Soft colors take over kitchens 2016

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

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

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

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

For other remodeling ideas, stay tuned to our blog.

Plan a great kid’s bedroom overhaul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Study Areas:

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

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

Rearrange the rooms:

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

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

Playing areas:

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

We will leave you with a few extra tips:

1. Plan for a few years ahead.

2. Plan for each of the kids bedroom activities.

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

The truth behind the valuable upgrade: Flooring

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

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

What we love about hardwood flooring:

-the value that it adds to the home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Countertops that won’t break the bank or schedule

Countertops that won’t break the bank or schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 Ideas for Pet-Friendly Floors

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

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

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

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

2. Try High-End Linoleum Tiles

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

3. Never Underestimate an Area Rug

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

4. Scratch-Proof the Stairs

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

5. Keep Furry Companions’ Claws Clipped

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

Increase property value when remodeling

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

Adding a Bathroom

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

Adding a Steel Entry Door

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

Adding an Outdoor Deck

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

Adding a Second Story

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

Adding New Windows

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

Adding To Your Kitchen

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

Redesigning Attic Space

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

Trends that will stick around for a while

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

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

Top 5 Reasons to Remodel

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

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

Forget what they told you, this is really how long a remodel takes

Forget what they told you, this is really how long a remodel takes The common misconception is that remodels have to take forever long and always drag on and on after numerous issues. The stuff you read online when you search, “how long does a remodel take?” is downright frightening.   Who would want to remodel their house after horror stories and a super long time line? We are going to break down the remodel myths and get you on the right track to remodel facts.

Let’s talk about remodel issues foremost. It is true what they say about issues, they can pop up at any time, but the key is having a great remodel team like Spazio LA, behind you to solve issues fast or prevent them in most cases. No remodel team can see the future, but there are some that are specialized in the industry and know what signs to look for to prevent failure.

Now let’s talk about how long a remodel takes. A good remodel can take anywhere from 1 month and up – all depending on the size and complexity of the remodel. You can’t give an average time estimate when no two remodels are the same. No two remodels will require the same materials, same design and have the same team running them – therefore there is no average number of days or months that a remodel takes. But, we can talk about our remodel experience and how long it took our experienced team to complete our Spazio LA design projects.

To give you an idea of how long a remodel takes, we would love to share our Culver City remodel with you. This remodel took 10 weeks to complete from the time demo started to the time we were able to showcase the finished project. We remodeled 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, two living rooms, an office and a laundry room. That's 11 rooms remodeled in 10 weeks, all thanks to great coordination and planning by our team of experts. Here are a few of the rooms, before and after remodel

This is Culver City kitchen before any remodel had taken place. You can see the layout of the kitchen is tight, and the existing color nor materials did it any justice. The design made the kitchen cramped and cut off from the rest of the house.

This is Culver City after a kitchen remodel! What an amazing difference without completely moving the kitchen. We created a larger kitchen by designing a small opening from the kitchen into the rest of the house and went with a two tone cabinet color scheme.

You can tell from these before images that the flooring material was used throughout the entire house, from kitchen and into the bathrooms. This Culver City bathroom went from outdated to...we you can see in the next image what we transformed it into. Hello beautiful! Now this is a remodel design that is bold and classy. Do not be afraid to use different floor materials in any of your remodel rooms.

Carpet may be one way to date a home, but it definitely is not child friendly. This living room needed a facelift if any room ever needed one.

Removing the carpet, and painting the walls a bold color gave this room a sleek style and focused attention toward the fireplace which was updated with a neutral color stone.

As you can tell from the few pictures we shared, beautiful remodels do not have to take forever and a day. To see the rest of this project and others just as perfect - check out our website.

Exterior remodeling guide 2016

Exterior remodeling guide 2016 We often focus solely on updating the inside of a home and leave the outside alone. However, the exterior is just as important to consider. Creating “curb appeal” is real estate language for making a good first impression. We drive out of our driveway every day and forget what we thought about our house the first time we saw it. When you bought your home, you definitely considered its curb appeal, or the potential of it. Giving a home an exterior facelift is an investment worth making. Your return on investment is the promise of increasing your home’s value, less maintenance with rot proof materials, cost saving efficiency, overall increased curb appeal and the enjoyment of your “new” home.

For many homes, just changing the front door would be a fantastic improvement to their homes exterior! It doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, updating the exterior can be far less complicated than redoing a kitchen. Follow a before and after plan and create a vision for what you hope to achieve with the changes to come. To simplify and streamline the process even further, use of an architectural rendering of your house with all of the proposed changes will make life easy. An architectural rendering is an wonderful way to help you visualize and know for sure you are getting the look you want and see what the final result will be. Most home remodeling companies should be able to offer you a 3D computer generated rendering prior to any project getting started to give you an idea of what the outcome will be.

Whether you know exactly how you want to update your home's curb appeal or you're still looking for ideas, you will most likely use pictures of homes on the Internet, pictures of homes in magazines, or pictures of homes in your neighborhood to help you determine the design you desire for your home. At Spazio LA, we strongly encourage our clients to use pictures to describe their desired new look for their home, because in remodeling, the old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" most definitely rings true. While we work closely with our clients to design a remodel that meets their wants, needs and their home's style, words alone never provide the confirmation that a picture can. Having a picture of desired new features, materials, styles and colors, ensures that both client and contractor share the same vision of the final outcome.

For instance with this particular exterior remodel we took our clients ideas and desires for their front entry way and created a 3D design to ensure that their vision and ours was meshing.

Making your bathroom safe for elderly and disabled

Making your bathroom safe for elderly and disabled This may not be obvious to you but the bathroom is one of the most dangerous places for those whom are aging or have disabilities. Spazio LA values the fact that everyone should be entitled to using the bathroom and showering with little to no assistance. We understand that without taking special consideration this may not be achievable. Let’s go over issues you may run into when designing this special bathroom.

Pay special attention to:

Door entrance clearance, height of countertops, toilet height, handrails, Light switches, sink and faucet heights, shower size and safety, and floor material and night lights. Non slip flooring should be used throughout the entire bathroom.

Keep the bathroom design simple and ultra-functional, this will limit difficulty and confusion. A note to limit clutter that could prevent a user from ease of function should be maintained and edges should be rounded for safety.

A standard wheel chair is 24-27in wide.

Wheelchair practical bathroom features

You should start with the basics of measurements when designing a bathroom that is handicap accessible and work your way up to the details. Remember that there should be non-slip flooring used, and the bathroom should have a min 60 inches of floor space.  If you are trying to accommodate someone whom is wheel chair bound you will need to ensure that the door way to enter the bathroom is a min of 36 inches to properly access the bathroom with a wheel chair. Showering can be made possible with roll up showers or barrier free showers for those in a wheel chair. These types of showers are floor level and allow the user to roll their chair directly into the shower; you can also install a permanent shower chair if desired.

Handles, hand rails should be at the level of the wheel chair user and you should install easy to use fixtures. Even using a standard toilet is a struggle when you are wheel chair bound, thus having a toilet that is adjustable to the desired height will eliminate the struggle to anyone with a disability and allow for the toilet to be easily accessed for someone without disabilities. Special toilets are designed for this reason, they are called toiletvators. 19 inches is the correct height for a wheel chair accessible toilet.

A sink should be built to the height of 34 inches and contain ample space below for a person to roll their wheel chair up to and reach the sink with ease. Sink faucets should be easy to turn on and off, you can get hand motion controlled and preset temperature faucets and soak dispensers if you worry about function or the chance of scalding.

For more information about handicap safe home design you can check out the ADA for guidelines.

If you or someone you know needs a special design for their home, you can contact us today!

Repair or replace your old deck?

Repair or replace your old deck? To repair or to replace your old deck is the question. Know when you can salvage what you have currently and know when it is better to scrap the deck and start fresh for your exterior. Loose boards and damaged wood can look like just a quick project from the surface – but you can run into more than you bargained for. Deck repair is a common exterior improvement project that adds value to your home and enjoyment to your outdoor living space. There are many reasons that decks may need repair, from structural to cosmetic. Many people try to repair their own decks, which can be an economical option if you have carpentry experience. If, however, you have little to no experience with carpentry, you will save money and time by hiring a contractor. This will ensure everything is done correctly, and your deck meets important safety guidelines and requirements so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Deck repair costs an average of $1,381 with many homeowners spending between $717 and $2,093. Although it requires an investment of time and money, it costs significantly less than replacement, as long as the deck is structurally intact and the wood is healthy. When your contractor inspects your deck, he or she will be able to tell you if it can be repaired or if you need to tear it out and start over. Here are some cost factors that play into the total cost of deck repair. Look for these signs that you will need to replace deck boards or potentially start fresh and build a new deck: Dry rot, mold or mildew, and termites.

Make sure your deck lasts this time around! To ensure that you don’t need to go through the whole process of repairing or replacing your  exterior deck again for the next few decades, make sure to properly clean and maintain it. It’s a good idea to set up a cleaning schedule to make sure your deck is getting the care it needs year-round. • Set aside time in the spring to give it a thorough wash, sweep and cleaning. Your contractor can recommend the best cleaner for your specific deck, which generally costs$10 to $30. Use the cleaner according to its specifications. For best results, choose a cloudy (but not rainy) day, so the sun won’t evaporate the cleaner. • Seal the deck in late spring, allowing two days for the task. During this step, replace any missing or popped nails and screws, and lightly sand the deck. • During summer, examine your deck for rot or mildew. Pay extra attention to the ledger, joists, posts and beams. • In the fall, set your deck up with a preventative maintenance plan. Sweep away debris and take care of any cleaning or sealing that you didn’t get around to in the spring. With this year-round plan, your deck will stay in great shape for years to come.

DIY Exterior projects award worthy

DIY Exterior projects award worthy Bringing that camping fire or bon fire feel to your backyard is easy. Exterior projects like DIY Fire Pits have grown ever more popular with most time being spent at home, and as outdoor fireplaces can run you in the upwards of $10,000. No matter if you are looking for an easy fire pit project or a more professional looking fire pit – your homes exterior is covered here. Fire pits can be created to be permanent or portable - this of this before designing. The no effort solution to your fire pit desires is attainable in a few steps. 1. Find a desired spot in your yard (10 feet from your home or a neighbor's home) and make level. 2. Purchase a fire pit (or DIY a fire pit) and seating. 3. Set up and enjoy! It’s as easy as that, seriously. But, if you are still scratching your head on number don’t fret. Poured concrete slabs are a great place to set up shop and land your fire pit site, but not the only place you can opt for. Great fire pit areas have been created by simply leveling the ground and pouring sand or going to the extreme of building a deck. Image credit: Jason Ellison This fire pit with built in seating is a great transition and use of the adjoined deck. Placing the deck above ground the designer was able to continue the deck and build custom seating for the fire pit. Image credit: HGTV Yard Takeovers

If you are looking for a more defined exterior fire pit you can contact a professional to design and build a custom fire pit. For safety - permanent seating or chairs should be 2 feet from an open flame. Wood burning, gas or even electric fire pits can be installed for a beautiful ambiance. This custom patio features a built in fire pit and seamless exterior design. Image credit: Scott Cohen Custom fire pits can be designed to have permanent bench seating and/or accent lighting. If you can dream it, it can be built to accentuate your home. Exterior design should not be overlooked when trying to upgrade your home or make it more comfortable. Safety tips to keep in mind when utilizing your newly designed fire pit: 1. A fire of any kind-small or roaring big-demands serious attention to safety. 2. Check wind direction before you light a fire 3. Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc) to light or relight fires 4. Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fit clothing 5. Avoid using soft woods like pine or cedar, because they can “pop” and throw sparks. 6. Know how to safely dispose of ashes

Your backyard design style finder made simple

Your backyard design style finder made simple This is California after all; we have the best weather around but like many you need to make the most of our outdoor spaces. You may cringe if I tell you describe the current state of your home’s exterior, so I will ask you to tell me what you dream for it to look like. Are you dreaming of a picture perfect pool alongside a massive outdoor kitchen, a Zen garden and water fountain to meditate in or lush paradise that reminds you of your favorite vacation? Small or large outdoor spaces can be made simple. Tip, tricks and inspiration to help you figure out what your backyard style is:

Design style: Modern with a chef flare

This large poolside, covered patio boasts a builtin BBQ and cooking area. This is a great way to spruce up your exterior and entertain in comfort. Modern concept of outdoor kitchen designs features almost everything that a regular kitchen has, but in a compact manner.Taking ideas from holiday resorts, an outdoor kitchen concept for homes may also accommodate a bar and a classy fireplace. To talk about functionality, a complete outdoor kitchen can be equipped with pergola, BBQ grill, refrigeration and enough storage.

Design style: Kid Friendly and Compact This outdoor space is perfectly arranged to give the adults a space to grill and chat while the kids have a space to call their own. Using multi-levels breaks up a small yard and makes it appear larger with more functionality.

Design style: Complementary Modern Using the multi-levels in this great back yard the home owner took one flat lot and created a fun outdoor space to enjoy. The small areas of grass and vegetation make this yard low on the list to keep up with yet add that pop of fresh plants that it needs to feel like a backyard getaway. Living in a tight space? Use tall, and thick plants as a natural screen to give you extra privacy.

Design style: Contemporary Clean and cutting edge design does not have to stop inside the door of your home. This yard is almost no maintenance, and includes a great water feature. Do not be afraid to add luxe furniture and pops of art to your patio or outdoor space.

If you didn't find your perfect backyard style here today, drop us a comment and tell us what your perfect outdoor space looks like.

Maximize your curb appeal: Updated!

Maximize your curb appeal: Updated! Driving through Los Angeles neighborhoods and any like neighborhoods you will notice houses that can use a little sprucing up. We spend some much time on the inside of our homes that we forget when the outside needs attention. Curb appeal is important no matter if your home is on the market or not. Maybe you have just neglected the outside as you don’t have the time or budget to vamp it up. Exterior design is one of our specialties. Here are our top 1 day & 3 day projects, updated, that range in price, pick the one that best suits your needs and give it a try.

1 day Curb Appeal Projects

• Dress up your front door – try adding some paint to fancy your entry way. Try a bright color like red to really make a statement.
• Replace old hardware with new complimentary hardware – For instance replace your house numbers, door locks, mailbox and lighting with new designs.
• Create symmetry by placing even lights or plants on either side of the door or walkway. The eye will always be drawn to misplaced or uneven objects, give your home the symmetry it needs.
• Install outdoor lights along the walkway or driveway – you can even purchase solar powered lights to be eco-friendly.
• Renew planter beds – cutting away the dead plants will help give more life to the plants you have left. Nothing screams uncared for than dead plants and yards lacking maintenance.
• Replace gutters and downpours – At least check to make sure your existing ones are still attached to the house.
• Build window boxes! The flowers will give your home a flash of fresh color and a pop your window needs.
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• Create a walkway to your front door, if you don’t have one already. Use materials for under $50, like using stone forms and pouring concrete.
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• Wash your house – yes pressure wash your home and you may get the same result as you would if you repainted. Most homes can be pressure washed, but check your exterior to determine if this is right for you.
• Give your garage doors a fresh coat of paint. Garage doors get neglected over time, freshen them up to give them a facelift they deserve.

• This may sound silly – but mow your lawn. Simple lawn care goes a long way when dealing with curb appeal and exterior design.
• Add patio furniture to your exterior for a fast look within minutes.
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There are many more projects that will take less than a day to complete and will really add that extra oomph your home needs.

3 day Curb Appeal Projects

These few projects will take more than a day to complete and may require some professional help, though they will be more than enjoyable in the end.

•  Renew paint, siding, and trim – Give your house a facelift with a new paint job. Dated and fading exterior paint may be holding your house back from rocking the appealing side. Look into paint colors that will accentuate your home. Choosing a color that is really loud may not be such a great idea either.
• Add shutters or accent trim – it’s the little details that really show you care. Exterior shutters can be hung and painted to accent your homes color and charm.
• Dress up the driveway – a new drive way is worth a thousand words. Make the drive way the grand entrance with new concrete or stone. Even adding lighted columns at the bottom of the driveway can make your house a big deal on the block.
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• Add a porch or portico – Creating more for the eye to look out is very beneficial. Not only will this added feature be something nice to look at, you and your family can benefit from it as well. Try adding a pergola to an existing porch or adding a portico to your front entry way.
• Hardscape and water features – The newest craze if showing off your water features in your front yard versus your back yard now. Contact a remodeling and design company to give your front yard a hardscape and possibly a water feature that is top of town.
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• Last but not least – adding stone veneers or slate tiles to the exterior walls can really add the look of luxury and elegance for a low price.

No matter what project or projects you decide to try, never forget that the outside of your home needs as much attention as the inside. For all of your remodel and design needs, you can contact us for your free estimate. 1.877.642.7772

Kick up your exterior to top notch !

Kick up your exterior to top notch ! curb ap·peal

NOUN

1. the attractiveness of a property and its surroundings when viewed from the street:

"landscaping, the front entrance, and the condition of the paint or siding are the biggest factors in curb appeal"

“Driving through Los Angeles neighborhoods and any like neighborhoods you will notice houses that can use a little sprucing up. We spend some much time on the inside of our homes that we forget when the outside needs attention. Curb appeal is important no matter if your home is on the market or not. Maybe you have just neglected the outside as you don’t have the time or budget to vamp it up.” Stop neglecting the exterior of your home! Exterior design and remodel is just as important as the kitchen remodel, you just may not know it.

Exterior remodel and exterior design can add value to your home in the upward tens of thousands of dollars. You may have not noticed that your curb appeal is downright lacking in the curb appeal game, but we have and we are here to help.

First we need to talk about a few Exterior materials that can be used on your home:

1. Wood siding

2. Stone veneer

3. Stucco

4. Metal siding

5. Brick

Stucco can be seen in many different colors and textures:

With all the options of exterior materials for your home, we have to include this detailed gallery to give you a better idea of what it looks like on a home.

This Los Angeles modern home makes a very bold "curb appeal" statement with a mix of stucco and wood siding. Clean lines and minimal landscape design give this exterior something to be proud of.

This Spanish style cottage in LA gives the front entrance a tropical feel with stucco and an authentic tile door way.

A traditional Los Angeles home is tucked behind a white picket fence to showcase wood siding exterior and a faux balcony. Stone pillars connect this crisp fence and gated driveway.

This screams mid century meets contemporary exterior for the new crowd of Los Angeles. IPE siding and cement create this beauty.

Modern Spazio LA design showcasing cement, IPE fencing and siding - such a show stopper! This house's curb appeal has the neighbors green with envy.

Exterior design and deck living made lavish

Exterior design and deck living With the way things are in the economy it is no wonder why homeowners are trying to make their homes as comfortable as possible, this is where we spend most of our time outside of work. As homeowners look to enhance their outdoor living space with outdoor amenities like kitchens, fireplaces, furnished living rooms and spas, the deck continues to be a major design factor in new home construction. What better way to enjoy all the same great amenities you have inside your home than by designing a stylish and functional outdoor living space on a customized deck. Exterior design is something that you should not forget about.

Here are some of the latest trends in decks that can help you create an exciting backyard retreat:

The biggest trend in decks right now is increasing the square footage. Homeowners that were once satisfied with a 20 x 10 foot deck for a grill and some patio furniture now want a deck design that rivals their homes square footage. You'll find many larger homes are being designed with a multilevel deck for different functions like an outdoor kitchen or sun deck and spa. Many designs use pergolas and walls to add privacy and lots of built-ins for extra seating, storage and more.

With all the latest products available for outdoor lighting, appliances, fireplaces and pits, homeowners are extending their outdoor living well past the spring and summer. Where temperature is not such an issue, people are designing their decks as an addition to their home, including folding Nana walls. Gone are the tiki torches and candles, today's low-voltage lighting is much more sophisticated and can be wired into the steps and posts of your deck to extend the time you spend outdoors and create ambiance.

A big trend is creating an outdoor kitchen that has all the amenities of its indoor counterparts like a grill or cooktop surface, cabinets, countertops, refrigerators and sinks. Outdoor furniture has taken on a whole new look with tables and chairs being constructed of weather-resistant materials that mimic the look of lavish interior furniture.

With so many options available, homeowners are literally creating an outdoor home where the deck is the focal point for adding a kitchen, dining room, living room, spa and even an entertainment area. The only limitation with designing your new deck is your imagination and budget.

Interior Decorating made easy: Choosing a Focal Point

Interior Decorating made easy: Choosing a Focal Point There is no Interior Decorator Rule Book that designers have or hand out to the rest of us normal home owners that are looking to get their house decorated like the magazines. If you are like most, you have seen these great images of breath taking home décor and you want to replicate it or get your own style. It becomes too obvious that this is harder to accomplish than we think. You wanted that bold look or something to pop and draw in attention; you want a great Focal Point.

A great designer once said, “Don’t ask everything to have a leading role; it will just result in visual noise.” There are main cast members and supporting roles in every movie, this goes the same way for great designs and interior decorating. You must choose your star and have all of your other décor items there only for support.

Your focal point can be a dramatic hood in the kitchen, a large clawfoot tub in the bathroom, or a piece of art in your main living room. No matter what you choose, you have to understand that this is your main focal point, the star of the show an all the other elements are just there. Have a look at this gallery of Focal Points and gather ideas to take to your Interior Decorator.

The focal point in this Victorian inspired bathroom is most certainly the porcelain vanity and large mirror.

Over sized eclectic artwork draws the eye and adds that pop of color creating the focal point of this room.

When you move furniture and decor around it changes the dynamic and focal point of any room, with this custom stone fireplace the focal point remains the same.

A focal point does not have to necessarily be decor - your attention is instantly drawn to the coffered ceiling in this design.

Budget friendly is this hallway focal point to say the least. Interior decor doesn't have to break the bank. If over sized art is out of budget, opt for the DIY photo or mirror collage as your focal point.

Creating a fabulous focal point in any room is a great way to re-energize a space, and creating a focal point can usually be done by anyone.  Creating a focal point is also a great way to take the focus off of the less attractive features of a room. If you have any great ideas to add to this please leave a comment below.

Indoor Outdoor Room Design

Indoor Outdoor Room Design Having the luxuries of the indoors mixed with the space of the outdoors, this is the key in creating the perfect indoor outdoor room. With the help of lush furniture, great accessories and retractable walls this is one experience that every homeowner can have. A kitchen that open up to your patio, an outdoor kitchen that open up to your living room, a master bedroom private garden - the possibilities are endless. Take a look at the indoor outdoor gallery and gather ideas for your own personal indoor outdoor room experience.

This brick exterior house is injected with outdoor living rooms tucked between its trio of volumes, extending traditional living into outdoor entertaining areas.

This is the perfect indoor outdoor room with perfect amenities like a flat screen tv safe in the transition space and high end furniture and rugs.

Double-height glass doors slide back to open up an entire facade of this house to the back yard and pool by architect Pitsou Kedem.

Amazing sliding glass doors allowing you to open up the space, connecting the outdoors with the house in one easy step.

The range consists of beautiful, easy to install systems, including options for wall or ceiling mount sliding glass doors with or without fixed panels.

The sliding exterior glass walls also open up the house to the outdoors, extending living locations well beyond its walls.

Contact us today to get your custom indoor outdoor room design. 1.877.624.7772

Decorating Small Bathrooms

So many people are into the DIY remodeling mode these days. Just look around if you have cable and you will be able to see program after program dedicated to remodeling the home. There are even channels out there that have nothing but remodeling advice. Many of the programs are niche related programs that deal with how to remodel bathrooms or kitchens or basements. Well, once you remodel these rooms you will eventually have to accessorize. But how do you do that? Don’t Over Do it

The key to remodeling and accessorizing small bathrooms is to not over do it when you are planning on filling the space with different items, and large items at that.  You want to have just enough accessories in there that are needed but not too many these that will just end up cluttering the space. Here are a few items that may look great in a small bathroom, that you probably never thought about. Remember to keep it simple, avoid clutter, add personality and save space. Some accessories to help you do this are:

Paper Towel Holder

You always want to make sure that you have the nice and expensive hand towels that are just for display but you have to remember that people will need to dry their hands after washing them. Fir this you will need a paper towel holder to dispense disposable hand towels. This type of accessory can be screwed into the wall or just rest on the counter top. They actually make very decorative paper towel holders that rest on the counter top these days. They are much better suited if you are going for a certain style or decor in your bathroom. The paper towel holders that are screwed into the wall are sort of a thing of the past.

Tooth Brush Holder Sets

These types of sets can also be very decorative, even if they don’t contain tooth brushes at all. For example, if you were going for a nice seasonal theme such as winter or fall, you can probably find a nice tooth brush holder set that will match these themes. Pair these with your soap dishes, makeup storage and things of that nature and your counter top is set.

Small Pictures and Mirrors

It is always a good idea to include pictures and mirrors on the wall of your small bathrooms. This is a way for you to show off your personality a little and give the room some life. This is also a way to incorporate more theme type items into the room.

You can create a one of a kind bathroom no matter the square footage.