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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Home Gym Goals

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W+M agent, Kate Kazell’s client, Melanie Phillips

“Fitness has been a huge part of my life for the past decade, and the way I’ve worked out has evolved. After moving across the country to Denver, my husband and I finally had the room to create our own home gym.”
— Melanie Phillips

For W+M agent, Kate Kazell’s client, Melanie Phillips, fitness has been more than just a passion- it’s a lifestyle. Known for her blog, @headstandsandheels, Melanie shares, “Fitness has been a huge part of my life for the past decade, and the way I’ve worked out has evolved. After moving across the country to Denver, my husband and I finally had the room to create our own home gym.”

The couple transformed an alcove in their finished basement into a stylish yet functional workout space. “We wanted the gym to be chic but also practical. We added brick wallpaper on the main wall, a large mirror, shelving for storage, fun neon lighting, and foam floor tiles.” The layout has four workout zones: floor exercises (yoga, Pilates), weightlifting, and two types of cardiowith a Peloton bike and treadmill.

The key to their home gym’s success is organization. “Once everything has a home, it makes the space functional for a variety of workouts.” Melanie advises starting with basics like dumbbells, a yoga mat, a mirror, and a bench, adding more equipment over time

With colder months ahead, the home gym becomes an even more essential part of Melanie’s routine. “We use our home gym most in winter. When it’s too cold to go outside, it’s great to have a space to work out at home.”

As someone who gets bored with the same routine, she keeps things interesting by alternating between online classes including, Sculpt Society, Form, and Peloton. The flexibility to switch between spin, strength training, and low-impact workouts has been especially important during her pregnancy.

Melanie's home gym reflects her fitness journey and lifestyle, offering the perfect space to sweat, stretch, and stay motivated.

 

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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Vintage Vibe to Inspired Design

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West + Main agent Jessie Matteson

“We fell in love with the vision of what the space could be”
— Jessie Matteson

When West + Main Agent Jessie Matteson and her family bought their off-market home two years ago, they saw potential where others might have seen only orange shag carpeting, outdated windows, and mechanicals begging for an upgrade. But instead of being overwhelmed, Jesse and her family dove headfirst into what would become a major labor of love.

“We fell in love with the vision of what the space could be,”

says Jesse, who didn't shy away from doing much of the work herself. In fact, the family tackled the entire demo by hand. With the help of her handy father-in-law and dad, the Mattesons opened up the main level, knocking down walls to create a kitchen and dining area perfect for entertaining.

“We wanted a space that felt warm and inviting,” Jessie explains. “We went big with the kitchen island to make it a spot for friends and family to gather. It’s the main hangout spot in our home, so we made sure it was both pretty and practical.” The kitchen, with its massive island, quickly became the heart of the house. “We spend a lot of time around that island, whether it's hosting, working from home, or just living life.”

One of Jessie’s favorite features is the flooring, which was lovingly laid by her husband. “It adds such a cozy feel to the whole house,” she says, reflecting on the warmth and comfort it brings to the space.

The remodel also boasts a custom railing, adding a playful transition from the kitchen to the lower-level living room. And though the basement still awaits its full makeover, Jessie says, “The main floor is mostly finished, and it feels so good to see our hard work finally pay off.”

Remarkably, the family didn’t work with an architect or designer for the project. Instead, inspiration came from nearby neighbors who had tackled similar renovations.

“Once we saw that what we were thinking was possible, I started designing the kitchen layout myself,” Jessie explains.

As foster parents, they wanted flexible, cozy spaces that could evolve with each child. “We used furniture that was my grandmother’s and some refinished pieces my mom redid. A mix of new and old makes a space feel cozy and lived in.”

Renovations, of course, come with their share of challenges. But for Jessie, the highlight was working alongside her dad and father-in-law. “It’s the third home renovation we’ve done, and I love the extra time I get to spend with them. There’s a lot of problem-solving and brainstorming – it’s always fun, though sometimes stressful!”

As for advice for others thinking of doing their own remodel? “Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. For design, don’t overthink it. Often, the first thing that catches your eye is what you’ll come back to. And know your limits—it’s important to hire out when you need to.”

For Jessie, the remodel has been more than just an aesthetic transformation. “This house has been a real labor of love,” she says. And with the warmth and care woven into every detail, it’s easy to see why.

 

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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Laundry Room Makeover

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West + Main agent Steph Christianson

“That tile gave the room a
whole new personality.”
— Steph Christianson

When West + Main agent Steph Christianson set out to remodel her laundry room, she didn’t just settle for a functional space—she turned it into a bold, eye-catching extension of her home’s personality. Inspired by the dark blue cabinetry in her adjacent kitchen, Steph brought the same pop of color into her laundry room, adding depth and drama to a space often overlooked. She invested about $10,000 to achieve the look, including new cabinets, countertops, a farmhouse sink, fresh tile, and a new light fixture.

The standout feature? The stunning patterned tile she chose from The Tile Shop. “It was definitely a splurge, but totally worth it,” Steph says. “That tile gave the room a whole new personality.”

Steph’s design process started with sketches on graph paper, which she took to her favorite local cabinet company for conversion into CAD drawings. “I made a few tweaks with their help, but the final result turned out exactly as I’d planned,” she shares. The new layout, combined with the height and color of the cabinets, brings a dramatic, moody vibe to the small space.

What started as a laundry room makeover led to some unexpected surprises—like a mini garage revamp! “I knew I’d reuse my old laundry cabinets in the garage, but adding a shiplap feature wall and butcher block workbench were last-minute decisions,” she says. “And I’m so glad I did! Who knew a garage could be such a fun design space?”

For those considering a remodel, Steph’s biggest piece of advice is to start with inspiration. “Make a mood board on Pinterest or Canva, and start narrowing down your favorite designs,” she suggests. “And be open to DIY projects or finding affordable dupes to stretch your budget.”

With the laundry room complete, Steph is already diving into her next project—a full basement remodel with some budget-savvy tricks up her sleeve. For her, it’s all about creating spaces that feel personal, stylish, and fun.

 

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Sweet Traditions: W+M’s Holiday Cookie Favorites

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Celebrate the season with the cookies we love most! Our W+M agents share their cherished holiday recipes to sweeten your celebrations.

Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

Rich with caramel notes and a hint of nutty brown butter, these soft, chewy cookies are sure to become a favorite!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Kaitlyn Ward

Cozy Chai Cookies

Chai vibes all the way! These chai spice cookies are infused with the delightful spices of your favorite milky chai tea latte, including cinnamon, ginger, and allspice.

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Jenny Roope

Photo courtesy of @dessertfortwo

Pistachio Pudding Cookies

Bright, nutty, and oh-so-easy to make—these pistachio pudding cookies, topped with a maraschino cherry, are a festive treat everyone will love!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Emily Johnson

Russian Tea Cakes

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Snowballs, are a holiday classic with a nutty twist and a dusting of powdered sugar. A beloved holiday classic and a must-have on any cookie tray! Here are two of our fave recipes!

Get Lara’s fave recipe here

Get Diane’s fave recipe here

Submitted by Lara Burchfield and Diane LeBlanc

Walnut Squares

Walnut squares are a nostalgic holiday treat, with a rich, buttery flavor and the perfect crunch from walnuts—always a favorite to bake with loved ones!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Amy Ascencio

Dark Chocolate Chunk Pistachio Cookies

These dark chocolate pistachio chunk cookies are rich, elegant, and packed with festive flavor—perfect for the holiday season!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Michelle Schwinghammer

Photo courtesy of @pineapple_and_coconut

Hawaiian Snowballs

These sweet, buttery cookies with macadamia nuts offer the perfect balance of texture and flavor for the season.

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Angela Spangler

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Infused with rich brown butter, these chocolate chip cookies feature a perfect contrast of crispy edges and chewy centers, offering an elevated twist on a beloved classic.

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Claudia Ramirez

Photo courtesy of Becky Elhardt

Almond Cardamom Holiday Cookie

These vegan and flourless almond cookies are a fragrant blend of cardamom, orange zest, and pistachios, offering a deliciously unique flavor profile with the added richness of dark chocolate drizzle—a delightful choice for making occasions sweeter!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Becky Elhardt

Sugar Cookies

From classic to creative, these sugar cookie recipes prove that the simplest treats can be the most fun—perfectly sweet, endlessly customizable, and always a holiday favorite!

Get Kathleen’s fave sugar cookie tree recipe here

Get Emily’s fave classic recipe here

Get Kendra’s fave classic recipe here

Submitted by Kathleen Male, Emily Lawless, and Kendra Clark

Buckeyes

Buckeyes combine the smoothness of peanut butter with rich chocolate, creating a sweet, indulgent treat that’s always a hit with everyone.

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Elizabeth Fischer

Date-Nut Pinwheels

Date-nut pinwheels are a delightful combination of sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and buttery dough, making them a unique and irresistible holiday treat that’s both flavorful and fun to make!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Emily Hayduk

Pecan Tassies

A buttery cream cheese pastry filled with sweet, toasted pecans makes for a decadent bite-sized treat that's impossible to resist!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Alicia Duncan Coulter

Photo courtesy of @halfbakedharvest

Vanilla Hot Chocolate Molten Cookies

Warm and gooey, these vanilla hot chocolate molten cookies are a cozy blend of rich cocoa, melty dark chocolate, and a hint of sea salt—perfect for sharing the magic of the season!

Get the recipe here

Submitted by Michelle Schwinghammer


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Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

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With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait?

Some may even consider taking their house off the market until next spring. But is that the best choice? Because at this time of year, your home can really stand out.

Here’s the thing: there are plenty of buyers out there who want to be in a new home by the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Redfin says: 

“. . . there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out among the available inventory. And though there are technically fewer buyers overall, the homebuyers that are looking are far more serious about finding a home within a specific timeframe. . . selling your home during the holidays might be your best present this year.”

Here are four key reasons you may not want to wait to sell your house.

1. Serious Buyers Are Looking Right Now 

The holiday season doesn’t put a pause on the desire to own a home. Sure, some buyers might delay their search until next year, but others have a reason they need to move now. These buyers are highly motivated and ready to make a serious offer. As Investopedia says:

“Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”

2. You Have an Inventory Edge

While there are more homes coming to the market right now, overall, the number of houses available to buy is still low. 

So, what does that mean for you? If you work with a trusted agent to price your house right, it could still sell pretty quickly. That’s because today’s buyers are on the hunt for quality options – and your home may be exactly what they’re searching for.

3. You Have Control Over Your Showings 

Selling during the holidays doesn’t mean constantly disrupting your schedule. You have the flexibility to set up showings at times that work best for you. This is especially helpful during a busy season, and many buyers are likely to be more flexible with their schedules since they often have extra time off around the holidays.

Now, it’s always better to offer more flexible access to your house. But the reality is, you don’t have to stop the process entirely – especially when you have a great agent to help you navigate each step along the way.

4. Holiday Décor Can Make Your House Shine

For many buyers, a tastefully decorated home can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s easy for them to imagine holiday gatherings and cozy nights in a space that feels just right. Keep your choices simple to let your home’s charm shine through. An article on holiday home-selling advises:

“If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.”

Bottom Line

There are plenty of good reasons to put (or keep) your house on the market during the holidays. Reach out to a local real estate agent and see if this is your moving season.

Read more like this at Keeping Current Matters

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