Each Friday, Robbie Briggs, CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, writes about luxury, trends, business and more in the advertising pages of the Mansion section of The Wall Street Journal. Below is his letter of July 16, 2021.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

For a little over a year now, the residential real estate market has witnessed a period of growth unmatched in recent memory.

Local homebuyers have looked for more space or to make a change, while others have relocated [...]

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? If you’re a coffee lover — like 62 percent of Americans — you probably go into the kitchen and turn on a coffee maker so you can get your daily jolt of caffeine. You might argue that coffee makers and espresso machines are the most important small appliances in the home. It doesn’t matter if you love to drink coffee in the morning or you need a shot (or two!) of espresso to get you through the day: The right coffee [...]

Deep Ellum might be one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in Dallas — and certainly, a fantastic spot to grab a cocktail, dinner, a concert or a new tattoo. But before it was a hot-spot destination for people from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, it rose to prominence as a commercial district for the city’s African-American and European residents, dating all the way back to 1873. Through the middle of the area runs Elm Street, which so many people pronounced [...]

Each Friday, Robbie Briggs, CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, writes about luxury, trends, business and more in the advertising pages of the Mansion section of The Wall Street Journal. Below is his letter of July 9, 2021.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

There is nothing like a house with history.

So many of the homes we represent have been loved for generations. Some are architecturally significant, designed at the height of certain stylistic period. Some are both. 

Striking a balance between form and function in your kitchen is a big challenge. What you love to look at isn’t always the most practical for a space that gets put through a lot of wear and tear. But, don’t worry — there are many types of countertops, so you can find one out there that fits the bill. From classic white marble to more modern options such as concrete, here we dig into the pros and cons of each material to help you decide which is right for your own home — [...]

At first blush, rustic and modern design styles may seem at odds. One features heavy, raw materials and earthy tones. The other flaunts sleek lines and typically solid colors. The reality is, however, that rustic and modern home decor are akin to salty and sweet: They are unique and enjoyed on their own, but when blended well, they form a delightful pairing. The key to marrying these styles well is balance. Use these five simple tricks to unite your cozy, rustic decor with a classic, [...]