60 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JUNE 2021
PRESS HOME
DEBRA DESIGN GROUP ON THE LATEST TRENDS
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A desire for a home with a dedicated
office tops the list of reasons Americans
working from home say they
would consider a move, according to a
Zillow survey. But many homeowners
who are staying put choose to revamp
instead. Talk about a recent project.
Everyone needs a place for fun, exercise,
recreation, relaxation. Parents
need office space for Zoom meetings.
Our clients have asked for it all! Even
the smallest space can be converted
into an office. That was the case with
an Elmont home. Our design partner,
Creative Re-Design, turned an 8-by-8
spare bedroom into a gorgeous office
for a busy boss lady!
Homecation amenities, like a pool or
spa-inspired bathroom, add value
and will become even more appealing
to families, while smart home
technology, like touchless faucets
and self-cleaning toilets, will be
must-have upgrades that help keep
germs at bay, according to Zillow.
Share your take on current trends.
Everyone is looking for nonpourus
materials that are easy to clean, and
reduce the likelihood of infection. The
main focus has been on using finishes
that are antimicrobial. This year, we’re
starting to look at metals, stones, and
woods that are antimicrobial. While
copper, brass, and bronze are hygienic,
they also warm up a space much
better than the past common (cool)
brush or polished nickel. Woods like
bamboo, oak, and cork are extremely
durable, but they also stop the growth
of bacteria. Quartz has been a favorite
for a while; demand has dramatically
increased because it is one of the most
sanitary nonporous stone on the market
to date.
Another trend: pocket doors. People
still love the open floor plan layout,
but with the kitchen island, dining, or
coffee tables now becoming the popup
office, more people are requesting
pocket doors, to semi-close off rooms.
Also in high demand: motion lighting.
The virus can be transmitted through
high-touch surfaces like light switches.
Therefore, homeowners prefer to
install motion switches throughout
the home during reconstruction. This
trend has added value by being an
energy saver.
Intergenerational living is becoming
a necessity as young adults and
grandparents alike find themselves
moving in with family. Have you had
more requests for a revamped attic
or basement? Basement projects that
were being put off for years suddenly
have become the priority. Families
are cleaning out the basement to now
become livable space: a grandparent
suite or young adult’s apartment. One
Baldwin client actually bought their
home based on the guest suite in the
attic. They asked us to include the furniture
selection and decorating as part
of our overall home redesign.
A Zillow survey found that 41 percent
of people value a well-equipped
kitchen more than ever, due to social
distancing recommendations
– and to show off their new culinary
skills. Are clients asking for special
elements in their cucinas? Clients
have always asked to take down a wall
between the kitchen and the other
living spaces to open up the space. But
more than ever, they want to add large
islands to sit and congregate with family
and friends while preparing meals
and eating. For a Long Beach client, we
added a small island in addition to the
existing peninsula, and a tufted velvet
high banquette for luxury seating
comfort.
Outdoor retreats are superpopular
these days. Any tips? Folks have been
adding outdoor heaters; smokeless
firepit inserts are a hot item right
now. Upgrading your outdoor space
can definitely add value to a home.
On average, these outdoor features —
kitchen, fire pit, gathering areas — can
add approximately $5,000 to $10,000 to
a home’s value.
Debra Design Group can be reached at
917-940-2772 or debradesigngroup.com
Folks have been adding outdoor heaters;
smokeless firepit inserts are a hot item right now
ROSLYN HEIGHTS J.P. MORGAN’S VICTORIAN
The former Victorian home of
renowned 19th-century banker J.P.
Morgan is listed for sale at 204 Warner
Ave. in Roslyn Heights.
News outlets have reported that the
house was built for Morgan in 1896,
and the financier lived in it for several
years before moving to Glen Cove.
Since then, several rich and famous
people have owned the home. It has
been on the market and seeking its
newest occupants since December
2020.
The charming, red-orange exterior
with Victorian-style white and gray
accents make this home stand out
among the rest. The house also has
two porches and two separate front
door entrances, as well as a new roof
and new windows.
There are even more renovations
throughout this three-story home,
including four new bathrooms and a
new, skylit, eat-in kitchen. The home
has 10-foot ceilings on the main floor,
plus a living room with a fireplace,
den, laundry area, formal dining
room with a fireplace, and a library.
The home has seven bedrooms,
including the master suite, which is
on the second floor. There are three
other bedrooms on the second floor
and three on the third floor. There’s
also one bathroom on each floor. The
basement, however, is unfinished.
Located on a .22-acre corner lot, this
property is in close proximity to
transportation, schools, and shopping,
and is in the Roslyn School
District.
The asking price is $1,295,000, not
including the annual property tax
of $23,174.
The real estate agent listed for the
property is Aileen Murstein, of
Douglas Elliman Real Estate, who can
be reached at 516-621-3555.
-BB
OPEN HOUSE
The famed banker had this house built in 1896.
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