 500 different bottled beers from 40 different countries, and dozens of rotating taps?

Midtown nightlife has a new addition coming that will have the entire Triangle talking.  World of Beer (WOB) is taking its first leap out of Florida, and will be opening this summer in the Fountain Park at Captrust Tower, across from Zoes Kitchen.  Watch for high definition sports action and live music on the weekends showcasing local talent, along with state and national recording artists.

For those of us who live at Park and Market Apartments, World of Beer is our next door neighbor.  As for me, I’m thinking about installing a zip line right into WOB… Splash!

Winter can be tough, and this one has been a real challenge for Midtown with gray days, snow, and cold that won’t end – certainly not our usual Carolina blue skies that warm the coldest of days.   Riding the elevator to Park & Market’s in-building Harris Teeter grocery store, I’ve heard many people commenting that they moved here to get away from all this.

Yesterday at lunch time the sun was blazing and I needed vitamins, so I decided to visit GNC here at North Hills.  If you haven’t been yet, run don’t walk because you are sure to love your experience.

As I walked up to the store, a woman came out to clean the glass on the door, doing this with such care and attention she didn’t see me waiting, and I was more than happy to watch someone pouring that much love into a simple task until she did.

When I went into the store, I was greeted warmly by owner Laura Dalton, wearing a white coat and an engaging smile.  Her obvious knowledge and easy manner made me feel right at home.

And no wonder, turns out this GNC is a family affair, Laura, husband Carter, and Mom – the amazing glass cleaner – all clearly loving what they do, and doing it together.  I felt lifted up, still do, and can’t wait to go back!

Clearly the 24/7 urban-style retail and office environment has been embraced by the Triangle for its rich amenities and quality of life that appeals to all ages.  As more stores, restaurants, residents, and office workers become part of the integrated development, improved ease of access from side streets and highways is expanding the radius for those who now think of this strategic beltline location as “My North Hills.”   “My North Hills” is different for each person, yet similar in the simple concept that most of our everyday needs and wants can be found within an easy walk, in a setting that draws us in with its welcoming feel and attractive appearance.  While North Hills has already become an economic engine for North Carolina today, the outlook for the future couldn’t be stronger.

I was reminded today of a rainy night last August when a neighbor asked, Why would anyone want a house, when you could have all this?  “All this” is surely what puts the style in life at Park & Market North Hills.

Style can be defined as a distinctive or characteristic way of living, one that is elegant, fashionable, and luxurious, or simply uniquely our own.

These stylish apartment homes come with their own 100-acre walkable urban neighborhood offering every convenience, amenity and indulgence to your doorstep.

Speaking of bringing things right to our doorstep, this year my Christmas tree came from the farm that provided trees for Santa’s Workshop here at North Hills, and was taken away with a smile by our amazing Park & Market maintenance team, a service that was offered free of charge for any resident, with the ability to specify day and time for removal.  Wow, talk about exceeding my expectations!

Our community Christmas Party, planned for the clubroom, became the event of the season when neighbor Sparians offered to host all of us and our guests for a festive pre-opening sneak peek with full red carpet treatment.   For a place to meet, greet, eat, or compete, Sparians can’t be beat!

Neighbor Piola has been making a difference in the broader community by partnering with StepUP Ministry to make every pizza and entrée ordered during December an opportunity for their donations and ours.  Nice!

As 2011 unfolds, be watching for our exciting new Video Blog where you can join us on first person lifestyle tours such as Out and About, Art Walk, Coffee Corners, Dining In and Dining Out, and Let the Good Times Roll.  Here’s to a stylish New Year!

Did you know SIX NEW SHOPS have opened at North Hills in the last three weeks?!  If it weren’t so much fun, I’d be exhausted from going around meeting all the new owners, seeing what’s in their shops, and sharing their excitement.

In a recent post, I shared the news item with you on all the openings that had been tweeted as Surf North Hills, and promised to follow up on latest from our neighborhood.  Let’s dive right in then and introduce you to Whalebone Urban Surf, next-generation venture from the legendary Whalebone Surf Shop at Nags Head.  Jim and April Vaughn, known and loved for over thirty years in business, couldn’t be more excited that daughter Stevi is following in their footsteps here in Midtown.

A visit with Stevi Vaughn in her incredible new store (located off Lassiter Mill, next to Gena Chandler) will take you from Whalebone Junction to Buenos Aires to pizza at Piola, and maybe have you leaving with a stand up paddle board tucked under your arm, perfect for area lakes and requires no surfing experience.

Taking a cruise or an adventure trip over the holidays?  Now you have a local source for boards and incidentals, coolest sunglasses and gear, luggage, and more.

Not ready to take the plunge?  Try a personal balance board to build skills and gain confidence.

For everyone who hasn’t finished Christmas shopping, don’t miss Whalebone Urban Surf’s extensive choice in clothing you won’t find anywhere else in the Triangle, basic surf and everyday casual from fabulous brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Hurley, and Volcom.

Who knew a landlubber like me would find urban surfing such a breeze!

Seems like this is the season for reflecting on how we’ve spent our time over the year that just flew by.  Excited as I was when I moved into Park and Market Apartments last April, when I look back I realize my life has changed in ways I had not imagined.

Convenience, walkability, proximity, first-class amenities, stylish design, nine-foot ceilings, endless views, a kitchen that tempts me to call in sick and stay home to try exotic recipes, a chance to reinvent my living space, a new me in a new place.

Turns out I had missed the most important ingredient of all in picturing my new life, my neighbors!  Neighbors in every corner of my life, those I live with, those I work with, those who cut my hair and polish my nails, feed me, help me choose new outfits, new furnishings, or just smile from the heart when I come by for coffee.  I am truly thankful for them all.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll introduce you to some of these wonderful people.  For today, meet my Park and Market neighbors… These are the folks who asked our manager to please, please, please have an Angel Tree and then made it happen.  These are my kind of neighbors.

When I heard the news there were not one, but three wrecks scattered across the evening commute terrain, stalling cars in every direction, my mind couldn’t help but compare how I’d spent my time going from work to home in the new 5:00-ish dusk that we are all still trying on for size.

On my way to cross Six Forks at the protected pedestrian crossing (just push the button), I ran into two of my neighbors and as we chatted amiably, we made plans for dinner next week, compared notes on our holiday plans and agreed to meet up for the Tree Lighting Celebration… oh my gosh, a week from Saturday, talk about needing a time-out!   

As I entered my 6th floor apartment, the commanding sweep of purple and pink sky, punctuated by the sparkling lights of downtown and red-topped sugar maple trees made all my cares of the day simply disappear.

Next, I made a simple but adventurous dinner with something I’d bought at the Midtown Farmers’ Market, an asian green called Tot Soi that is quite versatile but perhaps at its best when stir fried gently and served with grains.  I paired it with Red Quinoa, the new super food and felt healthy and happy as I sampled the dish.   

When I made the move to Park and Market Apartments at North Hills, I traded my daily commute from Cary for a short walk across the street, a time-out from the pressures that seem to multiply behind the wheel of a car.  Time-outs, they’re not just for your kids, they’re for all of us.  Hope you find yours today!

What did we ever do before social media?  Having the latest and greatest information on everything from friends to favorites makes my day.  Today, I noticed a tweet from Raleighing titled Surf North Hills!  That got my attention, and so did the news item attached, North Hills unveils a slew of new shops.

The new shops coming to North Hills, one right after another, are amazing!  That really says something about our local economy, doesn’t it?

Where else could you work up a sweat doing the latest ballet barre dance exercise, cool down with a guilt-free frozen yogurt, add a massage for good measure, pick up a wedding gift for your sister, meet with her real estate agent, buy a new surfboard, create your own blend of oil and vinegar and have it bottled just for you, find the perfect necklace, then meet the gang for some friendly high-tech bowling… all in one afternoon?

Stay tuned, I’ll definitely be checking out these latest shops and let you know what’s up.  Park & Market, you are the home that just keeps surprising me!

A Journal of Discovery through the eyes of a real-life resident of Park and Market North Hills

How do you open your eyes on the world in the morning?  With a cup of coffee, a run, a look at the newspaper, walking the dog, running downstairs to the grocery… if that last one isn’t one your list, be sure to read on!

You know that moment when you look out deep into the sky trying to gauge what the day holds in store for you?

When the world looks as good as this view from my living room window at Park and Market this morning, you just know everything good is coming your way today.

Don’t shortchange your day, come take a look at what it’s like to live upstairs from everything.

Does your home come with a pool that stays warm all through the fall thanks to solar panel heating?

How about fire pits for those cool nights?

Or the best rooftop tailgate in town for Monday Night Football before serious game watching begins in the clubroom?

Does your calendar include Meet-Ups and magicians, DJ’s and dining adventures, salsa lessons and silent auctions, pumpkin decorating and a Masquerade Parade?

Half a year later, my new home at Park and Market continues to seem like the smartest thing I’ve ever done.  I love the conveniences, the urban lifestyle, the endless options for dining, shopping and hanging out with friends, and the great team who make it all happen for us.

If you’re thinking about taking a look, you’ll want to come soon.  Word on the street is the next 20 people to sign a lease before November 15^th will get a $1,000 North Hills Gift Card.  Talk about a welcome home gift!