Decorating Your Home for Spring: What Are the Contemporary Trends?

Decorating Your Home for Spring: What Are the Contemporary Trends?  

If you’ve finished your spring cleaning this year and are ready for some interior revamping, here are some great ideas to consider when it comes to further freshening up your home. Whether you’re going for a total interior overhaul or just seeking to brighten up a space, look no further for this spring’s current trends.

Watercolor Florals

A new take on outdated floral patterns, watercolor florals incorporate fresh spring colors with larger scale designs. Add splashes of color to a room by giving this trend a try with throws, pillows, or new curtains for the windows. Go bold with bright colors, or employ romantic pastels like lavender, slate grey, soft green, and orchid pink for a gentler look and feel.

Indoor Vines

Sometimes a few new plants can breathe life into any room without having to make any other major changes. Climbing vines that naturally weave around shelving or hang becomingly from creative wall planters are surging in popularity this spring. An added benefit? These plants serve to purify indoor air, as well.

Metallics

Metallic accents, particularly when mixed with glass or ceramics, are showing up everywhere this spring - from plates and glasses to terrariums to bar carts. Copper in particular is a trend that’s going strong throughout the year. If you happen to be undertaking kitchen remodeling this spring, consider copper light fixtures for on-trend glimmer. Lower budget projects can embody this trend too with the DIY use of a little metallic spray paint.

Heated floors

This trend is popping up in spring but will serve you and your family year-round. Surprisingly, heated floors use less energy than other means of heating and are an efficient way to heat up the entire home. Enjoy them as the spring chill fades and again when autumn rolls around. Talk to your Los Angeles remodeling contractor about how to best implement this energy-saving trend in your home.

Marble

This classic aesthetic is known for its elegance and durability. Use marble as a lovely countertop material when remodeling your kitchen. Or, use marble print wallpaper to line your walls; a surprising trend that lends itself to a classically soft, clean look in any space.

Navy Blue

This deep hue may not seem like a spring color, but when paired with classic white it offers a fresh look that’s perfect for every season. Consider reupholstering a piece of furniture with navy fabric, or painting a well-lit wall for a modern twist.

Texture

From chunky knits to tassels, texture is a spring trend that doesn’t just apply to fashion. Mixing fabrics and textures indoors is a fantastic way to make a room look and feel more inviting and comfortable. Easy ways to implement this trend? Mix pillows of different fabrics when displaying them on your couch, or try draping a chunky knit throw over a smooth leather chair.

Implement all or a just a few of these spring looks to enjoy on-trend home accents, the rest of the year and beyond.

4 Things to Know Before Remodeling Your Bathroom

4 Things to Know Before Remodeling Your Bathroom

When approaching bathroom remodeling head on, keep in mind that this is your personalized space. Most guests will be entertained with the family room, the living room, the kitchen and at length the bedroom, but the bathroom is for you. If you're remodeling it, it needs to be changed in a fashion that best fits your comforts, your needs, and your taste. You need to be prepared for it. Below are four things you need to know before remodeling your bathroom to make sure everything goes smoothly and according to plan. Bathrooms are sensitive areas; you don't want to go half-finished with a bathroom.

Your Budget

Perhaps a bit taken for granted, but establishing a budget before undertaking such a large project is crucial. Consult your Los Angeles remodeling contractor first to get a grasp on how much your new bathroom will cost you, then see what can be done to adjust the price to fit your budget and your ideal bathroom setup. You may not get everything on your wish list, but having a clear goal is better than stepping off that financial cliff at the end.

 

Your Design

This is the main course of the remodel! Establishing the styling, materials, and layout of your new bathroom is the best part of the process, but ironing out every kink takes time, dedication, and some creativity. From tiling to windows, what kind of tub or shower you'll have, the floor plan needs to be meticulously laid out at the start. You might be able to squeeze a tweak or two in during process, but wandering too far off script spells disaster if you're not careful. Make sure your bathroom is going to look just the way you want it before putting your Los Angeles remodeling contractor to work.

Your Unexpected Problems

Bathrooms have a funny way of having messes where you can't see them. Taking a thorough look around your bathroom before the remodel brings an enlightening view of how degraded some of the amenities really are. The problems may be innocuous, like a bit of water damage, but depending on your house they may be more extensive. Leaky plumbing, non-absorbent floors, faulty pipes, there's a whole slew of problems that might catch you by surprise. Checking for any faults in your bathroom beforehand will save you the heartache of being surprised by them later.

Your Ventilation

You might not have considered your vents when remodeling your bathroom, but good ventilation is a must have for the bathroom. It provides some of the taken for granted niceties of the bathroom experience: prevention of mold and mildew, stopping mirrors from fogging up from a hot shower, and  prevents wood decay and saturation; it means the difference between a miserable experience and a consistently great one. Make sure that the vent or fan in your bathroom is placed in the proper location to best work with the room.

Knowing all the answers to this list will make the bathroom remodeling process a breeze, and will cut out a lot of the work for your Los Angeles remodeling contractor. Be prepared, and enjoy your new bathroom!

Five Tips for a Fresh Look at Home

Spring Has Arrived! Five Tips for a Fresh Look at Home Spring should be a time of rejuvenation. As roadside blossoms spring up and honeybees drift along, it may be time to consider freshening up your home in preparation for the coming year. The cold of winter is behind you, summer ahead, take springtime to liven your life up and bring a rosy blush to the household!

Spring Cleaning

It's hard to beat a classic. With the tough months behind, it's time to clear out the clutter that's been occupying your home for too long. A good old fashioned broom clears out the dust corners, under the rugs and mats, and in those hard to reach crannies. Consider purchasing a Roomba or similar robot to help with the cleaning upkeep. Wipe down any flat tops, counters, or shelves around the house and clear the dust there too.

Don't neglect the windows either! Spring means sunshine, and a dirty window does no good for the natural lighting. A quick spritz and cleaning brightens every room.

Organize Your Home

Once spring cleaning is out of the way, it's time to organize, categorize, and tidy up your house. Stow away your shoes in a compartment closet, find a rack to hold your coats and hats on. Finding a place to store all those pieces of home that tend to clutter brings a great uniformity to the household.

Time For a Remodel

Maybe it's about time your living space had a bit of an overhaul. Your kitchen, your living room, your family room, give them an update for the spring season.

Your living room should take priority. The first room in your house should leave an impression. If your couches and chairs are getting old, replace them with something new. Consider repainting the walls a brighter coat, make sure that there are no missing or dim lights around, and perhaps consider new curtains to frame the natural lighting just right.

Kitchen remodeling comes second only to the living room. It's the heart of the household, where all the food is made, and with a little help from your Los Angeles remodeling contractor it can reflect that home quality. Getting new countertops with less wear and tear brings new freshness to the kitchen. Update some of your appliances for something with a little more shine to them. Use this time to fix leaky pipes, or that sink that wouldn't work right a month ago.

Stylize Your Furniture

One of the best parts of the home remodel, stylizing your new spaces always brings new cheer. Take a second to think about what you like. Perhaps you want brighter rooms, so ensure your furniture reflects that with lighter greens, blues, reds, whatever you like. Some complementary cinnamon browns with reds for a campfire feel resonates a warm welcoming to your home. If using lots of color doesn't suit you, try going all white for your curtains, furniture, carpet, bring an almost angelic feel. Whatever themes suit you best, have your house reflect that in its furniture.

Gardening

Starting a gardening project is a great way to welcome spring. A mix of outdoor and indoor plants brings nature into your home, with tulips on the windowsill and a variety of flowers growing in your backyard.

There's plenty to be done to remodel, organize, and brighten up your day, and your Los Angeles remodeling contractor will be happy to help with whatever they can. Otherwise, it's time to freshen up for springtime!

Want to Install a Pool? What to Expect During the Process

Want to Install a Pool? What to Expect During the Process  

Pools are a wonderful luxury to have, but the installation process tends to be a bit complicated and time-consuming. However, a little bit of pain is worth the gain, so it helps to be prepared for what will happen while your pool is set up.

Initial Consultation

The first step is a preliminary design meeting with your Los Angeles remodeling contractor to flesh out your pool. This initial meeting meshes out a few things for you to know: how the pool will be constructed, how long it will take, how much it will cost. If you didn't already know, your contractor will be able to tell you what permits you will need to move forward with construction. After a final bid is decided on and a contract is signed, the pool is a go.

Excavation

Let's be honest, you knew this bit was coming. An in-ground pool is going to require a sizable hole to go into. Be prepared for a little bit of discomfort in the coming weeks as a pit is dug in your backyard. It'll be a bit ugly, it is a construction zone after all, but this part doesn't take as long as you might think.

Plumbing and Electrical

Once excavation is finished, your Los Angeles remodeling contractors will proceed with installing the pool's plumbing and electrical needs. The main line, skimmers, water filters, drainers, and other plumbing fixtures will be run through PVC pipes networked into the ground prior to gunite installation. Any electrical components, like lights or heating controls, will be connected to your service panel.

Steel and Gunite

Steel rebar frames will outline the pool, and will be installed either before, during, or after the plumbing and electrical process. Once everything else is secured and inspected, then your Los Angeles remodeling contractor will move forward with gunite installation. This will be the noisiest day of the whole process, but once it's finished your war zone of a backyard will start to resemble an actual pool. Gunite is the application of concrete for the pool interior, covering up the rebar structure and solidifying the infrastructure. Once gunite application is finished, it will be your job to water down the pool with a hose a couple times a day for the next week or so, curing the concrete.

Tile, Rocks, and Decking

The next step is putting the tile and rocks in place. Tile will form the waterline edge around your pool, should you want it, and rocks will add a natural swimming feel to your design. Whatever you go with will be your taste. Decking, however, is a necessity. After tile and rocks are in place, your Los Angeles remodeling company will send the contractors back to pour the concrete deck around your pool. The deck is for safety and cleanliness purposes.

Plaster and Filling

Finally, the last step. Once the gunite is cured, plaster is applied over it, providing a watertight seal for your pool. Then the pool is filled with water, and once it's full it will be safe to turn on the pool equipment.

There you have it, your finished pool! It takes a bit, will be noisy, and requires some effort on your part, but all of the work is for your Los Angeles remodeling company to provide you with the best possible product.

Upcoming Lighting Trends for Your Kitchen

Upcoming Lighting Trends for Your Kitchen Are you considering a kitchen remodel project this year? There are a variety of ideas you can use to help your kitchen look fresh and new without breaking the bank. Take a look at some of the upcoming lighting trend options you can discuss with your Los Angeles remodeling contractor. You can change a variety of things in the kitchen area without getting too expensive and still have a wonderfully fresh new look.

Pendant Chandelier

If you want the look of sophistication and the functionality at the same time, then a chandelier would work perfectly in your kitchen or dining area. You can choose a vintage look such as brushed bronze or you can go for a more elegant look in a formal dining room such as the crystal chandeliers.

Modern Centerpiece Lighting

You can even go for a more modern look with the very stylish centerpiece lighting fixtures. Not only do they light up the room, they also offer a beautiful decoration in the center of your area. There are many different designs and ideas to choose from and your Los Angeles remodeling company can assist you in finding just the right design for your kitchen setting.

Bright Lighting

One thing you want the light in your kitchen area to do is liven up the whole kitchen and make it easy to see what you’re doing. By installing the bright fixtures that offer plenty of light, you’re able to see what is going on in the kitchen without struggling. These fixtures can be placed inside the ceiling, sitting flush with the ceiling, or they can hang from the area offering decoration and lighting. The choice is up to you!

Zone Lighting Fixtures

When it comes to lighting up your kitchen, you may not always need bright lights throughout the whole area. Perhaps you’re trying to work over the stove and you’re wanting light brighter there than the rest of the room. Maybe you’re putting dishes together at your bar area and do not need the entire kitchen to look bright. By having zone lighting you can control what areas are brighter and what areas have less light on during the time you’re using the kitchen.

Feature Lighting

Another great idea is the newer feature lighting in your kitchen. Do you have a unique feature of your kitchen you want highlighted? If so this is a fantastic way to put the spotlight on! Feature lighting can go under the cabinet area and highlight your wet bar or other feature you want to see. It’s a wonderful way to have lighting in a concentrated area as well instead of lighting up the whole kitchen.

When you’re ready to remodel your kitchen, don’t forget to consider the lighting in your area. You can use specialized chandeliers, feature lighting, zone lighting, and so much more. Your options are truly endless and are only restricted by your imagination and the budget you set. Have fun and explore your options today to remodel your kitchen!

5 Bathroom Remodeling Ideas You Never Thought Of

5 Bathroom Remodeling Ideas When it comes to bathroom remodeling, the possibilities are endless. A bathroom redone well can provide long term comfort, pleasure and durability in a vital area of your home. One small downside is that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Doing research to determine your preferences and then choosing the right Los Angeles remodeling company can be key to avoid feelings of overwhelm. To further help with that, here are five ideas to consider for your bathroom remodel.

Hide the Toilet

Creating a separate space for the toilet within the bathroom can function as a more discreet take on a necessary fixture. This can be accomplished in several ways, including a half-wall that hides the toilet or a small “room-within-a-room.”

Choose Surfaces that will Last

Bathroom surfaces add a great deal of aesthetic appeal to the space, but are also one of the most “used” areas of the home and should consist of a material that can take lots of abuse over time. Skimping on cost here may lead to replacement too soon down the road, so reserving this area for a bit of splurging is wise. If you choose tile for surfaces, ease the upkeep by using larger sizes to lessen grout lines. Porcelain is tried and true for both durability and visual appeal. Quartz and granite have become popular choices for bathroom countertops, and for sinks, several long lasting options are available, including porcelain, stainless steel, or enamel on steel.

Implement Timeless Trends

A remodel will hopefully last a lifetime, and as we all know, the latest trends don’t. Turning toward a timeless aesthetic will ensure the space’s appeal long after the initial excitement over finishing it fades away. What are some timeless trends for the bathroom? Think white cabinets, large floor tiles, crown molding around the windows and floor base, and simple door styles.

Focus on Lighting and Ventilation

Lighting performs several functions in the space: setting the mood, ensuring safety in wet areas and illuminating faces at the vanity. A combination of overhead and vertical fixtures such as wall sconces will provide the layers of lighting suitable for the bathroom. Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent mold and mildew, which can cause health problems as well as damage to finished surfaces. A ceiling fan is the best way to ensure ventilation, but well-placed windows can go a long way in providing both natural lighting and fresh air flow.

Put a Closet in the Bathroom

Or, any type of storage space that can hold essentials such as towels and toiletries. The convenience of being able to get what you need without having to run to the hall linen closet shouldn’t be underestimated. A stand alone storage space isn’t necessary, either - discussing options with your Los Angeles remodeling contractor can bring forth other creative ideas.

When going into a remodel, knowing what you want your space to ultimately feel like will help you stay focused on the outcome. Keep in touch with the professionals involved throughout the process to determine what will work best for you, in your home.

Tips for Picking Your Home's New Paint Colors

Tips for Picking Your New Paint Colors Whether you’re wanting to do a whole bathroom or kitchen remodel or you’re just wanting to freshen up the living room, picking your new paint colors can be quite overwhelming. No longer can you just say you want a blue, green, or even white in your home. There are many different shades of each color. So many shades, in fact, it can seem like you’re overrun with color options.

Having a few tips in hand to help you before you go pick a palette can help you to weed out the shades you really don’t want and assist you in making an informed decision. There’s nothing worse than finding a color you like in the store to get home and find out it’s not what you you thought it was. Here are a few tips for you to use when working with your Los Angeles remodeling contractor to pick out the perfect color palette for you.

Start With Formal Areas

If you’re trying to pick a color that goes through the home, start with the more formal areas of your home. Pick colors for your foyer area or formal living room, and then you can take a shade of that color throughout the rest of your home. For instance, if you have a shade of red in one room, take it down to a deeper burgundy or more earth tone red in another room. It ties them all together but doesn’t have the same color repeating throughout the home.

Pick a Color From Your Accents

If you have patterned upholstery on your furniture or a bright beautifully patterned rug, pick one of the shades in that piece to paint the walls. By working with colors in your home on accent pieces, you can easily blend the room seamlessly.

Use the Color Wheel as Your Friend

Colors that flow well together are beside each other on a color wheel. Take a look at the wheel to see what shades go well and use those together in the areas of your home. For instance, blues and greens are next to each other and you can easily figure out what shade of each you want to utilize.

Take a Look in Your Closet

If you think about it, the clothes you purchase are generally in colors that you love. Why not take those colors and use them in your home? Take a look inside your closet to get color ideas and use them to spread colorful accents around your residence.

Painting your home can be an exciting adventure. No matter if you’re painting the master bedroom, need new life in the family room, or you want to get a whole new design in your kitchen, picking a color doesn’t have to be that difficult. Use these ideas to help you get started and work alongside your Los Angeles remodeling company to pick the perfect palette for your location. You’re sure to fall in love with your new look!

Update Your Outdoor Look for Summer

Update Your Outdoor Look for Summer The temperatures are rising and the birds are starting to sing. It’s all signs that spring has arrived and summer is quickly behind it. Your home is your sanctuary and your outdoor areas should be as well. Adding a few updated elements to the outside of your home during spring can help you to enjoy the months to come even more. Here are a few tips you can consider to help you love the outdoors around your home and spend more time loving the nature that surrounds you.

Consider a Pool

If you do not have a pool already, you may want to consider installing one. This gives you hours of fun and excitement to have with your family without ever having to leave your home. You can work with a Los Angeles remodeling company to design a pool that is perfect for your yard. You can have a smaller pool area depending on the size of your yard, or you can go bigger and enjoy a patio and seating area with your pool itself.

The design of your pool can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be. You can choose to add waterfalls and rock designs or keep it simple and natural like any other tile or lined pool. It’s up to you how the design goes.

Update Your Landscape

Spring is the best time of year to start updating your landscaping around the home. You can add new fresh plants and shrubs, lay down fresh mulch, or simply clean up the areas and add rock walkways to the area. The options are endless when it comes to color, style, and variety you want around your home. Landscaping also helps to keep your home looking fresh and put together whenever it is kept neat.

Fresh Coat of Paint

Perhaps the outside of your home is in need of a fresh coat of paint. Just like the breath of fresh air it can add to the inside of your home, a new coat of paint can bring your home back to life. You can talk with your Los Angeles remodeling contract to see what colors are popular right now or you can try to tackle the project yourself.

Create an Oasis

Get creative with your backyard design. Consider an oasis in the backyard with a gazebo and beautiful plants adorning it. You can choose to place a small pond and waterfall in the area to sit and listen to as you relax after a long day. Add some white lights to the area so that you can enjoy the cooler summer evenings and grill out dinner in the backyard. The options are endless for creating your secret place of relaxation and ease in your own yard.

Be sure to talk with your Los Angeles remodeling contractor about your ideas to create a welcoming and relaxing environment in your own backyard. You can go as extravagant or as simple as you wish and make your yard one you truly love to spend time in.

Tile Trends for 2017: What’s New in the Industry?

Tile Trends for 2017: What’s New in the Industry? Are you considering a flooring update for your home? Perhaps you want to talk with a Los Angeles remodeling contractor to set up a whole new flooring plan for your home, or maybe just change a room or two. Whatever the reason you’re looking at flooring, tile is one option you should highly consider for your home. It’s easy to clean, looks great in every area of the home, and offers a variety of options for you to choose from. You can make the room look however you wish with the right tile choice. Here are some of the upcoming trends for tile in 2017.

Cement Tile

You may not think of a cement floor as part of your home look at first, but this is a trend that is rising in popularity. The tiles look like a cement floor and are a unique and modern way to update your flooring. It goes great in the living areas of the home to add a clean and fresh appearance.

Wood Tile

Laminate and hardwood flooring are very popular in homes across the country. When people are in the midst of doing a kitchen remodeling project, this is one of the highly popular choices. However, many people love the ease of caring for tile over the hardwood. Now you can have the best of both worlds. Tiles are now coming in a hardwood floor look so that you have the look of natural wood in your home but you can care for it very easily just as you do other tile flooring.

Brick Tile

Starting out as an accent wall trend, brick tile is now making its way to the floor. These unique tiles offer a modern look of brick without having to lay and mortar each individual piece. They were really big recently in the home remodeling industry as an accent wall in the kitchen or living areas, and now they have made it to cover the entire floor.

Classic Marble Tile

These are beautiful classic styles and offer a touch of elegance to any home. Choose from a wide variety of patterns and styles such as the granite look for any part of your home. While marble itself can be very porous and hard to clean, the marble tile look offers the same beauty without the hassle.

Colors and Patterns

How your tile is laid out is just as important as the tile you choose to place in your home. There are a variety of pattern options to choose from and working with your Los Angeles remodeling contractor can help you choose the one you love the most. Patterns can be a geometric design or they can simply be laid out in a chevron style.

Colors vary depending on the room you’re working in. One of the most popular colors of tile that seems to be around to stay is the different shades of gray that are available. One very popular design is the gray wood tiles.

Choosing your flooring can be an exciting and fun journey or it can be overwhelming. Talk with your Los Angeles remodeling contractor to see what works best in your home today.

5 Kitchen Remodel Ideas to Consider in 2017

5 Kitchen Remodel Ideas to Consider The kitchen is the hub of the home in most instances. It’s where all the meals are crafted with care, where everyone converges when guests come to dine, and where everyone passes through each day multiple times a day in search of something nourishing. Since the kitchen is such a popular place in the home, you want it to look and feel like you have in mind. Maybe you’ve moved into a home where the kitchen is dated or not quite what you were dreaming of. Whatever the situation, there are some great kitchen remodeling ideas you can use to make the hub of your home beautiful and inviting.

Below you’ll find five kitchen remodeling ideas to choose from that are popular right now.

Go Bright

Consider lightening up the kitchen with bright white cabinets and an electric blue trim around the kitchen. You can choose a bright cobalt blue to accent the area and keep away from feeling like it’s too white. When you do not add color, it can become cold and give off a feel of an unwelcoming location. Don’t be afraid to splash bold and bright colors throughout with your décor, trim on the walls or cabinets, and through your accessories.

Add an Island

If your kitchen is spacious enough, then consider adding an island in the center to help with preparing food or to eat quick meals at. These can be as small or as large as you want them to and can have power run to them to make it easy to prepare items in the kitchen. It helps to reduce the clutter on the counter space as well when you can store items in the island.

Remember Lighting Fixtures

Don’t forget that updating your lighting fixtures can also change the look and feel of the kitchen. You can add a rustic touch with industrial style light fixtures, match the color scheme of the rest of the kitchen with your fluorescent light designs, or brighten up the whole room with the right type of lighting. This also helps everyone to see the fine details you put into your kitchen with plenty of light. You may also want to consider adding skylights in the kitchen to help bring in more natural lighting.

Brass Accents

A new trend in kitchen remodeling is to add brass accents to the room instead of the traditional silver or nickel plated as of recently. These accents can come in through the lighting fixtures, drawer handles and even in the seats you choose to place in the area.

Flooring Options

Changing out the floor in your kitchen can give it a whole new look. You can choose from a variety of flooring styles such as laminate hardwood, tile, or vinyl. A lighter floor will help to brighten up the kitchen but it will also show more dirt and dust in the middle of sweeping and mopping. You can choose to add color by placing a unique checkerboard pattern in the kitchen or you can simply go more natural with a beautiful hardwood laminate in the stained oak color.

Whatever your kitchen remodeling dreams are, your Los Angeles remodeling company has you covered. Start dreaming up your kitchen today!

Upgrade your home before selling and make a HUGE Profit!

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.

The truth about your small kitchen remodel

The truth about a small kitchen is that it will not be the jack of all trades. You will have to give up the idea of doing homework here, paying bills here, and recipe searching in your small kitchen. The design goal for your small kitchen must be to achieve an effective small kitchen, not multipurpose space. There is nothing wrong with a kitchen that is just that, a kitchen. The design factor is a lot tougher already when you have to fit a functioning kitchen into a small space, but small changes can make it even better than a large kitchen.  When designing a small kitchen think of: size, color, light and function.

So focus first on function, making sure you have the appliances and work areas you need. You may be able to save a bit of space by using scaled-down or innovative appliances, including refrigerator and freezer drawers and pint-sized microwaves, stoves (some with just two burners) and single sinks. The function is there, without all the square footage! If workspace is at a premium, consider a small-scale island or a counter-topped cart that can be rolled away into a closet when not in use. Now just because you need to really hone in on function of your small kitchen does not mean you have to lose any space to style. The color of walls, appliances, and counter tops, bar stools, and backsplash can change the mood of your pint sized kitchen. Going with more pale colors can help with light, but don’t be afraid to go bold and add color and mix your patterns. Using the same color and style of fixtures and cabinet knobs can unify a design when you are using different textures and patterns in your small kitchen.

Tiny kitchens can feel claustrophobic if there are upper cabinets towering over you in such a small space. Most of the time cooks can’t even reach those upper cabinets anyways, and in a small kitchen there isn’t much room for a stool or ladder. Skip the excessive cabinets and opt for a more spacious approach with open shelves. You can also use magnetic knife strips, pot racks and give your kitchen a designer way to show off your favorite dish sets and even artwork. And like any other room, your small kitchen needs great lighting that you can use for cooking and for atmosphere. Fluorescent lighting, which casts a bluish light impacting the colorization of objects in the room, including the food, is frequently found in kitchens. To counteract it, consider hanging pendant lights that bathe your eating area in a more appetizing color. Tip: Try using glass doors from the kitchen into the next room or to the outside, this will increase light in the kitchen and also give the illusion of more space.

Don’t let small spaces give you design block. No matter a small galley kitchen or small apartment kitchen – you can make your design amazing if you trim the fat and keep your design neat.

Luxurious Bathroom Makeover Ideas

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to get away and treat ourselves to a spa day, like every day of the week?  Well, if that dream is a bit out of your reach for financial or practical reasons, there are a few things you can do to your current bathroom to give it that spa feel. Most Los Angeles remodeling contractors will tell you the same thing, creating a spa bathroom of your dreams are practical and more affordable than daily trips to the local spa. Modern design and technology makes getting your own spa bathroom very possible. Here are the basic must haves in order to really have the spa bathroom you desire.

1. Extra-large soaking tub.

Many tubs are made deeper than previous models for prolonged soaking and resting. If this idea catches your attention, consider adding a stylish grab bar preventing unnecessary slips when entering or exiting. Along with these separate soaking tubs comes a growing request for shelves and spaces to place candles, decorative plants and handy baskets of towels and pampering lotions. Incorporating a TV in the bathroom for viewing from the tub is another amenity that is well liked and asked for more and more.

2. Steam room and Luxury Shower.

No more quick showers with this spa-like feature in your master bath.  With added space and multiple shower heads and built in bench, this becomes the ultimate way to pamper you.  Also, adding in glass panels and doors will help create an open and more spacious feel to the space.

3. Entertainment system with TV.

With the other features of your spa-like bathroom, it is obvious that you will be spending more time in the space.  Adding flat screen TVs and stereos in bathrooms is becoming more and more popular as homeowners are creating their ultimate oasis to soak away the day.  We’ve even seen small refrigeration units installed to have cold beverages readily available!

4. The right color!

Spas use neutral shades to keep the feeling of the room peaceful and relaxing. When introducing new colors, stick to neutral and earthy tones. Try using whites and light blue shades for a modern feel and light greens and wood for an earthier vibe.

5. Heated floors and a heated towel rack.

Every spa has those warm, cozy robes and towels – why not mock the idea and have a heated towel rack installed so that you never have to endure a cold towel again. And why go through the inconvenience of stepping onto cold bathroom tile floors when you can have heated floors?  Not only do they welcome bare feet but they make it easy to step out of the shower without getting chilled after you relaxed.

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

Bathroom Tile Trends you will see everywhere in 2017

Bathroom Tile Trends you will see everywhere in 2017  

These bathroom tile trends you will see everywhere this year! Let us tell you why they are a must in your bathroom remodel.

Patterned Tile

Gone are the days of tile floors blending into the background of a room. In 2017, you'll see the reemergence of patterned tiles, perhaps reflective of this year's renewed focus on artisanship and craftsmanship. This is the year when bathroom floors really steal the show.

In this bathroom remodel we used patterned tile on the floor from The Cement Tile Shop. This bold pattern really gives you a jaw dropping excitement when you walk in.

Honeycomb Tiles

If 2017 could have a shape, it might just be the honeycomb. Designers are getting geometric with their tiles, with honeycomb (aka hexagon) shapes appearing in tiled flooring and walls. Interior designs are bringing back the good old days with these awesome honeycomb tiles.

In this master bathroom remodel we used a honeycomb tile from floor to wall to create a sleek design.

Color Patterns

Patterns painted on tiles aren't the only way to excite with tile. Designers are piecing together intricate designs using a variety of colorful, geometric tiles meant to capture the eye upon first glance. This will create a statement wall or draw the eye to the area where you have used such an elaborate design.

In this bathroom from Interiorhousing.biz the designer used a variety of patterned and colored tiles to create a space that screams style and boldness.

Long, Narrow Subway Tiles

If the honeycomb tile trend is any proof, this year will be all about atypical tile shapes. Instead of the classic subway tile, this year, long and narrow tile will appear in bathrooms as a sleek alternative. Designers are using this especially in the shower enclosure to design a beautiful bathroom.

We used the narrow subway tiles in this master bathroom remodel to move away from the basic tile shapes and give this bathroom a smooth transition.

Vertical Tile

When you've tired of horizontal subway tile, the only place to go is — up! Vertical tiles can be staggered for an unexpected, modern aesthetic that can visually expand a room. When installing vertical tile, you have the major advantage to make a room appear larger.

Get in shape with your very own Workout Oasis

Get in shape with your very own Workout Oasis

Adding on a home gym can add resale value to your home in much the same way as adding any other addition would.  Just as finishing an attic space or adding on a laundry room would increase the resale value of your home a Home Gym will as well. If this is the year that you vow to get in shape before summer, but hate the packed group classes or the high membership fees, it’s the year to build your own workout oasis. It’s going to be just you and that treadmill to compete with.

If you are going to add value to your home with this addition, you will want to put more effort into this rather than transforming your garage into a sweat shop. Home buyers will pay top dollar for quality, and this means additions done the right way. Now Remember: Anything bolted down, such as exercise equipment becomes part of the home and would be included in the sale of the house unless removed before selling or including a clause in your sale agreement.

You will want a space at least 150sq ft., the bigger the better though in this case. If you can build this gym as an addition you will have more freedom to make space for equipment that you want. If you are repurposing a room you will have to make do with the existing square footage and possibly have to give up on an important workout machine. Not only will you be sacrificing space, you will need to increase ventilation in your home gym.

Gym Essentials:

1. Dumbbells

2. Kettlebell

3. Pull Up Bar

4. Rings

5. Jump Rope

6. Medicine Ball

7. Plyo-Box

8. Barbell

9. Weight Plates

10. Stereo System

Number 10 on the list is number 1 for me. Having a great stereo system and a few t.v’s is important, this way you can catch up on the news or listen to motivational tunes while working off those calories.

Tip: Rubber mats and barriers to protect your floor are good investments you will want to make with this home gym. You don’t want a dumbbell dropping through your wood floor.

Laminate or wood flooring is ok for your home gym addition if you plan only for light workouts and no heavy machines or equipment. If you are planning for more strenuous workouts and heavy duty machines you should aim for Rubber Floor Tiles or a Rubber Mat. You can purchase most gym flooring material and equipment online. Prices can vary for different machines and weights, check your local listings and reviews before you make a large investment.

When doing any home addition or remodel, having a good Remodeling Firm on your side is imperative to save you money and do the job right. Contact Spazio LA if you are thinking of adding or changing your home. We would love to help build your dreams!

Pros and Cons of Flooring Options

Pros and Cons of Flooring Options 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. We will help you make smart choices before your regret the floor you picked out.

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.

Make sure your home’s entrance is a grand one

Make sure your home’s entrance is a grand one When it comes to your home, it makes sense that you want to be proud of the look and feel that it gives off to your visitors. The aesthetic appearance can be very important, showing the world just how stylish you are and how much you care about your home.

This is why the entrance to the home is so important. You want to entice people to come inside your home and give the world a little taste as to what to expect from the interior as well as who you are! Curb appeal is a feature that you must focus on.

Your entrance, while being bold, should work in harmony with the interior of your home as well.

In order to get this balance right, you need to know just how to create an enchanting entrance. You won't believe how each of these examples uses a front garden, front door or decor to create an incredibly eye-catching design.

Let us take a look at these 6 design ideas to make your home’s entrance a grand one.

1. Garden Entrance

The front of your home can be as lush as you want or you can create a garden based off water saving plants. The garden entrance is a great way to show off your green thumb and add to your curb appeal.

2. Courtyard

The front courtyard is a growing trend that offers seating for your guests and a very welcoming feel to your home's entrance.

3. Dense Hedges or Eclectic Plants

Using dense hedges or eclectic plants will help create a unique front entrance as well as give you some privacy.

4. Wooden Door

Going out of your way to design or pick out a custom wooden door adds tremendous amounts of character to your home's entrance. This will give you the upper hand on curb appeal since you have a shop stopping door.

5. Steel Gate

As shown in this design by Interiors by Studio M, the use of a steel gate and plants create privacy as well as a very contemporary feel.

6. Custom Patio

The front of your home doesn't have to lack character, you can add a custom designed patio to make use of space and create a welcoming feeling for your home's entrance.

From gardens to gates and wooden doors, the ideas for adding a grand entrance to your home are endless. For design ideas and help creating your home's grand entrance, contact us today.

5 Small changes to update the look of your bathroom

Your bathroom should be an oasis of calm, providing you with a space to unwind with a bath, to refresh yourself with a shower, or to primp and preen yourself before a big date so you’re at your most confident. From the fixtures and fittings to the colors on the wall, everything can affect how luxurious your bathroom feels, so here are just a few steps towards creating an at-home hotel-standard spa. 1. Let’s start with color

You should avoid anything loud and bright in a bathroom as a main color on the walls, instead opt for something soft and calming. Going for ivory, pearl or pale grey will enhance the feeling of space within your bathroom, as well as be gentle on the eyes, instantly making you feel more relaxed.

2. Coordination is key

While you should go pale with the walls to maximize the impact of light, don’t be afraid to be bold with the highlighter color, which you’re going to use to coordinate the rest of the room. You could pick your favorite color here to make it more personal, or go for mood colors, such as purple for luxury, blue hues for calm emotions or fresh greens to reinvigorate the senses. From your plush new set of towels to the vase of flowers on the window sill or even the color of the soap, coordinate this color around the room so there is a natural flow.

3. Add some pamper products

Essential to any high-end, opulent spa experience are the products you use to de-stress at the end of the day. Pick up some lavender-scented candles that match your décor, and light them when you have a bath to help you drift off. Pick up some funky bath bombs that release glitter, fragrance and cool colors into your bath as an extra treat, and remember to keep some spa-quality facial oils, scrubs and salts to hand too.

4. Don’t forget the seating area

You’ll find no luxury hotel bathroom complete without a seating area. Not only does it give the impression that the room must be bigger than it really is, but it’s a very practical accessory to have. It could be an ornate chair at a dressing table area built into the sink unit, or just a plush, fabric stool by the window, but seating always adds a touch of class to any bathroom.

5. Get yourself organized

Finally, you won’t find clutter in a luxury bathroom, so get yourself organized and create tailored storage solutions. It could be that you make way for a better sink unit by moving the radiator, swapping it for a designer vertical piece for a neater and better bathroom space, hiding away all those bits and pieces you use every day will make space feel less hectic, and pass the effects on to you.

What You Need to Know About Starting a Bathroom Remodel

What You Need to Know About Starting a Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling your bathroom can be an exciting and stressful experience like any remodel. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could approach your project with the knowledge of the most experienced remodeling company?

Here you can get that confidence to hire great home improvement professionals, and avoid suffering a bad remodel job. Those horror stories about contractors leaving a house torn open and taking the homeowner's money...they don't have to be your story.

4 Questions you need to have answered before you jump into a remodel contract:

1. Who is the company, where is their location and what is their direct phone number? This information allows you to get a real insider look the professional once you’re off the phone. This can be done by viewing their profile on reviews pages and by searching for information on other sites like BBB and their social sites.
2. Are you and your subcontractors licensed, bonded and insured? The answer to this question should be yes! You need to know that you are in good hands, and that this isn’t a scam company that will leave you helpless after they get your money.
3. When would you be able to start a project and finish it? This is good information to see how available they are and as to how long you can expect them to have your home in remodel mode.
4. Would you be able to provide references for previous clients? If a professional cannot provide any references for clients, it is a bad sign. You want to see and hear from past clients that love their remodel and can give an honest review of the entire process working with the contractor – from consult, to design, to build. Also be sure to check their design pictured to be sure that your style could be recreated by the company. If they are not used to designing a style that matters to you, you may need to rethink whom to go with.

Now that you have the basics covered and know about your contractor, you need to know yourself.

Have you saved up money for this bathroom remodel, or are you going to need financing assistance?

Unless you are fortunate enough to be able to pay for the project out of pocket, you will now need to look into financing option. Luckily for you, Spazio LA works with the HERO program to make eco-friendly remodels affordable for everyone. Contact us to hear more about the program and other financing options!