Balance Comfort and Style in your Home

Balance Comfort and Style in your Home  

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.

Beautiful Backyard Retreats: Design your own Pergola

Beautiful Backyard Retreats: Design your own Pergola

             

            Just because summer is over, don’t wait until next year to build that great backyard pergola. Due to the simple design and inexpensive nature of a Pergola, this is a great weekend project and good for new DIYers. A great thing about a Pergola is the fact that it can be attached to your home or it can be free standing, so you can put them anywhere you need one.

Kit vs. Build your Own

You can purchase a Pergola kit for around $1000 and I have seen them go up to $5000, the kit will include pre-cut beams, posts and all of your hardware. You can save so much money by doing a little more work and skipping on the kit. On average a DIY Pergola will cost you about half the price of a prefab kit.

The concept is rather easy: 4 posts anchored with concrete, 2 end beams (support beams), stringers, and your cross beams. The size of the posts and beams will depend on the size of the Pergola.

4 Steps to Build a Pergola

1. Choose your site for your new Pergola, measure and mark the 4 corners where you will be securing the posts. Anchor and cement posts, allow 24 hours for them to set before you continue construction.

2. Attach your support beams. You can get that decorative finish by cutting the ends of the beams to your desired look.

3. Anchor your stringers to span and overhang the support beams.

4. Fit your top cross beams, and cut edges if desired.

10 Home Investments you don’t want to skip

10 Home Investments you don’t want to skip  

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.

Remodel the ceiling? Yes - the ceiling.

Remodel the ceiling?  

One detail we can sometimes look past is remodeling the ceiling. Yes, the ceiling. And we don’t mean just scraping off that old acoustic, popcorn ceiling. We mean giving your ceiling a bold look.

Remodeling a ceiling gives you an opportunity to fix some basic design flaws as well as create a new look. Any room with a high, formal ceiling can feel homey when topped with a warm or dark color. Lighter ceiling shades make a space feel larger, as do patterns or colors similar to those on walls. Keep things proportioned to each room, save the large designs for the large rooms and vice versa.

*Mouldings:

Mouldings are a great way to glam up a room in an instant. Whether it is crown moulding, or for a fancy look try a medallion moulding. Moulding can cost you from $100 for a medallion and upward.

Photo: Small Notebook

*Ceiling tiles:

There are a variety of materials ceiling tiles are made out of these days. You can find them in tin, paper or heavy grade Styrofoam. They can be painted to any color scheme for that room or left plain. This is a great way to add a finished look to the above ceiling.

*Wood Flooring

Wood flooring, yes I mean wood flooring. You can install flooring to your ceiling just how you would install the flooring on the floor. It looks beautiful and is a great way if you have left over pieces from a project.

*Wall paper

Patterned or textured wall paper can create a luxurious statement for your ceiling renovation.

Photo: This Old House

*Paint

We can’t forget good ole paint. If you are looking for a quick way to remodel your ceiling or don’t have a large budget, give your ceiling a fresh coat of a new color.

Remember that the possibilities are endless, and you can be creative here to create a one of a kind look for your home.

Contact Spazio LA for all of your home remodel needs.

Natural Swimming Pools: Eco Friendly

  Natural Swimming Pools: Eco Friendly

Photo: A builder's network

Natural swimming pools are Huge in European backyards. For one they are chemical free and better for the environment, and not to mention cheaper to maintain. Why is Europe the first one to implement natural swimming pools? What the heck are they and why don’t more American homes have them? It is true, we can all be a little cleanliness obsessed, but why aren’t we worried about the chemicals we use every day in our homes. The first thing I thought of when I heard about these gems: I loved the idea of a natural pool with fish, but I don’t know how I feel about swimming through plants and muck? We are in luck- Natural pools are designed so you don’t have to worry about this.

You could have a pool that is better for your family and the environment.

A natural swimming pool is a man-made swimming pond. They contain two pools, one where swimming occurs and then the one where the plant life lives. The two areas are separated with under water walls that stop just at the water surface to allow water to circulate evenly throughout the whole pool, but keep dirt, plants and aquatic life from going into the swimming area. Yes, this means you will not have to worry about fish or plants touching you while you swim! Due to the natural cycle of aquatic life and the plants that filter the pool and eat algae, you will never have to use harmful chemicals in your pool again. Natural swimming pools in reality are more “clean” than a standard chlorine pool where algae can take over if not at the right balance. Everyone has had that green pool once, if not twice before. A natural pool may be your solution.

Get that mountain clear lake water in your backyard, and create a yard that everyone is talking about.

Natural swimming pools can be designed to fit any landscape idea, modern or can be blended in to make it seem like the “pond” was always there. You can even convert your chlorine pool into a natural pool with help from Natural Pool companies; there is an option for everyone. If you have ever wanted a pond, but don’t see the point when your family would benefit more from having a pool – now you can have both!

Photo: DIY cozy home

Adding a water feature to your yard

Adding a water feature to your yard If you feel that your backyard is lacking a certain something, a water feature might be just the thing to bring new life to your outdoors. You won’t have to run off to a foreign destination to enjoy the natural sights; you can have them right at your fingertips. There are many different types of water features to consider, such as a pond with living plants and fish or a waterfall that is lower maintenance. One of nature’s most calming sounds is that of flowing water, and adding a water feature allows you to bring this natural beauty right into your own yard.

New trends are even showing home owners adding water features to their front yards too, to add to the curb appeal! Smart Idea!

You may be thinking that the care and upkeep of a water feature may not be worth the hassle, but they are much less labor intensive as you may think. By following a few tips and tricks and gaining the knowledge of how your water feature works, you can enjoy this natural work of art for as long as you own your home. If you want a successful water garden you will probably need to invest a little more time, especially when you’re first trying to get it established.

You will find that adding a water feature to your yard can literally transform the entire surroundings and create a paradise escape. Ponds, fountains, and waterfalls add a natural beauty and serenity to any outdoor area, no matter how small or modest. You don’t have to create a huge water feature to get the benefits, there are many designs to suit every size and budget.

Renovation: 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.

Affordable home renovations

Remodels and home renovations can be costly.  How do I afford it? You may ask yourself. Remodeling your home can add value and living ease to your family life while you enjoy an upgraded home. You also can earn your home energy rebates and lower monthly bills.  But rebates and incentives aside, you still have to come up with the money to pay for the job. Here’s a rundown of your options and their pros and cons. Cash If you have the money saved for a rainy day, or in this case a home remodel, Great! But if you have a substantial sum in a high-interest investment account or mutual fund, withdrawing it in order to finance a renovation may not always be in your best interest. Make sure you measure the loss in any interest that you would have earned had the money stayed in your account. Using cash though can save you interest on credit cards and loans. Do your research before you cash in your savings.

Credit card

Of course there are good and bad side to using your magic plastic credit card. On the plus side, you can pay off as much or as little as you like each month without penalty and if you have an existing card with a high enough credit limit and low or no interest, you can skip the hassle of waiting for a loan approval. However, there’s a price for all that convenience: interest rates are generally much higher than with other types of loans and a maxed-out credit card carries a range of problems, from a lowered credit rating to the beginning of a debilitating debt spiral. Some banks offer “secured” credit cards with lower interest rates, but for larger amounts, you still may be better off with a conventional loan or line of credit.

Bank loan Let’s talk about bank loans. A bank loan is a good way to get a large lump sum when you don’t have the option of using cash or credit cards, or they cons out weight the pros on using other resources.  Fixed repayments are withdrawn from your bank account at regular intervals, such as weekly, biweekly or monthly. If your budget allows, try to arrange weekly payments. Since the repayment total equals the sum of the principal and accrued interest, over time weekly payments can reduce this amount much more quickly than a single monthly payment, without costing you a penny more.

The are other options such as a reverse mortgage or mortgage re-financing, check with a financial advisor and consider all the possibilities before choosing your route of financing a remodel.

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!

Contact Spazio LA to design your next backyard paradise.

Income Property Addition: How To

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!

Laundry Room Remodeling & Addition

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.

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

Beautify your Baby’s Nursery Design

Beautify your Baby’s Nursery Design 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.

Design your dream Master Bedroom retreat

Design your dream Master Bedroom retreat  

There are so many beautiful master bedroom remodels that we can’t help but envy.  Having a dream master retreat of your own is not an idea to far-fetched.  Making smart design and decorating choices can help you achieve a great master bedroom to enjoy. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get the perfect master bedroom; we can give you smart décor tricks that any budget can handle.

Think of these questions to ask before you start designing:

• Do you want your bedroom to be a private restful sanctuary? Or  multi-functioning space? Besides sleeping, are there other activities you      wish to do like reading, watching TV, working on your computer, talking on the telephone, resting near a warm fireplace or exercising? Do you need a nursery within this space? – Considering what you want the room to be able to do will help you decide how to design it. A great place for a reading nook is near a large window where ample light is available. A fireplace is one way to add glamour and romance to the master suite. Go with an electric or wall mounted fireplace if you can’t find it in your budget for  a full fireplace to be installed. Tip: add a faux fireplace with an array of candles rather than logs!

• What kind of lighting will you need to perform daily tasks like dressing, make-up or reading? Do you want to be able to control the brightness or prefer simple on and off functions?- Having overhead lighting is a must, but the option of tableside lamps is perfect for those who like to read in bed or want to dim the lights before getting shut eye. If there is not enough natural light in your room use sheer curtains to play up as much light as you can. Also positioning mirrors to reflect light can give you a larger brighter room.

• Is your storage and closet space large enough for your clothing? Do you need extra space for makeup or accessories?  – If you have the luxury designing a closet, you can never go wrong with His and Her’s closets. Having enough storage and separate closest can increase function and help hinder arguments over space. Keep in mind that contractors do have the capability to design you or your lady the perfect vanity built custom into your master retreat! What women wouldn’t love having a personal make-up vanity?

• Do you want to have extra seating for relaxing and reading? Your own designated space to be a book work? – A popular trend these days is      having a comfy chair near a fireplace and bookcase to create your own reading sanctuary. You can design your room to have a sectioned off area for reading or you can create a divider with a bookcase or room screen. Why not even throw custom accordion walls by Nana Walls into your space to divide it when you want and connect it when you want the open space?

                                                  Photo credit: decohubs

• What kind of color scheme will you need to achieve your own level of comfort and relaxation? Do you want bold and bright or calm and      peaceful? – Choosing a bright color scheme may cause problems relaxing at  night, think of soothing tones that will create a peaceful look. If you have a large room to decorate art work and hanging pictures is a great idea. Extra Large art work is great for a large wall! It makes the room elegant and creates a show piece.  If you can’t fit a large piece of art into your budget you can achieve a bold look by hanging multiple, uniform sized picture frames that have simple artwork up on that wall. Soft fabrics and faux fur throws and rugs can instantly create a restful retreat. Don’t shy away from mismatched nightstands, having two different nightstands can give partners their own      bedside style. You don’t always have to match everything.

If you are tight on budget – update your bedding set. It’s a great way to change the feel of any room and give your room new life.