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PURGULA

The most interesting topics and trends pertaining to all aspects of homeownership. For existing & aspiring homeowners and the industry members who serve them.

Altadena Eaton Fire Hope sign by Artfully United

10 Challenges in the Aftermath of the LA Fires

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners 10 Challenges in the Aftermath of the LA Fires February 10, 2025 Hi Reader, This week’s topic is Rebuilding, in light of the aftermath of the recent LA Fires. Living nearby the destruction of the Eaton Fire is a daily reminder of what too many unfortunate homeowners are currently enduring. As we walked the destruction this weekend, we thought about how hopeless many victims are feeling. We’ve met several fire refugees over the last few weeks, many still in...
Southwestern home with beautiful stone driveway and wall

Curb Appeal: Think Durability, Functionality & Easy Maintainability

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners Our Approach to Lasting Curb Appeal February 1, 2025 Hi Reader, While needing more time to make sense of the perplexing LA Fires and their aftermath, we decided to switch gears for this edition of our newsletter to a lighter topic — Curb Appeal! Though the topic of home aesthetics is always popular with most homeowners and across social media channels, we always aim to include substance behind any “beautification” ideas we might share. It’s not enough to make...
LG CineBeam S 4K Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projector

10 New & Innovative Products for the Home from CES 2025

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners Innovation for the Home from CES 2025 January 25, 2025 Hi Reader, This week we wrap up our coverage of the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025) by providing our curated list of 10 New & Innovative Products for the Home that debuted at the show. Though we enjoy learning about new technological options and creative solutions for the home, we are always cautious before making any major investments or changes involving new concepts. The most important...
A woman using virtual reality and augmented reality technology to envision her future home.

Spatial Computing: A Helpful Primer for Homeowners

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners Why Spatial Computing is the Heart of Home Innovation January 18, 2025 Hi Reader, This week’s topic is Spatial Computing. You might be wondering: What’s that and why should I care? With CES 2025 — the world’s largest consumer electronics tradeshow — wrapping up last week in Las Vegas, we dove into the topics discussed and categories of exhibitors to see what, if anything, might be of high interest and relevance to our community of homeowners. Given the...
Smokey morning skies during the 2025 Eaton Fire.

How We Prepared for an Emergency Evacuation: Lessons from the LA Fires

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners How We Prepared for an Emergency Evacuation January 12, 2025 Hi Reader, Sadly, but not surprisingly, this week’s topic is Home Safety. Our latest article shares our recent evacuation experience pertaining to the 2025 LA Fires, as motivation for you to take emergency preparedness seriously and proactively. We are grateful that we are safe and that our home and neighborhood were spared from any significant damage. However, we are deeply saddened by the...
A private estate wedding venue with pastoral view.

Creative Ways to Monetize Your Home

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners The Evolving Capabilities of a Modern Home December 21, 2024 Hi Reader, Creative Ways to Monetize Your Home is the topic of this week’s newsletter. We have often made our readers aware of the stark differences between innovative modern homes of today compared to traditional homes owned by our parents’ and grandparents’ generations. Generational dissimilarities are largely due to the amazing technological advances we continue to experience, as well as "how"...
HF Home Jewels crystal lamp base

Synergistic Partnerships: What We Learned About Luxury Italian Décor

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners Lessons from Luxury Italian Décor December 14, 2024 Hi Reader, Synergistic Partnerships is the topic of this week’s newsletter. A recent discussion with a passionate, and highly seasoned, interior designer and one of his favorite Italian suppliers, led us to a greater understanding and appreciation of the true rarity that is artisanal Italian décor. We also gained insight on how critical underlying supply-chain partnerships are, in terms of: Quality...
SDGE San Diego Gas and Electric Borrego Springs microgrid solar field

A Homeowner's Guide to Microgrid Technology

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners Energy Affordability & Reliability for the Home December 7, 2024 Hi Reader, Energy Affordability & Reliability is the focus of this week's newsletter. Our city council recently passed an ordinance that will increase the average electric rates up 54% by 2026. Sadly, the first of many increases recently hit ratepayers, which finally woke residents from their lackadaisical slumber toward city government. We were forced into action and started a volunteer group...
Elements Room's natural stone, Brazilian-mined, quartzite LED-lit table in premium Cristallo Vitrum.

The Best of WestEdge 2024: Resilient Materials Steal the Show

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners The Best of WestEdge Design Fair 2024 November 23, 2024 Hi Reader, Resilient Materials is the focus of this week's newsletter. Having recently toured the 2024 WestEdge Design Fair, we continue to be inspired by the innovation we discover around materials that are highly attractive, durable and low-maintenance. When considering new materials for their homes — be they flooring, exterior siding, countertops, or outdoor furniture — experienced homeowners want to...
Marsatta Chocolate Pumpkin Spice & Whiskey BonBons

Inspiration to Elevate Your Culinary Game

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners Culinary Inspiration for a Better Home November 16, 2024 Hi Reader, Culinary Inspiration is the focus of this week's newsletter. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is an ideal time to discover ways you can elevate your home’s culinary capabilities. Hosting guests, as well as attending culinary gatherings away from home, can offer rich opportunities to fuel creative gastronomic ideas that can be applied in the short term, and throughout the New...