Eco Friendly Upgrades that really make a difference

Eco Friendly Upgrades that really make a difference Remodeling your home can feel great as you get a fresh start and get to fix all the issues that bother you, but then you worry about how much wasted materials there are and the cost of remodeling, and the energy and water waste. Fortunately for you there are ways to remodel to make you planet and your own health better. Well planned Green remodels can save you money every month on utility bills. Green remodels can even be financed with easy payment options and NO credit check.

Let go over the basics so you can get a better idea why green remodels are so important to the environment.

The average household uses 350 gallons of water every day – this goes to you toilet, shower, faucet, laundry, and leaks. That amounts to 127,400 gallons per year for every house.

Water wasted from leaks: 30 gallons – 4,000 gallons per day

Water wasted from older toilets: 18 liters per flush

Here are a few of the most common remodeling projects, along with some specific advice on what you can do to make them eco-friendly.

Remodeling a Kitchen

Kitchens are high on most home remodelers' wish lists. If you're remodeling yours, here are some ideas for making it green:

• Choose Energy Star rated appliances, which will use less energy and often don't cost more. Check with your utility company, too: you may get a rebate on your purchase. And federal tax credits are sometimes made available, as also described on the Energy Star website.

• Put in formaldehyde-free cabinetry to avoid releasing environmental toxins. Better yet, go for wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which will be sustainably harvested.
• Install a beautiful alternative to granite: recycled-content countertops, incorporating glass, paper, cork, or other materials.
• Get a water filter instead of buying bottled water.
• Take advantage of natural light with well-placed windows, skylights, or sun tunnels.
• Keep the refrigerator out of the sunlight and away from the oven, where it gets hot and must work harder.

Remodeling a Bathroom

Bathrooms are another place where remodelers have plenty of opportunity to make wise choices. Eco-friendly ideas include:

• Replace toilets with low-flow models.

Together we can make a big difference, one house at at time. Go Green

Counter tops good for the environment! #GoGreen

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

Go bold: go ecofriendly!

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

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

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

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

Luxury isn’t just a large home anymore

Luxury isn’t just a large home It takes more these days than just a large home, to define the true meaning of luxury.  And Luxury homes are popping up all over the Los Angeles remodel scene. The word luxury brings to mind plenty of conveniences such as, pools, bathrooms with built in towel warmers, in-home gyms that include the newest equipment, backyard tennis courts, game rooms, and fully-stocked kitchens with warming drawers and wine cellars? But what are the items that luxury home buyers want the most?  What is a luxury homebuyer looking for when shopping for their new abode? How can you make your home as luxurious as possible during your next remodel?

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

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

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

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

HERO Financing helps homeowners become more Eco-friendly

HERO Financing helps homeowners become more Eco-friendly You are fully aware that your energy bill is too high and that your home is not water efficient, but you just can’t afford the eco-friendly remodel you need. At least not until now, we are here to introduce the HERO program.

HERO, Home Energy Renovation Opportunity, is the number one efficiency program in the U.S. Offering 100% financing on the cost and installation of all eligible products at a low fixed rate, and with flexible payment terms. Spazio LA has partnered with the HERO Program because we want to make a difference with water and energy consumption. In our efforts to protect the resources we currently have, we are now offering homeowners this great opportunity.

What does the HERO program mean to Spazio LA?

Our participation in the HERO program means homeowners will be able to afford remodels and renovations in Los Angeles and all counties active in the program. Thousands of people will be able to make a difference in the effort to save energy, water and use renewable resources. Thousands of people will be able to afford to renovate and save money every single month on utility bills. We have gone through rigorous through test and inspections to become a qualified HERO participant, just to show you how important this program is to us here at Spazio LA.

This means that more homes will be equipped with water efficient toilets, faucets, and shower heads. More homes will have the luxury of proper heating and air conditioning that will also save energy, and more homes will use the power of solar to heat their pools and water tanks. Saving money on your monthly bills is real, and we are happy to help.

How does the HERO program work?

The program offers 100% financing, also the payments are made directly through the homeowner’s property taxes, as often as you make the property tax payment – not monthly. The financing can be carried for 5-20 year terms.  Since the financing is paid into the property, 100% of the cost of the remodel is tax deductible.

HERO offers financing in over 50 product categories including, but not limited to:

1. Exterior doors and windows

2. Central Air, Mini Split Heat & Air

3. Attic insulation

4. Ventilation Fans

5. Furnace

6. Solar panels

The list goes on; there are numerous eco-friendly upgrades that are 100% covered by the HERO Program. If there isn’t a product on the list that you are interested in, you can call the HERO Program to talk to a specialist to see if the product will qualify. https://www.heroprogram.com/products

Contact Spazio LA today to see if the HERO program will work for your remodel. 1-877-624-7772

Energy Efficient Remodels: It's Time To Go Green!

Energy Efficient Remodels: Go Green!

News headlines today about energy range from home solar panels and homes that generate their own power, homes that are energy independent and recycle rain water for personal use.

You don’t have to go to extreme to be energy efficient, but making changes to your home can help save more energy AND money.

No time is better than during a remodel to make your home energy efficient. The definition of energy efficient is doing more with less power. We aren’t asking you to have a time period where you shut down the lights in your home every day; there will be no walking around with candles bumping into furniture. We are asking you to look deeper and see what other options you have to save energy while living comfortably. Who doesn’t want to see their utility bills cut down by nearly 20-40% every month?

Insulated walls and attic – If your home is not well insulated the rate of heat escaping your house during the winter and entering your home during the summer will be increased. Thus meaning you will be paying more for heating and cooling your house and wasting money. A properly insulated home will stay cooler in the summer and remain warmer during cold months.

Light bulbs- Upgrading traditional light bulbs to LEDs or CFLs light bulbs can save 25-80% energy used and last 25 times longer. If you change out light bulbs not only do you save energy but you will have to replace light bulbs less often.  Changing light bulbs may seem like a minor detail and is often missed when doing home remodeling, but any penny saved counts.

Windows- Ensure your windows are not single glazed and up to par to keep your home the right temperature. Single paned windows should be replaced to cut your air conditioning and heating bill down by 24%. Weather stripping around windows should not be cracked or leaking.

Appliances and Central Air Systems- Having two refrigerators and three deep freezers are a need or a want? If you have any old appliances that you don’t absolutely need or use to its full advantage; recycle them. New energy efficient appliances today are built and designed to save energy without sacrificing style or function. Setting your central air system to a heat and cool point can help regulate room temperature and save energy by turning on only when needed.

Updating furnace- Check the date your furnace was installed. If it was installed before 1992 research shows that it wastes 35% fuel that is uses. Have your furnace inspected for fuel utilization efficiency before you replace it.

Water heater efficiency- Start with checking the water temp setting, it should be turned down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Who takes a scolding shower anyway? By lowering the temperature on your water heater you aren’t making your water heater work harder for no reason, thus saving energy. Another way to save energy is have your water pipes insulated so that they stay warmer longer in between uses. Professional contractors can install a special pump to work on demand and save water heating energy.

Landscaping- Don’t forget about the outside. To lower the heat radiating into your home from the outdoors have shrubs and plants planted around your house. This adds as shade to your home and also a block to the heat. You can add plants that are low maintenance so that you are saving water also.

There are some simple and then more complex ways to make your home remodel more energy efficient.

Consult with a professional to ensure you are making the most out of your energy use.

Did your flooring kill the value of your home?

Did your flooring kill the value of your home? 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.

Bathroom remodel tips to keep your project afloat

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

BUDGET

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

DESIGN

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

EXTRAS

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

Kitchen trends you need to know about

Good news for remodel goers this year,  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.

Flooring options made to reduce your headache

Pros and Cons of Flooring Options to help stop a flooring headache When remodeling your home you may feel overwhelmed with the many choices of Flooring Options. And there are many options! You may want to consider a few things before you lay down that floor solely because it looks good.

Spazio LA will break down the options and factors that will help you make the right choice.

Things to consider when doing your flooring are:

1. Cleaning and Durability:

If you have pets and kids you may want to consider an option that is easy to clean. Choosing an option that will hold up to traffic and accidents is important.

2. Cost and Value:

It is important to consider the quality of the flooring and the value for your money. You don’t want to throw away money to replace a floor that you had remodeled only a few years back because you went with a cheaper option.  Also, installing quality flooring adds value to your home for years to come.

3. Location, Location, Location:

The ideal flooring can change based on where you are installing it as well. Rooms used more often will require durable flooring. Bathrooms will require flooring that is moisture and water resistant- and safe! Some flooring options and the way it is installed can make an area look larger, or smaller. You want durable flooring in a kids rooms but it needs to be safe and warm also.

Here we lay out the pros and cons of only a few different flooring options. Never the less if you are in doubt call a professional to help you with your home remodeling needs.

Pros & Cons

Carpet

Pros -Carpet can act like another layer of insulation and help keep cold or warm drafts from seeping through the floor.

-It goes without saying that carpet is always going to be the softest of any type of flooring. -Carpet helps to reduce sound and noises from one floor to the next. Cons -Regular vacuuming is needed (every one to two days for high traffic areas) frequently. Spills need to be removed immediately to prevent staining and liquid to seep deep into fibers to cause mold and mildew.

Hardwood

Pros -An upgrade to hardwood floors will add a lot of value to your home. -Hardwood floors are easy to care for by sweeping or vacuuming them daily and wiping them with an approved wood cleaner. -There are many different types of woods, stains and plank sizes to choose from.

Cons

-Every step that is taken on wood floors can be heard. Not to mention, furry friends can slip and slide because their padded feet can’t grip the shiny, smooth surface.

Laminate

Pros -The protective layer on laminate helps protect it from something that would normally stain easily. -Vacuum away loose dirt and debris and mop with a damp mop.

Cons                                                                                                                                                                     -Laminate may look like hardwood, but doesn’t have the value like hardwood. -Laminate flooring is easily dented. Laminate flooring cannot be sanded or refinished. Areas with large scratches or gouges need to be replaced with new laminate flooring.

Tile – Ceramic/Stone/Porcelain

Pros -Easy, fast clean up – and great for high traffic.

-Adds a clean and elegant finish to a room.

- Nontoxic and great for those who suffer allergies as it doesn’t harbor allergens.

Cons -Not a good insulator for heat.

-Dangerous when wet!

-Tiles can crack and need to be replaced.

Replacing your cabinets may not be the only choice you have

Should you resurface your cabinets or replace?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bathroom remodel nightmares that you can avoid

5 Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes and get a dream bathroom like our master spa retreat:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To get help with your remodel, contact us today!

Spanish speaking homes are the hot new trend

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

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

Spanish-style homes often use leather and Mission-style dark, distressed wood furnishings. Some common dark wood choices include mahogany, walnut, ebony, butternut, teak and rosewood. Traditional furniture provides a complementary contrast to a Spanish-style home’s soft arches and whimsical architectural elements such as carved wood panels. Choose leather armchairs with straight backs, heavy wooden benches and wood chairs upholstered in woven cotton fabrics. Another element of traditional Spanish style homes are wrought iron work. Wrought iron can be found in almost every room, light fixtures, sconces and stair railings. If you are going for the authentic Mexican style entry hall, include a long wooden bench, bright color paint and accents and wrought iron detail.

The Spanish style interior would not be complete without Talavera tiles, or painted tiles as most know them.  Mexican Talavera Tile has its origins in 17th century Mexico with the arrival of Spaniards, who introduced new methods of tile and pottery making. The name Talavera was given to this new form of ceramics to honor the Spanish craftsmen, who were from the town of Talavera DeLa Reina Spain, and introduced the new industry to Mexico. Talavera De La Reina, Spain is a city which has a reputation for its exquisite ceramic pottery and tile. Talavera tiles can be found in Spanish Style homes’ bathrooms, kitchens and as accent around stucco fireplaces.

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

Get rid of your frumpy bedroom with these DIY tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchen and bathroom remodel in Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks is a city in southeastern Ventura County, California, United States. It is in the northwestern part of the Greater Los Angeles Area, approximately 35 miles from Downtown Los Angeles and is less than 15 mi from the Los Angeles city neighborhood of Woodland Hills. It was named after the many oak trees that grow in the area, and the city seal is adorned with an oak.

Spazio LA is a design and build firm that provides full services to the most sophisticated clients.  Spazio LA specializes in complete kitchen, bathroom and home remodeling.  In addition, Spazio LA’s team is highly experienced in new construction, room additions and exterior remodeling, including landscape and hard-scape.  Spazio LA received the 2015 service award from houzz.com for our great designs and services provided to some of the most exclusive homes in Thousand Oaks, CA.  In addition, Spazio LA boasts from all our clients’ great reviews on our yelp.com page.  If you live in Thousand Oaks, and you need a kitchen or bathroom remodel that includes award winning designers and high end craftsmanship, call us for a complimentary home design meeting.  Finally, our clients can also find us on Angie’s List.com

Kitchen and bathroom remodel in Westchester

 

Westchester is a neighborhood that straddles Los Angeles and the Westside Region of Los Angeles County, California. The neighborhood is part of the city of Los Angeles and is known for its secluded character.

Spazio LA is a design and build firm that provides full services to the most sophisticated clients.  Spazio LA specializes in complete kitchen, bathroom and home remodeling.  In addition, Spazio LA’s team is highly experienced in new construction, room additions and exterior remodeling, including landscape and hard-scape.  Spazio LA received the 2015 service award from houzz.com for our great designs and services provided to some of the most exclusive homes in Westchester, CA.  In addition, Spazio LA boasts from all our clients’ great reviews on our yelp.com page.  If you live in Westchester, and you need a kitchen or bathroom remodel that includes award winning designers and high end craftsmanship, call us for a complimentary home design meeting.  Finally, our clients can also find us on Angie’s List.com

Kitchen and bathroom remodel in Pacific Palisades

 

Pacific Palisades is a coastal neighborhood in the Westside of the city of Los Angeles, California, located among Brentwood to the east, Malibu and Topanga to the west, Santa Monica to the southeast, the Santa Monica Bay to the southwest, and the Santa Monica Mountains to the north. The area currently has about 27,000 residents. It is primarily a residential area, with a mixture of large private homes, small houses, condominiums, and apartments. Every Fourth of July, the community's Chamber of Commerce sponsors day-long events which include 5K and 10K runs, a parade down Sunset Boulevard, and a fireworks display at Palisades High School football field. The district also includes some large parklands and many hiking trails.

Spazio LA is a design and build firm that provides full services to the most sophisticated clients.  Spazio LA specializes in complete kitchen, bathroom and home remodeling.  In addition, Spazio LA’s team is highly experienced in new construction, room additions and exterior remodeling, including landscape and hard-scape.  Spazio LA received the 2015 service award from houzz.com for our great designs and services provided to some of the most exclusive homes in Pacific Palisades, CA.  In addition, Spazio LA boasts from all our clients’ great reviews on our yelp.com page.  If you live in Pacific Palisades and you need a kitchen or bathroom remodel that includes award winning designers and high end craftsmanship, call us for a complimentary home design meeting.  Finally, our clients can also find us on Angie’s List.com

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling Culver City

Culver City is a city in Los Angeles County, California. The city was named after its founder, Harry Culver.^[9] As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 38,883. It is mostly surrounded by the city of Los Angeles, but also shares a border with unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Over the years, considering its incorporated status, over forty annexations of adjoining areas have occurred. As a result, the city now comprises approximately five square miles.

Since the 1920s, Culver City has been a significant center for motion picture and later television production, best known as the home of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. It was also the headquarters for the Hughes Aircraft Company from 1932 to 1985. National Public Radio West and Sony Pictures Entertainment have headquarters in the city. The NFL Network studio is also based in Culver City.

Spazio LA is a design and build firm that provides full services to the most sophisticated clients.  Spazio LA specializes in complete kitchen, bathroom and home remodeling.  In addition, Spazio LA’s team is highly experienced in new construction, room additions and exterior remodeling, including landscape and hard-scape.  Spazio LA received the 2015 service award from houzz.com for our great designs and services provided to some of the most exclusive homes in Culver City, CA.  In addition, Spazio LA boasts from all our clients’ great reviews on our yelp.com page.  If you live in Culver City, and you need a kitchen or bathroom remodel that includes award winning designers and high end craftsmanship, call us for a complimentary home design meeting.  Finally, our clients can also find us on Angie’s List.com

Kitchen and bathroom remodel in Eagle Park

 

Spazio LA is a design and build firm that provides full services to the most sophisticated clients.  Spazio LA specializes in complete kitchen, bathroom and home remodeling.  In addition, Spazio LA’s team is highly experienced in new construction, room additions and exterior remodeling, including landscape and hard-scape.  Spazio LA received the 2015 service award from houzz.com for our great designs and services provided to some of the most exclusive homes in Eagle Park, CA.  In addition, Spazio LA boasts from all our clients’ great reviews on our yelp.com page.  If you live in Eagle Park, and you need a kitchen or bathroom remodel that includes award winning designers and high end craftsmanship, call us for a complimentary home design meeting.  Finally, our clients can also find us on Angie’s List.com

Kitchen and bathroom remodel in Agoura Hills

Agoura Hills is a city in Los Angeles County, California. Its population was estimated to be at 20,843 in 2014, up from 20,537 at the 2000 census. It is in the eastern Conejo Valley between the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains. The city is on the border between the county of Los Angeles to the east, west and south and Ventura County to the north. It is about 30 miles northwest of Downtown Los Angeles and less than 10 miles west of the Los Angeles City limits. Agoura Hills and unincorporated Agoura sit next to Calabasas, Oak Park, and Westlake Village.

Spazio LA is a design and build firm that provides full services to the most sophisticated clients.  Spazio LA specializes in complete kitchen, bathroom and home remodeling.  In addition, Spazio LA’s team is highly experienced in new construction, room additions and exterior remodeling, including landscape and hard-scape.  Spazio LA received the 2015 service award from houzz.com for our great designs and services provided to some of the most exclusive homes in Agoura Hills, CA.  In addition, Spazio LA boasts from all our clients’ great reviews on our yelp.com page.  If you live in Agoura Hills, and you need a kitchen or bathroom remodel that includes award winning designers and high end craftsmanship, call us for a complimentary home design meeting.  Finally, our clients can also find us on Angie’s List.com

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling Altadena

Altadena is an unincorporated area and census-designated place in Los Angeles County, California, United States, approximately 14 miles from the downtown Los Angeles Civic Center, and directly north of the city of Pasadena, California. The population was 42,777 at the 2010 census, up from 42,610 at the 2000 census.

Spazio LA is a design and build firm that provides full services to the most sophisticated clients.  Spazio LA specializes in complete kitchen, bathroom and home remodeling.  In addition, Spazio LA’s team is highly experienced in new construction, room additions and exterior remodeling, including landscape and hard-scape.  Spazio LA received the 2015 service award from houzz.com for our great designs and services provided to some of the most exclusive homes in Altadena, CA.  In addition, Spazio LA boasts from all our clients’ great reviews on our yelp.com page.  If you live in Altadena, and you need a kitchen or bathroom remodel that includes award winning designers and high end craftsmanship, call us for a complimentary home design meeting.  Finally, our clients can also find us on Angie’s List.com