Get rid of your frumpy bedroom with these DIY tips

Spice up the bedroom….decor that is! Get rid of the frumpy, dumpy bedroom and get a space you can enjoy.

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

Renovation: Fabulous DIY Home Office

Renovation: Fabulous DIY Home Office

The Internet has opened the doors of opportunity for a wide variety of home-based jobs, and millions are cashing in. Hence, the massive increase in demand for home offices and, eventually home office renovations. You do not need a large room to have a great Home Office. Although working at home does not mean that you have to sit on your bed the whole day or sit on your couch while tinkering on your laptop. Working from home requires a certain degree of concentration and the ambience, undoubtedly, makes or breaks your concentration. Having that created space for you to get your work done to a degree of professionalism and on time is vital.

1. Choose a neutral color palette. Dark and bold colors will make a room seem smaller than it actually is. Neutral hues give it a light, airy feel. If you have a large room and can use dark colors, don’t forget to add a few bright pops of color!

2. When it comes to renovation, remember this: small spaces, small furniture. If you are using a small space for your home office renovation, make sure to use small furnishings.  In big rooms you can afford to sacrifice space and decorate with big furniture. Make sure the furniture and furnishings you purchase are in proportion to the rest of the room. What use is a large executive desk when it will take up more than half the room?

3. Avoid clutter. Keep your desk, cabinets and files organized. Clutter will crowd any room. Use floating shelving or filing cabinets to keep your home office neat and tidy.

4. Make use of corners. Do not overlook corners. Place the desk close to corners to save space. Furthermore, it looks tidier that way and doesn’t waste space. If you are working with only a corner space for your home office, hang shelves and organizers above your work space, and swap a large desk for a modern table.

5. Decorate. Yes, decorate, but decorate subtly. Add your favorite things to your work space, but keep them to a minimum. It would not be recommended to place a large wall painting or a sculpture when you already have too little space to work with. Adding inspiration and family pictures can create a calming atmosphere and allow for more work to be completed.

6. Use windows. When renovating your small office space, make sure that it has large windows. They enhance the room and will save you electricity cost during daytime. Not only does it lower bills but it also is so great for your health overall.

Transform your backyard with Hardscape

Transform your backyard with Hardscape Question: What is "Hardscaping"? Which Materials Does It Encompass?

Answer: "Hardscaping" refers to the non-living components of a landscape. Hardscaping includes elements made from wood, even though wood was once an animate material (in the form of trees). Living plants, by contrast, constitute the "softscaping."

In particular, as the name implies, "hardscaping" refers to hard materials such as those composed of concrete, brick or stone, in addition to wood. For instance, constructing a patio or deck is a hardscaping project, as is a brick walkway, a stone wall, or a wooden fence.

The back yard is a great place to entertain when the weather is beautiful.  And Hardscaping is an attractive feature and offers many appealing options for your back yard, from a rustic stacked wall to a fully developed outdoor living room and kitchen. Once you've decided to create an outdoor space, you must plan carefully to meet your hardscaping goals and design your dream back yard. Every southern California home should take advantage of our incredible weather by expanding our living space into the outdoors through the use of patios, lovely dining or sitting areas. These areas are great for entertaining and just plain relaxing and also help ease the transition between house and garden!

Make your back yard as beautiful as the rest of your home with these design tips and ideas.

Remodeling mistakes that will cost you thousands!!!!

Remodeling mistakes that will cost you thousands!!!! 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!

(photo credit: failblog.org)

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.

Youth bedroom overhaul made easy

Youth bedroom overhaul made easy 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? Special requests or Ideas for design and décor?

Once you have 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 white board.  You can DIY a room divider with bookshelves for a fast way to create a transition from one space into another. 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.  You can’t create one room for multiple children when you have only so little square feet to work with.

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.  Combining 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 Hot wheels 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.

Avoid Hideous Backsplash like these Kitchens did

Backsplash meant to catch your eye Every square inch of your kitchen should be used to improve the flow and design of your newly remodeled kitchen. Homeowners are no longer ignoring the space between the kitchen counter and the cabinets, and back splashes are no longer only 4 inches tall. Now colorful and eye catching backsplashes are being installed. Backsplashes are reaching new heights and design; even new materials are taking the kitchen remodel by storm. No longer are stone, subway tiles, and stainless steel the only “trend” when it comes to backsplashes.  Although the materials used for tiles and backsplashes are ever growing.

If you do want to stick to the older trend, you can buy your subway tiles for cheaper than regular tiles, and natural stone will give your kitchen a durable edge. Though the latest rage in tile is now 3D tile and textured tile. Textured tile can add depth to your kitchen backsplash wall, and create a cool piece of art to look at. If you spend time in the kitchen you will more than likely look at your new backsplash, so make it something worth looking at.

But if you want to liven up your kitchen and install eye catching backsplash, you will need to match your backsplash to your personality. Try mixing it up with White marble and a flashy wallpaper or river rocks. Our Advice: If you want something amazing and fit for your personal style – go with a material that complements your life. Green gurus and ecofriendly homeowners are reaching for the reclaimed wood and antique wood tiles for their kitchen backsplashes. Ever have left over wood from your homes’ flooring? Now you can put it to use by using it as backsplash. But your wood backsplash doesn’t have to match the color of your floors – opt for staining your left over pieces to your taste. Even concrete can be an ecofriendly option for backsplash. Embossed concrete will be seen on kitchen walls – and can be embossed to look like individual tiles – though with less work.

Small kitchens are happy to get a backsplash made of tile mirrors! These mirrors come in any shape or size and can really reflect the light a small kitchen may be lacking. We first saw them in kitchens of the 80’s – but they are making a strong come back for 2016. The reflective power of a mirror can catch what small light you have in your kitchen and make it appear brighter and larger. Say good bye to dark and dingy – get yourself mirrored backsplash tiles.

As you can see there are so many more options rather than simple subway tile or natural stone for your kitchen backsplash and it doesn’t take much more than a creative idea to get a cool backsplash. Some installations take less work and time than others. If you have questions or need help with a remodel project don’t be afraid to reach out and contact us. 1.877.642.7772 Spazio LA

Get the perfect backsplash every time!

Common Backsplash issues that will make you glad you hired a contractor Your kitchen backsplash may be just one of the simplest parts or your home. However, you could have so many dilemmas when it comes to the installation and probably with remodeling in the future. When you look at a backsplash area, it seems so simple being a rectangular space on your kitchen wall. When you try to work on it and improve it the way you like, you come to find that it is not that easy to handle the job. Working on any vertical surface can be challenging. You may need to find a contractor for your Los Angeles Kitchen remodel to assist you and take some work off your hands.

Why hire a contractor to work on your backsplash project?

Here are some common problems about kitchen backsplash that would require help from a professional contractor, and make you thankful that you have some professional help.

1. Timing in placing the backsplash – everything should start with planning, most especially when it comes to the kitchen backsplash. What most people have dilemmas about is when to fix the backsplash. Do you install backsplash before the cabinets go in? Do you do the backsplash last? The say of a professional contractor is needed in this case. The experts will know when to take care of the backsplash, appropriately, to make sure that everything will turn out with the best quality. For example you won’t ruin a new countertop by dropping grout.

2. Right height for backsplash – this is a common problem for most homeowners. They end up doing the backsplash themselves but are not sure about the right height for it. Would it be alright to keep it low or high? Should the height be dependent with the width of the kitchen counter? A contractor will be able to measure the perfect height for it, and make sure that the wall is ready for any height and weight you choose.

3. Tiling process – it could be easy to place the tile on the wall, but which tile should be used for the backsplash purposes? You may need to contact a professional to help you in choosing the right type of tile to use. You can let them do the installation as well for better results. Although you can install the tiles yourself, a professional contractor can do it expertly in a timely manner. Get the best results for your money, after all this is an investment.

4.  Backsplash design – how should a backsplash look like? Is it a must for it to match the tiles with the designs on the kitchen floor? What material should you use? What angle should the backsplash be installed?  Your contractor can answer all these and more questions about back splashes and remodels.   

A good contractor can help you fix your kitchen backsplash in Los Angeles homes or even your business. If you have any more problems with installation and maintenance of backsplash for your kitchen you could always ask your contractor. Look for the right contractor to help you expertly with your project. Make sure all your kitchen backsplash dilemmas are resolved by hiring a professional contractor

Limit the stress in your home and live happier

Balance Comfort and Style in your Home with color! What does comfort in your home mean? It could mean art work plastered walls or rooms filled with soft linens and lush green plants. Comfort means something different to each of us, and comfort is something we all strive to achieve. It is much more calming to know you can come home from a hard day’s work to a comfortable living environment. Design your home with aspects of life that make you happy, calm and comfortable.

Décor inspired by you

Find your favorite decorative style or colors and bring in touches of yourself. This could mean adding a DIY project you are proud of or reupholstering your favorite chair, find a way to reflect you in every room. When you have kids it may be easier to add comfort, use art work and projects created by your family to hang on the walls, kids naturally bring comfort to a home. Not only can home owners bring comfort to their homes, but apartment dwellers can include pictures of their favorite places to travel, and photo collages to add comfort without having prior authorization from a landlord.  There are no rules or guidelines that are a must to comfort, the possibilities are endless.

Bring nature in

Natural elements are the easiest way to make a home feel comfortable. Take Water for instance, in the home the sound of water is tranquil and meditative. Water walls or fountains in your home can add that natural feel and create a relaxing environment. Natural materials such as wood, stone, live plants and natural textiles feel good to the touch and are visually appealing. Try hanging linen curtains for a natural style. If you can’t bring in the physical natural elements, bring in the colors that remind you of it. Neutral colors as well as blues, greens and browns are good paint colors for that natural feel of comfort.

10 Home Investments you may be missing

10 Home Investments you may be missing Not all home investments are created equally. Here are the top 10 best home investments that will bring you return when you sell. And if you aren’t thinking of selling, they are good remodel tips to help you love the home you are in.

1. Kitchen – Kitchens sell homes! Kitchens bring people together, this is all too true. Consider having a remodel company help design and work the space you have, they can transform it into something amazing and new. Adding an island with seating space is a great option to consider.

2. Bathroom(s) - It’s a nightmare to walk into a house for sale and see that the bedrooms are the size of dollhouses. The realtor tells you. “You can fit a Queen bed here and a nice dresser here.” When really they mean you can fit a twin bed here, and a night stand here, but don’t expect to be able to walk around the room. Right? Invest in bedroom size, especially the master. Trends in master bedrooms are now having a sleeping area and a sitting area/office. Think about the size of the bedrooms in your house and which needs help. The average size of a regular bedroom is 120sq ft, and the master bedroom average is 350sq ft.

3. Ceiling – Nothing scream OLD HOUSE, more than an acoustic ceiling. The popcorn on the ceiling will really give an impression of outdated, and have people asking; “when was this house built?” Scrape of the popcorn and remodel the ceiling. There are numerous ways you can do this, best so far: Hire someone else. Removing popcorn ceilings is no fun, and much faster for someone whom does this for a living.

4. Flooring – Upgraded flooring will always be a good thing to consider when remodeling. Carpet in bathrooms – gut it. Laydown flooring that compliments the home and makes a space feel larger. If you are in an area where there is a lot of dirt and dust or a laundry room, think of any easy to clean surface for your flooring. Remember, cheap is not always good. Find a material that will last!

5. Plumbing – We tend to forget the things we can’t see. Plumbing is one of those things we forget. Improved plumbing is priceless and so important. Leaks, clogs, poor water pressure – avoid them and have your plumbing inspected.

6. Insulation – Protect your home from the outside elements. Keep the cool in when it’s hot, and the heat in when it’s cold. Invest in good quality insulation; this saves money and your home.

7. HVAC/Furnace – Not only will an updated furnace or HVAC system save you money, but it will add to the comfort level of your home. Temperature controlled homes are a great selling point. We as buyers pay for convenience, the convenience of not having to update the HVAC and Furnace is huge, and being able to move into a temperature controlled home is of great value.

8. Front Yard - This is and will always be the first impression of your home. A great front yard means great curb appeal. Using hardscape and landscape you can draw the attention to your yard. Check your area for low maintenance plants if you are concerned about water conservation. There are options for every budget, but you don’t want to skip this all together. Add a covered patio to the front yard to have that extra space to entertain and enjoy.

9. Backyard – Nothing is better than having a great backyard paradise to enjoy and entertain in. Homes with large yards are great, but homes with beautifully designed yards are even better. Adding a great outdoor living space will give your home extra oomph. Pergolas are great features to add as well as water features. Think tropical escape in your backyard.

10. Additions – Adding more square footage will boost your home’s value, if done properly. Adding a 300 sq foot utility closet doesn’t count as adding value. Consider adding space to rooms that are going to be utilized and enjoyed. For instance adding a large walk-in closet or two, to the master bedroom is a great selling feature, as is an exceptionally large kitchen and living space.

Prepare for the arrival of your newborn

Prepare for the arrival of your newborn Planning for the arrival of a new baby is exciting, whereas getting the nursery ready can be nerve wrecking! The list of things you will find online to consider when designing your nursery is endless, but we will help cut the list down to the most vital must-do list. Whether you are designing a whole nursery project of sharing your bedroom with baby, we have the tips for you.

Here is the breakdown of the essentials to help give you an idea of where to start.

Starting first with the vital piece of furniture that every nursery must have, unless you plan to co-sleep is the Crib. The Crib you may consider only as a temporary item and may not want to invest, but studies show young kids sleep in their crib for up to 3 years and sometimes more. Investing in a crib that is sturdy, up to safety standards and convertible is very important. Choose your Crib based on budget, color and versatility. It may be too early to think of the baby to come after this one, but it does happen as life changes. Position your baby’s crib away from the window, and any other heavy hanging objects.

Oh, yes talking about changing. The next piece to the nursery you will need to consider is the Changing Table. Babies do come with plenty diapers needing changing, and having a designated space for this will ease your job. If you have the space for a changing table many cribs come with matching changing tables, or if you want a more modern look opt for a dresser with changing station for the top of the dresser.

The last piece of vital furniture for your nursery design is the Nursery Chair. This chair may be close to the most important thing in the baby’s room aside from the crib. Look for a chair with a supportive back and arm rests, this will help for your comfort during late night feedings. The worst thing is when you are rocking baby and she is almost asleep and your arms begin to feel like butter! If you don’t have it in your budget for a new nursery chair opt for a used chair and update with new fabric.

Of course we can’t forget décor! The last piece to your nursery puzzle is décor to make this room feel like a nursery. You will want to choose colors that stimulate baby, but don’t go overboard, an overstimulated baby may not sleep well. Allow as much sun light as you can enter the room and add curtains to control the mood of the room and act as a great décor staple. Remember the nursery doesn’t have to have baby written all over it, you can chose a style or theme to the room that will grow with your little one.

If you are planning on sharing your room with the new baby due to space or the fact you want baby close to you, you can still create a great space! Designate the wall against the crib as your “nursery wall” use paint or removable decals to make this small space feel spectacular. Hanging a mobile or decorations above the crib can create a fun look. Make sure that anything above or near the crib is safely secured!

For more design and remodel tips check back in for our blog, or contact us for help on your next project.

Rent out your granny flat or extra room

Turn your home into an income property Taking on a large debt such as a mortgage is a sobering experience in life. Life events can bring unfortunate layoffs or illnesses. Secure your investment with the addition of an Income Property. What is an Income Property?  A property that is bought or developed to with the idea to rent or lease, a property that is not for personal use rather extra income.

Many home owners take comfort in knowing that their mortgage is covered in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Do you have a separate entrance into your garage or additional part of your home? Do you have a suite set up with a bathroom already? If you have these things already you have a head start on the rest of us. Renters are looking for a space that is private and that they can call their own. No one wants to rent a place with no space to cook in or shower. So consider the cost of a kitchenette and bathroom. You can budget for at least $10,000 and higher to add on a rental suite. Don’t invest too much in fancy upgrades, but don’t go for the cheapest fixtures or appliances either. And NEVER plan to cut corners with this Income Property Addition. Cutting back on things like good insulation and quality drywall can seem like a good idea when you are coming out of the pocket for this addition, but the rate of tenants will be high if the living condition is not ideal. Good DIY projects include assembling cabinetry, putting up baseboard and trim, and laying laminate floors. Call in the professionals for drywall and plumbing, electrical and heating work. If you can see yourself living in the space for a year or so, then you have accomplished the goal of adding on an Income Property.

Now that you have all the basics of an Income Property; living area, bathroom, kitchen and sleeping arrangements you can now think of additions to your Income Property that will increase the rent. A washer and dryer can increase the amount you can charge by $50-$100 per month. You can charge another fee if there is a dishwasher in the kitchen. You can charge more if you have a full bath tub versus just a shower. Check local apartment guides and see what compares to your Income Property so you can price your property accordingly. No one wants to pay an outrageous rental amount for a property that is lacking in size and amenities, when there are more for less the rent.

If you are charging for utilities in the rent for your Income Property, be sure to have installed energy efficient appliances and a low flush toilet. Thinking Green can make you money rather than lose it.

Good luck with your Income Property addition, stay tuned for more remodeling tips!

Make sure you prepare to survive your home remodel

Survive a total house remodel  

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed just contemplating renovating your entire house, but we can help. Spazio LA has compiled the top tips from remodel clients and contractors to help eliminate stressful remodels. Just think of how happy you will be to enjoy your home once the project is completed. Please let us know if you have any great tips or advice to add for future remodels.

1. Set a schedule - Have days and times outlined for remodel work. This will allow time for you to get a break from the noise and crew, if you plan on staying in your home for the build. Generally remodels are done in Phases for each stage of the remodel. Phases and timelines help you prepare for which areas of your home you will need to avoid for that time period. For example, have one area off limits to work can be your sanctuary during the chaos.

Fun Tip: Make it an adventure and eat out at restaurants you haven’t ventured to in the past. You can also order take out and have a romantic candle lit meal at home.

2. Power, Water and Gas Shut offs- You can expect that at some point in your remodel a valuable element will be temporarily shut off to allow for safe construction. Plan your schedule around these shut offs so you aren’t stuck in a jam. For instance make sure you have used the shower and have used the water needed before your crew arrives for the day of water shut off. Crews should give you an advance notice, but always ask if you aren’t sure.

3. Store valuables elsewhere- It is always good idea before a remodel to store anything of value or that cannot be easily replaced. Accidents do happen, but no one ever wants to accidentally break a family heirloom or valuable. If it cannot be stored or moved to another room make sure you cover items and furniture. Your home is turning into a construction zone and dust is to be expected.

4. Park off site- The worst thing would be having to wait for a truck to move because you are late for work and blocked in. Clients of remodels have found it easier to park off site during construction hours to avoid any issue or delay. You don’t have to park a mile away, but steering clear of your drive way may make it easier for deliveries and trash clean up.

Fun Tip: Make sure you say hello to neighbors if you are parking off site. A remodel client had a police officer called on him for parking a “suspicious” car by a neighbor’s house that didn’t see the owner of the car.

5. Expect surprises- Delays and setbacks can be part of the deal with remodels. Everything is planned in advance but sometimes there are timeline breakers, for instance if an appliance or counter top delivery is off schedule. Be as patient as possible, no one wants your home remodel to last longer than

Contact us for your next project.

Laundry Room Additions can increase your home value

Laundry Room Remodeling & Addition The ease and comfort of an in-house laundry room addition is becoming popular for the reason of having a convenient place to do laundry. Hauling laundry up and down stairs or across your house gets old after a while. If you need a laundry room closer to your bedrooms or you simply want a large space to fold and fluff – consider a family laundry room addition.

Photo credit: Wood Grain Cottage

Budget

Family laundry room additions range from a few thousand up to $6,000 or $7,000, depending on the size and complexity of what you’re looking for. Because this is a small addition compared to bedrooms and bathrooms, you can certainly find a cost-effective solution to meet your needs. Gather all of your ideas and inspiration before talking to a Remodeling company.

Some things to consider are:

-       Do you need new appliances? Are your washer and dryer outdated?

-       Space and storage? Do you want a large area for dirty laundry to be stored and clean laundry to be folded? Shelves and cabinets are a must in a great laundry room addition.

-       Electrical and gas outlets and installation? Plumbing re-routing?

-       Will this laundry room addition be too loud next to bedrooms?

-       Choose durable flooring, this will be a high traffic area you will want a material up for the job.

Pros

A laundry room addition is incredibly convenient for all members of a household. This can provide extra organization and stress free laundry.

The laundry room can serve double-duty as a mudroom if located on the main level – less shoes and jackets lying around your home!

This addition can be custom-designed to fit your needs, from multifunctional storage to fold-out shelving and ironing boards, you name it you can do it with this space.

Cons

Depending on where the laundry room is being added and what work needs to be done to the space; this can be a costly project. Plan this addition to fit in your budget.

Plan for proper venting when doing this laundry room addition.  You don’t want to add heat to your surrounding rooms when you are using your new laundry room.

Laundry room additions must be built with both plumbing and electrical in mind. This can get costly if you are planning a laundry room addition far from any existing plumbing lines. Consider designing a laundry room near a bathroom, there will be easy access to plumbing and electrical.

Contact Spazio LA today to help with your next project or remodel. 1-877-624-7772

DIY Fireplace 2016 Update

Brick Fireplace DIY Updates

            Don’t let that old brick fireplace be an eye sore anymore! Update your fireplace today with ideas that require little money and even less stress. 3 easy DIY updates to turn that old fireplace into a new accent to your space!

1. Built-ins: A great way to update an old brick fireplace is to utilize the space around it and create built-ins. Built-ins around a fireplace add storage and give a big design idea to look at. Once you have your shelves built-in adding a fresh coat of paint to your shelves and fireplace will give it a seamless look. For faux built-ins you can measure the space on either side of your fireplace and find book cases to fit those dimensions, and then add moulding around the top & bottom of the cases to have a custom built-in look.

Though making your own Custom built-ins are easier to achieve than you may think. With some general patience and building skills you can create your very own updated fireplace. I love this blog that includes easy steps and even a list of materials to make this build even easier: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/05/diy-fireplace-built-in-tutorial.html

2. Paint: If you can’t see yourself building built-ins around your fireplace and want something less time consuming to update your old brick fireplace with, let’s start with a fresh coat of paint. Painting your fireplace can take less than a few hours and cost under $50.

For this update you will need:

-          Wire brush

-          Drip cloth

-          Painters tape

-          50/50 water and vinegar mixture in spray bottle

-          Paint brush and paint color of your choice.

Before you start this project lay your drip cloth below the fireplace to protect the floor! To prepare the surface you will use the wire brush to scrub off any debris and the vinegar mixture will be your cleaning agent. After you have scrubbed the brick and cleaned it, allow ample drying time so the pain will adhere to the brick. Now you can tape off the areas you don’t want to paint. Brick is a very pourus surface, you will need more than once coat of paint to ensure there are not pin holes all over the brick. Now that you have painted your fireplace you can enjoy the fresh look it gave your room!

3. Moulding: An easy way to update an old fireplace that doesn’t need much work is to add moulding around the fireplace. Adding moulding can be done fast and easy.

Heat up the atmosphere fast

Benefits and Beauty: Wall mounted fireplaces

Get all the benefits of a traditional fireplace without having to give up a whole wall or a whole renovation budget. The newest way to get warmth and add a bold statement: wall mounted fireplaces. There is nothing wrong with traditional fireplaces – the smell of fresh burning wood is amazing. But some people don’t have the space or the budget in their home remodel to add a fireplace and chimney. Installing a wood burning fireplace and brick lined chimney and mantel can cost well over tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention a gas fireplace will cost you even more.

Now the solution for homeowners is the wall mounted fireplace. Wall mounted fireplaces can cost as low as $500. They do not require a whole wall or a whole lot of construction work like traditional fireplaces. This leaves so much more room for decorating and adding to your home’s style. You can now give your living room that cozy feeling you have always wanted or turn your bathroom into your own romantic getaway within your means.

Don’t break the bank for a fireplace or give up your dream to have them in your home.

These innovative fireplaces take up little to no space and look sophisticated. They carry so many designs you are bound to love two or three, maybe more. You can opt for a black fronted long and narrow fireplace that can be recessed to fit seamlessly into your wall giving your space a professional look.  Or you may decide you want a wall mounted fireplace that protrudes from the wall with thick frosted glass and is more contemporary. No matter what you decide you will enjoy them and not regret this renovation buy.

Turn any room sleek with a wall mounted fireplace!

Wall mounted fireplaces are ventless and can be easily installed in living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, offices, bedrooms – almost anywhere. Reducing energy they come in electric, gel and bio- ethanol fuel powered. They call for only a small hole into the wall behind the fireplace, and are easily mounted in a few hours. You may either DIY for the installation or call on a professional, either way getting your fireplace has never been easier.

No more cutting wood, ash marks on your carpet or the worry of dangerous fumes.

Low maintenance is the correct word for these stylish fireplaces. You won’t have to shovel out coals and clean soot off of walls after every use. With any fireplace there is the concern for children safety, after all it is not called a fire place for no reason. Less safety concerns than traditional fireplace, wall mounted fireplaces can be installed out of children’s reach. You will always have to monitor when using any form of fireplace or equipment that puts off fire, and having a window cracked is recommended. But with wall mounted fireplaces you no longer have fire at the reach of little hands.

With all the benefits and beauty of wall mounted fireplaces I see why they are popping up everywhere.

Call Spazio LA today for your remodel needs; let the best take care of your home. We are always glad to help answer any questions and we offer free in home estimates.

Remodel with material you can be proud of

Counter tops good for the environment When looking for quality countertops for your home remodel why not choose a material equally beautiful as it is good for the environment? Eco conscious home owners are turning to recycled material for their home projects these days. Some of the most unique and cutting edge countertops are made from recycled material. Ecofriendly design doesn’t have to be boring. Don’t think for one second that you are losing out on style and statement by going green! You can easily find amazing countertops that match your design idea as you can countertops that are not so great. You may want to check out materials before you select your cabinets. And hey, you never know, you may find something better than you expected.

Go bold: go ecofriendly!

You can easily find materials for countertops that are almost 100% recycled or manufactured using less energy, such as wood countertops.

I know, I know, I am talking about being environmentally friendly and then I mention cutting down trees for your countertops. But there is such a thing as wood countertops made from “sustainably harvested” wood material. This means that manufacturers are aware of when to use a tree and the impact it will have on the whole forest,  versus cutting down a huge field and having devastating effects on the wild life and earth. This also ensures that they used hand saws to remove the trees with no gas powered polluting machines. This helps save wood as one of our natural resources. Look for the SFI or FCS seal of approval before you buy. Wood countertops also cut down on the amount of chemicals being washed down storm drains into the ocean. They only need to be cleaned with soap and water due to the inherent natural properties that protect them against bacteria growth. Plus you will always have a built in cutting board with this solid countertops.

One sleek countertop that should never be used to cut on is stainless steel. Stainless steel countertops are becoming ever more popular for their shiny look and because they are comprised of a large amount of recycled material. Stainless steel is not only durable and non-pourus it is also fully recyclable at the end of its usable life. When you use a recycled material to create a new product it takes less energy as you would use when dealing with raw materials. Saving energy means lowering pollution rates as well.

Other options for ecofriendly materials for countertops are Terrazo and Recycled Glass. Terrazo was originally only seen in Italy, but is making its way into American kitchens with great force. Terrazo is made from recycled materials such as: marble chips, crushed stone, glass, metal and even seashells. It can be made custom and in any color you could imagine. Some even use it as flooring, but that’s another subject. Recycled glass countertops are a great way to green your kitchen also. Not the color green of course, unless that’s what you want! 100% recycled material and one of the best options if you are worried about the environment.

Kitchen remodel tips that will make a chef drool

Kitchen remodel tips that will make a chef drool

You can’t take home the chef but we can sure give you the kitchen. We took a look into the homes of celebrity chef’s kitchens and it just so happens that we know all the tricks to turn your kitchen into a chef’s dream. Spazio LA will give you 3 tips to get that amazing kitchen remodel that is one of a kind and professional chef certified.

1. Don’t lack in creativity or color. Like Ina Garten’s kitchen white cupboards on black countertops, let your imagination take you where you want to go. Don’t be afraid to be bold, or go sleek and modern. No two chefs kitchens are the same, so make yours stand out! Tell your designer your ideas, from small to big ideas. We will work with you and create magnificent designs. Color and lighting Is important in any room, but the kitchen you want to set the right tone. Ina Garten gave us the idea of table lamps in the kitchen instead of above head lights for a warmer ambience. What’s your next big idea?  We can build anything that you can think of, pull out shelves for pots and pans, vertical cupboard dividers for baking dishes, fridge mounted t.v’s,  what every it is Spazio LA is your go to remodel & redesign company.

2. Every chef must have amazing appliances to cook on. Invest in professional grade appliances such as Viking Range. Viking Range is one of the top ranges amongst chefs to cook on at home. They offer 10 burner stoves and 2 ovens. That’s a whole lot of cooking capacity! You can bake your main course and dessert at the same time without crossing flavors, while you still have 10 burners to use. Another hot item in a chef’s kitchen is the Salamander. I’m sure you have heard about this appliance on the Cooking Channel. The Salamander is designed to cook, grill, reheat and keep food hot while you continue to cook. It’s great when you are cooking for large numbers of guests. You pour your heart into your cooking, never serve cold food again.

3. Have professional waterworks and faucets that WOW. Restaurant styled pullout faucets are becoming the next big thing, for one reason: there is no pot that is too large to be washed. They offer sleek design and are versatile. Wash large objects and fill up huge pasta pots with ease. If you are big on pasta, the water spigot above the stove is a must on your kitchen remodel list. No more lifting a heavy pot to the stove again, fill that bad boy up right on the burner! One design we liked was that of Chef Guy Fiere’s kitchen. Guy has faucets controlled by foot pedals to keep things sterile and germ free. What a great idea! If you are an avid meatball aficionado then you know what it is like to need an easy place to wash your hands.

No matter if you take anything from today’s chef inspired kitchen tips, remember this: If you can dream it, we can build it.

Should you resurface your cabinets or replace?

Should you resurface your cabinets or replace?

Thinking of tackling a kitchen remodel? Stop before you gut those ghastly kitchen cabinets! New techniques and products can save you money by resurfacing cabinets instead of replacing them when possible. Yes, that means you can possibly turn those old cabinets into clean cut cabinets to fit your new kitchen, without getting custom ones made.

What is resurfacing? Resurfacing or refacing is when you keep the existing structure of the cabinets but spruce up hardware, drawer fronts, cabinet doors, and exterior surfaces. With resurfacing you can change the color and look of your cabinets. Changing hardware is also a simple way to revamp the style of your kitchen. Some cabinets that were constructed years ago are solid wood and built to last; they may need just a “face lift.”

Resurfacing cabinets can cut the cost of replacing cabinets by nearly half the amount. That’s 50% more money in your wallet. That’s a big savings, but in some instances resurfacing just isn’t the answer. Replacing cabinets may not save instant money like resurfacing, but can increase the value of your kitchen remodel instead.

When to replace? In some cases like water damage, limited number of cabinets, and a new kitchen layout replacing cabinets are the only or best option. If you are looking to get a whole new kitchen layout and completely move around cabinets, getting new custom cabinets that compliment your kitchen remodel is recommended. Custom cabinets can be made in almost every shape and form, and have so many cool details like slide out shelves and nooks. Pull out espresso bar? It can be done.  So think of the quality of the cabinets you currently have. If the cabinets are not sturdy or good material, investing in new cabinets is smart. Why reface a cabinet that is going to fall apart in a year? Make an investment in something that is going to give back to you.

How to resurface or replace cabinets? Though you may be an avid Do-it-yourselfer, hiring a professional company like Spazio LA to handle your kitchen remodel needs may be best for your sanity. Resurfacing cabinets alone can take over 5 days for someone inexperienced, and cause a major headache. Some projects are too big to bite off and go a lot quicker with help from contractors whom do this every day.

While you work or continue on with your day to day life let Spazio LA remodel your kitchen as you relax with little stress. 

Size doesn't matter if you are a remodel

Small bathroom remodel, big ideas.

You may not have a 1000sq foot bathroom, but there are things you can do when designing your remodel to maximize space and make your room feel larger than average.

Here size doesn’t matter! And you can have it all in any size bathroom remodel.

When redesigning a small bathroom you want to use your space wisely and make the room more open. By opting for a corner shower tub combo, you can have the luxury of a bath tub while not losing space in the room. If you have that awkward corner in your bathroom, utilize this space for your new shower stall. The great thing about current bathtub designs is the fact that they are becoming more innovative and makers are thinking of bathrooms of all sizes. If you don’t love a corner shower and you want to have a modern look and feel to your small bathroom look into free standing bathtubs, such as Freestanding Slipper Tub. These deep soaking tubs add style and don’t take much space.

Another way to make your room feel larger is to cut clutter and utilize storage space. Less clutter will open up any room and give it a fresh and clean design. A piece of framed art work can be hinged and hung to hide a sunken storage compartment in the wall, if you can’t cut back on clutter.  Floating shelves can be built in places where space isn’t used for instance above a bathtub or above a window, or you can turn a wine rack into a towel holder hung on the wall. Having a floating sink installed in place of an old vanity could be a good choice for a small guest bathroom remodel. These modern sinks take less space and remain clutter free! Think “Less Is Better” in spaces that are tight or cramped.

Light and color play a large role in making a room appear larger than it is. If you can add a window or make a window larger, do it. If you can’t take down walls to increase space – add windows or skylights.  Bringing in light and the outdoors will add the idea of space. You can have a bay window act as a shelf to display bathroom essentials, adding style and function to the window. Dark colors will make a room seem smaller, so chose light and bright colors for small bathroom remodels. Don’t let this scare you away from using patterns and texture when remodeling. Adding an accent wall, wood paneled wall, or textured wall paper can draw the attention off the size of the bathroom and onto the great style. If you have a freestanding tub – chandeliers make a statement and add bright light to the room. The use of floor to ceiling tile will also make a room larger, stay away from horizontal designs which make your ceiling feel low overhead.

For more bathroom remodel ideas check out our HOUZZ account and get your creative juices going: http://www.houzz.com/projects/1228298/guest-bathroom-los-angeles

Make this day the happiest day for your child

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? Special requests or Ideas for design and décor?

Once you have 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 white board.  You can DIY a room divider with bookshelves for a fast way to create a transition from one space into another. 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.  You can’t create one room for multiple children when you have only so little square feet to work with.

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.  Combining 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 Hot wheels 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.