If you can’t change it, retain it. With a retaining wall that is.

  If you can’t change it, retain it. With a retaining wall that is.

Slopping yards can be a nightmare. What a loss of all that space! And what happens when it rains? Building a retaining wall is one way to correct the errors of a slopping yard, and allow you to utilize the space safely.

A retaining wall is a protective structure, first and foremost. It is a structure that holds back soil from a building or structure. Retaining walls can serve aesthetic and landscape design functions as well. A retaining wall installation completed by a quality professional will enhance the value of one's home.

Types of Materials for Retaining Walls:

• Concrete
• Stone
• Brick
• Wood timber

Avoid Retaining wall failures, save your money and yard.  There are many complex reasons for damage or complete structural failure of retaining walls, but a combination of contributing factors and mistakes may include:

• Inadequate assessment of site conditions
• Underestimating the forces of nature: Rain and wet conditions need to be taken into consideration.
• Improper design
• Choosing a  marginal structural construction system
• Confusing the aesthetic requirements of a wall with structural necessity

Inadequate footings:   Don’t skimp out on quality footings when building, inadequate footings may also result in unseen, progressive damage and resulting in failure.

Incorrect construction:  Inadequate construction and poor quality of workmanship. Incorrect choice of materials: examples may unsuitable stone, dimensioned timbers that are too small, wrong choice of wood species, and untreated timbers that rot.

Unstable ground conditions and slumping, friable, or plastic soils. Can be caused  and exacerbated by local traffic and vibration.

Inadequate drainage: wet ground soil conditions, unrelieved subsurface water pressure

Surface water damage from constant, or unexpected, uncontrolled surface water runoff

If your Retaining wall is not built properly, it will fail!

Is a home addition right for you?

Is a home addition right for you?  

Over time we can out grow our home as family size increase and life brings us changes. The home you loved may just not be big enough anymore. Is a home addition right for you?

With a home addition you can build it to 100% your own creation and needs. This is the one time you can make start from scratch and make an amazing space for your home. Not only is this something to add space and square footage to your home, but it is a lot cheaper than purchasing a new home. An office, garage, family room, laundry room…The options are endless.

Second story additions are also a good way to add space, and make additions possible without taking space from your yard.In this remodel, we not only added a garage but a second story room as well with balcony. Ever thought about an Income property? You could definitely add on an income property to home – increase the value of your home AND supplement your own income. In this case the home owner wanted more space of their own to enjoy, and they were thrilled with the outcome.

An addition is a great way to get that master bathroom and walk-in closet you have always wanted. Take our Calabasas Master Addition and Renovation for instance, we added on more space to give this home owner the perfect bathroom and closet for their master bedroom. The key to a good addition is to make the addition blend with the existing home. A seamless addition is always a focus of Spazio LA.

Amazing what a quality home addition can do! Contact Spazio LA  today to start your next remodel project.

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.

DIY Brick Fireplace Updates

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: I Heart Organizing.

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.

Guide to Remodeling: Do’s & Don’ts

Guide to Remodeling: Do’s & Don’ts  

You don’t ever want to start a project without being fully prepared, and remodels are one of those projects that take ample preparation. Remodeling can end up being a major disaster if you aren’t ready to take on the size of the project. There a few things to take into consideration before you start home improvements.

When planning for a remodel it is recommended to plan your BUDGET wisely. You don’t want to stretch yourself too thin and end up with an unfinished room because you spent your budget faster than expected. Budgeting gets tricky, you can spend too much on a remodel if you aren’t careful only to lose money and you can spend too little on poor quality work to lose money.

One thing homeowner’s do forget when planning budgets for remodels are the Resale Values. Resale Value means the amount your home will be worth if it went on the market. It would be a nightmare to put a $100,000 into a remodel hoping to increase the value of your home, when homes in your neighborhood aren’t valued at the price you would need to sell to make that money back in to break even. Even if you aren’t planning on selling in the near future, always have that fact in the back of your head when remodeling your home. Now the down side to being frugal, spending your budget on the “cheap” option. Cheaper is not always better. Quality is important when investing in a remodel. You want to have a remodel that improves your home and lasts a lifetime. For instance, don’t go with the first choice in flooring for cost- laminate for your kitchen may be more cost effective but it could hurt your remodel if you are putting stainless steel appliances and marble countertops in.

Weighing different flooring options, appliances, and paint colors takes time and Research. Consider making a Pinterest or Houzz account to gather ideas and research your choices. What do you want the main function of the room to be? What do you see for your remodel? Make sure you write a list of questions to ask yourself and ideas to compare before you begin your remodel project. It is very important to maximize space if you aren’t adding more square footage, think of ideas for areas that you really don’t use and see if you can have built-ins custom designed. If you are looking for contractors or architects to help, don’t be afraid to research them as well and ask for references.

Hiring a professional company is always smart on any scale remodel. Professional companies can help with all of the above and ensure you are making educated decisions that will benefit in the long run. You can bet you will get a schedule and budget break down before you sign any contracts. Designers and architects can assist you in building your dream home, and may even bring ideas to the table that you never thought of.

So before you jump into your next remodel, make a plan and do it right the first time.

Small Bathrooms with BIG design ideas

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. http://www.vintagetub.com/randolph-morris-freestanding-slipper-tub-no-faucet-drillings-rmocfs130.html?utm_id=IDAXX&gclid=CNqj8piovccCFQwyaQod-HkGZA. 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

Benefits and Beauty: Accordion Walls

Benefits and Beauty: Accordion Walls

Get more space without knocking down wall, just open up with custom Accordion Walls. Accordion walls are a series of individually operated panels along a track system that are designed for maximum space and flexibility. They can be arranged quickly, easily and efficiently. Accordion doors are suspended from an overhead track and provide instant space division whenever it's needed. To close the opening, just grab the handle on the lead post, walk the door across the opening, and latch into place. The custom walls are designed for the space and come in an array of materials and can be fit to any wall. Glass, frosted glass or wood – these walls can fit any décor style or room purpose, and you don’t have to open the whole wall of panels to use access the space. Most accordion walls have a single panel that can be opened and closed just as a regular door. Accordion walls are not limited to the house; they can be fitted into pool enclosures, garages, sheds and greenhouses. They can be arranged quickly, easily and efficiently. You don’t have to worry about security with these doors as they include a special locking device on each panel that makes breaking in more difficult than other doors.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/37559675/Sherman-Oaks-New-construction-modern-living-room-los-angeles

Homeowners love glass accordion walls in place of old sliding glass doors or French doors to a back yard patio. These custom walls can open up your kitchen to your back yard patio and be a great place to host parties, or open up your living room to your garden to give you a peaceful oasis. Accordion walls are not just a great feature to bring the outdoors into your home, but they can be added between any rooms in your home to add space and personality. A new way to use these accordion walls are between a master bed room and office turned nursery, or to separate your kids’ bedrooms. Accordion walls are custom measured and designed for each space they are desired. Installation takes anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, and can range in price up to $5,000 for the walls alone – depending on the size. You can increase the value of your home and size by having this amazing featured installed.

These walls are a real show stopper too! You can open the accordion walls to create one open floor space and then close them off to separate the space – in a blink of an eye!

Contact Spazio LA if you would like your home measured for Accordion Walls or would like help with your home remodeling needs.

Survive a 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.