Dreaming of a luxury home?

It takes more these days than just a large home, to define the true meaning of luxury.  And Luxury homes are popping up all over the Los Angeles remodel scene. The word luxury brings to mind plenty of conveniences such as, pools, bathrooms with built in towel warmers, in-home gyms that include the newest equipment, backyard tennis courts, game rooms, and fully-stocked kitchens with warming drawers and wine cellars? But what are the items that luxury home buyers want the most?  What is a luxury homebuyer looking for when shopping for their new abode? How can you make your home as luxurious as possible during your next remodel?

Here are the top luxuries people are looking for to ensure you aren’t adding amenities that no one is looking at.

A home theater is great, but luxury home buyers are looking for more than just a room with a large screen and comfy seats. You will need to step it up a notch and get yourself an IMAX home theater if you want to wow the crowd, the luxury crowd that is. Watching Hollywood block busters from the comfort of your home is now possible, with a hefty price tag that is. IMAX will bring the best theater to your door for $3 million dollars and change. If this isn’t something you think you have prepared in your remodel budget, that’s ok, wait a few years and the price may decrease. Until then we can continue to shell out big bucks for the movie theater or wait until it shows up at your local Redbox.

Speaking about technology, the luxury amenity next on our list is a home that is fully managed, monitored and controlled by a smart phone or tablet. Hence the name: “smart home.” Control the temperature, light setting, security system, door and window locks, sound system, t.v’s, and more, with the touch of one button from where ever you are. The digital world is taking over and people want technology improved homes. Think about technology and innovations before you start your next luxury project. Luxury is all about making life easier, better and being able to do things faster. Such luxury means you do not have to open or close your curtains. That’s right; homes are becoming equipped with motorized blackout curtains or shades. Why? Because this is what home owners think will make their life easier. I guess it seems nice to have your curtains set to close or open at a certain time, or pressing a button to close the shades when the afternoon glare is obscuring your t.v show rather than getting up to do it yourself. Have your smart phone control your curtains too while you are at it.

To make your home feel more luxurious, Shelley Little of Freshhome.com says ,”Skim through design magazines and look at all the wonderful nooks and crannies that they portray. You will notice that when a room is well-designed, everything has a home and a purpose. There is no clutter in a hotel or well-organized room.” Lastly she notes, “The entryway is the first and last thing that (people) see. Make it one that leaves a lavish impact. “

So you have guessed it, luxury comes with a cost. Keep in mind that these are the top luxury amenities, but there are thousands that are affordable and worth the renovation.

Spice up the bedroom….decor that is!

Spice up the bedroom….decor that is!

Get the best basic tips to add the heat back into your master bedroom. We compiled tips from the best in the industry to help you achieve a more relaxed and romantic master bedroom.

1. Get rid of all the junk that accumulates in your bedroom. Don't use it as a dumping ground for kids' art projects, laundry, newspapers, and magazines. No one feels sexy going to bed in a warehouse. First, get everything up off the floor. Store the things that warrant it and trash the things that don't. Clear off the surfaces of chests and tables, and only replace what is meaningful or pretty. You don't want to see anything that reminds you of chores or obligations. Everything your eye lands on should make you feel relaxed and confident. – myhomeideas.com

Overhead lighting is notoriously unflattering, especially in the bedroom. There's nothing sexy about a well-lit room. You want shadows, highlights, and the soft glow of filtered light. Place lamps with ivory shades on each side of your bed, and make sure the bulbs are no more than 60 watts. For even more impact, replace the white bulbs with pink-tinted bulbs. Everybody looks good in this light -- the only thing more flattering is candlelight, and pink light bulbs don't pose a fire hazard. Use candles to create a warm and romantic ambiance in the room. Group them and use them as accent lighting. Turn off the ceiling lights and the lamps and only enjoy the subtle and warm light produced by the candles for that extra romance factor. – myhomeideas.com

The color scheme you choose for your bedroom is as important as the decorations. The reason is that colors have a way of connecting with emotions. Sharon Hanby-Robie and Deb Strubel, authors of Beautiful Places, Spiritual Spaces write, "Decorate your home with the colors you and your family love. It doesn't matter what the latest trends are or what the fashion gurus think. What does matter is that you love your home and that your choices make sense for you and your family." If you don't know what colors and styles you like, start looking through home magazines and catalogs. Tear out the pages that have colors and designs you are drawn to. Soon, you will begin to see a pattern develop, and you can use these ideas to decorate your own bedroom. – Sabrina McDonald of FamilyLife.com

Love and romance is all about playing with the senses. It is time to look beyond decorating as a way to create visually pleasing images. When you are adding candles to the room, make sure you get the right scented candles. Fragrance is another great way to make the occasion far more enjoyable. Unlike popular perception though, overwhelming floral fragrances are not always best. Instead we suggest using a scent or perfume that brings back fond memories of those early dates you went on or the first time you met. – Sherry Nothingham of decoist.com

Master bathroom trends 2016

Master bathrooms, are currently getting major design attention.  Not only are homeowners remodeling their bathrooms to increase property value, but also this year they are focusing on comfort and style. Comfortable designs such as heated flooring and spa like features are things that are trending right now in bathroom remodels. To get that wow factor in our designs, we focus the attention on a main focal point in the bathroom. Some examples for creating a focal point is through the emphasis of a bay window, free standing tub, or playing up the drama with a grand light fixture. When someone walks into your newly remodeled bathroom you want them to be amazed, but also have one feature that really stands out. No matter if you are looking for a modern or traditional bathroom, Spazio LA can design and build all styles and will take your dream home to the next level.

Check our design projects at www.spaziodesignsla.com

Small kitchens can't be the Jack of all trades

The truth about a small kitchen is that it will not be the jack of all trades. You will have to give up the idea of doing homework here, paying bills here, and recipe searching in your small kitchen. The design goal for your small kitchen must be to achieve an effective small kitchen, not multipurpose space. There is nothing wrong with a kitchen that is just that, a kitchen. The design factor is a lot tougher already when you have to fit a functioning kitchen into a small space, but small changes can make it even better than a large kitchen.  When designing a small kitchen think of: size, color, light and function.

So focus first on function, making sure you have the appliances and work areas you need. You may be able to save a bit of space by using scaled-down or innovative appliances, including refrigerator and freezer drawers and pint-sized microwaves, stoves (some with just two burners) and single sinks. The function is there, without all the square footage! If workspace is at a premium, consider a small-scale island or a counter-topped cart that can be rolled away into a closet when not in use. Now just because you need to really hone in on function of your small kitchen does not mean you have to lose any space to style. The color of walls, appliances, and counter tops, bar stools, and backsplash can change the mood of your pint sized kitchen. Going with more pale colors can help with light, but don’t be afraid to go bold and add color and mix your patterns. Using the same color and style of fixtures and cabinet knobs can unify a design when you are using different textures and patterns in your small kitchen.

Tiny kitchens can feel claustrophobic if there are upper cabinets towering over you in such a small space. Most of the time cooks can’t even reach those upper cabinets anyways, and in a small kitchen there isn’t much room for a stool or ladder. Skip the excessive cabinets and opt for a more spacious approach with open shelves. You can also use magnetic knife strips, pot racks and give your kitchen a designer way to show off your favorite dish sets and even artwork. And like any other room, your small kitchen needs great lighting that you can use for cooking and for atmosphere. Fluorescent lighting, which casts a bluish light impacting the colorization of objects in the room, including the food, is frequently found in kitchens. To counteract it, consider hanging pendant lights that bathe your eating area in a more appetizing color. Tip: Try using glass doors from the kitchen into the next room or to the outside, this will increase light in the kitchen and also give the illusion of more space.

Don’t let small spaces give you design block. No matter a small galley kitchen or small apartment kitchen – you can make your design amazing if you trim the fat and keep your design neat.

Jetson Kitchens of the Future and Today

Jetson Kitchens of the Future and Today When someone mentions the kitchen of the future, what do you think of? Talking appliances that respond to voice commands? Islands that, with a push of a button, transform into a dining room table with a fully cooked meal on it? Robotic chefs that yell catch phrases and clean your kitchen at the end of every meal? Unfortunately — or perhaps fortunately — those sort of Jetson-like capabilities aren't available (yet). But technology does have a large role in the kitchen of today. As our lifestyles have changed, and the function of the kitchen has changed, technology has advanced to meet our needs.

The kitchen is no longer a room strictly for preparing food. As homework, bill-paying, laundry, casual entertaining and other non-cooking activities have migrated to the kitchen, it has grown in size, and some modern floor plans make the kitchen the home's central location. Entertainment and information systems help motivate other family members to actually come into the kitchen, sit down, and eat a meal. Having a computer in the kitchen can help as well, especially if you need to look up recipes, pay some of the bills that have piled up on the counter or watch your e-mail for an important message.

Some models of fridges even come with a built in Tablet or touch screen to let you record or write messages for later, and even inventory the goods in the fridge to make like easy when it gets busy.

For those with busy schedules, appliance technology is helping to cook food faster, cook food remotely, and remind you when food needs to be replaced.  For Instance, LG’s new Smart Fridge can be controlled through an LCD touchscreen, by voice commands or even remotely from your smartphone. This new refrigerator can do everything from helping you with your diet to telling you when things are past their expiration date. This new smart refrigerator has an impressive air filtration system, which is used to keep food fresher for longer. It is able to monitor internal conditions and can adjust temperature and air flow to maintain even temperatures. This allows it to avoid cold and warm spots, which are frequently found in standard refrigerators. It also has three unique power saving functions, which can be adjusted by the user and modify power consumption on everything from the temperature maintenance to the brightness of the LCD screen.

And for those that have hobbies that lead them into the kitchen, technology is allowing them to be even more passionate about what they love. Of course, one day when your robotic chef is cooking all your meals, you might completely forget what it was like to ever do any sort of work in the kitchen. But until then, here are some products that can make your kitchen more entertaining, informative and efficient like the TIMO.

The TIMO Connect LO intelligence oven might be the first oven that takes cell phone calls. It uses remote connectivity based on NASA space technology that allows you to operate it using the Internet or even your cell phone. Whichever browser you use, you can view the oven's controls and settings in real time. There is also built-in refrigeration to ensure your food stays fresh until you give the Connect Io cooking

Spanish Style Interior Decorating Tips from the Pros

Spanish style interior decorating tips from the Pros Spanish interior design is a vibrant, colorful Mediterranean style that brings to mind rustic villas, sunny patios and an old-fashioned, solid sense of family. Unlike other design styles, Spanish decor is fairly easy to achieve in your own home.

Spanish architectural elements include wooden support beams, carved corbels, wainscoting with Talavera tiles, terra cotta tile flooring. Fully carpeted spaces are uncommon in Spanish interiors. Generally, a uniform hard flooring surface is installed throughout the home and accented with small throw carpets and large area rugs. Traditional Spanish carpets have a knotted weave in staggered rows. A neutral beige or off-white creates a background for linear-patterned designs in soft greens and yellows. The most traditional flooring choice in a Spanish-style home is hardwood, though budget-conscious designers can choose alternative flooring options such as slate, a heavy, matte-finished ceramic or terracotta tile with dark grout.

Spanish-style homes often use leather and Mission-style dark, distressed wood furnishings. Some common dark wood choices include mahogany, walnut, ebony, butternut, teak and rosewood. Traditional furniture provides a complementary contrast to a Spanish-style home’s soft arches and whimsical architectural elements such as carved wood panels. Choose leather armchairs with straight backs, heavy wooden benches and wood chairs upholstered in woven cotton fabrics. Another element of traditional Spanish style homes are wrought iron work. Wrought iron can be found in almost every room, light fixtures, sconces and stair railings. If you are going for the authentic Mexican style entry hall, include a long wooden bench, bright color paint and accents and wrought iron detail. The Spanish style interior would not be complete without Talavera tiles, or painted tiles as most know them. Mexican Talavera Tile has its origins in 17th century Mexico with the arrival of Spaniards, who introduced new methods of tile and pottery making. The name Talavera was given to this new form of ceramics to honor the Spanish craftsmen, who were from the town of Talavera DeLa Reina Spain, and introduced the new industry to Mexico. Talavera De La Reina, Spain is a city which has a reputation for its exquisite ceramic pottery and tile. Talavera tiles can be found in Spanish Style homes’ bathrooms, kitchens and as accent around stucco fireplaces.

Make your home speak a foreign language with these interior design tips. For this and more interior design articles follow us on social media.

10 Elements of Spanish style homes

10 Elements of Spanish style homes Designing a Spanish style home takes great research and detail when it comes down to design elements. Here are 10 of the most common and needed design elements to take your home from basic to Spanish Hacienda style. 1. Curves and arches –You can look at every Spanish home and notice that stair ways are curves, doorways are arched and there are not many harsh edges. Curves and arches are one of the major design elements of a Spanish style home. 2. White stucco exterior & walls – Traditional Spanish haciendas don a rough textured white stucco exterior. If you see any other color besides white, the palette will be that of a neutral color. 3. Painted tiles – One design element that is not lacking color are the painted tiles that are used in Spanish style homes. Painted tiles line stairs, trim fireplaces and are used in many interior rooms. 4. Terracotta roof tiles - The red clay roof tops give the homes a warm, earthy, rustic look. Often the roof lines are multi-level to create interest and asymmetry. 5. Tower-like chimneys – Most Spanish haciendas include tall, tower-like chimneys that are decorated down to the smallest detail. These tower chimneys can be designed with window openings, molding and even their own matching tile roof. 6. Balconies – A very common feature of Spanish style design are balconies. They are placed in the design to allow you to breathe fresh air within steps from your room. 7. Wrought Iron- Iron work is very traditional and seen in these types of homes. You can notice stair rails, window grilles, details on doors, gates and light fixtures designed from wrought iron. 8. Courtyards & Patios – Spanish style homes are designed around the colors, textures and materials of the earth, so enjoying the earth while on your patio or in your courtyard only make sense. Large courtyards and spacious terracotta tiled patios should be included in your Spanish design. Outdoor fireplaces are a special detail not to leave out when designing your patio or courtyard, this is meant to help you linger outside when the sun has set. 9. Arcades – We are not talking about the video game arcade. An arcade is a row of arches supported by columns. These arcades are commonly seen on Spanish style home’s patio or walkaway, and can include wood beams. 10. Wooden doors – Heavy duty carved wooden doors lead the entry into your home. Wooden doors and gates can also include iron detail to really give it that extra oomph. For more on Spanish Style designs check out our new construction Spanish home.

Small bathroom storage challenge

Small bathroom storage challenge Every design element in a small bathroom should have a purpose and be functional in some way or another to create a space-saving sanctuary. Small bathrooms may seem like a difficult design task to take on; however, these spaces may introduce a clever design challenge to add to your plate. Creating a functional and storage-friendly bathroom may be just what your home needs.

This clever storage unit functions as a towel holder and shelf. This makes perfect use of that space above your towels that goes unused. If you want to DIY, simply install a shelf above your towel bar for a frugal small bathroom tip. This next small bathroom storage saving design uses the rod system to save space and add organization. These can be purchased in kits or you can DIY this great storage idea.

Floating shelves are a great DIY project to help give you more space in any size bathroom. These shelves can virtually go anywhere, but most popularly are installed above the toilet or above the door.

This towel holder and shelf system is a great idea when you have a large family and do not have the space for a million towel bars. If you hate this piece you can opt to just install these hooks anywhere you wish in your small bathroom.

Plant your tooth brush and bathroom goods in these uber cute clay pots above your sink. If you aren't into the garden look for your bathroom you can also try wooden organizers.

5 Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes

5 Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes Building a better bathroom might look easy, but when you are revamping a small space – it only takes a few mistakes to end up with a disaster. Bathroom remodeling is a complex design process with lots of moving parts and ideas floating around.  Just like remodeling any part of your home, bathroom remodeling is no easy task. These 5 common bathroom remodel mistakes are easy to avoid, yet many make. Don’t fall victim to the bathroom remodel fails!

1. Skimped on Skilled Labor! – Books and TV shows make anything look DIY possible. Bathroom remodels are one of the worst first time DIY remodel project you will ever endure. Save yourself the trouble and financial loss, avoid a DIY Bathroom Remodel.  Start by researching local remodel pros and contractors in your area to find the best team for the job. It is easy to hire a company that offers a big time discount, but are they really the best? Remember that you get what you pay for, and good quality work can be expensive. Read the prospective remodel company reviews and ask what their warrantee policy is before signing on the line.

2. Skimped on storage! – This is the worst mistake to make. Why? Because there is never enough storage and if you fail to plan storage you will end up throwing bathroom goods into the hall closet. Use your bathroom space to its fullest potential. Consider niche shower storage spaces for soaps and shampoos. Build custom vertical storage shelving or cabinets to house your towels. Main point, don’t skimp or forget about bathroom storage.

3. Lacking light! – There is nothing worse than a dark and freakishly claustrophobic bathroom. Lacking light or even a view out of the bathroom could put you on the list of bathroom remodel fails.  If you have the opportunity to add a window in the bathroom but are afraid of privacy, opt of  a small horizontal window above the shower or even consider special tint that allows you to see out and not in. If you do not have the luxury of adding a window – play up the light with cool fixtures, light color paint and mirrors to reflect what light you have.

4. Bad location! – Location is more important than you think. I couldn’t imagine having to use bathroom that is attached to the kitchen, let alone when a meal is being cooked. Never locate the bathroom, if you can help it, off the kitchen, living room or any other highly public room. Keep the bathroom located in a place that won’t embarrass anyone for having to do the inevitable.

5. Porcelain throne misplacement! – Last on our 5 common bathroom remodel mistakes is the toilet location. Don’t make the toilet the first thing when you walk into the door! Eye sore! Toilet location and spacing is something important in your bathroom remodel design. Give plenty leg room between the toilet and any close by walls, keep the toilet paper holder within reach as well. If you are a believer in fengshui – the toilet must not face out of the door either.

Now that you know the 5 most common bathroom remodel mistakes – enjoy your remodel project.

Best Bathroom Remodel Ideas and Tips

Best Bathroom Remodel Ideas and Tips Of all the bathroom remodel ideas and tips the very first thing you need to think about is your budget. This will be the first tip and the most important. You can’t plan a bathroom remodel without first knowing your budget for the project and how much of that you will need to spend on each aspect of the remodel. The budget will tell you if you will be able to move plumbing, purchase new or refurbish your old items, as you can see the budget is very important. Set your budget ahead of time to avoid overspending and major disaster. Of course there will always be a chance of unexpected changes, but having this budget in play will be a great guide and tell you if you can get that fancy light fixture you have been idolizing.

BUDGET A few ways to save money from this set budget will be to keep the existing plumbing in the spot that they are in currently, this means no redesigning the layout of the shower or sink. You can also save money by refinishing your tub, sink and cabinet. This costs you about a tenth of the new purchase price. Talk about savings! In some cases you will need to replace your existing tub and cabinet, especially if they are damaged due to moisture and mold. Ventilation is a MUST in order to avoid mold and mildew. Don’t forget to add ample ventilation to your bathroom remodel.

DESIGN In the design stages remodel experts stress the importance of proper use of lighting. Dim lighting is great for relaxation and baths, though for shaving and makeup application bright lighting is much needed. The use of windows, lighting and mirrors to reflect the light can make a small bathroom seem larger. Tip: Stay away from dark colors when remodeling a small bathroom. Installing a pedestal sink or floating vanity can save flooring space and help when space is limited. No matter small or large – a bathroom should have an abundance of storage. When designing storage space opt for shower niches to harbor soaps, and consider vertical storage units outside of the shower. Utilize all of the space even those areas that are empty. If you are looking to include extra drawers in your vanity, try adding a vessel sink! Installing your flooring at a diagonal angle can give the illusion of more floor space as well. Use a textured tile or matte tile if you are worried about non slip, also try porcelain or glazed tile for easy care.

EXTRAS Water efficiency can get displaced off the list of remodel items, but should not be forgotten. Fixtures and toilets are no made to be the upmost water efficient. Look for a toilet with a MaP score of 500 or higher to ensure you are saving water with every flush. Not only is water important, energy is as well. Upgrade your bathroom remodel wiring and change out your old amp circuit for a 20 amp. Include plenty of outlets to accommodate your electrical items like razor, curling iron, and tooth brush and so on and so forth.

Wreckless kitchen renovation

Wreckless kitchen remodel plans Failing to plan is just the same as planning to fail. But did you know that you can also plan to fail by planning a kitchen remodel the Wrong way? Sounds crazy to you, but this is too true. There are certain mistakes that you can make in the planning phase of a kitchen remodel that can ruin your entire project. We have seen numerous DIY remodels and been to the rescue for all of them, with that much said we can tell you what mistakes to avoid making. Let us spare you the life lessons of a failed kitchen remodel and go down a list of key elements that will help you on the road to a great remodel.

There is always that excitement when you first start thinking about remodeling your kitchen. Too quick you jump to the material and the color and the small details, you forget the big picture. That big picture is how will this new kitchen fit into your home and compliment the rest of it. Always think about how this new addition or upgrade will look like it was meant to be there all along instead of making it a sight for sore eyes. There should be a smooth transition into the remaining living space and the color scheme should be similar to the rest of the area. Word of advice, don’t go for a red kitchen if your adjoining room is green.

Color isn’t the only detail to think of in the early stages of planning. Some homeowner’s tend to pick the appliances after the design of the kitchen layout, this should be done FIRST! Choosing appropriate appliances ahead of time will help with the design flow and dimensions needed. Also consider if the appliance is one that you really need and will utilize. For instance that professional 8 burner range looks great and you would love to have one, but you probably won’t ever cook that many things at once for house of 2. Opt for practical yet top of the line for the wow factor. Having your appliances picked out in the beginning and the design layout planned will eliminate work flow issues in the kitchen. Your most used appliances are the stove, sink and your fridge – plan for these to stay in range of each other and keep the kitchen as efficient as possible.

Storage or lack thereof can hinder efficiency on a large level. To avoid this kitchen remodel mistake – don’t skimp on storage! Plan for additional drawers and drawer organizers, special pull out shelving and as much custom storage as you can handle. You can never have too many places to store and organize kitchen goods. Try and design a kitchen with extra functions and ample counter space. Hidden appliances make counter space readily available and give your kitchen an elegant look. Attempting to save money by installing cheap flooring and cheap cabinets will do everything except make your kitchen remodel look lavish. This is a major kitchen remodel no-no! Spending a little extra on flooring and quality cabinetry can add more value to your home and last longer. You can image there is nothing worse than going into a million dollar home and seeing hundred dollar cabinets. Opt for custom cabinets and avoid the snafu.

As you have read, poor planning and failing to plan at all will result in a kitchen remodel fail. For more advice and remodeling inspiration follow our blog.

Custom kitchens solve organization issues

Custom kitchens solve organization issues Storage is one of the most miserable, confusing and frustrating things of all time. There is never enough storage and never enough space, no matter how big your room is. It seems as though the bigger the kitchen is, the more stuff we find to fill it up. Luckily with custom kitchen designs and built-ins there are ways to make life less cluttered and more comfortable. Personal features and custom kitchen designs make organization a no-brainer. Turn empty spaces into hardworking areas and give yourself more counter space in the process. For every problem there is a custom kitchen solution.

The standard walk in pantry is considered "old school" , now there is a better way to get your pantry organized with the use of custom shelving units and pull out drawers.

The newest trend in custom kitchen design is an office or study space. This makes work easy when you are babysitting your dinner!

We say live more comfortable and have it your way!

This one if one of my favs, hidden appliances are the best. Save counter space and get an ultra sleek kitchen look.

Dog lovers are in awe with a custom dog food station in built into your kitchen island. Don't take up floor space with food and water bowls, even add an extra storage space for the food as well. Voila! Fiddo is happy and so are we.

Soft colors take over kitchens 2016

Soft color take over kitchens 2016 Good news for 2016 if you are in the process of changing your current kitchen color pallet or you are designing a new remodel. Color trends are changing dramatically and you are in the color changing business during the best time yet. Wouldn’t you just hate to have just changed to a bold blue kitchen and then find out bold is out of the question?!

Soft muted colors are taking over kitchens this year. Bold is no longer the way to go when it comes to kitchen colors. Kitchen colors are changing, according to interior designer Jane Lockhart. Though white motifs will still dominate, everything from cabinets to backsplashes will be done in less saturated tones. “Charcoal, grays and even neutral pastels like pale blue, pale green gray and tinted whites are the new alternative to the standard white,” she says. She also foresees kitchens sporting lighter wood tones, including walnuts, whitewashed woods and white oak in rift grain. Metals are sneaking into the kitchen again.

There has been a revival of warm toned metal accents in the kitchen. While the last few decades seemed to be all about stainless steel and chrome, lately gold, brass, and copper have been making a strong comeback for cabinet hardware, other accent areas, and decor or appliances- such as a row of copper pans hanging above the stove. When it comes to color pairings for the rest of the kitchen, there are multiple possibilities. Black and white give off a luxe feel when paired with gold or brass, cream works well with all three, and you can also go for subtle contrast by pairing cool pastels with warm metal accents.

The trend of two toned cabinets that started back in 2015 will continue this year. This trend is basically combining 2 different colors of cabinets.  This could be uppers in one color, bottoms in a different one, or the whole kitchen cabinets in one color and the island in a different tone. To achieve this look and make your kitchen look larger, pain the upper cabinets a lighter color than the lower cabinets.

For other remodeling ideas, stay tuned to our blog.

Plan a great kid’s bedroom overhaul

Plan a great kid’s bedroom overhaul Planning a room overhaul for your kids is one task that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Color, design, uses and so much more thought go into this room. Master bedroom design can be easy, as an adult’s likes don’t change as often as children and most of us are done growing. Therefore a child’s room needs more planning before any final decisions are made.

Before you begin you should make a list off all the possible design elements that should be incorporated.

1. Is this room going to be shared? What are the ages of the children?

2. Will this room be used as a guest room later on? Do you plan to transition a younger child to this room in the years to come?

3. Color pallets? Can you change the style easy with the color you are going for?

4. Size of bed/beds? Do you plan on building custom bunkbeds?

5. Additional design: desk, book shelves, video game area, etc?

6. Child’s likes and dislikes? Ideas for design and décor?

Once you have the this list figured out you can start thinking about your design and décor plan for this bedroom overhaul.

Study Areas:

Study areas are most successful if they focus the mind by filtering out distractions.  A desk is great up against a wall (or room divider) so that there's somewhere for shelves and maybe a pin board.  If you can create a study alcove so that the desk has a kind of sheltered feeling with its own light source that would be a great place to study.

When you're playing with bedroom layouts don't forget to include a chair with the desk - make sure there's space for it and that it doesn't get in the way of any door swings.

Rearrange the rooms:

Kids' bedroom design space requirements can often rival those of an adult couple, particularly if the kids are sharing.

Sometimes it’s worth considering giving your kids the master bedroom. If there’s another bedroom that can accommodate a double bed and there’s a bathroom nearby why not use that? Especially if you could add an extra door to make those rooms more private.  Maybe there’s another small bedroom that you could use for a dressing room.  Using other small bedrooms and the family bathroom might turn out to be a great master suite!

Playing areas:

Now depending on the age of the child playing can mean very different things.  It might mean Hotwheels or dolls houses.  Getting older it might mean Lego or Miss World. Then at the tween and tween stage there might be hobbies to accommodate.  Whatever the age there's often other children involved be it play dates or more like a social club!

We will leave you with a few extra tips:

1. Plan for a few years ahead.

2. Plan for each of the kids bedroom activities.

3. Use these kids bedroom design ideas to create as much space as possible.

The truth behind the valuable upgrade: Flooring

The truth behind the valuable upgrade: Flooring Los Angeles remodels can be found in all sizes and vary from different budgets, though one thing we don’t see anyone skimping on anymore is flooring. Hardwood flooring is especially popular in Los Angeles and the surrounding neighborhoods. Why is this trend seen so frequently? Whitney Coy of SheKnows.com tells us, “Home buyers are willing to spend top dollar for homes with hardwood floors.” Thus we have bigger budgets for flooring than ever before in remodeling.

Hardwood flooring not only boosts the value of your home, but there are many benefits that come along with the flooring. You can enjoy hardwood flooring even if you are not looking to sell. This amazing flooring can be added to any room – though does better in rooms with low moisture content.

What we love about hardwood flooring:

-the value that it adds to the home.

- can be used in any room, adding or changing a throw rug can make for an easy style change if you get bored.

- lowers allergens in your home, easy to clean with the use of a broom or hardwood flooring vacuum.

- the endless colors, patterns and hues is a major plus when thinking of hardwood flooring.

- these puppies can last a lifetime if cared for the right way!

For every pro, we all know there can be a con. Let’s get into why you may not like hardwood flooring as much as we do. We already mentioned how these floors are not as inexpensive as carpet – but you need to know that these floors last a heck of a lot longer than carpet. The budget for hardwood flooring can run you anywhere from $9 per square foot, and could top nearly $15 per square foot. Thus being said you will need to plan and prepare your budget for this type of remodel and install. Luckily one of the next complaints on the hardwood flooring con list doesn’t really affect us in California as much as other places. Hardwood flooring can be a little cold on your bare feet during the winter months. Did you know that they do make headed flooring systems? This could solve the problem of cold toes if this con really bothers you that much. In floor heated systems take the rigid cold feeling from your feet and actually can reduce home heating bills overall. One other main con that we have found is the noise factor. This is one of the flooring materials that can amplify noise, whereas others can reduce sound waves in your home. Older floors will tend to creak as well. No sneaking up on anyone when you live in a home with hardwood floors!

Now you have it, the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly. You decide if hardwood floors are for you and your remodel.

Countertops that won’t break the bank or schedule

Countertops that won’t break the bank or schedule

Granite, Soapstone, Quartz, Concrete…..the list is a mile long when it comes to countertop materials. So how do you know which one is the best for you and your low maintenance needs and budget? Just close your eyes and pick one you like! No, we didn’t mean that, but with all the choices they give you it seems like that is the only option. Knowing what you are buying is important before you make the final purchase, after all changing your countertops are not as easy as changing your paint color.

If you are looking for something that will stand up to heat and last a lifetime then Granite is what you need. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, nearly 4000 different color patterns and options are available. Granite has the 2^nd hardest rating after diamonds and is on the list of desirable counters for home buyers. Granite does require a special sealer and light maintenance – but it is well worth it.

Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center if you can’t slather your whole kitchen in it. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining, but we will add again that marble can be pricey.

Next we have engineered stone; it is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. Engineered stone is easy to keep up with and does not require the annual sealer like natural stone.

Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.

For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and ultra-durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop – this means no cracks and weird places for food to get trapped. The only down side to stainless steel countertops is the fact that they scratch easy so you can never cut on them, and they can dent. Minimal downside for this amazing look if you ask me.

There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. Our list of top picks gives the pros and cons of the top choices so that you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen.

For more information or help with your next remodel- Contact us @1.877.624.7772

5 Ideas for Pet-Friendly Floors

5 Ideas for Pet-Friendly Floors Change your flooring before you think about getting rid of Fido.

Sharing your home with a pet doesn’t have to mean settling for stained and trampled carpets or scratched up wood floors. According to the experts at Empiertoday.com, your pooch or kitty can live in harmony with stylish flooring. Read this before you start your next remodel. Here’s how:

1. Use an Oil or Wax Finish (Wood Floors)

Polyurethane finishes can be slippery for paws, which may inspire a tendency for furry friends to use their claws for traction. Oil finishes work just as hard for your floor with less slippage-potential for your pet. Waxing floors also works well, providing a nice sheen with minimal slickness. This trick is great for pets and in high traffic areas of the home.

2. Try High-End Linoleum Tiles

If you think the word “linoleum” is synonymous with “tacky,” you’re in for a pleasant surprise. You will no longer think to yourself that linoleum is ugly and old. Just as durable and essentially scratch-proof, today’s linoleum options have little else in common with those in your childhood home’s basement. Look for sustainable, design-conscious brands like Armstrong Flooring for sturdy, pet-proof tiles attractive enough for literally any room. Say goodbye to tacky and let’s start looking luxury. Most places you have been this last month have linoleum and you didn’t even know it.

3. Never Underestimate an Area Rug

Pets and carpeting can be a disastrous (or at the very least, messy) combination. But well-placed rugs in highly trafficked areas can extend the life of a newly refinished floor. Keep area rugs in place with carpet matting, and consider customizable options like FLOR carpet tiles, which come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and adhere to each other to stay in place.

4. Scratch-Proof the Stairs

It’s nearly impossible to keep carpeting on stairs from showing its wear and tear. Instead, forgo the wall-to-wall for attractive stair treads—you can even get them in prefinished hardwood. ReadyMade suggests stairtread.com for a selection of styles and installation instructions.

5. Keep Furry Companions’ Claws Clipped

It may sound obvious, but the best way to prevent your favorite canine or feline from scratching up your floors is to make frequent use of the nail clippers. If your pet finds pedicures to be more torture than pampering, most vets and groomers will perform the service on a regular basis quickly, safely and inexpensively.

Increase property value when remodeling

Increase property value when remodeling Remodeling a home takes time, energy and most of all, money. Homeowners often focus on funding projects that add value to the price of the home. Generally speaking, a home addition that increases the functional space of a house -- such as adding another bathroom -- is more valuable than a project that makes the house look better aesthetically. The return-on-investment estimates include the cost of professional labor, which can vary based on company and region.

Adding a Bathroom

Installing an additional bathroom, particularly if your home only has one, is a cost-conscious investment. Find the space for a second bathroom by scrutinizing under-used spaces in your home, such as guest rooms or large closets. Half-baths require at least 18 square feet of space, according to MoneyCrashers.com, while a full bath with a stand-up shower needs at least 30 square feet. Adding a full bathroom with a tub requires at least 35 square feet. You’ll recoup nearly 55 percent of the cost of adding a mid-range bathroom and add more than $20,000 to the value of the home.

Adding a Steel Entry Door

Installing a steel front-entry door is the number one project in the Cost vs. Value report, with homeowners recouping more than 85 percent of the cost. A steel door adds security to the home and increases energy efficiency. It’s also more cost-efficient than adding a fiberglass door. The fiberglass variety adds approximately $1,800 to the home value, while steel doors add around $1,000. A new door also boosts curb appeal, especially a large custom door.

Adding an Outdoor Deck

Installing a deck adds square footage to your home, which increases the value. A wooden deck is more budget-friendly than using composite materials; however, a composite deck adds more value to the home. You’ll regain 77 percent of the cost of a wooden deck and 67 percent of a composite deck, but the latter adds $10,000 of value while the former adds just over $7,000. This not only adds value, but makes better use of your outdoor space. Here is a prime example of functionality adding more value to your property than monetary value.

Adding a Second Story

Building another story on your home is undoubtedly one of the most-expensive additions you can undertake -- an average of $152,000, BUT it also adds nearly $100,000 of value to the home. Before beginning construction, contact the local zoning office to ensure you’re legally allowed to add another story. Some codes have height restrictions. If you can’t build it outward, build it up!

Adding New Windows

Adding new windows to your home does more than update its appearance. New windows make your home more comfortable by eliminating drafts and save you money on energy bills by reducing heating and cooling expenses because of better insulation properties. Ecofriendly Buyers recognize this value and will, on average, increase what they pay for your home by more than 81 percent of the cost of vinyl windows and 79.5 percent of the cost of more expensive wood windows.

Adding To Your Kitchen

Adding more counter space, cabinetry, and appliances to your existing kitchen pays off, but keep in mind that even moderate changes can recoup a majority of your initial expense. While a major remodel pays back almost 76 percent of what you spent, a minor remodeling pays back 91.5 percent of its cost. Adding a center island, upgraded cabinetry and a dishwasher -- when your kitchen never had one -- can make using your kitchen much more enjoyable. Adding only a pantry will create desirable storage. There is much to change when a full kitchen remodel isn’t possible.

Redesigning Attic Space

Turning unused space in your attic into a usable bedroom does more than give you more space to live in; it also makes your house more attractive to buyers who need an additional sleeping area. On average, you will be able to recoup almost 77 percent of what you spent on adding the attic bedroom when you go to sell your home. Additionally, an attic bedroom could serve as a home office if the bedroom was designed for house guests.

Trends that will stick around for a while

Trends that will stick around for a while Some kitchen design trends fade as quickly as they come in — tile countertops, naked windows or avocado-hued appliances may come to mind. Other trends, however, are so deeply rooted in good design that they’re destined to become timeless style statements — and enhance your kitchen with a look you’ll love as much in a decade as you do the first moment you see it.

Those are the trends homeowners should watch for this year and incorporate into their kitchen upgrade plans, says stylist and designer Emily Henderson, season five winner of HGTV’s “Design Star.” Given nearly nine in 10 homeowners plan to renovate their homes in the near future with half of them planning to do so within the next year, according to a survey by LG Electronics, being armed with the right information will help make those renovations a success. “Timeless design has an enduring aesthetic that seamlessly complements a range of infinite kitchen styles and colors,” Henderson notes. “They create looks and enhance functionality in ways that will pay off for homeowners for years to come.” Open it up Areas that seem small or cramped have never been a staple in homes. Look for design enhancements that create a more open atmosphere, like open shelving or glass-front cabinets, which appear contemporary, sleek and functional. Open storage encourages organization, cuts clutter and eliminates chaos since the contents are always on display. They also provide a great way for homeowners to display their pretty dishware, Henderson notes. Stainless steel revamp Stainless steel appliances have long been the standard of elegance in modern kitchens. “It’s hard to imagine improving on such near-perfection, but LG Electronics’ new Black Stainless Steel Series of appliances have done just that,” Henderson says. The new finish from LG adds luster and warmth to the satin-smooth finish and durability of traditional stainless steel. The effect is warm and sophisticated, meshing perfectly with a range of kitchen design styles and colors. Let your personality shine Modern designs and the sheer number of home décor products make it easier than ever to personalize virtually any design theme. You can add a dash of your personality to your kitchen decor in many ways. Use decorative accents on counters and focus on underscoring a theme you love in the rest of the house, for instance. A lived-in look with touches of style adds life to the space.

Top 5 Reasons to Remodel

Top 5 Reasons to RemodelThere are many reasons homeowners choose to remodel or renovate their existing living space. Sometimes a family may have outgrown the space they have, or they want to put a room to a different use. Often remodels are targeted investments, intended to add value to a home or to make it more marketable when it comes time to sell. If you’re considering a home remodel, you may be looking for motivation to get your project started. Here are the top 5 reasons to remodel your home.

1. It’s a good time. With the current way the economy is, builders and contractors are more accessible and affordable than they’ve previously been. Waiting periods are much shorter, and you may be able to strike a deal in terms of goods and services. 2. Your family is expanding. A growing family often necessitates a remodel, especially if you’re planning to stay in your home for a while. After all, three young children sharing a bathroom may be no big deal, but that might change once they become teenagers. Not only does a growing family need a larger space, but a growing family also means more laundry and this could mean you need to add a laundry room or a space designed just for you. More closet space, a home gym, nursery, master bathroom? 3. You want to improve your home’s appeal. If it’s necessary to sell at the moment, you can make your home more marketable by upgrading key areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, and fixing up the exterior of your home. After all, when these areas look tired and worn, they can make the entire house seem rundown as well for a prospective buyer. Not only do these improvements increase the appeal to others, but they also increase your comfort at home. 4. You’re going for a greener home. Green remodeling is becoming increasingly popular these days, especially considering all the rebates and tax incentives available for many of these upgrades. Investing in energy efficient appliances, natural materials and fibers, and even an alternative energy source not only boosts the value of your home but can save you money in future energy bills as well. Contact us to talk about the HERO program, offering financing on energy efficient remodels. 5. You’ve just purchased a home. If you’ve just bought a home and you have some renovations in mind, doing them before you actually move in can save you a lot of hassle. Projects go quicker when there’s not a lot of stuff to maneuver around, and you can save yourself from having to live through a remodel as well. If your reason for remodeling isn’t on this list we want to hear from you! Tell us why you chose to remodel and how the experience went.